Rating: 7 of 10 stars
Artemis Fowl is the main character in a series of six novels which bear his name. They have been a durable favorite of fourth through seventh grade students who love adventure, mystery and a bit of James Bondian espionage. After this success, Colfer now offers a graphic version of his first book, Artemis Fowl.
In the original novel as in this graphic version, Artemis is firmly established as an anti-hero--he steals gold from the fairy folk in hope of restoring the former stature of his family. Unfortunately, Captain Holly Short, one of the folk, arrives expecting to foil Fowl's plan. She is a member of LEPRecon, Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance, and is packing plenty of fairy technology to make good on her intentions.
Speaking generally of the entire text series, there is plenty of action, humor and plot twists to keep kids reading. Each story provides plenty of interesting tools and technology as well as quick thinking when it counts, but also has the pratfalls and word play of J.K. Rowling's work. And as the series progresses, our anti-hero becomes a bit more likable, though he still sees himself as a criminal mastermind.
Though a graphic novel can't hold each twist and turn of the original, I was pleased to see that this one is faithful to the scope of the novel. I'm betting that, if manga fans happen on this one, they'll give the original text series a try.
Usual borrowers: Fourth grade and up
Genres: Adventure, fantasy, humor, science fiction
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