FAIRY TALE COMICS
Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists
edited by Chris Duffy
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)