Graphic Novel Reviews: Manga Classic Anne of Green Gables

Be prepared to smile. The Manga Classic Anne of Green Gables is filled with childhood misadventures and gentle compassion. 

Welcome to Green Gables – an idyllic valley of youthful missteps and childhood friendships.

This historical fiction manga is set in early 1900s Canada in a fictional town and follows a young orphan as she tries to make her place in the world. Anne grows from age 11 to 15 during the story, and the reader grows with her. The term ‘historical fiction’ sometimes seems to imply past events to which a modern audience may struggle to relate.  However, Anne’s childhood is filled with easily recognizable scenes: a rowdy slumber party, imaginative play, classroom teasing, and outdoor misadventures.

Readers can also empathize with Anne’s desire to feel special. She insists that her name is written with a ‘E.’ She imagines herself with different hair or with different clothes. Her bravery to accept responsibility for her actions and her choices as she navigates her relationships with her chosen family and her friends makes her a subtle girl power heroine. She is the classic girl-next-door, which makes her moments of strength seem attainable and sweet to the reader.

The drawing style is similar to imagery in stories with which manga-lovers are already familiar such as Sword Art Online. Throughout the story, Anne’s wide and sparkling eyes magnify her innocence as well as her wonder and appreciation for the world. Her excitement bubbles off the page visually. The art uses large and bright images. The narrative is not text heavy and utilizes clear dialogue. Fans of gentle graphic novels and anime with friendship-focused plots such as Pokemon and Natsume’s Book of Friends will enjoy Manga Classic Anne of Green Gables.

Middle schoolers are the target age audience for the Manga Classic Anne of Green Gables since Anne’s story focuses on her youth. However, classics are meant to be enjoyed by all ages, and readers of the original text will happily reconnect with their favorite characters when they read this manga.

With film remakes of Anne of Green Gables on Netflix and PBS, now is a great time to purchase a visual interpretation of this classic story. This Manga Classics edition is the only authorized manga version of Anne of Green Gables approved by the Heirs of L. M. Montgomery.