Few authors can combine humor with fantasy or science fiction and do it well, but Terry Pratchett combines all three brilliantly in his Discworld books. The first two of those books, The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic, are available as a single graphic novel from Harper called The Discworld Graphic Novels. Illustrated by Steven Ross, adapted by Scott Rockwell, lettered by Vickie Williams and edited by David Campiti, The Discworld Graphic Novels captures the satire and wit of the original books.

The Colour of Magic: Rincewind is a wizard. Unfortunately, he is not a very good wizard. He never got high marks during his time attending the Unseen University. As such, he doesn't have many prospects. He does have a penchant for running away and escaping danger, though. Enter Twoflower, the Discworld's first ever tourist, who has traveled from the Counterweight Continent all the way to the city of Ankh-Morpork to “look at things.” This odd behavior attracts a lot of attention, as does the fact that Twoflower carries a lot of gold and doesn't seem to understand how much gold is worth in Ankh-Morpork versus his homeland. Rincewind is tasked with showing Twoflower around and seeing him safely back to his home with a pleasant story that will bring more of these “tourists” to Ankh-Morpork to spend their gold. Along their journey, they encounter Death, Hrun the Barbarian and his talking sword, Kring, Liessa Dragonlady, leader of the Dragonriders, and travel from Ankh-Morpork to the upside down mountain called The Wyrmberg, and all the way to the edge of the world. 

The Light Fantastic: This book continues the adventures of the wizard, Rincewind, and the Discworld's first tourist, Twoflower, as they make their way across the world and over the edge. Picking up from the final moments of the previous book, Rincewind and Twoflower meet even more denizens of the Discworld, including Cohen the Barbarian, Bethan, a virgin meant to be sacrificed, Death, and Death's adopted daughter, Ysabell, and of course, The Luggage. This time, the wizards at the Unseen University learn that the Great A'Tuin, the turtle who carries the Discworld through the universe on its back, is heading for a mysterious red star with eight moons where the world will end. The only thing that can save the Discworld is for the Eight Spells of Octavo to be read, but one of those spells has taken up residence inside Rincewind's head. It's up to Rincewind to wield the magic he's always wanted, but never had, in order to save the world.

These books are a wonderful adaptation combined in a massive, 270-page graphic novel. The art is well-done, but not spectacular. The best part here is the same as it is in Pratchett's novels: the wit and humor. From the beginning, the book is full of moments that just make you chuckle. Longtime fans will enjoy this adaptation and can add it to their library alongside the original books and the 2008 TV miniseries starring David Jason (Rincewind), Sean Astin (Twoflower), Tim Curry (Trymon) and Christopher Lee (Death). 

Patrick Hester is an author, blogger and Hugo-nominated Podcast producer/host and editor (2013) who lives in Colorado, writes science fiction and fantasy, and can usually be found hanging out on his Twitter feed. His Functional Nerds and SF Signal weekly podcasts have both been nominated for Parsec awards, and the SF Signal podcast was nominated for a 2012 and a 2013 Hugo Award. In addition to his Kirkus posts, he writes for atfmb.com, SF Signal and Functional Nerds.