Similar to novel-to-film adaptations, comic book conversions become more popular with each bestselling phenomenon (even Lady Gaga and Stephenie Meyer have made their mark in the medium). Not surprisingly, Paulo Coelho's successful allegory The Alchemist quickly found a home in the graphic novel world at Harper Collins.

 

Adapted by Derek Ruiz and inked by Daniel Sampere, The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel does not flow like a history-heavy, action-packed journey drama one needs to re-read several times to fully understand its message. Instead, Ruiz penned Coelho's new take on the classic tale of following one's heart.

 

The story, set against the backdrop of early 20th century Spain and Egypt, follows Santiago, a young man on a quest to fulfill his personal legend -- his destiny. Educated as a boy, Santiago chooses to live the life of a shepherd in hopes of traveling and seeing the world first-hand. A recurrent dream pointing toward hidden treasure soon thwarts his plan, and he then meets an interesting array of folks (what good is a self-discovery trek without those?) along the way.