Cleopatra – William Shakespeare Turkish Comic Turkey Classics Illustrated

Cleopatra – Issue #4 (Turkish Edition, Günaydın Newspaper, Late 1980s)

Description:

This comic book is Issue #4 of the classic adaptations series published by Günaydın Newspaper in Turkey during the late 1980s. This issue adapts Cleopatra by William Shakespeare, presenting the famous historical and literary figure through an accessible comic book format designed to introduce young readers to world classics.

A total of nine issues were released in the series. Rather than being sold commercially, these comics were distributed free of charge in exchange for eight coupons collected from Günaydın Newspaper, making them a distinctive example of newspaper-based promotional publishing. This distribution method, combined with their literary focus, places the series firmly within the tradition of collectible newspaper ephemera of the period.

The covers were illustrated by renowned Turkish artist Ertan Tank, well known for his work on Kara Murat and other iconic Turkish comic characters. His involvement adds notable artistic and historical value to the series. Printed in full color and in Turkish, this first issue sets the tone for the collection by presenting a dramatic and accessible adaptation of Mérimée’s story, blending classic literature with popular visual storytelling.

Key Features:

• Series: Classics Comic Adaptations (Günaydın Newspaper Series)

• Issue Number: Issue #4

• Title: Cleopatra

• Original Work: Cleopatra by William Shakespeare

• Publisher: Günaydın Newspaper

• Publication Period: Late 1980s

• Total Issues: 9

• Distribution Method: Free with newspaper coupons (8 coupons required)

• Language: Turkish

• Print: Full color

• Cover Artist: Ertan Tank

• Format: Comic book adaptation of a literary classic

• Collector Appeal: Shakespeare adaptation; historical subject; newspaper coupon distribution