Kid Beowulf and the Song of Roland

by Alexis E. Fajardo

Book 2 in the Kid Beowulf graphic novel series.

Giants! Elephants! Roller Coasters?

That's just some of the mayhem twin brothers Beowulf and Grendel discover in the second adventure! Banished from their homeland, the brothers seek refuge with their Uncle Holger in far-off France, but by the time they arrive, the kingdom is in shambles: King Charlemagne is ailing; his knights have been exiled; and France's hero, Roland, needs a kick in the pants. It's up to Beowulf and Grendel to unite the country before it's taken over by an invading Saracen horde!

The Kid Beowulf series is ideal for fans of Bone, Amulet, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

2017 Edition – 6"x9", Full Color, 280 pages
2010 Edition – 7"x9", BW, 270 pages (out of print)

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Comics, Juvenile, Retellings, Historical Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2010

About the author

Alexis E. Fajardo is an Eisner award-winning editor and cartoonist. Lex has created a unique blend of comedy, literature, and high-adventure in his graphic novel series, Kid Beowulf. Lex is a member of the National Cartoonist’s Society; Society of Childrens Book Writers & Illustrators; and been a National Writing Juror for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. When he’s not drawing comics, Lex works for them as Editorial Director at the Charles M. Schulz Studio in Santa Rosa, California.

Reviews

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointment after book one. Still enjoyable, but not as gripping. I think it dragged a little. I didn't like the duel timeline. I wanted more of the characters in book one. I also liked the story about Beowulfs mom more than the story about him.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Kid Beowulf: The Song of Roland' by Alexis E. Fajardo continues the adventures of Beowulf and adds a whole bunch more epic characters from the age of heroes.

First we learn the real story of Charlemagne and his company of peers, larger than life heroes who couldn't possibly live up to everything they did in the myths. Then it gets taken into the world of this series. Beowulf and Grendel are on the run, and since the story alternates between them and the story of Roland, you know they will meet up.

Meanwhile Roland has made some enemies, including one that is making a themepark outside Paris that is named after him ("Ro-Land" anyone?). With an ailing Charlemagne and an advancing horde, it's time to figure out how to save Paris. And there are bad theatrics, to boot.

The book concludes with reading lists and references. I think I liked the first book a little more, but I still think this is a good way to interest young readers in early myths.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Never finished.

[Tess Young]

Ani/Ellie free read

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlikely brothers Beowulf and Grendel learn all about the Crusades as they search for their Uncle Holger in France. After all, they can't stay in their home since they've been banished. Through a series of flashbacks and letters that describe what has happened before they arrive, the brothers learn of the battles between the Saracens and the French. Things are in quite a mess since King Charlemagne is being poisoned by his right-hand man and brother-in-law, Ganelon, the knights have been exiled and are spread throughout the countryside, and Roland, the country's hero because he slew a giant, behaves as though he has no idea what's going on. Ganelon is funneling money from Marsilion and levying heavy taxes on the town's citizens for a Roland-themed amusement park. Filled with humor and much swash-buckling and heroic antics, this graphic novel provides a helpful introduction to the classic poem, "The Song of Roland," and might encourage young readers to want to read the original poem when they are older. Although the idea of an amusement park built during the Middle Ages is a bit off putting, it does serve to demonstrate to readers just how untrustworthy Ganelon is as well as making it clear that there always needs to be a watchdog or systems of checks and balances to keep those like this man from gaining too much power and influence. Trust me when I say that it is easy to get lost in this story even though the shifting back and forth in time can be slightly disconcerting. Still, we all need a hero, and there are plenty of them in this book, sometimes in the most unlikely forms. I especially liked Oliver, Roland's best friend, and his use of his wits instead of his brawn to solve problems. I can't wait to see where the brothers will end up next.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the events found in Kid Beowulf: The Blood-Bound Oath, Beowulf and Grendel leave Daneland to find their Uncle Holger in France. But their arrival comes at a very bad time. Ganelon, Roland's step-father has seized control and had the Peers disbanded while Roland and Oliver parade around the country advertising for Ro-Land, the theme park going up outside Paris. And then there are the Saracens who are threatening to invade. Will the Peers manage a revolt? Will King Charlemagne recover? Will mayhem and madness cover the land? Or will the heroes win in the end? If you like your historical comics littered with asides and jokes in the fashion of Asterix, then read Kid Beowulf: The Song of Roland. And the bibliography does not hurt in clarifying what is "fact versus fiction" in the Song of Roland.

[Theediscerning · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't take to this book at all, being a ridiculously childish look at the history of Charlemagne's knights in their battles against Islam, peopled by Beowulf and Grendel working together to do whatever it is they're doing while framing the historical reportage. The artwork is definitely on the poor side – with horrendous colouring, the comedy lame, the action OK, the framing device – meaning a lot of the meat of the book is in flashback – doesn't work, but the whole slapstick Crusades idea is what I really have an issue with. Teach kids about the ins and outs of those historical wars, by all means – but this isn't the way to go about it. I can't be the only one troubled about how inane the ongoing fight the West has against Islam looks in this cartoon.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this more than Kid Beowulf and the Blood-Bound Oath, which I've picked up for a re-read just to be safe. This was a light-hearted adaptation of the original epic that reminded me of Asterix and Obelix, especially in the drawing style and the sense of humor. I wish there had been a little bit more of the brotherly banter, but this was a solid introduction to this re-imagining of Beowulf.

[Christian Lipski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Beowulf and Grendel travel to the scene of another epic poem, this time it's the Song of Roland. Great slapstick, action, and intrigue.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my 2 grafic novel I read and it is awesome