The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson
The story of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson is a beloved classic. It has been adapted many times since its original publication in 1837. Anderson’s original story was a sometimes dark tale of a Mermaid who discovered and loved a human Prince. Detailing what she was willing to sacrifice to possibly earn his love.
Over the years, that story has evolved, keeping the basic plot but varying as how the tale ends. Regardless, throughout that time, The Little Mermaid has been beloved since Anderson’s original story.
The Sea in You
It was the love of Anderson’s classic original tale and her love of Mermaid lore in general that made talented cartoonist Jessi Sheron decide to do her own adaptation. A beautiful, sometimes dark, tale of friendship, love and sacrifice set in current times called The Sea in You.
Corinth
The main character in Sheron’s whimsical tale is a young woman named Corinth. She was a student with a love for the sea and the animals and fish who lived in it. It was this love that made her spend her free time cleaning trash from the beach. Trying to protect the sea life that might be harmed by the human waste carelessly left behind. Little did she realize what else she would discover.
Meets Skylla
In this case, a Mermaid named that Corinth eventually named Skylla (since she couldn’t prounounce her mermaid name). She was the smallest of all her sisters and not as strong as they were. But she had a insatiable curiosity about Corinth and the human world. Slowly, day after day learning more and more about Corinth and her kind. While Corinth learned more about Skylla. Somewhere during that time, they learned to appreciate each other…to love each other. But as always, things were never that easy. In matters of love, they seldom are. The question is: what are they willing to sacrifice?
Thoughts
As a fan of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, I was familiar and comfortable with their interpretation of Anderson’s tale. Especially since I hadn’t read the original version. But until I did read it, I wasn’t aware of the darkness and tragedy (or almost tragedy) that was included in the original story. Not too surprising that Disney decided not to go the metaphysical route but with a more straight forward happy ending. It IS Disney.
Dealing with Abuse
Jessi Sheron’s retelling of the classic story is more of a reflection of Anderson’s original story, mixed with a modern background and touching upon some of the darkness in our own society. This is reflected in the relationship of Corinth and her abusive boyfriend Seth. It is with her new found relationship with Skylla that she finds the strength to stand up to him and for herself.
The Sacrifice for Love
Sheron explores this with an openess and understanding of how dealing with that situation is difficult and requires courage. Where that courage comes from is different for every individual. Having a good friend doesn’t hurt. Its that friendship that inspires the willingness for love and sacrifice. Echoing the Anderson classic with a twist that makes for a different but satisfying ending.
ASL
Another element that Sheron intertwines into her story is the use of American Sign Langauage (ASL). This is used intially as a form to communicate with Skylla while they attempt to bridge their communication isues. It is great element to use and a wonderful way to acknowledge its importance for those who cannot speak….like possibly a mermaid.
Artwork
What really makes The Sea in You sing (so to speak) is the artwork. Sheron’s love of Mermaids and her animated style grabs the reader by the eye and the heart. Well designed characters and vibrant colors both above and below the sea makes The Sea in You an eye grabber and a page turner all at the same time. It’s no wonder that Iron Circus Comics grabbed it up. You should too.
Crowdfunding
The Iron Circus Comics crowd funding campaign for The Sea in You is underway. 200 pages of comic goodness waiting for your assistance to make it happen. Check the campaign out here. Also, check out our interview with Creator Jessi Sheron here.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.