Ignite your imagination. Rethink the world, and rethink what you've learned about dwarves, elves, and witches. I'm still amazed at the way Fernandez was able to capture the essence of such trope fantasy elements and twist them into ways that reawaken fantasy.
The artwork is visually stunning and stimulating. I admit that I initially had some difficulty distinguishing certain characteristics, even mistaking more than one female for male, occasionally having to backtrack a couple pages to remember who did what, and yet the artwork is incredible. I'll take the small confusion to be presented with such intriguing images. The few pages of concept art in the back of the book present an enjoyable journey through 'what could have been' to 'what is.' Anywhere along that journey would have been an appropriate stopping point, but there's something extra mystical about the final product. Sharp angular features, complexity of layers, misted backgrounds which remind me that there is more in this world and others than I can be entirely familiar with. It feels fantastical.
And the story... brilliant. At the start of the novel, I found the quick jumps slightly confusing, but as it progresses, the simultaneous action heightens the suspense and intensity of the situation. The Voirandeer, the mist, the witches' past, the separation of the dwarves, Ivro, the human children--each element blends in a beautiful tapestry which has me eagerly anticipating the next book. Especially with that ending... oh man.
From an analytical perspective, you'll discover themes of doubt in the face of the unknown as well as family strife/unity.
I give this book 9/10... or 5/5 (rounded up),
and I recommend it to those interested in fantasy graphic novels. You certainly need to have a certain level of experience with the genre and style, or else threaten confusion to override the enjoyment of this graphic novel.
You can find this review crosslisted on Amazon, Goodreads, and NetGalley.
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