BOOM! recently wrapped up their first Storyteller series focused on witches and what better way to top that than with dragons?!
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Dragons #1 (BOOM! Studios)
This first issue focuses on a Native American father and son who are fishing. Writer Daniel Bayliss (story) and Fabian Rangel Jr. (script) quickly prove there is a strong relationship between the two. Unfortunately for them a water dragon arrives to test/ruin that bond, as fairy tales are wont to do, and the story commences from there!
Why does this book matter?
If you’re unfamiliar with The Storyteller, which was masterfully created with the help of Jim Henson, do yourself the favor and check it out on YouTube or Netflix. The show captures the adventure and whimsy of fairy tales so very well that young and old alike can fall into the magic. It’s the magic of storytelling that’s captured and this series has the potential to do the same.
That is so cool!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
What makes this story so memorable is the dragon first and foremost. Nothing against the story, but the dragon is very impressive and unique — with antlers and bright colors that make it at once scary and beautiful. I’ve never seen a dragon like this and had not expected to see one that didn’t fly so soon out of the gate. The dragon looks exactly like you’d expect a storyteller’s version as it’s original and yet just as scary as the rest. It’s similar to the Native American totems found across America yet its colors makes it even more vivid and wild.
The human characters are well-written too and it starts with the impressive expressions by Bayliss. As we learn how the father and son are split apart their emotions are key in giving this story meaning and purpose. You feel sorry for them and the art does a great job in conveying that feeling.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I wanted to learn more about that damn dragon! He’s so cool looking and the twist of its character makes one wonder how it was created and where it came from. Is it magical or actually real? Either way a mythological backstory would have been great and it feels like a missed opportunity. Regardless of that it makes the dragon flat and uninteresting beyond its threat and look.
Thunderbirds!
Is It Good?
A fantastic start to the latest Storyteller miniseries. It’ll capture your childhood heart as you’re whisked along the strong and magical story.
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