Review: Knightingail #1

You know what trend in comics I’m really enjoying? All agebooks that actually appeal to all ages. Comics use to walk this fine line inwhich they would have adult subject matter, but didn’t out right say that ithad adult subject matter so that children could in fact read the comic and haveno idea what they were actually reading. I’m not saying Knightingail is that way, but again it appealed to me and yet Icould very easily see a young child enjoying this book. At its core, Knightingail reminded me of a Saturdaymorning cartoon if it had been produced by Jim Henson studios (pre-Disney).

The comic opens with a Furry trying to fix a damn that’sabout to break. Yes I said Furry, since it’s a forest creature with humanfeatures. Unfortunately he’s too late and the water takes him away as his wife Kaeli and children look on. Gail rushes in and begins rhyming her magic to save the manand fix the damn. She’s then given a hard time about her rhyming from Kaeli who turns out to be her best friend. Gail leaves, but her friend beginstelling her children of the story of Knightingail.

We flash to the past were our two friends are swimming,until Gail (then Eloa) realizes that she’s late for her council meeting. She rushes off tothe meeting discouraged by the fact that no one on the council listens to herand she feels as if she’s being patronized by everyone including her father.Normally the meetings are very boring, but today they have captured a talkingvulture looking creature that warns that darkness is approaching. Suddenlythere is a lot more going on in this council than Eloa is aware of.

There was something really simple and enjoyable about thisstory. It reminded me a little of DarkCrystal and Pirates of Dark Water.I know that’s a weird combo, but that’s what struck me. I really enjoyed thebook and will definitely pick it again. The most important thing is that itdidn’t read like a children’s book, but as a true all ages tale. Some storiesare so good that they transcend age and I think if Knightingail continues the way it is, it could be one of thosestories.

If you’re like me and always looking for somethingdifferent, something fun from the world of comics then track down Knightingail and give it a shot.Especially if the influences I’ve listed is something that you enjoy becauseyou’ll probably like the book as much as I did. Don’t let the kid friendlycover fool you; this book has the potential to appeal to everyone.

Score: 4/5