GRAPHIC NOVELS

The Book of Ballads and Sagas

by others
Vess, Charles (illus.) with Neil Gaiman & (text). Titan. Dec. 2018. 240p. ISBN 9781782763321. pap. $29.99. Rated: Teen+. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
Gathering traditional English, Irish, and Scottish ballads, this volume features tales inspired by original fairy tales and folklore, retold by acclaimed fantasy writers such as Gaiman (Sandman; Stardust), Charles de Lint ("Newford" series; A Circle of Cats), Jeff Smith (Bone), Sharyn McCrumb (The Ballad of Frankie Silver), Elaine Lee (Starstruck), and Jane Yolen (The Devil's Arithmetic) and illustrated by Eisner Award winner Vess (Stardust; Tanglewood Forest). Although some stories may feel incomplete or abrupt, each entry stands alone and explores a facet of folklore. Combined with Vess's intricate artwork, the exposition of fantasy themes, including the supernatural, romance, and terror, will draw readers to the genre. Vess's black-and-white line art sets the mood, capturing a ballad's sense of uncanniness, tragedy, or mystery that would be difficult to express through narrative alone.
VERDICT Collecting works first published by Vess's Green Man Press, this is an excellent introduction to folk ballads for anyone interested in fairy tales and folklore. Recommended for teens and adults for language and explicit content.
Reviewed by Jackie Watkins, Kennesaw State Univ. Lib., GA , Dec 21, 2018
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