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Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher #1
Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher: A Grain of Truth
Geralt’s encounter with a beast reveals the truth behind fairy tales in this graphic novel adaptation of Andrzej Sapkowski's original short story.
Geralt takes a short cut down a beaten path, where he makes a grim discovery of two corpses. Backtracking their trail, he’s led to a derelict mansion secured with elevated walls and a gate—mysterious and ramshackle, yet adorned with a rare elegance Geralt could not ignore. He is met with the mansion’s owner—not quite human, but a beast with the faculties of a man. With Geralt unfazed by his monstrous appearance and displays of aggression, the beast invites him inside. A kind but wary host, he shares stories of his family, his life . . . and his curse. If the weight of his misdeeds could condemn him to the body of a beast—a retribution spoken of only in fairy tales, could there be another grain of truth in these tales of fantasy—one that could help him elude his fate and lead him to salvation?
This graphic novel is the first in a series of adaptations from Sapkowski's acclaimed short story collection The Last Wish! Script adaptation by Jacek Rembiś (Frostpunk) with art by Jonas Scharf (Bone Parish, War for the Planet of the Apes).
Geralt takes a short cut down a beaten path, where he makes a grim discovery of two corpses. Backtracking their trail, he’s led to a derelict mansion secured with elevated walls and a gate—mysterious and ramshackle, yet adorned with a rare elegance Geralt could not ignore. He is met with the mansion’s owner—not quite human, but a beast with the faculties of a man. With Geralt unfazed by his monstrous appearance and displays of aggression, the beast invites him inside. A kind but wary host, he shares stories of his family, his life . . . and his curse. If the weight of his misdeeds could condemn him to the body of a beast—a retribution spoken of only in fairy tales, could there be another grain of truth in these tales of fantasy—one that could help him elude his fate and lead him to salvation?
This graphic novel is the first in a series of adaptations from Sapkowski's acclaimed short story collection The Last Wish! Script adaptation by Jacek Rembiś (Frostpunk) with art by Jonas Scharf (Bone Parish, War for the Planet of the Apes).
56 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2022
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696 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
July 8, 2022
I really liked it, I guess because I loved the story from the novel, but still..
..the artwork was amazing, the coloring, the darkness in it, everything was perfect. It was exactly like how I imagined the story was when I was reading the book, and then some.
Nivellen was great, and I really liked the conversation between them, if only everything inside the story was longer. Great art, great story, great adaptation from the Last Wish.
Recommended!
..the artwork was amazing, the coloring, the darkness in it, everything was perfect. It was exactly like how I imagined the story was when I was reading the book, and then some.
Nivellen was great, and I really liked the conversation between them, if only everything inside the story was longer. Great art, great story, great adaptation from the Last Wish.
Recommended!
February 16, 2023
A wonderful tale for Valentine's, with good art by Jonas Scharf. When it comes to adaptations, Dark Horse almost never fails, just don't stop adapting The Witcher, I wanna read the whole thing in comic book format.
June 9, 2022
I have tried to read one of the Witcher books and have yet to get past the first quarter of said book, now in the possession of one my daughters who "borrow" books they want in their collection.
This new comic based upon a short story has been given decent artwork and its story is good enough and probably enjoyable for the literary fans of the Witcher tales.
I did enjoy the comic, was worth my reading time.
This new comic based upon a short story has been given decent artwork and its story is good enough and probably enjoyable for the literary fans of the Witcher tales.
I did enjoy the comic, was worth my reading time.
September 24, 2022
Amazing, true Witcher story!
February 21, 2025
Nigdy nie będę mieć dość
August 7, 2022
This was a pretty good, albeit straightforward and edited-down, adaptation of Sapkowski's short story of the same name.
The art was strong, I liked the style - I enjoyed Nivellen's design in particular.
The panels were clear and flowed nicely, and there wasn't much dialogue, allowing the art to do some of the talking, which I think worked well.
All round this was decent and I enjoyed it. It didn't try to do anything crazy or game-changing and that's ok. This is solid graphic depiction of an already superb short story.
The art was strong, I liked the style - I enjoyed Nivellen's design in particular.
The panels were clear and flowed nicely, and there wasn't much dialogue, allowing the art to do some of the talking, which I think worked well.
All round this was decent and I enjoyed it. It didn't try to do anything crazy or game-changing and that's ok. This is solid graphic depiction of an already superb short story.
October 19, 2022
Ciekawie było wrócić do tej historii w formie komiksu. Kompletnie nie pamiętałem tego opowiadania, a książkę czytałem chyba z dwa lata temu, więc komiks sprawdził się idealnie, by sobie przypomnieć i poukładać wszystko głowie. Kreska bardzo fajna. Historię też szybko się czytało. Nie mam żadnych zarzutów. Jeśli kogoś zniechęcają książki, ale chciałby poznać Wiedźmina, myślę że komiks może być właściwym wyborem.
July 22, 2022
"Mio. O di nessun altro. Ti amo... amo... "
Una splendida trasposizione a fumetti del racconto omonimo di Andrzej Sapkowski, c'è poco da dire! "Un briciolo di veritá" è uno dei miei racconti preferiti che vedono come protagonista lo strigo Geralt di Rivia, Rembis e Scharf hanno fatto un ottimo lavoro: ho avuto la netta sensazione di aver visto disegnato su carta tutto ció che avevo letto nel libro, esattamente come l'avevo immaginato. Il character design è azzeccatissimo, i colori sono fantastici e coerenti con le scene rappresentate, le mie uniche perplessitá riguardano un paio di scelte di traduzione dall'inglese all'italiano forse un po' troppo letterali, ma nulla di insormontabile. Imperdibile per chi ama The Witcher in ogni sua forma.
Una splendida trasposizione a fumetti del racconto omonimo di Andrzej Sapkowski, c'è poco da dire! "Un briciolo di veritá" è uno dei miei racconti preferiti che vedono come protagonista lo strigo Geralt di Rivia, Rembis e Scharf hanno fatto un ottimo lavoro: ho avuto la netta sensazione di aver visto disegnato su carta tutto ció che avevo letto nel libro, esattamente come l'avevo immaginato. Il character design è azzeccatissimo, i colori sono fantastici e coerenti con le scene rappresentate, le mie uniche perplessitá riguardano un paio di scelte di traduzione dall'inglese all'italiano forse un po' troppo letterali, ma nulla di insormontabile. Imperdibile per chi ama The Witcher in ogni sua forma.
September 14, 2022
A familiar Witcher tale that was adapted into the best episode of the second season of the Netflix program. The story is well served by some great murky art.
June 17, 2024
Komiks ciekawie zrealizowany, chociaż bardzo krótki, no ale w końcu to komiks na podstawie jednego opowiadania.
Ciężko jakkolwiek ocenić to pod względem fabularnych, bo kto oryginalne opowiadanie czytał i pamięta, co się tam działo, to tutaj się nie zaskoczy. Większym plusem są same ilustracje, mroczne, brudne - czyli tak, jak w Wiedźminie być powinno.
Niemniej to nadal Wiedźmin, więc polecam bardzo!
Ciężko jakkolwiek ocenić to pod względem fabularnych, bo kto oryginalne opowiadanie czytał i pamięta, co się tam działo, to tutaj się nie zaskoczy. Większym plusem są same ilustracje, mroczne, brudne - czyli tak, jak w Wiedźminie być powinno.
Niemniej to nadal Wiedźmin, więc polecam bardzo!
January 3, 2023
I love this short story from the witcher world.
the illustrations and the colours were awesome too.
first of 2023.
the illustrations and the colours were awesome too.
first of 2023.
December 19, 2023
okej, to było znacznie lepsze niż mniejsze zło. klimat był mega mroczny i kreska też bardzo ładna+ sama fabuła prosta, ale jaka dobra. miłe zaskoczenie
April 18, 2022
The publisher, Dark Horse Books, has provided me a digital copy for review.
Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher Volume 1: A Grain of Truth is a graphic novel adaptation of one of the short stories written by Sapkowski in the first Witcher short story collection, titled the same. The adaptation follows the story closely enough, and the artwork is on-point.
The story itself is one I've enjoyed in a number of formats (written, audio, and the TV show, S2:E1), but I have heard a number of people don't like this one. It's a somewhat-distanced retelling of Beauty and the Beast, for what it's worth.
Also, I don't mean to gloss over the controversy surrounding the short story. Just note that this is a true-to-form adaptation, more so than the episode of the show.
The adaptation, script, and overall verbal design goes a long way of capturing the tone of the original story. The characters feel as I expected them to, and everything flows well.
The artwork is where this volume shines. Jonas Scharf does a fantastic job.
This is a good read for any Witcher fans, and it's not a bad place to start, either. This story is a bit heavy, but most of Sapkowski's world is. I'm quite excited for the rest of the series of adaptations, assuming they maintain the quality of this one.
Andrzej Sapkowski's The Witcher Volume 1: A Grain of Truth is a graphic novel adaptation of one of the short stories written by Sapkowski in the first Witcher short story collection, titled the same. The adaptation follows the story closely enough, and the artwork is on-point.
The story itself is one I've enjoyed in a number of formats (written, audio, and the TV show, S2:E1), but I have heard a number of people don't like this one. It's a somewhat-distanced retelling of Beauty and the Beast, for what it's worth.
Also, I don't mean to gloss over the controversy surrounding the short story. Just note that this is a true-to-form adaptation, more so than the episode of the show.
The adaptation, script, and overall verbal design goes a long way of capturing the tone of the original story. The characters feel as I expected them to, and everything flows well.
The artwork is where this volume shines. Jonas Scharf does a fantastic job.
This is a good read for any Witcher fans, and it's not a bad place to start, either. This story is a bit heavy, but most of Sapkowski's world is. I'm quite excited for the rest of the series of adaptations, assuming they maintain the quality of this one.
July 14, 2022
(4,2 of 5 for a nice comic adaptation of one short Witcher story)
This one is well known now. Netflix TV series did this one, with some alternations, in the first episode of the second season. It was nice. And the comic version is also nice, maybe even better. Jonas Scharf's art is great, dark, with strong lines and high contrast and together with Villarrubia's colouring, it perfectly fits this dark fantasy theme. There is not much to tell, the adaptation is very good, the comic is excellently executed and it was thrilling and fun to read. Some new hookup for us, Wither fans.
The only downside is - it's really short, like two issues worth of comics.
This one is well known now. Netflix TV series did this one, with some alternations, in the first episode of the second season. It was nice. And the comic version is also nice, maybe even better. Jonas Scharf's art is great, dark, with strong lines and high contrast and together with Villarrubia's colouring, it perfectly fits this dark fantasy theme. There is not much to tell, the adaptation is very good, the comic is excellently executed and it was thrilling and fun to read. Some new hookup for us, Wither fans.
The only downside is - it's really short, like two issues worth of comics.
September 15, 2022
I love this
October 16, 2022
Sto procent Wiedźmina w Wiedźminie ☺️ A rysunki majstersztyk.
February 15, 2023
Annyira szépek a rajzok és nagyon szeretem ezt a történetet. Lehet egyszer festek is hozzá.
May 11, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This graphic novel is adapted from the short story of the same name from The Last Wish. The same story (with some modifications) also appeared on the Netflix show's second season episode with the same name. The story is one of the stronger ones from the short stories, which in themselves are usually a bit better than the full length novels.Story: Beauty and the Beast, but more witchery. Most of the graphic novel is a discussion between Geralt and Nivellen (the 'Beast') with only a small amount of action thrown in. While the ultimate conclusion is perhaps predictable, it is the 'how and why' which makes this story very enjoyable.
I liked the art in this novel more than some of the others of late. The style is gritty enough to suit the story but not a mess nor too gloomy and dark. Quite a bit of the story is just talking heads and the artist manages to make these segments enjoyable without distracting from the text that you'll be reading. Appearances in this graphic novel match those in the Netflix show extremely well - I have to admit I know which one drew inspiration from which.
I would probably give this 5 stars if I had not read the story already once as a novel, and a second time seen the TV series episode. For readers who have not seen the other versions this should be considered a must among the Witcher comics. More experienced fans will still enjoy this, as did I. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
October 25, 2022
3.5 Stars
A pretty good retelling of Sapkowski's short story A Grain of Truth, which is itself a retelling or even a slight parody of the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
The art was fantastic, but I feel like the writer rushed the story a bit at the end, robbing the ending of some of the impact it could've had.
A pretty good retelling of Sapkowski's short story A Grain of Truth, which is itself a retelling or even a slight parody of the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
The art was fantastic, but I feel like the writer rushed the story a bit at the end, robbing the ending of some of the impact it could've had.
January 3, 2025
A story of monsters, blood, and love. I've read the short story before, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the graphic novel, especially Geralt's design and the blue roses. This is also one of those stories that shows my favorite Geralt trait: he might be a monster hunter, but his definition of monster is not based on appearances.
Read
April 21, 2025Lubię to opowiadanie, nie jest moim ulubionym, ale wypada naprawdę ciekawie w wersji komiksowej. Tak dobrze już pamiętam słuchowisko, że jak czytałam dialogi to normalnie słyszałam głosy lektorów XD
Bardzo podobają mi się ilustracje i klimat komiksu, na pewno sięgnę po kolejne części. Szczególnie podobały mi się szkice postaci na końcu komiksu, super!!!
Bardzo podobają mi się ilustracje i klimat komiksu, na pewno sięgnę po kolejne części. Szczególnie podobały mi się szkice postaci na końcu komiksu, super!!!
February 9, 2024
A place of mystery, darkness and sadness. A curse that has benefits but how to break it is unclear. Good artwork. I like the manor that is controlled magically by the owner with various things such as food on demand and cleaning.
March 4, 2023
As graphic novels go, the artistic elements on the page were well done. This isn’t my favorite Witcher story, but it was still pretty good. It matches well with my memory from the book and the show too (except in the show I’m pretty sure Geralt has Ciri with him).
August 23, 2023
Oh, that was a good story. A bit Beauty and the Beast with things I can't say without spoilers. This was much smarter than I had been lead to believe from the TV show.
June 12, 2024
„miłość musi być prawdziwa”
July 28, 2025
Bardzo udana adaptacja.
March 25, 2024
brooo the ending was so good
March 23, 2025
Pięknie narysowany komiks. Świetnie pokazany klimat opowiadania, gra kolorami zachwyca.
November 26, 2024
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)
Is there spice? No.
Potential TWs: Blood & Gore, Nudity (Female & Male), Sexual Assault
Judging a Book By Its Cover: I think the cover is really pretty, the blue roses make a nice contrast to the beast door knocker and Geralt himself.
Review:
If you enjoyed the story A Grain of Truth from The Last Wish, then of course you’re going to enjoy this; it’s the same story, just told as a graphic novel. This little comic makes a great addition to any Witcher fan’s collection. The art in it is BEAUTIFUL, and as a matter of fact, I liked the art in this SO MUCH MORE than most of the art in The Witcher Omnibus, Volume 1. I can't get over it; the pages seem so vibrant, even the dark scenes. I love the way the characters are depicted. I will definitely be adding The Lesser Evil to my collection too at some point and I would love it if they adapted the other stories like this as well.
(For those that don’t know, A Grain of Truth is essentially a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Geralt encounters two dead bodies while traveling, leading him to investigate the area. He then stumbles across a strange, shy woman who runs away after he greets her; nearby finding a manor, with a big courtyard and unique blue rose bush. While literally stopping to smell the roses, a large beast bursts from the manor in a (failed) attempt to scare Geralt away. The beast’s name is Nivellen, and he has been cursed into this form by a priestess after he was basically peer-pressured into sexually assaulting her many years ago. After Geralt and Nivellen talk and have dinner, Geralt decides to simply leave after Nivellen confesses that he has come to appreciate and favor his beastly form and doesn’t want Geralt to try to break the curse. Over night, Geralt has the revelation that the strange woman outside the manor, who has been keeping Nivellen company, may actually be very dangerous.)
Is there spice? No.
Potential TWs: Blood & Gore, Nudity (Female & Male), Sexual Assault
Judging a Book By Its Cover: I think the cover is really pretty, the blue roses make a nice contrast to the beast door knocker and Geralt himself.
Review:
If you enjoyed the story A Grain of Truth from The Last Wish, then of course you’re going to enjoy this; it’s the same story, just told as a graphic novel. This little comic makes a great addition to any Witcher fan’s collection. The art in it is BEAUTIFUL, and as a matter of fact, I liked the art in this SO MUCH MORE than most of the art in The Witcher Omnibus, Volume 1. I can't get over it; the pages seem so vibrant, even the dark scenes. I love the way the characters are depicted. I will definitely be adding The Lesser Evil to my collection too at some point and I would love it if they adapted the other stories like this as well.
(For those that don’t know, A Grain of Truth is essentially a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Geralt encounters two dead bodies while traveling, leading him to investigate the area. He then stumbles across a strange, shy woman who runs away after he greets her; nearby finding a manor, with a big courtyard and unique blue rose bush. While literally stopping to smell the roses, a large beast bursts from the manor in a (failed) attempt to scare Geralt away. The beast’s name is Nivellen, and he has been cursed into this form by a priestess after he was basically peer-pressured into sexually assaulting her many years ago. After Geralt and Nivellen talk and have dinner, Geralt decides to simply leave after Nivellen confesses that he has come to appreciate and favor his beastly form and doesn’t want Geralt to try to break the curse. Over night, Geralt has the revelation that the strange woman outside the manor, who has been keeping Nivellen company, may actually be very dangerous.)
July 31, 2022
In jeder Geschichte steckt ein Körnchen Wahrheit
Fazit: Tolle Adaption der beliebten Kurzgeschichte, die leider wirklich etwas kurz ausfiel. Gesamt: 4/5
Inhalt: Andrzej Sapkowskis Kurzgeschichte "Ein Körnchen Wahrheit" handelt vom Hexer Geralt, der abseits eines Waldweges ein verwunschenes Schloss nebst verzaubertem Herren entdeckt. Letzterer ist Nivellen, der mehr wie ein Wildschwein als ein Mensch aussieht. Geralt lädt sich mehr oder weniger selbst ein und bei Speis und Trank offenbart sich die Geschichte des Burgbesitzers. Zu tun hat sie ausgerechnet mit der mysteriösen Frau, die der Hexer im Wald vorfand...
Bewertung: Zur Geschichte selbst ist nur noch wenig zu sagen. Fast jeder, der sich mit "Witcher" beschäftigt, hat "Ein Körnchen Wahrheit" schon erlebt. Ob in der zweiten Staffel der Netflix-Serie oder in der Kurzgeschichtensammlung "Der Letzte Wunsch". Wunderschön und einprägsam ist sie alle Mal und ihre Themen zeitlos: Der Unterschied zwischen Mensch und Monster und der Wert wahrer Liebe. Die Essenz der Handlung fängt die Graphic Novel auf ihren knapp 60 Seiten gut ein. Alles Bedeutende ist vorhanden. Was sie von den anderen Medien unterscheidet sind natürlich die Zeichnungen. Diese sind hervorragend gelungen und warten auf mit kräftigem Kontrast und machtvollen Farben, perfekt für eine düstere und realistische Fantasy-Welt. Die Figuren sind allesamt sehr gut getroffen und sofort erkennbar. Besonders positiv möchte ich den Einsatz der Katzenaugen von Geralt als Stilmittel hervorheben. Das einzige Manko, was es gibt, liegt also weder an Autoren noch Zeichnern. Es liegt beim Preis und der gewählten Buchform. Für 20,00EUR (Variant Cover) erhält man 60 Seiten - ungefähr die gleiche Seitenzahl wie sonst eine Einzelausgabe von Batman Comics für ca. 8,00EUR. Der einzige Bonus sind drei Seiten mit wenigen Charakterskizzen. Das Hardcover ist gut verarbeitet, ist aber eben ein Hardcover. Alle bisher erschienenen Witcher Comics waren Softcover - leider unpassend.
Fazit: Tolle Adaption der beliebten Kurzgeschichte, die leider wirklich etwas kurz ausfiel. Gesamt: 4/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews