Prince Of Cats

    The new setting and culture that the classical story of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is interpreted through in the graphic novel ‘Prince of Cats’ may influence those who come from the same background and share the same culture. It is, for the most part, similar characters and conflict, but with a new time period and people being portrayed. Themes like violence, love in dangerous situations, and societal rules are still present. It now has a hip-hop influence added as a story element as well as an urban setting taking place in Brooklyn during the 80s. The life of the youth is now shown through young people from different ethnic groups, modern society, and gang warfare. When there is a new interpretation of an older story it opens up new possibilities to include different aspects of a culture that could make the story even more compelling. For example, language, customs, knowledge, morals, and art could bring a more interesting element to a story that has been told or read several times. We are able to see how a story like Romeo and Juliet can be represented from Ron Wimberly’s own personal life and inspiration from living around the NY street culture in the 80s as well as through a different protagonist, Tybalt.