I thought "The Book of Ballads" was exceptionally well done. The songs were not meant to be literally translated to graphic form, but interpreted and used as a framework. I agree with Dick and I don't care about Classic Comics approach to literature, but I do not think this is the case with these stories.

I'm a huge comic book fan, and the combination of ballad and comic book art appealed to me. Both are unique approaches to storytelling, and the artwork of Vess is really enchangting. The style reminds me of great children's illustrations from the Victorian era, and really captures the fantasy world of the ballad settings.