What do you think?
The Reason for Dragons
There's Always a Reason
Wendell, a high school outcast, lives a lonely, suburban existence, losing himself in books in order to avoid his distant, motorcycle-riding stepfather, Ted. When the school bullies convince Wendell to explore the long-abandoned Renaissance Faire grounds they all believe to be haunted, Wendell is surprised to find a man living in the barn. His new acquaintance seems the definition of crackpot, believing himself to be a medieval knight names Sir Habersham, tasked with the duty of slaying the dragon he insists is wandering the woods. But when Wendell starts hearing rumblings--and listening to Habersham's stories--he starts wondering if perhaps it could all be true. In a heartfelt coming-of-age story, Wendell must defy logic in order to follow his heart.
Wendell, a high school outcast, lives a lonely, suburban existence, losing himself in books in order to avoid his distant, motorcycle-riding stepfather, Ted. When the school bullies convince Wendell to explore the long-abandoned Renaissance Faire grounds they all believe to be haunted, Wendell is surprised to find a man living in the barn. His new acquaintance seems the definition of crackpot, believing himself to be a medieval knight names Sir Habersham, tasked with the duty of slaying the dragon he insists is wandering the woods. But when Wendell starts hearing rumblings--and listening to Habersham's stories--he starts wondering if perhaps it could all be true. In a heartfelt coming-of-age story, Wendell must defy logic in order to follow his heart.
119 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 10, 2016
This is one of those stories that doesn't have enough actual content to go anywhere. The art is great, capturing the atmosphere and feeling perfectly. The characters are cliche archetypes and there wasn't enough time for them to become actual characters. I think maybe that's what they were trying to do with the short stories at the end, but it just didn't come together. This was a quick, fun read, but it had so much more potential.
May 14, 2015
it...felt like something was missing some how. I can't explain it really, but I just...didn't really care enough about the characters; they weren't developed. Kind of cliched but still cute, I guess? I just wanted...more?
January 2, 2019
First book of the new year proves you don't need some massive wordy brick of a novel to write an emotive, moving, complex story.
I forget where I got this one. I think I won it in a raffle, believe it or not. Good books come into my life in all sorts of interesting ways.
I forget where I got this one. I think I won it in a raffle, believe it or not. Good books come into my life in all sorts of interesting ways.
April 14, 2018
A fine story, but it feels shorter than it is. It would have benefited from more complexity. I'm also not sure what I think about the genre shift at the end. The quick follow-up stories add a little, but only a little. Still, worth reading. (B)
January 18, 2014
Fun read. There's an awesome pull out map at the beginning depicting the fair grounds that are kind of fun to pour over.
The art is the centerpiece. Loved watching the knight with his joust on the motorcycle! Brilliant! I loved every panel. The story itself is fun and easy to take in. You feel for Wendell at the begining, and end up cheering for him towards the end...just as you should for any kind of hero arc.
Archaia puts out some of the finest books out there, and this one certainly makes a great addition to the bookshelf.
October 13, 2013
Read my full review at The Comics Alternative:
http://comicsalternative.com/2013/10/...
http://comicsalternative.com/2013/10/...
April 17, 2023
A nice little story about a nerdy kid and his mechanic stepfather. They don't understand one another and get in a fight. The boy, Wendell, wanders across an abandoned renaissance fair where he meets a knight who thinks he's in medieval times and being pursued by a dragon. The story proceeds from there. I thought this was an interesting, quick read. Jeff Stokely's art is good. Somewhat cartoony and the heads are too large at times but overall I dug it.
This originally started as a pitch for a cartoon that Sean Murphy was involved in. Then Northrup got tasered and the pitch was stolen. The remnants eventually became this comic.
This originally started as a pitch for a cartoon that Sean Murphy was involved in. Then Northrup got tasered and the pitch was stolen. The remnants eventually became this comic.
August 6, 2018
Wendell, the bullied misunderstood teen living in the shadow of a dead but heroic father, stumbles upon a living knight at the site of a Renaissance Faire that has long burned down. When he chooses to free the knight from the hospital, after the doctor tells the knight's backstory and deems him mentally unstable, Wendell draws courage from the example of the knight, who is not unlike Wendell's father and step-father, and takes him back to the faire. What Wendell discovers there is nothing short of astounding.
February 5, 2018
Great art although I wish the story was more robust. I did appreciate the complexities in the step-father's character. This was shelved in the children's section of my local public library which surprised me. The protagonist is a high schooler, there are several swear words, and there's a sexual reference in there as well.
February 6, 2024
I liked the story between Wendell and the Knight but the step dad felt like a caricature of toxic masculinity until the very end. I liked some of the short stories at the end and then totally didn't understand others.
January 5, 2018
charming art style, several genuinely funny moments. all in all an enjoyable quick read, I'll give it to my nephews when they're old enough.
August 1, 2018
I want to adapt it into a movie.
October 12, 2021
Really good. Only note: should be longer.
February 7, 2022
A great feel good story about adventure and family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
A total pleasure to read. It is not a complex story but it is fun and compelling.
June 22, 2024
Super fun! The art was amazing and the story was giving Don Quixote in all the best ways.
September 27, 2025
Nice and entertaining story! Great concept and I loved the short stories at the end!
February 12, 2017
Wendell, awkward, outcast teen, isn't having a great time. Though his stepfather reaches out to him, in a way, Wendell does not share the man's passion for motorcycles. Instead, the boy escapes into books, earning him the unwelcome attentions of bullies. This leads to a dare, which leads to an abandoned Renaissance Faire and the meeting of the Red Knight. Wendell's new friend is convinced a dragon burned the park down, while the authorities reported it as arson. The time has come for Wendell to take a stand, and he might just be holding a sword while he does it.
I've followed a certain artist online for some years now [I want to say it's Sean Gordon Murphy, but I'm not 100% sure right now], and it was through him that I discovered this book. At the time when I originally made note of its existence [with cunning use of camera phone - my photos are half friends and their children and half books I want to remember], I might have known it wasn't actually by him, but when the time came around to buy it, I had forgotten. Doesn't matter, I really enjoyed the artwork anyway.
All of that has little to no bearing on this, but I like to make note of how/why books have come to my attention for my own reasons.
I do not believe that I will dwell too deeply on graphic novels, because I do not feel qualified to do so. I am definitely more into words than pictures - though I love both - and I often feel rather unsatisfied when reading comic books, graphic novels, or even heavily illustrated books. Sometimes I feel enveloped in the world, but, more often than not, I feel like I'm missing out. Reason for Dragons is an example, sadly, of the latter. The story felt short, and I was left wanting more. I wanted more descriptions, more context, more of almost every character. It wasn't that thoughtful, "I could use more of this" feeling, either. It was impatient and pushy. I wanted, I want, more.
Don't think, though, that there is something wrong with the artwork. The pictures are beautiful, the actions and expressions flow well within the story. It feels kind of like Sandlot, in a way. A simpler time, with only books and running around to keep you busy. Lookers will spot similar-to-but-legally-distinct-from references here and there, likely of the artists's own loves. That's a game I do enjoy.
I just felt that, in spite of the absolute suitability of the artwork to the story, and the level of enjoyment I garnered from the story, I was just left a little dry. The book feels heavier, too, longer than what you get, because it is bulked at the back with a handful of short vignettes involving the characters in the story. These are nice little looks here and there, but they're more afterthoughts than fleshing-out.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I really like the artwork, I'm glad I read it, I'll likely read it again [helps that it doesn't take long], and I will happily share it with others. Not a favorite, but pretty good stuff.
I've followed a certain artist online for some years now [I want to say it's Sean Gordon Murphy, but I'm not 100% sure right now], and it was through him that I discovered this book. At the time when I originally made note of its existence [with cunning use of camera phone - my photos are half friends and their children and half books I want to remember], I might have known it wasn't actually by him, but when the time came around to buy it, I had forgotten. Doesn't matter, I really enjoyed the artwork anyway.
All of that has little to no bearing on this, but I like to make note of how/why books have come to my attention for my own reasons.
I do not believe that I will dwell too deeply on graphic novels, because I do not feel qualified to do so. I am definitely more into words than pictures - though I love both - and I often feel rather unsatisfied when reading comic books, graphic novels, or even heavily illustrated books. Sometimes I feel enveloped in the world, but, more often than not, I feel like I'm missing out. Reason for Dragons is an example, sadly, of the latter. The story felt short, and I was left wanting more. I wanted more descriptions, more context, more of almost every character. It wasn't that thoughtful, "I could use more of this" feeling, either. It was impatient and pushy. I wanted, I want, more.
Don't think, though, that there is something wrong with the artwork. The pictures are beautiful, the actions and expressions flow well within the story. It feels kind of like Sandlot, in a way. A simpler time, with only books and running around to keep you busy. Lookers will spot similar-to-but-legally-distinct-from references here and there, likely of the artists's own loves. That's a game I do enjoy.
I just felt that, in spite of the absolute suitability of the artwork to the story, and the level of enjoyment I garnered from the story, I was just left a little dry. The book feels heavier, too, longer than what you get, because it is bulked at the back with a handful of short vignettes involving the characters in the story. These are nice little looks here and there, but they're more afterthoughts than fleshing-out.
All in all, I enjoyed it. I really like the artwork, I'm glad I read it, I'll likely read it again [helps that it doesn't take long], and I will happily share it with others. Not a favorite, but pretty good stuff.
September 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book from the beginning, in part because there is this fake pamphlet at the beginning that shows the fairgrounds and has lots of words that end in unnecessary ‘e’s. Ye olde booke was a delight from there on out. I could relate to Wendell on many levels. While my parents are still together, plenty of friends and family come from homes with step-parents or grandparents or aunties, etc. acting as the secondary parental figure. Also, he is a book nerd. If you’re here reading this review, then you get that. For the longest time, you could NOT find a SFF novel that portrayed a woman clothed in practical clothing suitable for space flight or dragon combat (some publishers still have this problem and yes, they know who they are), so it’s no surprise that Wendell’s mother’s few lines are about one of his fantasy books that have scantily clad women. Been there. Had that conversation. Then there is the awkward conversations between step-dad Ted and teenaged Wendell. Ah, the awkwardness comes through in simple gestures and looks, thanks to the art work.
The 16th century classic Don Quixote was given several nods in this work (Northrop & Stokely – thanks for that windmill). The knight isn’t quite who I expected him to be, but he eventually gets there in the end. It was a fine journey arc for his character. The clash of the old and the new, the modern-day reality and fantasy don’t clash in this book, but rather shake hands and agree to look the other way. There is this great scene with the motorcycle and a mythical beast that I won’t ruin for you. If I have any complaints, it is that there are zero main female characters, and in fact, zero secondary female characters. But do not despair, this book isn’t as bad as The Hobbit for female character count (which has a grand total of zero females at all – even if you look closely at the donkeys) as there are some female tertiary and very minor side characters.
The art work was crisp and clear, though the modern-day men all had square pants which gave them the unlikely square groin. The biologist in me wanted to know if this was portraying a medical condition, but I told that nosy scientist to shut up and eat popcorn while the rest of me enjoyed my book. The action scenes felt like action scenes. Many of the more heavy or mixed emotional scenes were portrayed with a series of clever gestures and facial expressions.
The 16th century classic Don Quixote was given several nods in this work (Northrop & Stokely – thanks for that windmill). The knight isn’t quite who I expected him to be, but he eventually gets there in the end. It was a fine journey arc for his character. The clash of the old and the new, the modern-day reality and fantasy don’t clash in this book, but rather shake hands and agree to look the other way. There is this great scene with the motorcycle and a mythical beast that I won’t ruin for you. If I have any complaints, it is that there are zero main female characters, and in fact, zero secondary female characters. But do not despair, this book isn’t as bad as The Hobbit for female character count (which has a grand total of zero females at all – even if you look closely at the donkeys) as there are some female tertiary and very minor side characters.
The art work was crisp and clear, though the modern-day men all had square pants which gave them the unlikely square groin. The biologist in me wanted to know if this was portraying a medical condition, but I told that nosy scientist to shut up and eat popcorn while the rest of me enjoyed my book. The action scenes felt like action scenes. Many of the more heavy or mixed emotional scenes were portrayed with a series of clever gestures and facial expressions.
April 8, 2014
Wendell goes to an old renaissance fair grounds on a dare and stumbles across a man dressed up as a knight raving about the dragon that attacked the fair grounds. Dark is falling and the knight warns Wendell not to go into the forest after dark because of the beast. Wendell isn’t that keen on venturing off into the woods in the dark anyway, so he joins the knight for a campout. The knight decides that Wendell is going to be his apprentice, and since he has no better thing to do with his free time than get pestered by bullies or fail at mechanics in front of his mom’s boyfriend, Wendell goes along for the journey. But the knight is injured defending Wendell from some danger Wendell doesn’t see. The man gets taken away to the hospital, but when he comes to he begs Wendell to help him get out and go back to defend his land. Wendell takes him back, and what they find is quite surprising
July 23, 2013
Wendell is an outcast at school and a disappointment at home to his macho motorcycle-riding stepdad because he would rather read books than tinker on a bike. When he finally does try to do a simple repair job to prove something to his dad and himself, he fails miserably. As if things aren't bad enough, when he tries to run away, he is caught by the school bullies who dare him to steal a pamphlet from the abandoned and possibly haunted Renaissance Faire.
However, when he gets there, he is caught by a man who believes himself a Medieval knight here to slay the dragon and that Wendell has come to aid him in his quest. Wendell decides to play along with the 'crazy' guy until rescue comes. But, when the earth begins to shake, Wendell is forced to reevaluate what he thought he knew and accept that maybe this modern-day Don Quixote might be tilting at something much more dangerous than a windmill. And that maybe Wendell is the only one who can help.
The Reason for Dragons is a terrific coming-of-age tale about the importance of believing in yourself even when others tell you that your dragon is just a windmill. The graphics work well with the story enhancing this simple but important message. In his introduction, sean Murphy explains the circuitous and rather adventurous route Chris Northrop took in the making of this graphic novel. As in the story, things may not have turned out as planned but, in the end, the dragon was slain and that's a very good thing.
However, when he gets there, he is caught by a man who believes himself a Medieval knight here to slay the dragon and that Wendell has come to aid him in his quest. Wendell decides to play along with the 'crazy' guy until rescue comes. But, when the earth begins to shake, Wendell is forced to reevaluate what he thought he knew and accept that maybe this modern-day Don Quixote might be tilting at something much more dangerous than a windmill. And that maybe Wendell is the only one who can help.
The Reason for Dragons is a terrific coming-of-age tale about the importance of believing in yourself even when others tell you that your dragon is just a windmill. The graphics work well with the story enhancing this simple but important message. In his introduction, sean Murphy explains the circuitous and rather adventurous route Chris Northrop took in the making of this graphic novel. As in the story, things may not have turned out as planned but, in the end, the dragon was slain and that's a very good thing.
August 13, 2013
The Reason for Dragons is a very enjoyable coming of age story in graphic novel form. The artwork is wonderful and really adds to the whole reading experience.
The story centres around Wendell, a 16 year old having trouble fitting into his world, where he has to deal with bullying from his peers along with a strained relationship with a stepfather, who seems more interested in his motorcycle and mechanic work. Wendell has no memories of his real father, who it seems died when he was too young to remember. We are given lots of clues as to who his father was and how he might have died, but nothing concrete is given.
Without giving too much away, the story is one where reality and fantasy collide, giving Wendell much to think about and challenging him to act in ways he may not have previously thought possible. My only disappointment with this book is that the story seemed to conclude too soon, when things seemed to be getting interesting. However, there are a number of short stories at the end that help to explain a number of questions raised by the main story and add to the understanding of some of the things in it.
This book is worth checking out, even for the artwork alone, but the story is one that is enjoyable as well.
(Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my opinion or review)
The story centres around Wendell, a 16 year old having trouble fitting into his world, where he has to deal with bullying from his peers along with a strained relationship with a stepfather, who seems more interested in his motorcycle and mechanic work. Wendell has no memories of his real father, who it seems died when he was too young to remember. We are given lots of clues as to who his father was and how he might have died, but nothing concrete is given.
Without giving too much away, the story is one where reality and fantasy collide, giving Wendell much to think about and challenging him to act in ways he may not have previously thought possible. My only disappointment with this book is that the story seemed to conclude too soon, when things seemed to be getting interesting. However, there are a number of short stories at the end that help to explain a number of questions raised by the main story and add to the understanding of some of the things in it.
This book is worth checking out, even for the artwork alone, but the story is one that is enjoyable as well.
(Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my opinion or review)
August 8, 2013
Actual rating: 3.5
In an ideal world, there would have been more story in between Wendell breaking Sir Habersham loose from the hospital and their defeat of the dragon, a bit more on how, why and when the dragon was sent to this world, or just more opportunities for Wendell and Habersham to interact, period. It'd also be nice to see how, if at all, this experience changed things for Wendell besides him getting a literary surprise in class.
With that complaint out, I do want to say I greatly enjoyed the graphic novel. You really get a sense for what Wendell's life is like, dealing with bullies and trying to live up to his idea of what his dad would have wanted and learning Sir Habersham's backstory - which is just plain tragic - you come to understand why he acted as though he really came from medieval times. It's also apparent the two need each other; Wendell to help Habersham absolve his misplaced guilt and Habersham to help Wendell find his strength.
My favorite part of the graphic novel was, of course, the art. Beautifully drawn and just as beautifully colored, an already fun and touching story was really given life by the artists who worked on this. Definitely recommended to young teens.
In an ideal world, there would have been more story in between Wendell breaking Sir Habersham loose from the hospital and their defeat of the dragon, a bit more on how, why and when the dragon was sent to this world, or just more opportunities for Wendell and Habersham to interact, period. It'd also be nice to see how, if at all, this experience changed things for Wendell besides him getting a literary surprise in class.
With that complaint out, I do want to say I greatly enjoyed the graphic novel. You really get a sense for what Wendell's life is like, dealing with bullies and trying to live up to his idea of what his dad would have wanted and learning Sir Habersham's backstory - which is just plain tragic - you come to understand why he acted as though he really came from medieval times. It's also apparent the two need each other; Wendell to help Habersham absolve his misplaced guilt and Habersham to help Wendell find his strength.
My favorite part of the graphic novel was, of course, the art. Beautifully drawn and just as beautifully colored, an already fun and touching story was really given life by the artists who worked on this. Definitely recommended to young teens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2013
The best thing about this book is the art. Stokely has done a brilliant job in depicting these characters and bringing to life the mood and atmosphere. The story itself is mediocre, just barely holding my attention throughout. What I actually enjoyed the most was the ending which contained several short stories exploring the characters somewhat deeper, especially Ted's background. The book doesn't quite seem to know its audience. Recommended on the back cover for ages 12+, I can't agree. The story itself works for this age group as it takes a point in making sure that it hits you over the head with message, in case you didn't figure it out yourself but there is a section where Wendell is being bullied by fellow sixteen-year-olds and the language is *extremely* vulgar. I agree it is appropriate in this situation but it makes the book inappropriate for the average 12 year-old. The short stories about Ted's Vietnam experience are more adult as well. Finally, the last thing that just bugged me on a personal level: Wendell is seen several times reading "Moby Dick"; it would have been so much more in tune with the whole book's theme if the book had been "Don Quixote"! Middle of the road book.
May 12, 2013
Wendell's dad is dead, and he has nothing in common with his step-dad Ted. When Ted and Wendell have a fight, it leads Wendell on an adventure to the old, abandoned Renaissance Faire outside of town. He meets a knight there who is looking to kill a dragon, but is the knight who he says he is? Is there really a dragon?
It's a good coming of age story about a boy who doesn't fit in, and a knight who might not either. The art by Jeff Stokely uses the color palette of late autumn and early winter, with it's deeper, richer colors and falling leaves. There are leaves falling everywhere in the pages. I love fall, so I'm drawn to it's colors.
The book includes a series of short stories by other creators using the main characters of the book, Wendell, Ted and the knight, Sir Habersham. According to Sir Habersham, "You're either a knight, or you're not."
It's a good coming of age story about a boy who doesn't fit in, and a knight who might not either. The art by Jeff Stokely uses the color palette of late autumn and early winter, with it's deeper, richer colors and falling leaves. There are leaves falling everywhere in the pages. I love fall, so I'm drawn to it's colors.
The book includes a series of short stories by other creators using the main characters of the book, Wendell, Ted and the knight, Sir Habersham. According to Sir Habersham, "You're either a knight, or you're not."
May 19, 2013
The Reason for Dragons is one of those graphic novels that not only have unique artwork but also a deep story hiding under a simple plot. The comic book is an easy and fluid read where the eye hopes from one image to the next with ease. The color and the quality of the work is wonderful and eye-catching. The story itself is also amazing in its deep simplicity. The subtle message about the boy coming of age and finding his true self despite all hardship is inspires and bring joy to the reader throughout the book. The shift between reality and imagination was utilized in a smart fashion to bring more from the story and add to it richness without being confusing nor overwhelming. Over all, I enjoyed this comic book and will definitely read any other work the author or the artist produces next.
April 2, 2014
Read the introduction before reading this graphic novel! It is actually a great little story about how this comic came to be, and good insight as to how difficult it is to become an animator or comic illustrator. Onto the actual graphic novel: it was short but sweet. A fun little tale about a teen bullied into entering an abandoned Ren Faire where he encounters a knight looking for a dragon. Is he an actual knight or just a deranged, old employee of the fair? Is the dragon real? Like I said, read the story behind this comic. If I hadn't, my review would be a bit harsher. The story is pretty simple, the bullies are cliche, but there's certainly a lot of heart put into the creation of the characters.
September 1, 2014
This comic builds tension by walking the line between fantasy and reality leaving the reader guessing if the characters have really seen fantastic creatures, if they're delusional, or both. Northrop has a lot of fun playing with the conventions of Renaissance fairs and it shows up in creative touches like the faux brochure at the front of the book. The artwork is gorgeous and the color palette does a great job creating atmosphere. The Don-Quixote like knight provides plenty of humorous breaks. There's some fun short stories at the end by guest writers and authors. It's a nice quick read for fans of fantasy, humor, and ren faires.
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
Read more of my reviews at http://auldschoollibrarian.blogspot.com/
January 7, 2015
In some ways, this graphic novel reminded me of "I Kill Giants", which is no small praise. Wendell has a very complicated relationship with his stepfather, and issues with bullies. When he is dared to go to an abandoned Ren fair site and retrieve a pamphlet to prove his deed, he scoffs at the notion the site is haunted and takes on the challenge. There he discovers a tortured "knight" still determined to protect his territory, and learns something about the dragons that haunt him. This is a warm and sweet story that marries fantasy and reality beautifully.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews