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Bird Boy #1
Das Schwert des Mali Mani
Der kleine Bali fühlt sich von seinem Stamm nicht ernst genommen. Stammesführer Lakasi will ihm verwehren, am wichtigen Rauchmarsch mitzuwirken, an dem alle Kinder in Balis Alter teilnehmen. Er beschließt kurzerhand, auf eigene Faust in den düsteren Wald zu gehen, der von den gruseligen Krähenmännern bewohnt wird ...
88 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 23, 2019
This book is beautifully illustrated. While this volume is mainly prologue, setting up Bali's further adventures, the world building is fantastic. It's heavily influenced by the Native American culture of the Pacific Northwest. Something about the book, gave me a Dark Crystal vibe. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy of all ages.
July 12, 2016
I want more of this RIGHT NOW. Art that combines Northwest Native American and Central American stylistic tradition with hints of Central Asian, Japanese, and even Venetian material culture to illustrate a prototypical return of the hero quest undertaken by an underestimated hero - and yet it feels marvelously original, and no kid will have to know a single thing about Haida masks, Italian opera garb, or yurts in order to enjoy it. Brava!
December 15, 2017
I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge task to "read an all ages comic".
This was rather wonderful and charming, with gorgeous artwork, so a good choice!
This was rather wonderful and charming, with gorgeous artwork, so a good choice!
May 26, 2016
Bird Boy, Volume 1: The Sword of Mali Mani is a book that seems very, very old and in many ways familiar, yet startlingly foreign and fresh. The story is simple: a young boy wants to prove his worth to his tribe by making his way through the dangers of the forbidden forest. A familiar story to be sure, but Szabla's art is wonderfully stylized and the text is kept to a minimum. Familiarity and strangeness combine to make this one of my favorite books for young readers so far this year.
September 8, 2018
Lush, gorgeously detailed fantasy set in a winter landscape, with possibly the cutest protagonist in comics ever. Bali, a boy from the Nuru tribe, ends up with a legendary sword while trying to prove he's old enough to take care of himself. Unfortunately for Bali, all kinds of men and creatures want the sword. Szabla clearly put in time to nail down the mythology, culture, and world Bali lives in, giving his story an epic feel from the very first pages. The storytelling is slow, but even the pages "without plot" are these gorgeous vistas of snow and ice. She's leaving room for the story to breathe, getting you completely grounded before things start happening.
Two volumes are out so far, and the webcomic is ongoing, so I'm looking forward to more. This is one of those "all ages" comics that's truly all-ages, as satisfying for adults as for children.
Two volumes are out so far, and the webcomic is ongoing, so I'm looking forward to more. This is one of those "all ages" comics that's truly all-ages, as satisfying for adults as for children.
June 5, 2016
I read the webcomic. Now I have the first collection!
An unusual world. Full of masks. That is, all the humans wear them, and all the animals too. Bears, owls, wolves -- you name it, wears a mask.
It opens with a very mythic prologue. Then we have a hunt where Bali, a small and clumsy boy, is brought on the hunt and told that he was brought to carry, not throw, spears. When the hunters go off, he tries throwing a spear at birds. It ends with the spear in the forest, which is forbidden. He goes in after.
It involves falling into an abandoned home, a refusal to let Bali be initiated and become a man, ringing a bell at owls, that Bali was a foundling, lighting a fire, and more.
An unusual world. Full of masks. That is, all the humans wear them, and all the animals too. Bears, owls, wolves -- you name it, wears a mask.
It opens with a very mythic prologue. Then we have a hunt where Bali, a small and clumsy boy, is brought on the hunt and told that he was brought to carry, not throw, spears. When the hunters go off, he tries throwing a spear at birds. It ends with the spear in the forest, which is forbidden. He goes in after.
It involves falling into an abandoned home, a refusal to let Bali be initiated and become a man, ringing a bell at owls, that Bali was a foundling, lighting a fire, and more.
August 4, 2017
This web comic came to my attention because it won the 2017 Eisner Award for Best Web Comic. It's the beginning of an all-ages tale about a young tribe member yearning to be a contributing part of the whole. There's something so engaging and charming about the art that I can't quite put into words. Szabla literally draws you into the story with her use of color and perspective. There's a charmingly poetic feel to the sequence of the panels, and a kind of tenderness and fragility existing amidst what looks to be a very dangerous landscape.
You can read it free online:
Bird Boy, Volume 1
You can read it free online:
Bird Boy, Volume 1
June 14, 2017
Bird Boy is one that I will be recommending to any kids I can.
February 7, 2017
Τι τέλειο! Τι γλυκό, τι εξωτικό, τι μαγικό! Κάτι ανάμεσα σε Θόργκαλ, Κάντι-Κάντι και Ινκαάλ, με ψήγματα αζτέκικου/Ινουίτ γούστου. Λατρεία!
April 9, 2018
I really liked the creatures and the world-building, but was never quite sucked in by the story.
Very action heavy, low on character development. Great full-color illustrations, though.
And I can't quite stop myself from side-eyeing the art for its similarity to imagery from marginalized cultures. I didn't do the research to full-on condemn it for wrong-doing (read: appropriation) there, but I found the (maybe imagined) question a personal mental roadblock.
Very action heavy, low on character development. Great full-color illustrations, though.
And I can't quite stop myself from side-eyeing the art for its similarity to imagery from marginalized cultures. I didn't do the research to full-on condemn it for wrong-doing (read: appropriation) there, but I found the (maybe imagined) question a personal mental roadblock.
July 28, 2016
Exquisitely beautiful art that will take you away to mythic lands, in the service of a worthy tale. I love everything: the sense of mystery coupled with the outright bizarre (which never ceases to be beautiful); the fun and humor which does not distract from the serious story; and the delightful environment in which to discover, perhaps, what it means to be human.
February 22, 2017
Art and colors are a whopping 5 stars. So pretty and rich.
Story is just getting started with vol. 1. Bali is an adorable roly poly boy in a bird mask, too small yet to become a hunter in his tribe. He's just trying to prove himself & find his way home...
Bird Boy is a little Lord of the Rings meets Amulet. <3
Story is just getting started with vol. 1. Bali is an adorable roly poly boy in a bird mask, too small yet to become a hunter in his tribe. He's just trying to prove himself & find his way home...
Bird Boy is a little Lord of the Rings meets Amulet. <3
July 6, 2016
Evocative artwork and a sparse and steadily meted out hold on storytelling make Bird Boy what it is. It reminds me of Hellboy crossed with anything made by Team Ico.
Fans of either of those will find much to love here.
Fans of either of those will find much to love here.
October 2, 2017
Szabla's illustrations are absolutely wonderful in this first of the series graphic novel. I've read a fair few graphic novels for children recently but this delivers a style and character that is new and exciting. The world, although a little like ours, is distinctly not and reminded me a little of Aiken and Miyazaki.
Although beautiful to look at, I don't quite know how I feel about Szabla's use of cultural icons from North American native people's history (possibly) to aim and support a white, blond-haired boy. I also wished I had the entire book rather than just the first volume.
Although beautiful to look at, I don't quite know how I feel about Szabla's use of cultural icons from North American native people's history (possibly) to aim and support a white, blond-haired boy. I also wished I had the entire book rather than just the first volume.
September 17, 2019
Really cool mythology and I'm definitely intrigued to read more! Plus the artwork is absolutely gorgeous!
December 30, 2019
Gorgeous art, nice folk taley story.
April 20, 2017
Well I'm hooked! How has this story not gone viral? It's gorgeous even at this stage in its infancy. I can't wait to see what it blossoms into.
July 16, 2016
Small and relegated to carrying weapons for the seasonal hunts (rather than learning how to use said weapons for the hunt), a ten-year-old boy stumbles upon destiny.
Or perhaps, destiny has finally stumbled upon him.
In BIRD BOY, respect is fleeting, as young Bali is rebuked by tribal insiders for his clumsiness and penchant for getting into trouble. The kid's wide eyes and puffy feet can only accomplish so much. Join the hunt? No. Participate in a coming-of-age ceremony? No. Stay out of the way, Bali. It is for the best.
Ah, but destiny cares not these minor infractions of tribal debt. In fact, destiny damn near prefers them. For when Bali encounters a forested temple, long abandoned by the people of the river, he discovers an ancient weapon once wielded by a demigod: the sword of Mali Mani.
The boy has no desire to shed blood. Rather, his interest in the sword parallels his quest to take up arms next to the men of the tribe as a protector of home and family. And so, with this in mind, Bali heaves the scabbard from its perch, proclaiming, "When Lakasi sees this, he'll have to let me on the smokewalk!"
BIRD BOY is an attractive book. It is as much a visual novel as it is an oral fantasy, granting swooping panoramas as well as compact and mystical environs permission to speak for characters whose facial expressions and body movements are concealed by masks and heavy clothing. Readers don't get much information from the characters themselves, interestingly enough, but they gain plenty from the book's intricate production design and colorful but intimate layout.
The book's aesthetic presence is strong, and invokes a number of challenging but smartly curated facets of modern animation and graphic storytelling: assertive volumetrics, onomatopoetic sound effects, and strident color contrasts (e.g., red scarf/snowy hillside, godly white light/dark waterfall). It's all quite lovely.
As a webcomic turned print artefact, it should go without saying that BIRD BOY is very slow moving. And while a lack of inciting elements limit the action to one small boy discovering an ancient sword that's bigger than he is, the spare dialogue and minor narration permits readers to move as fast or slow as they please. If criticism is due, then it's to the book's narration, written in genre-typical, hyper-omniscient fantasy-speak; the narration, to be blunt, could use some editing to be a whole lot clearer.
Also, it amazes that graphic novels with such a strong visual presence are still printed on such a small canvas. BIRD BOY retails with a book size of 6.1 inches × 9.1 inches (15.5 cm × 23.1 cm). The result is serviceable, and reinforces the reality that some books truly demand oversize printing. Accomplished graphic comics like Les Cités Obscures (by Benoît Peeters and François Schuiten, printed as The Obscure Cities at 9.1 × 11.5 in), or indie titles like Skies of Fire by Vincenzo Ferriero and Ray Chou (printed at 8.5 × 11 in), prove this. Make space for the art. Just do it.
Otherwise, things fall apart. Many comics have suffered the consequences: Battling Boy: The Rise of Aurora West (5.0 × 7.4 in) and Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland (5.6 × 8.9 in) are two high-profile examples of books whose inexcusably small finish-size severely hampered the story's delivery.
Or perhaps, destiny has finally stumbled upon him.
In BIRD BOY, respect is fleeting, as young Bali is rebuked by tribal insiders for his clumsiness and penchant for getting into trouble. The kid's wide eyes and puffy feet can only accomplish so much. Join the hunt? No. Participate in a coming-of-age ceremony? No. Stay out of the way, Bali. It is for the best.
Ah, but destiny cares not these minor infractions of tribal debt. In fact, destiny damn near prefers them. For when Bali encounters a forested temple, long abandoned by the people of the river, he discovers an ancient weapon once wielded by a demigod: the sword of Mali Mani.
The boy has no desire to shed blood. Rather, his interest in the sword parallels his quest to take up arms next to the men of the tribe as a protector of home and family. And so, with this in mind, Bali heaves the scabbard from its perch, proclaiming, "When Lakasi sees this, he'll have to let me on the smokewalk!"
BIRD BOY is an attractive book. It is as much a visual novel as it is an oral fantasy, granting swooping panoramas as well as compact and mystical environs permission to speak for characters whose facial expressions and body movements are concealed by masks and heavy clothing. Readers don't get much information from the characters themselves, interestingly enough, but they gain plenty from the book's intricate production design and colorful but intimate layout.
The book's aesthetic presence is strong, and invokes a number of challenging but smartly curated facets of modern animation and graphic storytelling: assertive volumetrics, onomatopoetic sound effects, and strident color contrasts (e.g., red scarf/snowy hillside, godly white light/dark waterfall). It's all quite lovely.
As a webcomic turned print artefact, it should go without saying that BIRD BOY is very slow moving. And while a lack of inciting elements limit the action to one small boy discovering an ancient sword that's bigger than he is, the spare dialogue and minor narration permits readers to move as fast or slow as they please. If criticism is due, then it's to the book's narration, written in genre-typical, hyper-omniscient fantasy-speak; the narration, to be blunt, could use some editing to be a whole lot clearer.
Also, it amazes that graphic novels with such a strong visual presence are still printed on such a small canvas. BIRD BOY retails with a book size of 6.1 inches × 9.1 inches (15.5 cm × 23.1 cm). The result is serviceable, and reinforces the reality that some books truly demand oversize printing. Accomplished graphic comics like Les Cités Obscures (by Benoît Peeters and François Schuiten, printed as The Obscure Cities at 9.1 × 11.5 in), or indie titles like Skies of Fire by Vincenzo Ferriero and Ray Chou (printed at 8.5 × 11 in), prove this. Make space for the art. Just do it.
Otherwise, things fall apart. Many comics have suffered the consequences: Battling Boy: The Rise of Aurora West (5.0 × 7.4 in) and Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland (5.6 × 8.9 in) are two high-profile examples of books whose inexcusably small finish-size severely hampered the story's delivery.
July 9, 2023
I thought that bird boy was a alright book be cause it didn’t really have a lot of context and didn’t have enough story line and depth over all I didn’t like it bot it’s problem a first book.
June 10, 2016
This was a really well done middle grade graphic novel. I loved the illustration style; it’s detailed and beautifully done. I loved the color throughout and the slightly cartoony look to it. The artwork has a bit of a tribal feel to it because of the Northern tribes clothing and masks but also a very mythological feel to it because of what Bali finds in the forest.
The story is cute, slightly scary and very unique. My nine year old son and I both read and loved it. My son commented that he loved the illustration and thought the story was “very cool”.
It’s a quick read but one I think anyone middle grade and older will enjoy. The artwork has a very neat style of its own and I loved the story. I also loved that everyone; including the animals wore masks. I was constantly wondering why they all wear masks. Additionally that fact that everything wore a mask meant that their actions had to be super expressive (which was very successfully done).
Overall a fantastic start to this new middle grade fantasy graphic novel series. I adored the art style and the blending of tribal and mythological themes. The story is cute, adventurous, and magical all at once. The story immediately draws the reader in and is completely engrossing. I can’t wait to see what future volumes of Bird Boy hold for us.
The story is cute, slightly scary and very unique. My nine year old son and I both read and loved it. My son commented that he loved the illustration and thought the story was “very cool”.
It’s a quick read but one I think anyone middle grade and older will enjoy. The artwork has a very neat style of its own and I loved the story. I also loved that everyone; including the animals wore masks. I was constantly wondering why they all wear masks. Additionally that fact that everything wore a mask meant that their actions had to be super expressive (which was very successfully done).
Overall a fantastic start to this new middle grade fantasy graphic novel series. I adored the art style and the blending of tribal and mythological themes. The story is cute, adventurous, and magical all at once. The story immediately draws the reader in and is completely engrossing. I can’t wait to see what future volumes of Bird Boy hold for us.
December 30, 2018
The second in the line of books I picked up as prospective gifts for a friend of mine--and I think I got it in two.
I have a real fondness for stories that set up their own mythology, and do it well. The old myths have a certain vagueness to them, that lends a sense of scale and mystery. e.g. Why do these actions please the gods, while these actions anger them? Where did the invading hordes come from? Big questions that don't necessarily get answered. Under normal circumstances, that would annoy me, but in a mythological perspective, it adds a certain gravitas that would be lacking in the absence of such omissions--ironic as that might seem. And Bird Boy adds these in just the right amount. Who are the Rook Men? Where did they come from? What was the Halfway Beast, and where did it come from? Just how did it steal all the light from the world? How did Mani Mali get so powerful? Unanswered questions, but the lack of knowledge lends a sense of antiquity and awe to the stories about these figures.
But enough ruminating over mythopoesis, how is the story, once you get past the background info? Quite good, actually. It's a simple setup: an orphan boy desperate to prove himself to his tribe gets into trouble and earns their ire instead--but he finds his destiny in the process. If you reduce it to that, it's nothing special, but the way its told makes all the difference. And that's where the art really pulls its weight.
The coloring is straightforward, using a limited palette of stark whites, earth tones, and deep blues at night, but it works. And the design ideology is fantastic. Everything, people, animals, monsters, wears a mask. In some cases, the masks are the faces, and the result is a very aboriginal, totemic look, that feels like a cross between Shadow of the Colossus, Rime, and a dash of Dark Souls. (Since video games are another highly visual medium, I thought those comparisons might be most effective.) It's such a distinctive look, that the world feels fleshed out, even though we aren't directly told much about it.
Bird Boy volume one is a quick read, but a very satisfying one. Although Bali, the protagonist, has only taken his first steps along his true journey by the end, Anne Szabla has built such a strong foundation, that I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. It's wonderful.
I have a real fondness for stories that set up their own mythology, and do it well. The old myths have a certain vagueness to them, that lends a sense of scale and mystery. e.g. Why do these actions please the gods, while these actions anger them? Where did the invading hordes come from? Big questions that don't necessarily get answered. Under normal circumstances, that would annoy me, but in a mythological perspective, it adds a certain gravitas that would be lacking in the absence of such omissions--ironic as that might seem. And Bird Boy adds these in just the right amount. Who are the Rook Men? Where did they come from? What was the Halfway Beast, and where did it come from? Just how did it steal all the light from the world? How did Mani Mali get so powerful? Unanswered questions, but the lack of knowledge lends a sense of antiquity and awe to the stories about these figures.
But enough ruminating over mythopoesis, how is the story, once you get past the background info? Quite good, actually. It's a simple setup: an orphan boy desperate to prove himself to his tribe gets into trouble and earns their ire instead--but he finds his destiny in the process. If you reduce it to that, it's nothing special, but the way its told makes all the difference. And that's where the art really pulls its weight.
The coloring is straightforward, using a limited palette of stark whites, earth tones, and deep blues at night, but it works. And the design ideology is fantastic. Everything, people, animals, monsters, wears a mask. In some cases, the masks are the faces, and the result is a very aboriginal, totemic look, that feels like a cross between Shadow of the Colossus, Rime, and a dash of Dark Souls. (Since video games are another highly visual medium, I thought those comparisons might be most effective.) It's such a distinctive look, that the world feels fleshed out, even though we aren't directly told much about it.
Bird Boy volume one is a quick read, but a very satisfying one. Although Bali, the protagonist, has only taken his first steps along his true journey by the end, Anne Szabla has built such a strong foundation, that I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. It's wonderful.
July 10, 2018
Bali is the smallest member of his tribe, always stumbling into trouble, unable to throw a spear in the hunts, and a general nuisance. He ventures into the darkest forest to prove himself, and discovers the hiding place of the legendary sword of Mali Mani. The evil Rooks are after the sword, and Bali must brave the dangers of the forest to keep the sword and its power from falling into their hands.
I loved the artwork in this graphic novel! There is such a contrast between the white snows of the village fields, and the lush green forest environment. There are these beautiful designs carved into everything- rocks, creatures, trees, and the masks of the tribal men. As though some ancient civilization had etched their history into every stone and plant, most surfaces are covered in intricate patterns reminiscent of the Aztecs and Mayans.
I love the legend of Mali Mani, and his retrieval of the light from a fearsome beast. There is such a rich history in this story, and it makes the perfect setting for little Bali and his adventure. Everything that happens to Bali has long shadows in the past giving it more depth and meaning.
Little Bali himself is helpless, and small, and extremely determined! I love how fearless he is, rushing into the forest and facing down wild beasts. He is curious, and funny, and deadly serious as only a child can be. I can't wait to see more character development from him in future volumes!
I am very interested to find out more about the magic system of this world. The sword is definitely magical, and the Rooks have a mysterious dark power. I want to know more about how this ancient magic connects to the legend of Mali Mani and the sword and the old gods of myth in this world.
I loved the artwork in this graphic novel! There is such a contrast between the white snows of the village fields, and the lush green forest environment. There are these beautiful designs carved into everything- rocks, creatures, trees, and the masks of the tribal men. As though some ancient civilization had etched their history into every stone and plant, most surfaces are covered in intricate patterns reminiscent of the Aztecs and Mayans.
I love the legend of Mali Mani, and his retrieval of the light from a fearsome beast. There is such a rich history in this story, and it makes the perfect setting for little Bali and his adventure. Everything that happens to Bali has long shadows in the past giving it more depth and meaning.
Little Bali himself is helpless, and small, and extremely determined! I love how fearless he is, rushing into the forest and facing down wild beasts. He is curious, and funny, and deadly serious as only a child can be. I can't wait to see more character development from him in future volumes!
I am very interested to find out more about the magic system of this world. The sword is definitely magical, and the Rooks have a mysterious dark power. I want to know more about how this ancient magic connects to the legend of Mali Mani and the sword and the old gods of myth in this world.
March 19, 2017
I know there are some fabulous graphic novels out there. However, I usually find they lack depth in the areas I care about (much like romance-only books, a genre I can also enjoy immensely if I find the right author) so I avoid them. It's simply easier to find something I will enjoy in regular books. I actually got this for my stepson, but he wasn't in the mood to read and they were pretty so I read them.
The plot was great. Szabla conveys the story skillfully through both mediums creating characters you can relate to and a world with great depth. I can see it stretching beyond the boundaries of the storyline. Szabla could play in this world for quite a while if they wanted. And the creatures that populate the world are also amazing. I could look at the art alone all day.
My only complaint? I've read both book 1 and 2: only one female character. :/
The plot was great. Szabla conveys the story skillfully through both mediums creating characters you can relate to and a world with great depth. I can see it stretching beyond the boundaries of the storyline. Szabla could play in this world for quite a while if they wanted. And the creatures that populate the world are also amazing. I could look at the art alone all day.
My only complaint? I've read both book 1 and 2: only one female character. :/
September 19, 2020
(Review written after a second read)
This book is mostly aimed at kids, but adults (namely me) can enjoy it too !
Bali is small (too small) and clumsy, and needs to prove that he's ready for smokewalk, the ceremony that turn the boys of the nuru tribe into men. So, of course, he goes into the forbidden woods, and discover hidden things way bigger thant himself and smokewalk. The first volume sort of ends on a cliffhanger that had me order the second book right away
Things I loved in this first book :
- Bali is SMALL. The kid is just a ball of clothes bundled together and doesn't speak much, but his movements are just so expressive, he felt very much real
- The art is absolutely perfect for this story. There are pages without any words at all, and still a lot is being said. And it's just gorgeous for the eyes.
- Creepy Rook men, I love 'em
- BIG SWORD
This book is mostly aimed at kids, but adults (namely me) can enjoy it too !
Bali is small (too small) and clumsy, and needs to prove that he's ready for smokewalk, the ceremony that turn the boys of the nuru tribe into men. So, of course, he goes into the forbidden woods, and discover hidden things way bigger thant himself and smokewalk. The first volume sort of ends on a cliffhanger that had me order the second book right away
Things I loved in this first book :
- Bali is SMALL. The kid is just a ball of clothes bundled together and doesn't speak much, but his movements are just so expressive, he felt very much real
- The art is absolutely perfect for this story. There are pages without any words at all, and still a lot is being said. And it's just gorgeous for the eyes.
- Creepy Rook men, I love 'em
- BIG SWORD
September 25, 2017
I have the world's hugest soft spot for new takes on the old monomyth classic, and boy, does Bird Boy deliver. It's the story of our little hero (aforenamed) who stumbles into a real dangerous Liminal Wood and finds the Sword of Mali Mani, the hero of his tribe and the light-bringer. He kicks off his quest to get home and save his tribe while he's at it.
The art style is really incredibly beautiful--reminiscent of Inuit art, incredibly fluid and haunting, and filled with these incredible fantastical beasts. The cute and awkward way Bird Boy moves just melts the heart. It's kind of like Wall-E.
Why are you still reading this review?? Go get a copy of Bird Boy!! (Or read it here, http://bird-boy.com/) BUT REALLY BUY THE BOOK AND SUPPORT THE ARTIST, PPL KTHX ^_^
The art style is really incredibly beautiful--reminiscent of Inuit art, incredibly fluid and haunting, and filled with these incredible fantastical beasts. The cute and awkward way Bird Boy moves just melts the heart. It's kind of like Wall-E.
Why are you still reading this review?? Go get a copy of Bird Boy!! (Or read it here, http://bird-boy.com/) BUT REALLY BUY THE BOOK AND SUPPORT THE ARTIST, PPL KTHX ^_^
October 12, 2018
A visually beautiful myth, which draws on themes of Native art from the Pacific Northwest, Scandinavia and possibly also Maya or Inca hieroglyphs. A small boy, adopted into a tribe of people who live in a harsh snowy land, struggles to fit in. He makes regular mistakes which are serious enough to disqualify him from participating in a right of passage. He decides to run away into the forest where he finds a powerful weapon and a powerful enemy. This comic is still being run (very slowly) online as a webcomic. I haven't been able to find out much about the author, but I wondered about the decision to draw the protagonist as a blond white boy in a setting so obviously influences by Native people. Maybe the second volume will explain more about where he came from!
August 25, 2019
The artwork is beautiful and original and I'm eager to learn more about this fascinating world. Which is why the relatively sparse narrative was a little unsatisfying. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
January 6, 2020
Exceptionally good illustration, in a chiselled, embellished style evoking primitive American artwork. The colour palette is muted, harmonious and strong. Reminiscent of both T H White’s Sword in the Stone, and Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa, yet strongly original as well.
December 28, 2016
Interesting junior comic. Thought it pulled a lot from Norse mythology, which is always a plus in my book. The art was simply gorgeous.
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