GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Y.A. Graphic Novel: The Last Dragon | I Smell Sheep

Friday, June 24, 2011

Y.A. Graphic Novel: The Last Dragon


Master storyteller Jane Yolen ("Owl Moon" and "Sword of the Rightful King") and celebrated fantasy artist Rebecca Guay ("Swamp Thing" and "Magic: The Gathering") weave a textured and lyrical tale of adventure, homelands, and heroism the hard way. Two hundred years ago, humans drove the dragons from the islands of May. Now, the last of the dragons rises to wreak havoc anew - with only a healer's daughter and a kite-flying would-be hero standing in its way

Review:

This isn’t your typical YA Graphic Novel. It is more like an old-fashioned Grimm Fairy Tale, with the charm of traditional folklore. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is beautiful in its simplicity. A dragon is terrorizing an island village, so the villagers go in search of a Hero on the mainland. The villagers lure the would-be hero with the promise of money. However, the hero is not without his allies. Tansy is a young maiden and talented healer who is smart and determined, and her courage brings the best out of our Hero. Tansy and our hero defeat the dragon, fall in love and live happily ever after. The End. The classic fairy tale formula is followed to the letter.

The writing and story is simple, but light and funny at times. I would recommend this for the middle school crowd. Two people die, but it happens off-screen so it's not as traumatic. What is lacks in writing it more than makes up for in illustrations and the hero has a charming, cheesy Fabio thing going .

3 ½ Fire breathing Sheep

SS (edited by BAK)

4 comments:

  1. This sounds beautiful. I have not really gotten on the graphic novel bandwagon, but who does not enjoy a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations. Thanks for sharing today.

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  2. Hey, Cozy. Are you looking for the blog hop post? It should be easy to find. Just scroll down. Hope you enjoy what we offer. There are some great interviews/reviews and give aways coming up :)

    @DeniseZ- I requested this because of the art work. The story is definitely YA, but the art will appeal to all ages.

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  3. That cover is gorgeous! This is one I definitely need to look at :)

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