SONG OF THE LIONESS

Alanna of Trebond begins her quest toward knighthood in this graphic novel adaptation of Pierce’s 1983 novel.

In defiance of gender norms, Alanna wants to learn to fight. Her twin brother, Thom, wants to learn magic. So when their father decides it’s time to send them off for more training than he can provide, it only makes sense for them to switch places. Disguised as a boy, Alanna will go to the palace to train as a page, learning the basics of fighting and the code of chivalry that governs all noble knights and their actions. She also makes friends—and enemies. This version of the opening volume of the Song of the Lioness series remains true to the original, with the notable omission of the contraceptive charm that Alanna receives. Readers follow Alanna’s first attempts at forging her own path and the growing pains—both figurative and literal, as puberty threatens to betray her secret—that she faces. The new format smooths over some less skillful elements of the original, which was Pierce’s debut. Alanna and most other characters present white, but there’s some inclusion of racial diversity (Raoul of Goldenlake, notably, appears Black). Certain Eurocentric elements have been replaced with more culturally inclusive messaging. The rich color palette and varied panel shapes are appealing. Fun, accessible, and still fierce, Alanna’s story is ready to be enjoyed by old and new audiences alike.

A worthy adaptation, playing to the strengths of the visual format.