Excalibur

Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur
By Tony Lee & illustrated by Sam Hart
Candlewick Press, 2011. Young Adult

Arthur holds a long-standing grudge against Merlin for taking him from his family and leaving him on the doorstep of another family. So when the time comes for Arthur to pull the sword Caliburn from the stone, Arthur is dubious about the whole operation. But, as the legend goes, Arthur does pull the sword and becomes king of Albion. At first a peaceful kingdom, Arthur must finally contend with his queen, his chivalrous champion, and traitorous half-sister. This graphic novel tells the whole story of Arthur, including his time in Avalon and his love for the Lady of the Lake. Shown mostly in subdued yellows, reds, and oranges with sections colored in deep purples, this rendering of the King Arthur legend is a treat to read, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the legend and who will appreciate the slightly more modern tone of the story.

MN