This graphic novel, infused with Filipino mythology, starts on a sad note. Mage and her companion Squalo live happily in the forest with her sorcerer father until they are attacked by monsters from Ventrolio. Her father’s final instructions sends her on a journey to find the Bakunawa, a guardian serpent of the oceans. The two practice hard to improve their skills and complete many side quests, leveling up their skills (and acquiring “monnies”). But as they near their goal, they find out that something is very wrong with the Bakunawa – will Mage be able to fulfill her father’s wish?
Although the plot sounds intense, the unique artwork actually makes this a very light-hearted story, albeit with moments of sadness and a few very scary monsters. Mage is a small triangle with short, dark hair and occasionally pops out arms to hold her curled magic staff. Squalo, her constant companion, is a plump, pink shark with an impressive battle axe (at least, until he breaks it, which is a different side quest!). As the two battle their way through a landscape in pastel shades of turquoise, deep violet, pink and yellow, stats bars and item holdings pop up to show their progress. When they battle Aswangs, terrifying monsters with bat-like wings, or everyday pirates with ceremonial masks, bars show up describing their moves “Squalo used slice and dice!” along with sound effects and damage counts. Periodic flashbacks to Mage’s life with her father are shown in gray shades. Mage and Squalo are not alone in the landscape; the various villages they visit include both people and mythological beings who show a variety of body shapes, skin colors in shades of yellow, traditional Filipino dress, and distinct personalities. One village, Tubero, is largely populated with tuber-like creatures. Most of the action takes place in and around Karagatan city, with a mixed population of humans and blue-skinned merfolk, who have fins in place of their ears and gills on their necks. Some women, including the brave Captain Italon who takes Mage and Squalo on the final leg of their journey, have pale skin as well as fin ears and gills.
The plot also includes an environmental message; Bakunawa, the guardian of the ocean and of the turtles, is angered by the destruction of the turtles. Not all the problems stem from Ventrolio and the nightmares and monsters he creates; some are caused by greed and disregard for Bakunawa’s creatures and her ocean. It’s not necessary to be familiar with Filipino mythology to follow the story, although it’s fun to research the stories and creatures that inspired the book.
It’s not often that a book comes out that’s so unique it doesn’t have a read-alike; the publisher’s description suggests it for fans of Hildafolk but it has a very different feel to me. I think readers who have enjoyed the Press Start! series will like the video game style of the fights and stats and readers who like adventure and fantasy but want something lighter than most graphic novel fantasy-adventures will enjoy this. Hand to kids who enjoy humor, action, and adventure but prefer to avoid intense, world-breaking plots with a lot of emotional push behind them. Readers who enjoy mythology from different cultures will also be delighted with this gently humorous fantasy.
Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa Vol. 1 By Kara Bodegon-Hikino Harper Collins Harper Alley, 2026 ISBN: 9780063056428
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11) Creator Representation: Filipino,
He’s a trickster, a swindler, and a master manipulator skilled in the art of subterfuge and deception. At times insidious and other times resourceful, he straddles along the crossroads between good and evil, bending his will to orchestrate deeds that serve his intentions. He is none other than Loki, notorious Jotunn turned Aesir, adopted into the kinship of the Asgardians via his blood-brother Odin. In his third installment of Norse mythology, George O’Connor (Olympians series) reimagines one of the most manipulative and adroit characters that has evolved into a colorful icon in comics, movies, television shows, and videogames.
In this Asgardian series, Loki is pitted against a multitude of tasks that challenge his indefatigable problem-solving prowess and ingenuity. The first story introduces a master builder who proposes a wager to construct a fortifying wall around Asgard by winter’s end, and in exchange, win the fair Vanir goddess Freyja as his prize. Can Loki prevent her from being gifted to a stranger? In another tale of wit and strength, he challenges the ferocious wolf Fenrir to break free from a series of binds, each one stronger than the next. Will he outsmart the monstrous canine in a cunning battle of strength and tenacity? Then on his way to pay off a debt, he sets his eyes upon the golden apples from the tree of Idunn, Aesir goddess of youth, that grant Asgardians longevity.
Each tale highlights Loki’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, offering a glimpse into his manipulative mind—whether for good or evil, self-preservation or self-aggrandizement—always in devotion to a predicated cause engineered by deliberate scheming. Interludes break up the stories, detouring into the lives of other characters within the Norse mythos, some of whom indirectly or inevitably intersect with Loki’s exploits. Origin stories revolve around side characters like Hodr, blind brother of Baldr and Hel, dark queen who rules over the realm of the dead. Well-crafted dialogue infuse each character with a unique persona as they cross paths with each other. Foreboding moments unfold through strategically paced panels, some consisting of individual shots that build mounting tension, increasing a threatening sense of dread.
The final tale concludes with ominous overtones, centered on a challenge of chance—triggered in part by Loki—between Hodr and Baldr. Haunting repercussions reverberate, suggesting that something far worst is yet to come, presumably in a future volume. Once again, O’Connor revivifies a most conniving and mercurial deity from Norse mythology, supplementing middle graphic novel collections with vibrant adaptations of world myths.
Asgardians: Loki By George O’Connor Macmillan Roaring Brook, 2025 ISBN: 9781250760814
Food and filmmaking mixed with philosophical musings on life and art drive the narrative flow in Rare Flavours, a delectable foray into the cuisine of India ensconced in all its sumptuous splendor and glory. Written by Ram V and illustrated by Filipe Andrade, the creative team behind The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, this graphic novel delves into the fine aesthetics of food while espousing upon larger than life observations, somewhat reminiscent of the leisurely style of Louis Malle’s My Dinner with Andre.
The story begins with Rubin Baksh, who upon discovering that Chef Anthony Bordain has died, embarks on an excursion of culinary proportions to share his love of food with the world. Along the way, he recruits a young college student named Mohan to accompany him in hopes of capturing the sights and tastes of his passion in a documentary. Little does Mohan realize that Rubin is actually a forest dwelling demon in disguise named Baksura, and that a pair of hunters are on the trail of this man-eating demon from the annals of Hindu mythology.
While the plot detracts from a standard structure of conflict, climax, and resolution, intricate details of Indian cuisine rise to the forefront. From the delicate aroma of masala chai and spicy richness of mirchi to the chunky succulence of raan and savory comfort of triple Schezwan rice, each chapter introduces a unique Indian fare, integrating recipes into the panels and illuminating side notes and stories with folkloric insight. Meandering from one locale to another, the fluid scenes meld red and orange simmering color tones, producing a mixture of sceneries cast in wide-angle shots spanning double-page spreads depicting vast desert landscapes and food and spice markets. This culinary travelogue resonates with a singular purpose in mind as summed up by Rubin: “To have shared my view of the world with one more person and to see them changed by it. To see them evolve.”
Although loosely constructed in terms of plotting, Rare Flavours excels in its unique exploration of the ingredients and dishes so commonly cherished in Indian cuisine, rendered through the narrative voice of an ancient demon who speaks with lyrical gentility. As such, this gastronomical meditation, enhanced by cinematic and mercurial shots replete with the sights and flavors of India from food carts to restaurants, will enrich adult graphic novel collections and serve up a savory, visual feast for the soul.
Rare Flavours By Ram V Art by Filipe Andrade BOOM! Studios, 2024 ISBN: 9781608861538
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+) Creator Representation: South Asian, Character Representation: South Asian, Hindu ,
While the gallant, golden-haired warrior of the Avengers steals the screen with lightning force in Marvel blockbuster movies as sworn protector of Asgard, the Asgardians series by George O’Connor (Olympians series) sheds a slightly different light on this iconic hammer-wielding thunder god of Norse mythology. His version presents a cruder depiction of the god of thunder imbued with a healthy dose of swaggering charm and bravado.
The frame story begins with a gruff, primitively dressed Thor wandering about on a desolate island toward the edge of a river. He seeks passage from a lone ferryman to transport him across to Midgard so he can return to his celestial home in Asgard. The ferryman agrees to grant his request only if Thor can prove his identity as the mighty warrior of myth and legend. From there, a series of extraordinary tales of his adventurous exploits unfold: The anecdotes run the gamut of origin stories ranging from how he procured a pair of goat steads to drive his chariot throughout the nine realms to the forging of his powerful hammer Mjollnir. Then there’s the day his iconic hammer was stolen by Thrymr, king of the Jotnar, and how he ransomed it in exchange for Freyja’s (Vanir goddess of beauty) hand in marriage—and the cunning scheme concocted by the mischievous trickster Loki to retrieve it. Packed with mythic tales like nested Russian matryoshka dolls, one story leads right into the next in Arabian Nights fashion, stringing together various stories that paint a panoramic mosaic of Norse mythic lore.
Interwoven into these stories are themes of cultivating perseverance, building strength of character, and discerning truth from deception. Character designs capture the essence of their distinct roles and personas. The Herculean-like brute strength of Thor, the wily craftiness of Loki, the riotous and sinister nature of Thymr, and a host of other characters occupy dynamically charged scenes with narrative and character interplay. As in his other series, O’Connor provides a glossary of Norse deities, places, and magical weapons accompanied by content endnotes that went into adapting and shaping these stories, thus making this a fun and insightful supplement to youth-based mythology collections.
Asgardians: Thor By George O’Connor Macmillan First Second, 2024 ISBN: 9781250760791
He is known by many names, including Grimnir, the Gallows God, the All-Father, and Chooser of the Slain. His thirst for knowledge led him through the mystic realms of Norse cosmology. Donning his signature cloak, hat, and walking staff, he is the Traveler. He is regarded as the one-eyed god of Asgard, chief ruler of the Aesir. As a companion to the Olympians series, New York Times bestselling graphic novelist and mythology enthusiast George O’Connor turns the spotlight onto the Norse pantheon beginning with Odin, highest and eldest of them all.
The opening scene launches on a war-torn battlefield where skies have darkened with ashen smoke rising to the heavens as corpses lay strewn on the ground, stray crows feeding on them. Within moments, the rapid galloping of hooves thunder through the air as armed battle maidens mounted on horses retrieve departed souls, spiriting them skyward to a grand celestial palace whose doors open into a majestic hall packed with fellow warriors feasting together. Thus begins the introduction to this inaugural volume of the Norse gods, an epic mythic world brimming with ill-fated destinies, cryptic prophesies, self-sacrifice, and persistent quests for knowledge.
O’Connor employs a second-person narrative voice that speaks directly to readers, conjuring forth an enchanting storytelling style that permeates a series of fragmented stories and lore, immersing readers in a world of myth, magic, and mystery. Tales of creation and war abound from the early ages of Ginnungagap—a vast primordial void floating between the fiery land of Muspell and the misty world of Niflheim—to a feudal war between the bloodthirsty tribes of the Aesir and mysterious seers of Vanir. The ice giant Ymir awakens and gives life to humans, monsters, gods, and every creature in between. This world-building premise transports readers into a world where everyone and practically every sacred object has a name and origin, setting up details that will presumably resurface in future volumes. This debut volume highlights the chief leader Odin himself: how he hung himself on a tree for nine days and nine nights to gain secret knowledge of runes, struck a blood pact with the insidious trickster Loki to become his blood brother, and traded his eye in exchange for wisdom.
Meticulously rendered dialogue characterizes each significant character, capturing a unique persona all of their own. Full page panels and double spreads highlight the imperial palace of Valhalla, home of slain noble warriors, and Yggdrasil, the colossal world tree around which the nine realms of Norse cosmology revolve. Back matter content features an extensive glossary, key character portraits and spotlights, and “Norse Code” notes revealing O’Connor’s enriching insights to corresponding panels in the book. Although the stories may seem scattered and fragmented, this is indicative of the lack of primary source material now lost, forgotten, or buried. Anticipated volumes will most likely fill in gaps with other characters and mystifying adventures as the series unfolds. Asgardians: Odin will complement graphic novel collections for young readers eager for mythic sagas, supporting the trending appeal of works of fantasy inspired by the folklore of world mythologies.
Asgardians: Odin By George O’Connor Macmillan First Second, 2024 ISBN: 9781250760777
Publisher Age Rating: 9-14 NFNT Age Recommendation: Tween (10-13)
Life on the Isle of Man is peaceful and quiet, and it is driving Kay Farragher mad! An aspiring songwriter and singer, Kay dreams of a world beyond her rural village and caring for her ailing grandmother. She dreams of a life on stage and audiences outside of the pub where she works.
The problem with dreams, however, is that sometimes they become nightmares.
A chance encounter with a young girl named Mona on Halloween Night gives Kay more than she bargained for. Mona claims to have come from a world of eternal twilight, straight from the faerie stories Kay’s grandmother believes in. Soon Kay finds herself neck-deep in that world, where a horseshoe is a weapon, a hero of legend seeks the bride he was promised, and the scoundrels of two worlds seek to scheme their way out of their own dark bargains.
I had high expectations heading into Cold Iron. Apart from a fondness for Celtic mythology and horror tales involving faeries, I am a big fan of Andy Diggle’s writing and have been since his highly underrated run on Hellblazer. I was not disappointed.
Two things distinguish Cold Iron from similar stories. One is the setting, which draws upon the unique mythology of the Isle of Man, rather than the more familiar Irish Leprechauns or the Selkies of Scotland’s Orkney Islands. The other is the lead character Kay, who is developed far beyond being the typical strong female protagonist that takes center stage in many modern horror stories.
Kay is a conflicted character, being both a dreamer and a realist. She delights in entertaining children with spooky tales and songs at Halloween, but she doesn’t believe in the myths her grandmother accepts as gospel. She longs to see the world, but wants to maintain the family farm, even as she rebels against the idea of a comfortable life working in a fish and chips shop and marrying her on-again/off-again boyfriend. These details make Kay seem more sympathetic and more real, grounding the fantastic elements of the story.
The artwork by Nick Brokenshire, with colors by Triona Farrell and letters by Simon Bowland, manages a similar balancing act. Brokenshire proves equally adept at capturing the static beauty of the Isle of Man and in depicting the weird horror of the faerie realm. Farrell uses different contrasting palettes for both worlds, with the vibrancy of the twilight realm offering a firm divide against the stark reality of Kay’s life. Bowland also uses distinctive fonts for the Fair Folk, to subtly hint at their alien nature.
Dark Horse Comics rated this volume as appropriate for ages 12 and up. I think that might be a fair assessment of the story, which has nothing more objectionable than a bit of violence and a few curse words. The artist notes in the back of the book, however, feature some sketches of naked fairies that are a bit extreme for a T-rating. I would shelve this volume in the older teen or adult section just to be safe and since I think the story is more likely to appeal to older audiences, who can appreciate the full horror Mona finds in the future.
Cold Iron By Andy Diggle Art by Nick Brokenshire, Triona Farrell, Simon Bowland, Tom Muller Dark Horse, 2023 ISBN: 9781506730875
Publisher Age Rating: 12+
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18) Creator Representation: British, Irish, Scottish, Character Representation: British,
In virtually all stories—novels, epic myths, fairy tales, movies, and even biographies—characters must undergo a trial of sorts. Mythologist Joseph Campbell coined this paradigm as the archetypal hero’s journey, wherein an individual must fulfill a series of tasks to achieve a goal and return from this quest with a boon to benefit society. A critical stage of this journey entails venturing into a katabasis, a sojourn into the underworld or land of the dead. In a dynamically fascinating exploration of this descent into darkness, Brian McDonald (Old Souls) and Toby Cypress (The Gravediggers Union) delineate how this universal voyage into the underworld permeates time and space in Land of the Dead: Lessons from the Underworld on Storytelling and Living. What unfolds is a most intriguing graphic essay spanning across countless cultures and stories that encompasses the multitudinous nuances of storytelling.
In folkloric fashion mirroring some indigenous cultures, a crow serves as the narrative guide who breaks the cinematic fourth wall, steering readers into the magical realms of imaginative storytelling. As an agent of the land of the dead, the crow recounts the earliest written story from antiquity—The Epic of Gilgamesh. This mythic tale embodies humanity’s eternal quest for immortality since the dawn of time, plunging readers into the depths of the underworld, for therein lies wisdom to be attained. Like a multifaceted puzzle box in the episodic tradition of the Arabian Nights, McDonald traverses the landscapes of literature, film, and oral storytelling, highlighting common threads across cultures similar to how Joseph Campbell illuminated familiar motifs, themes, and tropes in The Power of Myth.
This extensive graphic essay traces a literary history of stories from antiquity to the present for the young and old alike. From angelic characters in Cinderella and Steven Spielberg’s E.T. to Scrooge’s grim, sordid outlook on life in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Uncle Charlie’s sinister intentions in Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt, McDonald brilliantly connects varied themes of survival, necography, isolation, and memory. Cypress’s striking artwork shines through thoughtfully composed panels tinged with shaded hues. Meticulously rendered sketches of characters accentuated by sparing use of ambient coloring amplifies certain scenes and moods, adding a tonal richness to each story.
A treasure trove and visual feast for the literati, writers, cinephiles, and storytellers of classic and contemporary works, Land of the Dead exemplifies a monumental achievement that bears repeated readings for renewed insight. Although not necessarily a handbook on the craft of storytelling, one will discover the intricate underlying frameworks, motifs, and themes that infuse the mechanics and wizardry behind compelling stories throughout time. A fine addition to public and academic library collections, this literary masterpiece cuts across multi-interdisciplinary subjects and aims to attract a wide readership, demonstrating the alluring power of stories and the lessons they bestow upon humanity.
Land of the Dead: Lessons from the Underworld on Storytelling and Living By Brian McDonald Art by Toby Cypress Macmillan First Second, 2023 ISBN: 9781626727311
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18) Creator Representation: Black
Young readers won’t realize they’re actually absorbing enough information to give them a head start in any school’s Greek mythology unit while reading this fun and educational book.
Readers first are introduced to Mount Olympus and each of the different characters that will be found throughout the book, including what they are most known for. This gives the reader a nice section to flip back to if they forget who someone is, as there are a lot of characters involved and some have tricky names. The book is organized into seven sections with a glossary at the end, a select bibliography for those who want to read even deeper into Greek mythology, and a little about the author and illustrator.
The book goes through Athena’s life chronologically with vivid images and descriptions of how she was born, the chaos and trouble she caused, and conflicts she had with other Gods and mortals. Many other Gods and notables are featured, such as Poseidon, Medusa, Perseus, and Zeus. The most famous of stories are included, like the Trojan Horse, Odysseus’s adventures, and the story of Arachne, the weaver who was turned into a spider.
This is truly a wonderful, funny, and light look at Greek mythology. Yet, it has enough depth to provide readers with as much information about demigods, notable mortals, gods, and goddesses as any non-fiction children’s book on the topic. Author Imogen Greenberg and illustrator Isabel Greenberg are a London based pair who’s styles work seamlessly together. The artwork is colorful. Dramatic purples and blues are used to create swirling seas around Poseidon, bright oranges are used around Athena to show her anger, and pages are kept simple when explanations are given. Pages feature large panels, some spanning two whole pages, with dialogue and text found in an understandable flow.
Overall, this is a well done adaptation of Greek mythology into an enjoyable comic. It would be a great recommendation for students who are studying Greek mythology at school and are looking for a fun read, or for children who are fans of Rick Riordan’s novels. It gives a balanced view of Athena by including her strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes that she made along the way. She may have been a Goddess, but this book makes it clear to the reader that no one is perfect. Anyone can make a bad decision. It is very age appropriate, as the stories have been tailored to omit some details, such as why Medusa was turned into a gorgon, without it feeling like there is anything missing from explanations. Any children’s collection would benefit from this addition.
Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and War (Tales of Great Goddesses) By Imogen Greenberg Art by Isabel Greenberg Amulet Books, 2021 ISBN: 9781419748592 Publisher Age Rating: 8-12
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13)
Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales is the umbrella title for a series of three compilations themed after a specific region of which this one is the third. The first two cover Europe and Africa while the fourth one, on Oceania tales, is in publication. All have been funded through Kickstarter efforts.
I had high hopes for this collection of Asian folktales, but was dismayed to discover that few of them have source notes or any markers for context. The geographic location is mentioned, but no background is provided for readers who may not be familiar with yokai, kitsune, demons, and other supernatural beings from Japan, China, India, Georgia, Laos, Myanmar, Turkey, Iraq and Tibet. I was very pleased, however, with the reworking of “The Ballad of Mulan” which followed the ancient tales rather than the Disney film. Aside from this tale and a few others such as the title story and “Urashima Taro,” most of the stories may not be familiar with young audiences. This is not a criticism, but it is also where source notes could have made this an outstanding addition to the ongoing reworkings of folklore in the comic book format.
The length of the stories varies as does the black and white art work in this anthology. Several of the tales have been modernized to including texting and other nods to contemporary life, but the vast majority have retained the ancient settings; particularly those by a diverse range of illustrators including Gene Luen Yang, Nina Matsumoto, and Carla Speed McNeil. Most of the other creators in this collection are known better through their webcomics and indie titles. The illustrations range from manga-like cartoon-y artwork to detailed and realistic penciling and the application of black and shadows. The mood of the stories is also as diverse as the tales themselves, with a mixture of light and dark themes. Some of the tales are excerpts from longer legends and books such as Yang’s “From the Journey of the Monkey King” from American Born Chinese. All the tales offer warnings or advice for the protagonists and the readers. Unfortunately for many of the protagonists, there is a great deal of pain in learning these lessons. They do, as the overall theme indicates, offer a cautionary edification for the reader.
I wish I could recommend this for library collections but the lack of source notes for this storyteller is truly a stumbling block. There is no need in today’s publishing world not to respect the tales and culture from where the stories originated. Very few of the entries even acknowledge that the individual tale has been adapted.
Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories By C. Spike Trotman, ed. Kate Ashwin, ed. Kel McDonald Art by Carla Speed McNeil, Gene Leun Yang, Nina Matsumoto, et al ISBN: 9781945820342 Iron Circus, 2018 Publisher Age Rating: all ages NFNT Age Recommendation: Easy Readers (5-9), Middle Grade (7-11), Tween (10-13)
Browse for more like this title Related to…: Inspired by myth, Retelling
Winner of the Best Foreign Graphic Album at the Angoulème Festival in Belgium and recently translated into English from the original French text, this version of the traditional Jewish legend of the Golem is innovative for me, a person who has collected these legends for a long time.
Inspired by oral stories told to the author by his grandmother, the story follows young Malka and her family from the pogroms of the Russian shtetl to the Argentine pampas to better their living conditions at the end of the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, things are not much improved for them in this new scorched country. A visit from the prophet Elias to Malka’s uncle results in the creation of a Golem to aid and protect the new comers. Their mythical Golem, created from the earth, resembles a human and lives among the people as a neighbor peacefully for many years.
As time passes, however, another danger emerges when the Golem aids the family in taking an ill child, on the recommendation of their doctor, to the indigenous Old Wise Medicine Woman, Tomasa. The child is fine but the Golem and Tomasa’s young niece, Rosita, notice each other. Events escalate when Tomasa prepares a love potent which backfires horrifically. The Golem murders Rosita and then, running amuck as the Golem often does in the variants of these legends, he continues his murderous journey. Years later Malka, now an adult, meets Elias and is told the Golem’s story and instructed on how to destroy the monster who has continued his murderous journey as a bodyguard to corrupt politicians and gangsters.
The story is equally violent and hopeful, with a wide and vivid array of brightly and menacingly illustrations ardently activating this powerful tale. The imaginative layout and strong artwork bring, simultaneously, a historical time alive and subtly highlights the relevancy to today’s political environment. All while reworking one of the most powerful Jewish legends and breathing fresh air into its creation.
Prefacing the story is an essay by the author describing the genesis of his story and a concise history of the Jewish journey from Russia to a land of promise. There are also numerous sketches, figure studies, and full page watercolor paintings that follow the story itself, enclosing the hardcover graphic novel in a circle of love, memory, tragedy and hope. Highly recommended.
The Silence of Malka by Jorge Zentner Art by Rubén Pellejero ISBN: 9781684052875 IDW, 2018 Publisher Age Rating: OT (16+)
This graphic novel, infused with Filipino mythology, starts on a sad note. Mage and her companion Squalo live happily in the forest with her sorcerer father until they are attacked by monsters from Ventrolio. Her father’s final instructions sends her on a journey to find the Bakunawa, a guardian serpent of the oceans. The two practice hard to improve their skills and complete many side quests, leveling up their skills (and acquiring “monnies”). But as they near their goal, they find out that something is very wrong with the Bakunawa – will Mage be able to fulfill her father’s wish?
resourceful, he straddles along the crossroads between good and evil, bending his will to orchestrate deeds that serve his intentions. He is none other than Loki, notorious Jotunn turned Aesir, adopted into the kinship of the Asgardians via his blood-brother Odin. In his third installment of Norse mythology, George O’Connor (Olympians series) reimagines one of the most manipulative and adroit characters that has evolved into a colorful icon in comics, movies, television shows, and videogames.
Food and filmmaking mixed with philosophical musings on life and art drive the narrative flow in Rare Flavours, a delectable foray into the cuisine of India ensconced in all its sumptuous splendor and glory. Written by Ram V and illustrated by Filipe Andrade, the creative team behind The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, this graphic novel delves into the fine aesthetics of food while espousing upon larger than life observations, somewhat reminiscent of the leisurely style of Louis Malle’s My Dinner with Andre.
While the gallant, golden-haired warrior of the Avengers steals the screen with lightning force in Marvel blockbuster movies as sworn protector of Asgard, the Asgardians series by George O’Connor (Olympians series) sheds a slightly different light on this iconic hammer-wielding thunder god of Norse mythology. His version presents a cruder depiction of the god of thunder imbued with a healthy dose of swaggering charm and bravado.
He is known by many names, including Grimnir, the Gallows God, the All-Father, and Chooser of the Slain. His thirst for knowledge led him through the mystic realms of Norse cosmology. Donning his signature cloak, hat, and walking staff, he is the Traveler. He is regarded as the one-eyed god of Asgard, chief ruler of the Aesir. As a companion to the Olympians series, New York Times bestselling graphic novelist and mythology enthusiast George O’Connor turns the spotlight onto the Norse pantheon beginning with Odin, highest and eldest of them all.
Life on the Isle of Man is peaceful and quiet, and it is driving Kay Farragher mad! An aspiring songwriter and singer, Kay dreams of a world beyond her rural village and caring for her ailing grandmother. She dreams of a life on stage and audiences outside of the pub where she works.
Young readers won’t realize they’re actually absorbing enough information to give them a head start in any school’s Greek mythology unit while reading this fun and educational book. 
Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales is the umbrella title for a series of three compilations themed after a specific region of which this one is the third. The first two cover Europe and Africa while the fourth one, on Oceania tales, is in publication. All have been funded through Kickstarter efforts.
Winner of the Best Foreign Graphic Album at the Angoulème Festival in Belgium and recently translated into English from the original French text, this version of the traditional Jewish legend of the Golem is innovative for me, a person who has collected these legends for a long time.
