Arthur

the Arthur story in a magnificent and detailed series of graphic novels.

This volume comprises the first two graphic novels in a projected series of ten, and it is truly a labour of love for both writer and artist. Using the original tales of Arthur and his compatriots, the story weaves historical, mythic and poetic traditions to create an impressive whole. The authors re-appropriate Arthur from his Disneyfied and romanticised version, locating him firmly in a Britain of violence and political double-dealing; alongside this lie the magic and enchantment we know from the Mabinogion and tales of Merlin. The images are very striking, sometimes taking up a whole page, at other times broken into smaller segments. Particularly arresting is the battle between the Red and White Dragons, with close-ups of teeth and writhing tails. The artist does not shy away from bloody imagery, making this a little graphic for younger readers. And therein lies the rub. The medium suggests a youngish audience. However, in places the exposition is very wordy; I enjoyed the sections where the words did not match the images given, but they might confuse a younger reader. We meet Myrddin and Arthur, and yet we are left with a cold telling of the tale. It seems to lack a sympathetic protagonist. Having said that, this remains visually stunning, and does a splendid job of making ancient tales accessible to a modern audience. Despite my reservations, I look forward to the next volume. Sally Owen It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from , with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddior adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar , trwy ganiatd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

The Dark Ages were a time of change and turmoil across Europe. After reigning supreme in Britain for 300 years the Romans returned to the continent, leaving the Isle of the Mighty in the hands of its original inhabitants, the Britons.Coveted by marauding Saxons from the east, pillaging Irish from the west, and fearsome Picts from the north, Britains bountiful pastures were under constant siege. With neverending quarrels and inter-tribal warring between the Britons themselves, Britain was ready for a strong and mighty leader to rally its people and repel the invading hordes.This leader was to be Arthur, born to return the Island of Britain to its rightful owners the Britons. His fame and stature would transcend the centuries and remain as enigmatic today as it has always been.Over those centuries, Arthurs achievements have captivated poets, writers and storytellers from numerous cultures and backgrounds. But Arthur The Legend returns to the roots of the story of Arthur, to the tales and historical sources of Celtic Britain.Those ancient roots lie deep within the Celtic tradition of Wales, kept alive in age-old prose, poetry and historical documents such as the Historia Brittonum, Annales Cambriae and the Mabinogion. It is from these sources that Arthur The Legend finds its milieu and gives us an authentic rendition, through the pages of a gripping graphic novel, of those early tales of Arthur from an age well before the Norman Arthurian Romances.As the first volume in a series of four, Arthur the Legend begins with Vortigerns treachery in granting the Saxons a foothold in Britain, which in turn drives him to seek assistance from the original Merlin, or Myrddin the Mad, the wild man of the woods. Myrddin is the druid, prophet and seer who recognises the young Arthur as the son of prophecy who will grow and save his people. With his heroic rise as warlord, Arthur leads his people from one decisive battle to the next in his ruthless quest to keep his land free from the Saxon foe.

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