“Pendragon: Merchant of Death” adapted from D. J. MacHale (Aladdin,
9781416950806, $9.99, ages 9 and up)
This graphic novel adapts the first book in the popular Pendragon fantasy
series: When fourteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon gets pulled into another
world, where war wages and people live in primitive castles, he learns that
he has the power to help save the universe. Bobby is a Traveler with the
ability to move between different realms, and it’s his destiny to combat the
dastardly Saint Dane, who plots to remake all the worlds in his own image.
Carla Speed McNeil’s black-and-white illustrations are very good at
conveying character and emotion, and both the adventure story and the book’s
overall look will appeal to many manga readers. I love graphic novels like
this one (and the similar recent Artemis Fowl, Redwall, and Alex Rider
volumes) that present the first book of a popular series in a format that’s
especially appealing to reluctant readers. Once a youngster tries this
graphic novel, he’ll be far more likely to read the original book and give
the rest of the series a try.
Review by
Mark David Bradshaw, June 25, 2008
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