Wednesday, November 01, 2017

Graphic Novel Review: 'Steve Jackson's The Trolltooth Wars' by PJ Montgomery & Gavin Mitchell

Adapted from Steve Jackson's original novel, set in the world of the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks that took the world by storm in the 1980's, 'The Trolltooth Wars' brings the world of Allansia back to life!

The graphic novel, beginning life as a successfully funded Kickstarter campaign, is written by PJ Montgomery, and is illustrated and lettered by Gavin Mitchell and has the endorsement of Steve Jackson, making this a fully approved Fighting Fantasy book.

I missed the initial Kickstarter, but discovered their table at this year's Thought Bubble Comic Art Festival in Leeds. It was great to chat with both PJ and Gavin about the project. They both came across as fans of the original books which convinced me to pick up the graphic novel. Not that I needed much convincing, as I was a big fan of the gamebooks back-in-the-day!

In 'The Trolltooth Wars', a caravan raid sets off events that threatens an all out war between two powerful wizards, Balthus Dire and Zharradan Marr. Soon the kingdom of Salamonis comes under threat and a champion is needed to turn the war to Salamonis’ advantage and prevent the bloodshed. The warrior Chadda Darkmane is selected for the mission, and must travel across Allansia in search of allies, as unseen forces plot against him.

Not having read the original novel, only some of the original Fighting Fantasy gamebooks in my youth, the world within the graphic novel is still familiar to me after all these years, especially with meeting Balthus Dire, Zharradan Marr, Yaztromo and of course not forgetting, Zagor, the Warlock of Firetop Mountain, within the pages again.

It's a great read! It's a well paced, and engaging narrative that draws you into the story. Gavin's art from start to finish is gorgeous, fitting in very well with the story. It all feels very much like a Fighting Fantasy book! If you're a fan of the original gamebooks, look out for a few Easter eggs throughout too. I managed to pick out a few, but I'm sure I've missed loads more.

It's a very timely release, as Scholastic UK are relaunching the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks with reissues of some of their famous titles as well as a brand new title, 'The Port Of Peril' by co-founder Ian Livingstone. All coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the publication of the first title, 'The Warlock Of Firetop Mountain', first published back in 1982.

If you're a fan of the Fighting Fantasy gamebooks, or just a fan of fantasy worlds like Tolkien's Middle Earth or Blizzard's Azeroth from the World Of Warcraft, then I would definitely recommend picking this and adding to your collection.

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