Kid Beowulf
From Comic Book Series
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[edit] Premise
Kid Beowulf is an action/adventure/humor graphic novel series inspired by the epics of old. It was created by cartoonist, Alexis Fajardo. Currently slated as a 12-book story arc, it follows the journey of twin brothers Beowulf and Grendel as they encounter other epic heroes from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Each book functions as a separate adventure and is inspired by a country's specific epic poem. The books can be read individually, yet also function within a larger framework as they trace the changing relationship between Beowulf and Grendel as they learn where exactly they fit within the vast tradition of heroic mythology.
[edit] Ambition Studios
Kid Beowulf was originally printed by the now defunct independent comic book studio, Ambition Studios. It was featured along with other titles, most notably Swamp Fox: Birth of a Legend. Kid beowulf garnered a strong following and was picked up by Bowler Hat Comics, an imprint of the Ink & Paper Publishing Group.
[edit] Kid Beowulf Series
Bowler Hat Comics has launched Kid Beowulf as a series, as of 2008. A graphic novel is intended to be released each year. A total of 12 books will be released in total. The first being a retconned origin story entitled, Kid Beowulf and the Blood Bound Oath.
[edit] Series Synopsis
Book One: Kid Beowulf and the Blood Bound Oath
Author and illustrator Alexis E. Fajardo first outlines the traditional story of Beowulf in a prologue, then launches into the story of young Beowulf and his twin brother Grendel, spinning the story of the warring communities whose conflict led to the birth and separation of the twins. Fajardo's tale includes war and peace-mongering brothers, a cave-dwelling dragon, and a talking sword, among other things, and explains the circumstances that brought the brothers back together again.
Book Two: Kid Beowulf and the Song of Roland
[edit] Critical Reception
In the standard Beowulf story, the character appears as a full-fledged hero, with little concept of how he actually became one. Fajardo tells the backstory, using a blend of humor and soap-opera plot twists. The book opens with a "prologue" that admirably and entertainingly sums up the classic story in just seven pages of poetry and panel art. This section contains several warnings that men "twist the truth," and the rest of the book purports to show just who Beowulf really was. Part One tells the story of his ancestors, including how several of them meet the dragon that is waiting for someone else from their bloodline for his ultimate battle. This dragon makes a deal with Hrothgar to help him rule the land, but the combining of their blood causes unforeseen problems when Hrothgar's wife becomes pregnant with what will one day become Gertrude. Part Two covers the events leading up to Beowulf's birth-as Grendel's twin brother. It isn't until Part Three that readers finally see Beowulf as a boy who has no idea of his convoluted family heritage. When he rescues another boy by killing a sea serpent, his abilities become apparent to those around him. The cartoon-style illustrations are lively and contain lots of visual humor. This book will be most enjoyable to readers familiar with the original story as they'll be able to understand all of the references and appreciate the jokes.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
[edit] External Links
- [[1]] Kid Beowulf.com
- [[2]] Bowler Hat Comics.com
