Here Are the Only Comic Adaptations of Tolkien's Middle-Earth

Amazing! I had no idea.

From Voyage Comics & Publishing.

By Philip Kosloski

Ever since the highly successful publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s world of Middle-Earth has been adapted to other forms of media. It has been the subject of children’s cartoons, blockbuster movies, video games, an upcoming TV series and even a new stage performance. Yet one form of media that has rarely been explored is comic books.

Shortly after the release of the Rankin/Bass cartoons based on Tolkien’s works in 1977 and 1978, there was a publication of a Lord of the Rings comic only released in Europe. It was published in various languages, except English and was never distributed in North America.

Then in 1989 a three issue comic books series was released in English based on The Hobbit, written by Chuck Dixon, who is most well-known for his writing for DC Comics (Punisher, Batman, Nightwing). It was illustrated by David T. Wenzel, who was eager to illustrate Tolkien’s world in a comic book format.

The result was a surprisingly faithful adaptation, one that successfully translates the “spirit of Tolkien.” The text in the comic book comes straight from the pages of Tolkien’s novel and little is omitted.

The style of artwork is more in-line with the Rankin/Bass cartoons, but less childish. There are many pages of stunning artwork that really capture Tolkien’s world effectively. However, for those who grew-up on Peter Jackson’s adaptations, it can be difficult to see a more playful illustration that isn’t dark, gritty or “epic” in its overall spirit.

Nevertheless, the Dixon/Wenzel adaptation of The Hobbit remains very popular among fans of Middle-Earth and is another way to introduce children into Tolkien’s mythical realm.