In 2003, Dabel Brothers Productions released “The Hedge Knight” and stunned the comic book world with their high quality adaptation of New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin’s novella which serves as a prequel to his epic fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire. In 2004, the collected graphic novel edition of “The Hedge Knight” went on to become one of the bestselling graphic novels of the year. In 2006, Marvel Comics and Dabel Brothers Production republished the book in a prestige hardcover format, much to the delight of collectors and critics alike. And in Spring 2007, the Dabel Brothers continued the story of “The Hedge Knight” by adapting the next chapter in the series: George R. R. Martin’s “Sworn Sword”, featuring the return of the creative duo of Mike S. Miller and Ben Avery…
Continuing two years after the events of Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” came to a close, “The Hedge Knight II: “Sworn Sword” follows the unlearned-yet-earnest Ser Dunk as the memories of his exploits at Ashford Meadow still hover over him. His search to become a great knight brings him and his irreverent squire, Egg, to the fiefdom of Ser Eustace, a nobleman haunted by faded glory and hiding secrets that may inevitably compromise Ser Dunk’s oath of loyalty.
As a drought ravages Eustace’s lands, Dunk finds himself embroiled in a water-rights dispute between the aged knight who employs him and Lady Rohanne, the ominously named “Red Widow” who many say threatens both the fire and the sword to anyone whom she deems a threat. Indeed, the Red Widow has left behind a trail of dead husbands and brothers, adding to the whispers that she is a fearsome power to cross at one’s peril. As Dunk finds his loyalty to his lord tested against a flowering passion for the diminutive firebrand Lady Rohanne, he struggles to find his way to a conclusion that avoids death and bloodshed, to negotiate some kind of peace between two sides that seem fated for war. But as a sworn sword, Dunk finds that that may be too much to expect and is forced to choose whether he will abandon his honor for his principles or find a way to stand for both…
About George R.R. Martin:
George R.R. Martin is the New York Times bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, which includes the novels “A Game of Thrones”, “A Clash of Kings”, “A Storm of Swords”, “A Feast for Crows” and the upcoming “A Dance with Dragons”. He has also written many other novels and short stories, and is well known for both editing and contributing to the popular and long-running Wild Cards series, as well as writing episodes for the shows, The Twilight Zone and Beauty and the Beast. Martin received the Hugo Award in 1997 for his novella, “Blood of the Dragon”, adding to the many awards and honors he has earned during his career.
About Ben Avery:
Ben Avery is a comic book writer best known for his work on George R.R. Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” and its follow-up, “Sworn Sword”, though he is also the writer of Lullaby, The Imaginaries and Armorquest. Avery also serves as editor-in-chief for Community Comics, a company dedicated to creating family-friendly comic books.
About Mike S. Miller:
Mike S. Miller is a comic book industry veteran who has worked on many titles, including Wolverine, X-Man, Justice League of America, Adventures of Superman and The Savage Dragon. He is best known for his work on George R.R. Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” and its sequel, “Sworn Sword”.
NOTE: I forgot to mention this collection when it was released back in June, but if you’re a fan of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire, the original “Hedge Knight” miniseries, or just a well-produced comic book, then “”The Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword” is a must buy. Of course, if you don’t want to shell out the cash for the Hardcover edition—which is totally worth it in my opinion :)—then a Trade Paperback is scheduled for release December 31, 2008. For the collector, there is also a Direct Market Variant available.
Continuing two years after the events of Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” came to a close, “The Hedge Knight II: “Sworn Sword” follows the unlearned-yet-earnest Ser Dunk as the memories of his exploits at Ashford Meadow still hover over him. His search to become a great knight brings him and his irreverent squire, Egg, to the fiefdom of Ser Eustace, a nobleman haunted by faded glory and hiding secrets that may inevitably compromise Ser Dunk’s oath of loyalty.As a drought ravages Eustace’s lands, Dunk finds himself embroiled in a water-rights dispute between the aged knight who employs him and Lady Rohanne, the ominously named “Red Widow” who many say threatens both the fire and the sword to anyone whom she deems a threat. Indeed, the Red Widow has left behind a trail of dead husbands and brothers, adding to the whispers that she is a fearsome power to cross at one’s peril. As Dunk finds his loyalty to his lord tested against a flowering passion for the diminutive firebrand Lady Rohanne, he struggles to find his way to a conclusion that avoids death and bloodshed, to negotiate some kind of peace between two sides that seem fated for war. But as a sworn sword, Dunk finds that that may be too much to expect and is forced to choose whether he will abandon his honor for his principles or find a way to stand for both…
About George R.R. Martin:
George R.R. Martin is the New York Times bestselling author of the epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, which includes the novels “A Game of Thrones”, “A Clash of Kings”, “A Storm of Swords”, “A Feast for Crows” and the upcoming “A Dance with Dragons”. He has also written many other novels and short stories, and is well known for both editing and contributing to the popular and long-running Wild Cards series, as well as writing episodes for the shows, The Twilight Zone and Beauty and the Beast. Martin received the Hugo Award in 1997 for his novella, “Blood of the Dragon”, adding to the many awards and honors he has earned during his career.About Ben Avery:
Ben Avery is a comic book writer best known for his work on George R.R. Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” and its follow-up, “Sworn Sword”, though he is also the writer of Lullaby, The Imaginaries and Armorquest. Avery also serves as editor-in-chief for Community Comics, a company dedicated to creating family-friendly comic books.
About Mike S. Miller:
Mike S. Miller is a comic book industry veteran who has worked on many titles, including Wolverine, X-Man, Justice League of America, Adventures of Superman and The Savage Dragon. He is best known for his work on George R.R. Martin’s “The Hedge Knight” and its sequel, “Sworn Sword”.
NOTE: I forgot to mention this collection when it was released back in June, but if you’re a fan of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire, the original “Hedge Knight” miniseries, or just a well-produced comic book, then “”The Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword” is a must buy. Of course, if you don’t want to shell out the cash for the Hardcover edition—which is totally worth it in my opinion :)—then a Trade Paperback is scheduled for release December 31, 2008. For the collector, there is also a Direct Market Variant available.
Like the first adaptation, they did a fantastic job with this. I am by no means much of a comic book or graphic novel reader, but both Hedge Knight stories in this format are truly amazing. They should not be passed up by anyone, whether you're familiar with GRRM's Westeros world or not.
ReplyDelete