Graphic novel for DARK WRAITH(2008).
© Del Rey
Title: Dark Wraith
Rating: Teen (13+)
Author: Robert Place Napton, Terry Brooks(story)
Illustrated By: Edwin David
Publisher: Del Rey
Price: $13.95
DARK WRAITH
By: Nadia OxfordDate: Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Shannara, Terry Brooks' long-lived fantasy series, has made the jump to graphic novel format with Dark Wraith of Shannara. Graphic novels usually add visual depth to a story through obvious means, but whether or not you'll enjoy Dark Wraith of Shannara still hinges directly on how fond you are of Terry Brooks' writing.
Dark Wraith of Shannara adapts a whole new story by Brooks, though it continues with the characters and plot found in The Wishsong of Shannara. Jair Ohmsford, a young fighter with the ability to summon the fallen Weapons Master Garet Jax with the wishsong, sets out to rescue friends in peril. When he inevitably falls into battle, he risks losing his soul to the power of the wishsong in order to stop the evil plans of a powerful witch.
The Shannara books are as traditional as fantasy series come: There are swords, magic, a coveted object steeped in intense evil (the book Ildatch, the remaining page of which Jair must destroy) and evil races that seek to posses it. Despite the graphic novel presentation, Dark Wraith of Shannara doesn't offer any surprises in its content. Jair is a typical young hero with a forbidden power. Kimber is his spunky female love interest guarded faithfully by Whisper, her over-intelligent cat-beast. Slanter, a gnome and a veteran warrior, always knows which way to go. Reading the graphic novel is like progressing through an RPG with a well-balanced party: It's exciting at times, but there's never any real sense of danger or humanity. Whatever happens, someone in the party can handle it.
Edwin David's artwork helps bring Brooks' world to life. Although the standard fantasy locales all apply (mountains, forests, swamps, dens of evil), they're actually more menacing in a black and white format. The land takes on a misty, burned-out look that would not deliver the same impact if it were presented in full colour.
Despite its roots, Dark Wraith of Shannara is a self-contained story. Anyone who's not familiar with the Shannara universe won't have any trouble following the plot, but the story will doubtlessly be appreciated most by fans of Brooks who already carry the characters close to them. Everyone else will find an enjoyable but fairly basic fantasy story. Dark Wraith of Shannara retails for $13.95.
