WARRIORS GRAPHIC NOVEL

In this graphic adaptation of the original series’ first two episodes, kittypet Rusty joins the feral cats of Thunderclan and earns a warrior’s name.

Making the switch from print to this tale that’s told through dialogue and visual sequences containing very little exposition may relegate the complex dreams and visions to wordless montages and make it even harder to keep track of who’s who in the large, furry cast, but the art really brings out the savagery that has distinguished Hunter’s work and perhaps accounted for its enduring appeal. Here, as snarling cats flash cruelly sharp teeth and claws, pounce on prey with a crunching of bones, and engage in bloody melees with cats of rival clans (and even, once, with a swarm of vicious rats), the feline protagonist, an orange tabby more distinguishable than most due to an unusual mark on his forehead, displays heroic qualities aplenty. He serves an apprenticeship under his new name, Firepaw, but is at last named Fireheart, decisively turning from the easy, domesticated life to embrace a harder (but far more glorious) role as a warrior of Thunderclan. Along with a helpful aerial map of the clan’s territory, the creators include an illustrated afterword in which they cast themselves as cute kitties to demonstrate their work process. The vivid colors, dramatic action sequences, and appealingly expressive feline faces will grab readers’ attention.

Skillfully catches the feral tone and spirit of the original.