THE SWORD IN THE STONE

Young Arthur realizes being a king is harder than he could have imagined in Valentin and Snow’s middle-grade graphic novel based on the 1963 animated Disney film.

Now that Arthur has been officially made King of Camelot, he’s starting to realize ruling is not as easy as one might expect. He can’t seem to do anything right, although his citizens seem to think he should be able to solve all of their problems for them. Just when he’s starting to lose hope, Merlin pops back in from a visit to the future, just in time to help teach Arthur his next very important lesson—that imagination and determination will make Arthur a great leader. While Merlin and Arthur are out in the world, learning how the youthful monarch can look at situations from different angles to come up with good solutions, Madam Mim is plotting a way to get back at the wizard. While she’s making her potions, Mim’s young niece, Brea Bogwater, appears, having been sent by her family so that Mim can help the girl get control of her powers. Brea just wants to cause mischief and have fun, but Mim has bigger plans. Soon, Arthur has a new mission: to defeat the evil witch who’s moved into his castle and bespelled everyone in Camelot. This graphic novel for young readers picks up the story after the end of the classic film, following the adventures of Arthur as a new king. Colangeli’s art style is similar to its source, but with some modern twists and lively expressions to entertain young readers. The lessons that Arthur must learn to become a more skillful and just leader will resonate with its audience, and the central battle of good versus evil will ensure that these young readers keep turning pages.

Bright art, a solid message, and an epic final battle make this one a winner.