Graphic Novel Reviews: Fetch Book One: The Journey

Title: Fetch Book One: The Journey
Published by: Storm King Productions
Written by: Mike Sizemore
Illustrated by: Dave Kennedy, Pete Kennedy
ISBN: 9781734389197
Ages: 8+

Entering the Underworld to bring your dog back from the dead is a little far-fetched.

Twelve-year-old Danni is upset after the death of her long-time friend, her dog named Pirate, in Fetch Book One: The Journey. When a substitute teacher offers Danni a book about Greek myths, Danni’s life takes a turn. She recognizes a cave illustrated in the book as the entrance to the Underworld. When she enters the cave, she confronts Cerberus, the three-headed dog guardian of the Underworld. She now has a chance to rescue her dog. If only her younger brother, Sammy, hadn’t tagged along…

Luckily for the siblings, quests are exciting and important in the Underworld. They enlist Odysseus, a wily hero, to help them on their quest. He is arrogant but ready for any challenge such as sword-swinging animated skeletons, a roaming cyclops, and a snappish Medusa. Each character and challenge the trio encounter offers a different take on Greek mythology. The siblings gather mythological friends and take on fiends as they plunge deeper into the Underworld. In Book One, their journey through the Underworld has only begun, and this graphic novel ends in cliffhanger that completely changes the quest.

Bold colors and exaggerated expressions and mannerisms give this graphic novel a Saturday morning cartoon feeling. The quick pace keeps the reader turning the pages. The fusion of the modern world and the world of Greek mythology is smooth and believable. This graphic novel is lively and exuberant. The comedic tone keeps the story light and entertaining.

Danni is a strong-willed and likable character. She is a relatable protagonist. The grown-ups around her have their own motivations and goals surrounding her quest, but she remains practical and focused despite the bizarre and dangerous situation she is in.

The gods on Mount Olympus are watching Danni’s quest on their magical tv, and readers will be just as entertained. Fetch Book One: The Journey is an action-packed, timeless quest for middle school readers especially if they love modern twists on legends.

Perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson series, Fable Comics by Charise Harper, and Amulet: The Stonekeeper’s Gate by Kazu Kibuishi.