Macbeth, part 6

Duncan and the royal posse have finally arrived at the Macbeth's castle!

All credit to Lady Macbeth, she actually doesn't give away anything in this scene. No murdery double entendres, no whispered asides in which she reveals her bloody intentions. Nope, she plays the gracious hostess very solidly. 

Tune in on Thursday, as we board the train to Murderville!

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

Macbeth, part 5

Let's check in on Lady Macbeth and see how she is processing news of the witches' prophecy...

...so, not exactly in a calm and rational manner, then.

Tune in next week as we wrap up Act 1 of "A Stick Figure Macbeth"!

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

Macbeth, part 4

When we last left our anti-hero, Macbeth was on his way to see King Duncan, having just been told by some random witches that he will be king himself one day. 

Play it cool, Mackers. Take it down a notch.

Tune in on Thursday, when we'll pop over to Inverness and meet Mrs. Macbeth!

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

Macbeth, part 3

Let's get back to the witches! I always find it interesting that the witches aren't actually in the play very much. Their presence dominates the play, but they actually only have three scenes (four, if you count the perpetually-cut Hecate interlude). 

The witches have this whole "let me tell you about the horrible things I've done since we last met" section at the beginning of this scene, which is mostly notable for containing one of my favorite obscure quotes. 

Everyone likes to blame Lady Macbeth for the whole unpleasant "murder" business, but really Macbeth is right there thinking it from the very start.

Tune in next week for more Macbeth antics!

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

Macbeth, part 2

We've met the witches, now let's meet the king!

I've always loved the "unseamed him from the nave to the chops" line (a.k.a. split him open from his bellybutton to his chinny-chin-chin). It's just so wonderfully brutal and unnecessarily gory. It really sets the tone for the whole play, as does the profusely bleeding soldier who reports on it.

Tune in on Thursday, when we'll check back with the witches! Also be sure to check out all my other Macbeth comics.

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

Macbeth, part 1

OK, let's get this scene-by-scene retelling of Macbeth underway! I set you up with the dramatis personae on Tuesday, so it's time to plunge right into the first scene:

In case you don't know, Macbeth  is supposed to be cursed. It's supposed to be bad luck to say "Macbeth", especially in a theatre. As someone who is primarily an audience member (as opposed to an actor or other theatre professional) I haven't developed the reflexive habit of automatically substituting "The Scottish Play" or "Mackers" for the offending title.  I'm trying to train myself to do so, however, so I don't unintentionally freak anyone out.

I'll let Edmund Blackadder take it from here...

Tune in next week for some more Scottish Play antics!

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 

Macbeth: Dramatis Personae

It's been a while since I did my last scene-by-scene retelling of an entire Shakespeare play. What with the Michael Fassbender film making ripples in the popular consciousness, I thought it might be a good time to tackle.... MACBETH!!!

<<insert ominous roll of thunder>>

Here's a look at our main characters... and quite a few of the minor ones, too.

My apologies to anyone whose favorite thane is Angus, Menteith, or Caithness, or anyone who feels aggrieved that I omitted the apparitions.

Tune in again on Thursday for Act 1, Scene 1 of.... MACBETH!!!

<<insert ominous roll of thunder>>

Macbeth
Dramatis Personae | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30

How to Draw a Shakespeare

A little bit of filler today as I recuperate from the Death Clocks and ready myself for the next comic challenge.

And now you know! If you feel so inspired, draw your own Shakespeare (using my template or your own superior artistic skills) and share them with me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram. I'll share 'em online and in my weekly newsletter (sign up here)!