Fairy Tale Comics

Starred review from July 1, 2013
Duffy has assembled a dazzling lineup of comics versions of more than a dozen fairy tales in this hilarious follow-up to Nursery Rhyme Comics. Favorites like "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" and "Rapunzel" (whose heroines gain welcome agency) join rarities like "The Small Tooth Dog" and "The Boy Who Drew Cats." The stories' visual styles range from Gilbert Hernandez's straightforward, flat-color cartoons for "Hansel and Gretel" to Brett Helquist's elaborately rendered Rumpelstiltskin; the bewildered stares of the bear family say it all in Graham Annable's wordless "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Karl Kerschl conceives "The Bremen Town Musicians" as a down-home romp ("Me and Abel talked it over and we ain't goin' near no haunted house"); Ramona Fredon crafts a formal, Classics Illustrated-style version of "The Prince and the Tortoise"; while Vanessa Davis capitalizes on the absurdities of "Puss in Boots" ("Bunny!" the king shouts inanely, hearts dancing around him, when Puss presents him with his first gift). Most stories are in the six- to eight-page range, and children will probably beg their parents to read the whole thing in one sitting. Ages 6 – 12.

August 15, 2013
A quirky and vibrant mix of visually reinterpreted fairy tales compiled by the editor of the Eisner-nominated Nursery Rhyme Comics (2011). In varying styles, renowned artists present their interpretations of 17 fairy tales ranging from the well-trod "Snow White" and "Hansel and Gretel" to some lesser-known stories, such as "Give Me the Shudders" (a more obscure Brothers Grimm tale), "The Boy Who Drew Cats" (a Japanese tale) and "The Small-Tooth Dog" (an English tale). As individual as snowflakes, the interpretive styles range far and wide. There is a traditional Sunday-comics feel to the captivating "The Prince and the Tortoise," illustrated by comics veteran Ramona Fradon; Graham Annable presents a delightfully wordless and expressive take on "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"; in Gigi D.G.'s digitally reimagined "Little Red Riding Hood," the heroic lumberjack happens to be female; Jillian Tamaki contributes a dreamily earth-toned rendition of "Baba Yaga." This pastiche works beautifully, and it should inspire readers to seek additional versions; those who wish to do so can find helpful suggestions in the editor's note. A veritable who's who of artists renders this an instant crowd-pleaser and will most certainly leave its readers "happily ever after." (editor's note) (Graphic folk tales. 6 & up)

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September 1, 2013

Gr 3 Up-Nineteen cartoonists re-envision the world of "once upon a time" in this collection of 17 fairy tales. Stories are chiefly from Grimm and other European sources, but a few represent Middle Eastern, Asian, and American lore. The rich potpourri of interpretations presented in various mediums, styles, and settings makes the anthology unique. Some stories remain true to conventional retellings, while other adaptations have a decidedly fanciful aspect. Readers will note marked differences in the approaches to the Grimm tales. For example, Emily Carroll dresses her "12 Dancing Princesses" in elegant renaissance gowns while the wicked stepmother in Jaime Hernandez's "Snow White" has a futuristically styled gown and headdress. Graham Annable's wordless "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" illustrates the effectiveness of images in nuanced storytelling. "The Prince and the Tortoise" echoes the classic realistic scenes of Prince Valiant, while subdued monochromatic colors and simple drawings of the Japanese "The Boy Who Drew Cats" complement the tale's Asian origins. Several artists inject playful humor: Puss in Boots motors around on a Vespa scooter while the King and Queen travel in a pickup truck bed. The "Bremen Town" setting is the Wild West with outlaws stating, "We ain't goin' near no haunted house." While many traditional stories feature young maidens as beautiful brides, Raina Telgemeier's contemporary "Rapunzel" finds her own version of happily-ever-after when she realizes that "I've got the whole world to explore." These adaptations are sure to enchant devotees of comics and those who like a fresh and distinctive approach to fairy tales.-Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2013
Preschool-G *Starred Review* To follow up the winning Nursery Rhyme Comics (2011), First Second offers this similarly spectacular idea. Once again gathering a coterie of grand artistic talent from kids' and indie comics (many returning from NRC), this collection features 17 stories longer than those in the previous project, which gives each work more room to delight. Many classics appear, from Snow White to Goldilocks to Hansel and Gretel, but an effort has been made to turn up a few more obscure fables, and the balance between familiarity and novelty proves just right. The artists all bring their A-game to produce standouts like Emily Carroll's wondrously textured 12 Dancing Princesses, Luke Pearson's mystical and eerie The Boy Who Drew Cats, Joseph Lambert's rousing and hilarious Rabbit Will Not Help, and David Mazzucchelli's stark-lined and graceful Give Me the Shudders (his first comics work since Asterios Polyp, 2009). But every artist here knows how to turn in an elegant, flowing story, and every tale is pitch-perfect for young readers and intimate read-alouds. Overall, the book is an ideal choice for a child's first comics experience and a new way to enjoy old favorites.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)