The graphic novel Bea Wolf was both a book I loved and was thinking after only a few pages, “Just what exactly am I reading?” There are layers upon layers upon layers to the story arcs, and yet this is a simple story. If I have to say the first work that comes to mind when describing it, I would say Artistic. The second, Confusing. The third, Simple-Beauty (okay I know that’s technically two, but that’s what fits!).Zach Weinersmith was influenced by the story of Beowulf, and therefore all that it was inspired by, to create a story about a young heroine stopping the Monster of Fun. Written in a poetic, but prose, manner, things can both flow and be a smidgen bumpy (sometimes the action/language does not lend itself to be expressed in a “lofty poetic epic poem” way, so that is a bit humorous for the adult reader. Bea Wolf is, in short, a spunk girl who is willing to defend her (and her friends, and the children on the other side of their river) right to party, eat sugar, go to bed late (if at all) and wear underwear on their heads.
Best for ages 10 and up, this “bratty kids who are modern wild children with that classic feel of freedom, just be home for dinner when the street lights come on” as good kids/the good guys will take the allegories of Beowulf and growing up/growing old and makes them come to life in a relatable, over-the-top, presentation. The action is fun, the humor can be subtle, but overall an interesting read.
The art is both lovely and odd, the childlike innocence to them hides the battles they are well battling. Boulet has a creative style that is both cute and a smidgen off-putting. You see these almost angelic eyed beings, then you see them attacking each other. And of course, the “Bad Guys” (the teens and adults) are characters of what/who they are.
I think this is a like it or not book for adults, but most kids will like it as they will like the modern Pippi Longstocking attitude.
