The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel Volume 1

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2015

Review

Philip Pullman's 1st book in His Dark Materials series "The Golden Compass" is represented in this graphic novel. It tells the story of Lyra and her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel and their adventures as it does in the first book." The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel" divides "The Golden Compass" into three parts, with this being the first novel. Originally published in French, it was translated into English by Annie Eaton. Recommended for grades 4 and up.

The panels are small, well-drawn and clear with expressive faces and illustrations that depict the mood of the story. Fans of the series will appreciate the illustrations in this novel. The panels are easy to follow without losing the pace of the context and do compliment the original text. The characters and the background are drawn to resemble a children's hand but with a level not equated with a child's drawing -- a slightly higher level of sophistication to detail which makes the illustrations more applicable to the story.

Overall Book Score: excellent