The Hedge Knight: Graphic Novel by George R. R. Martin
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What We're Reading:
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"The Hedge Knight" by George R. R. Martin, Ben
Avery, & Mike S. Miller (Marvel Comics, ISBN 0785125787, $19.99) For so many young readers (and for quite a few adults) the pressing question is: "What to read after Harry Potter?" It's a tricky one because there are so many elements at play in J. K. Rowling's sprawling novels--school drama, impending destinies, young love, old hate, and more. But for those readers who especially enjoy the big feud between the wizarding families as well as Rowling's ambitious creation of a vivid world that's moved by grand rules and twisty alliances, I have a recommendation: pick up the new graphic novel adaptation of George R. R. Martin's "The Hedge Knight." The book is a classic underdog story: when an aged traveling knight dies on the road, his young squire, Duncan, is left with little money and few options in the world. Though he isn't of noble birth, Duncan decides to take up his master's arms and enter himself in a knight's tournament, where he hopes to win honor and a place in the employ of a great lord. While pursuing his dream, though, he is quickly pulled into the intrigues of kings and princes and finds himself sentenced to trial by combat; his only hope is to find knights, brave and true, who will aid him in his fight. Martin's writing is a cut above that of most fantasy writers, both in his eloquent style and in his truly excellent plotting. He repeatedly surprises the reader by offering clues that turn out to be clever misdirections and by steering Duncan's story onto unforeseen paths. Mike Miller's illustrations add to this effect by luring the reader into easy assumptions. Judging a character by his bearing or expressions will lead the reader astray because even the noblest of knights has a secret goal or allegiance. "The Hedge Knight" introduces an entire world of wars and kingdoms governed by the codes of chivalry. Its story is pure fiction, but the setting and physical details are based on the medieval War of the Roses that pitted great English houses against each other (the Stark and Lannister families here stand in for the historical Yorks and Lancasters). It's a treat for fans of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" or for King Arthur enthusiasts; perhaps surprisingly, it also holds appeal for sports fans. Throughout the story, Martin plays up jousting as a spectator sport like modern football: knights are soldiers and statesmen but also athletes, and their injuries and accomplishments on the field are followed avidly by watching crowds. "The Hedge Knight" is ideal reading for teen guys looking for stories that have action and adventure along with brains and good writing. It carries the kinetic excitement of a movie like "Braveheart" or "Gladiator" and serves up similar themes of honor righteous action. It's also an easy introduction to Martin's rich novels of epic fantasy, which are 800-page doorstoppers that would do Harry Potter proud. It's an excellent, inviting book to put into the hands of a picky reader. Recommended for teens and adults. Review by Mark David Bradshaw, March 1, 2007 |
