M.T Anderson’s enthralling storytelling and Andrea Offermann’s evocative illustrations transport the reader to the age of the Knights of the Round Table in this rich graphic novel. The narrative follows the formula of an epic tale, following a hero’s journey and his many conquests as he fights to retain his honour and regain his love. The novel’s theme of love and hate existing as one is bittersweet and highlighted by expressive and symbolic artwork.
Translated from Chrétien De Troyes’ Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion written eight centuries ago, it is truly a treat to have such a classic and timeless tale printed in the modern format of a graphic novel. Offermann’s illustrations are done primarily in ink and watercolour; this use of traditional materials feels like a nod to the medieval age and keeps a certain integrity that wouldn’t have been present if it had been entirely digital. The artwork makes the story come to life, with thoughtful character designs and colour symbolism. The fight scenes are especially powerful, with every panel dynamic and exciting.
Yvain challenges the idea of a hero and what is really means to have honour. The protagonist is not without flaw, and no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, he sometimes makes the wrong choice, bringing him greater misfortune but never causing him to lose sight of what’s important to him. Yvain is the sort of hero that, while you might not agree with all of his decisions, you can’t help but root for him. Despite having his own motivations, he doesn’t let that get in the way of helping those who need him, leading him into some interesting quests and keeping the reader enthralled.
Yvain is an excellent read for all ages; there’s an equal balance of dialogue and action scenes, complete with charming narration, and of course the wonderfully rough and rugged illustrations that create an enchanting fantasy world that’s easy to get lost in. It’s an exciting and accessible way to read a tale from the world of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.
Marcus Zusak’s captivating debut novel follows the story of Liesel, who witnesses the death of her younger brother while on a train through Germany. When she discovers a novel hidden in the snow while standing by her brother’s grave, Liesel pockets it, despite the fact that she has not acquired the ability to read. When …
Jakob Wegelius’ middle-grade novel The Murderer’s Ape tells the story of Sally Jones, an anthropomorphic gorilla working closely with a man known as ‘The Chief.’ Together, the two journey all around the coastlines and rivers of Europe and its surrounding areas aboard a grand sailing ship known as the Hudson Queen. When a midnight expedition …
Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a distinct Australian flavour. One for those with a morbid curiosity, this novel is rife with dark themes and mind games, leaving you itching to uncover all of its secrets. Tash Carmody is confronted with her past when the ghosts of her childhood reappear …
Elizabeth Murmur is moving with her unusual friend Zenobia to Witheringe House, the place where her dad grew up with his sister Tourmaline. Zenobia loves it and is convinced that there is a Spirit Presence in the East Wing, where they are forbidden to go. She tries to contact it using a book on clairvoyance, …
GHOST BIRD follows the tale of Aboriginal twins Laney and Stacey, who grew up in their lower-middle-class rural Australian town. Their idyllic life, however, is thrown for a curveball when Laney mysteriously goes missing after going out with her friends. Through a bizarre series of premonitions that fringe on the supernatural, Stacey becomes obsessed with …
Angel Mage–written by Australian high fantasy laureate Garth Nix–introduces readers to the city of Ystara, a land in which angels, demons, musketeers and magicians all live among one another. Throughout the land, skilled individuals enchant and produce icons, which have the power to summon specific angels to aid with daily tasks and civil battles with …
Book Review – Yvain, The Knight of the Lion
Translated from Chrétien De Troyes’ Yvain, le Chevalier au Lion written eight centuries ago, it is truly a treat to have such a classic and timeless tale printed in the modern format of a graphic novel. Offermann’s illustrations are done primarily in ink and watercolour; this use of traditional materials feels like a nod to the medieval age and keeps a certain integrity that wouldn’t have been present if it had been entirely digital. The artwork makes the story come to life, with thoughtful character designs and colour symbolism. The fight scenes are especially powerful, with every panel dynamic and exciting.
Yvain challenges the idea of a hero and what is really means to have honour. The protagonist is not without flaw, and no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, he sometimes makes the wrong choice, bringing him greater misfortune but never causing him to lose sight of what’s important to him. Yvain is the sort of hero that, while you might not agree with all of his decisions, you can’t help but root for him. Despite having his own motivations, he doesn’t let that get in the way of helping those who need him, leading him into some interesting quests and keeping the reader enthralled.
Yvain is an excellent read for all ages; there’s an equal balance of dialogue and action scenes, complete with charming narration, and of course the wonderfully rough and rugged illustrations that create an enchanting fantasy world that’s easy to get lost in. It’s an exciting and accessible way to read a tale from the world of King Arthur and Lady Guinevere.
Related Posts
Book Review – The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
Marcus Zusak’s captivating debut novel follows the story of Liesel, who witnesses the death of her younger brother while on a train through Germany. When she discovers a novel hidden in the snow while standing by her brother’s grave, Liesel pockets it, despite the fact that she has not acquired the ability to read. When …
Book Review – The Murderer’s Ape by Jakob Wegelius
Jakob Wegelius’ middle-grade novel The Murderer’s Ape tells the story of Sally Jones, an anthropomorphic gorilla working closely with a man known as ‘The Chief.’ Together, the two journey all around the coastlines and rivers of Europe and its surrounding areas aboard a grand sailing ship known as the Hudson Queen. When a midnight expedition …
Book Review – Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein
Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a distinct Australian flavour. One for those with a morbid curiosity, this novel is rife with dark themes and mind games, leaving you itching to uncover all of its secrets. Tash Carmody is confronted with her past when the ghosts of her childhood reappear …
Book Review – Elizabeth and Zenobia by Jessica Miller
Elizabeth Murmur is moving with her unusual friend Zenobia to Witheringe House, the place where her dad grew up with his sister Tourmaline. Zenobia loves it and is convinced that there is a Spirit Presence in the East Wing, where they are forbidden to go. She tries to contact it using a book on clairvoyance, …
Book Review – Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller
GHOST BIRD follows the tale of Aboriginal twins Laney and Stacey, who grew up in their lower-middle-class rural Australian town. Their idyllic life, however, is thrown for a curveball when Laney mysteriously goes missing after going out with her friends. Through a bizarre series of premonitions that fringe on the supernatural, Stacey becomes obsessed with …
Book Review – Angel Mage by Garth Nix
Angel Mage–written by Australian high fantasy laureate Garth Nix–introduces readers to the city of Ystara, a land in which angels, demons, musketeers and magicians all live among one another. Throughout the land, skilled individuals enchant and produce icons, which have the power to summon specific angels to aid with daily tasks and civil battles with …