Shadowbinders: Book One by Kambrea & Thomas Pratt
Publication Date: October 2012
Publisher: Clownfish Studios, LLC
Pages: 168
Purchase: Amazon
Mia White was an ordinary high school girl with ordinary high school problems. That all changed the day she was given her grandfather’s mysterious journal and an even more mysterious antique ring — one that transports her to another world!
Now this ordinary girl finds herself in an extraordinary realm filled with airships, flying serpents and clockwork cities! But her biggest challenge may come in the form of handsome, aloof (and downright infuriating) mage Crimson Rhen… Shadowbinders Book One collects the first six chapters of the popular YA web comic into a graphic novel format.
Set sail for steampunk, fantasy… and romantic comedy!
Review:
Mia White is the average 17 year old. With two best friends, a crush on the unattainable hot guy at school and a loving family, her life is super ordinary. Until her grandmother gifts her with an old book and ring, Mia spends her days avoiding a bully and finding solace in all that is vintage. Kambrea and Thomas Pratt collect the first six chapters of their web comic, Shadowbinders, into a entertaining and colorful graphic novel.
The story is an adventurous beginning. The Pratts are laying down the foundation for the series and giving readers a reason to stay tuned. Mia discovers a world that is so unlike her own and finds that it’s not so bad, if she can get past the charming, egotistic captain of the flying ship, True North, that is. Crimson Rhen is actually a great character, despite his ability to annoy Mia to pieces. He is a renowned mage, the last of his line and pretty powerful, too. The rest of his crew: Tristan, Elaina, Andrew, and Winston the Feeb, eventually warm up to Mia and her to them. This original cast of characters provides fun humor and a good contrast to the more villainous characters that are plotting unspeakable evil while Mia and the True North crew forge a tentative friendship.
The most appealing aspect of any graphic novel is being able to see what the characters see in great detail. Shadowbinders proudly connects to readers’ sense of sight with extravagant images and quirky character styles. Though sometimes the characters are drawn a bit awkwardly in certain positions, like when looking over their shoulder for instance, the depiction of the story’s plot is satisfying and spot-on when portraying expressions. This graphic novel can truthfully appeal to any age group, but it’s perfect for young adults. It’s catchy and entertaining with fantasy and romantic elements. Even if comics and graphic novels are a new venture for you, Shadowbinders is worth the read!
Thanks for reading!
You’re so welcome!