In the first three adventures of the original Tarzan series, the aristocratic ape man discovers his identity, finds love, and battles his enemies. Tarzan of the Apes: Born to English aristocrats marooned in a West African jungle, John Clayton is soon orphaned—and then adopted by a she-ape. Given the name Tarzan, he grows up among the apes with no memory of civilization. But when a party of white explorers arrives, Tarzan is drawn to them—especially the beautiful Jane Porter. The Return of Tarzan: The aristocratic ape man has given up his quest for Jane's hand in marriage, but his adventures have only just begun. On a ship back to Europe, he encounters two criminals attempting to prey on other passengers. When Tarzan thwarts their scheme, the pair is determined to get revenge. The Beasts of Tarzan: A year into their marriage, Tarzan, and Jane, along with their young son, Jack, have returned to their London home while their new family estate is built in Africa. But the city proves dangerous for Tarzan when old foes escape from prison and kidnap Jack.

エドガー・ライス・バローズが描くターザンの真髄は、野性と貴族性という究極の二面性にあります。文明の仮面を剥ぎ取られた人間が、過酷な自然の中でいかに自己を確立し、高潔な精神を磨き上げるか。その魂の彷徨と成長こそが、一世紀を超えて読者を熱狂させ続ける文学的醍醐味と言えるでしょう。 映像作品では野性的なアクションが強調されがちですが、原作には、独学で多言語を操る知性や、文明社会への冷徹な観察眼が刻まれています。映像で補完されたスペクタクルと、書物でしか味わえない理性的葛藤。両者を比べることで、英雄の真の姿が鮮烈に浮かび上がるはずです。