Graphic Novel Review: King Arthur & the Ladies of the Lake

Published by: Black Panel Press

Written by: Vincent Pompetti

Illustrated by: Vincent Pompetti

ISBN: 9781990521300

Ages: 12+

The Legends of King Arthur and Camelot are well known to most people by the age of 10, whether through such Disney classics as The Sword in the Stone, or by storytelling at school. While a famous and popular hero, Arthur Pendragon and his Knights of the Round Table do have roots in British history, which only give the story more gravitas. Even you reading this review could most likely name 3 or 4 names associated with the tales.

So why a new graphic novel about something published so often before? Vincent Pompetti, a French graphic novel writer and illustrator, has a passion for bringing new readers to experience history and lore. Previously covering the Golden Age of Piracy as well as Caesar and the Gallic Wars, Pompetti shines not only with his story pacing and dialogue, but also with a gorgeous watercolor artstyle. 

While reading through this, I was surprised to find some of the details different that I remembered. Example: Lancelot and Guinevere do not find love in each other, but merely pass knowledge from Avalon, where he is a Knight, to her to give to Arthur, only being accused of love by a overzealous Christian Bishop; but that is part of the charm of this release. Taking stories you know and love, and giving them a new look and spin makes them enjoyable all over again. I really enjoyed diving back deep into the legends of King Arthur & the Ladies of the Lake.

Ages 12+

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate

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Adam Fisher

Adam Fisher has worked for more than a decade at Lane Libraries in Fairfield, Ohio, where he is a Reference Associate. He creates and leads programming for all ages, manages the graphic novel, sci-fi/fantasy, and magazine collections at his branch, and has recently seen great success with his self-created Escape Room programs. He writes reviews for everything he reads and can be found on Goodreads @FisherAd80 and on Twitter @adamreadscomics.

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