The Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel

 

I have been familiar with the name Ursula K. Le Guin and aware of her significant contributions in the publishing world but had not read anything but a few of her shorter picture books. I was intrigued by the making of one of her books into a graphic novel. I came into this particular title with no background about the storyline line so I cannot speak to how closely this may or may not stick to the original.

Ged is the main character in this story, a young man who discovers he has powers. Through a series of mentors, he explores those skills (not always with optimum results). The story arch is one of a lonely soul seeking to find himself in a world without parents and the comforts of a constant home. Part of his journey involves attending a wizard school (perhaps the inspo for Harry Potter--the parallels are there).  At school, Ged encounters the usual assortment of students, including bullies and allies, and the challenge of learning to tell them apart.

The book has spiritual threads and dialogue that will resonate with anyone on a journey to "find themselves" and to boldly go out to meet a darkness they cannot even name. The story has great depth to plumb for those willing to dive deep. But it can also be enjoyed on the surface as an epic adventure of boyhood into manhood and from innocence into a greater knowledge of good and evil. 

It is worth noting that Le Guin was ahead of her time in creating worlds populated with people of color. Her writing offers a highly imaginative world that readers of all ages will be drawn into. While the graphic novel was a visual stunner and very well constructed, there were a few places in the story that I was a little confused. I think a background knowledge of the original novel would make this rendition more enjoyable.  Hopefully this version will encourage readers to pick up not only the original but also to explore the other works of Le Guin.

I highly recommend this work. It offers a thought-provoking alternative to the worlds of Marvel and DC and elevates the graphic novel to a higher (and deeper realm). Le Guin is a writer worth studying and reading (in any form) as she has phenomenally impacted children's literature over the years.

For an interesting glimpse into the world of Earthsea, check out this short documentary and others at ursulakleguin.com. 

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel from HarperCollins Children's Books through NetGalley for review. No other compensation was received.