DISNEY MULAN

Powered by various stylish illustration media (pencil drawings and watercolor paintings) that reflect the historical backdrop, Cleary’s graphic novel features heroic Disney character Mulan.

Structured largely in the form of a journal, the story begins with Mulan back at her countryside home as the nation gets ready for the Spring Festival. Heralded as a returning war hero by her family and friends, including the dragon Mushu, love interest Capt. Shang, and others, Mulan is uncomfortable with all the unwanted attention. But when she receives an urgent message from the emperor asking for her help (“China is in a moment of upheaval. The palace is beset with hidden dangers, and my own life has been threatened…you [are] the perfect person to infiltrate the court and uncover the source of these threats on my life”), she accepts the dangerous mission and travels to the Imperial Palace. Once there, she uncovers a disturbing conspiracy: A secret group of powerful dissenters, called the Golden Tiger, is plotting to overthrow the emperor and wipe out the country’s old nemeses, the Huns, once and for all. This graphic novel explores similar themes to the original movie. First and foremost is Mulan’s ongoing search for self and finding her place in the world. Set in a strictly regimented culture where gender roles were unyielding, especially for women—like subservience and taking care of domestic affairs—Mulan, the “soldier girl,” uses her savvy and intelligence to maneuver her way through complex and often repressive customs and belief systems. At story’s end, she realizes the importance of being true to herself and following her own individual path. These themes, compelling in a historical context, are just as timely in today’s sociopolitical landscape and should resonate intimately with young readers dealing with the same issues of self-discovery. The mix of artwork media—comic pencils by Innocente, comic paints by Cardinali, and watercolor illustrations by Urbinati—complement the story’s fantastical folkloric tone well.

Middle-grade readers—and Disney fans—should find this adventure starring a courageous hero both entertaining and empowering.