Thursday 28 July 2016

FANTASY GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: Terry Pratchett's Small Gods - Ill Ray Friesen

Release Date: 28/07/16
Publisher:  Transworld

SYNOPSIS:

'Just because you can't explain it, doesn't mean it's a miracle.'

In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was: 'Hey, you!' This is the Discworld, after all, and religion is a controversial business. Everyone has their own opinion, and indeed their own gods, of every shape and size, and all elbowing for space at the top. In such a competitive environment, it's certainly not helpful to be reduced to appearing in the form of a tortoise, a manifestation far below god-like status in anyone's book.

In such instances, you need an acolyte, and fast: for the Great God Om, Brutha the novice is the Chosen One – or at least the only One available. He wants peace and justice and brotherly love. He also wants the Inquisition to stop torturing him now, please...

Now adapted into graphic novel form with new artwork by Ray Friesen.


REVIEW:

I grew up with Terry’s Discworld book, looking forward every year for a new one and enjoying each one multiple times as I loved the humour, his wacky world as well as the way the characters came across. So when I heard about a graphic novel I wasn’t sure if it would translate quite as well. After all in order to get a story across in graphic novel format, they have to be heavily edited with some of the minor lines removed in order to make it accessible.

What this title from Doubleday does is pair the humour of Terry’s work with the enthusiastic artwork of Ray Friesen. It’s a great combo as the brightness and flow beautifully compliment both styles. Back this up with cracking storytelling and of course the “small gods” all round makes this a great addition to any Pratchett collection. Cracking.

No comments: