Graphic Novel Reviews: THE ORPHAN KING, volume 1

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Title: The Orphan King, volume 1
Published By: A Wave Blue World
Written By: Tyler Chin-Tanner
Illustrated By: James Boyle
ISBN: 9781949518146
Ages: 13+

Review: Kaidan, son of King Gorlan of Aesolan, was sent away for years to train with his aunt’s people. Returning three years later, Kaidan is eager to see his mother and the home he left, only to find the city is in ruins, and his father is dead. It’s while escaping the new sovereign’s guards that Kaidan meets a ragtag group in the forest. Kai isn’t sure how much he can trust them, especially since he has such a large bounty on his head. Kai must evade the guards, see if he can find his mother – dead or alive, and try to keep himself out of harm’s way in the process.

The first volume in this new series feels like it brings several stories together. Kaidan leaves home to train in a society of women-only warriors, and upon returning to his own country, gets taken in by a rag-tag band of thieves that steal from the rich to give to the poor. The familiarity of it all gives the reader a sense of comfort, and therefore it’s easy to just sink into the world this author has created. This graphic novel movies quickly, and will leave readers satisfied with the ending, but still eagerly awaiting a second volume to see what happens next to the young hero. The illustrations and coloring feel like they fit the story, making it all come together as a pleasant whole.

Amanda Toth, Technology Center Manager

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