Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale

Courtney Crumrin #4 part 1/2

by Ted Naifeh

Uncle Aloysius and Courtney are off to Romania for the first installment of the pair's European vacation! But even with the rich and mystic history of Eastern Europe, there's no way Courtney ever could have expected what she and her uncle will find in the Land of Roma!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Horror, Graphic Novels Comics, Middle Grade, Young Adult

67 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2007

About the author

Ted Naifeh is an American comic book writer and artist who gained notoriety for his illustrations in the goth romance comic Gloomcookie. Naifeh has since become most known as the creator of the Eisner-Award-nominated series Courtney Crumrin, published by Oni Press.

Reviews

[Dolly]

As I started reading this book, I realized that I'd read this story before. And now that I'm on Goodreads to post my review, I can see that it this tale was part of the fourth book in the series.


interesting quote:

"Love doesn't always conquer. Sometimes you have to let it go and mind your own business." (p. 43)

[Ostrava]

A tiny little bit superfluous and a rehash of previous ideas, just in a new setting. This wouldn't be a problem if Courtney didn't seem less present during the story. Her charming sass is a bit wanting.

That said, it's still an enjoyable read, despite being one of the weaker volumes I've read so far.

[Marsha]

If you’ve encountered Courtney Crumrin before now, you know she’s a goth girl who would have been pleased to spend time with Wednesday Adams or Lydia Deetz. However, Courtney isn’t suicidal. She’s tart tongued, fiercely loyal to her friends and lets herself be pulled into dangerous situations, not for the thrill of adventure, but out of a humane desire to help. The adults around her are always telling her what to do but Courtney isn’t the sort to listen. If they can go into dark, gloomy forests alone, why can’t she?

This story brims with her rebellious spirit and her certainty that everyone can use a good talking to, even adults. You understand her frustration when people brush aside her attempts to give aid, to talk, to seek explanations. She’s got literal power to cast hexes and spells and rescued a bunch of stupid children from the fae world when they disobeyed her. With all this behind her, she’s certain, with the arrogance of youth, that she’s a match for anything.

However, she’s a child. Her uncle cares for her but she doesn’t see that. She operates with magic but she’s been aided by a large dose of luck that she just doesn’t grasp. She believes in the benefit of true love. However, she doesn’t yet understand that love isn’t enough, that it doesn’t save the world always or even save the day. When she does, she swings to the other side: love doesn’t help, it gets you in trouble, it mucks up the works. In fact, love seems pretty worthless. Just the kind of extreme thinking you’d expect from a child.

The grim story is aided by the sharp black-and-white illustrations which lend their own punctuation to Mr. Naifeh’s story. I first encountered him in Witch for Hire and he doesn’t disappoint here. The stories share many similar themes: the loneliness of the outsider, the responsibilities of power, wrestling with conscience, the heavy burden of looking out for others even when you don’t want to do so, wondering if trying is worth it. Perhaps that’s a recurring theme in his works. If so, I’m going to look forward to ferreting out more of his stories, especially involving the caustic, caring Courtney.

[Brandy]

I liked this, because I like all the Courtney Crumrin books, but--does Courtney seem younger in this one, or is it just something with the book's production that makes me think that?

I was disappointed with how this just ends, but then I saw something about Courtney Crumrin's Monstrous Holiday listed as book 4, so maybe this was published prematurely and there's a second half to it somewhere? Maybe? I hope?

[Scott]

What happens when Courtney and her sorcerer uncle travel to a (sort of) Romanian village to visit an old friend and find the friend's daughter engaged to a bad guy but really in love with a werewolf...
Filled with legends and myths and magic. Grand storytelling and wonderful art (except the previously mentioned issues I have with an artist who can't draw hands).

Recommended

[Jennifer]

I love Courtney and her grumpy uncle. This is the 1st installment in their travels in Europe. It is lacking a little in the depth of the story as compared to the others but it is still good. Werewolves, Romania, ancient legends, sexism and the meaning of love are all packed into this tale.

[Richard]

For kids' comics the Courtney Crumrin books are pretty dark and kind of scary. There is also an overall tone of like sucks, you don't get what you want, and it is best to be cynical. I think it is good for kids 7 and up to learn these lessons. Plus this book has werewolves.

[Emily]

And again, this one was also included in Monstrous Holiday. This wouldn't bug me so much if it had been made clear, but to package it in a whole new way and not even mention that this is included just...um...grinds my gears!

[Deborah]

I just can't get enough of this series of books right now. I would have absolutely loved it as a child. Courtney always means well but her curiosity gets the best of her every time and she finds herself in a befuddling situation. Magic, intrigue, and a naughty but nice heroine. Love it!

[Lindsey]

Another great installment in the Courtney Crumrin series. Naifeh continues to produce solid, quality work in the form of heartfelt stories of Courtney and her Uncle Aloynius. If you're a fan of the series, definitely check this out. It's a worthy and rather somber addition.

[Jess]

I love the Courtney Crumrin series. This one was too short, and ends on a total downer note, so I hope there's more soon.

[Jeremiah Genest]

The Courtney Crumrin are a high watermark in comics and some of my favorite stuff I can read with my kids.

[Melissa]

I love the emotional depth that Naifeh's characters are accruing in each new installment of the Crumrin-verse. Also, I can't resist a bitter, disaffected, lovelorn tweener awash in the supernatural.

[Emily]

this was the saddest courtney book yet. there is a point to love!

[Christiane]

Disappointing! It's like Naifeh just went through a bad breakup or something. The time would have been better spent re-reading Vol. 1, Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things.

[Hyzenthlay]

Why bother, indeed.

[Tays]

"All things considered, love is pointless. So why does anyone bother?"

Those words alone mate. Brilliant writing.

[Kassyreadsalot]

Really great but also sad. Love isn't always enough and I'm curious now what will happen next.