Graphic Novel Review: THE TWILIGHT ZONE: THE ODYSSEY OF FLIGHT 33

Part of a series of graphic novels from Walker Books for Young Readers, THE ODYSSEY OF FLIGHT 33 is an adaptation of an episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE by the same name. A jet liner on an international flight from London to New York is swept up by a mighty tailwind that forces it to accelerate at an alarming rate. The passengers don't really notice as the crew does everything possible to get things under control. When it appears the situation has stabilized, they discover that although they are physically where they should be, they have somehow traveled through time into the past. Thus begins the journey of Flight 33 in The Twilight Zone.

Out of all the stories I have read so far in this series of THE TWILIGHT ZONE graphic novels, THE ODYSSEY OF FLIGHT 33 is one of the better ones. The original episode has been updated a little, but the overall story has remained the same. Unfortunately, like many Twilight Zone stories, the ending is kind of disappointing. However, that really doesn't make the story any less memorable.

I liked the illustrations in the story. They are similar to the illustrations in other books in the series. They are kind of cartoony, but not too much so. They do an excellent job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of the tale. The text is written in a font a little larger than most graphic novels and comics and the panels are easy to follow. The book includes introductory and concluding essays as well as a page that gives many details about the original episode, including cast, crew, and trivia.

Overall, a good graphic novel adaptation of a classic episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. This is a book that I think will appeal not only to older children and reluctant readers, but to fans of the original series as well.