Fantasy Book Critic: Graphic novel review: Courtney Crumrin series by Ted Naifeh

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ted Naifeh is a writer and illustrator of comics for readers of all ages. He's best known for COURTNEY CRUMRIN, a multi-volume horror-fantasy adventures of a tween curmudgeon witch and her warlock uncle. In 2014, Ted created PRINCESS UGG, the adventure of a barbarian princess going to princess finishing school. Courtney Crumrin has been nominated for several Eisner awards, and remains a popular mainstay on the shelves of discerning comics shops. Princess Ugg has garnered much praise from the comics community and beyond.

Publisher: OniPress

The Courtney Crumrin comic book series by Ted Naifeh is an absolute delight. Even more so if you like stories that combine fantasy, magic, and dark humor. The series follows Courtney Crumrin - a young and cynical girl who moves in with her eccentric uncle Aloysius after her parents' financial troubles force them to live with him in a spooky mansion.

The series' unique art style perfectly captures the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of the story. Naifeh's illustrations bring the magical world to life and provide intricate details and expressive characters that drew me deeper into the narrative.

I love Courtney as a lead; her sarcastic wit and insatiable curiosity often land her in trouble, but that's expected. No trouble, no good story. She starts out as a lonely and bitter outsider but slowly learns to embrace her magical abilities and forge meaningful connections with others. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with a wide array of quirky and memorable characters, from Courtney’s snarky cat familiar to her eccentric witch aunt. Throughout the series, she encounters all sorts of fantastical creatures and magical beings, each interesting. The complex and evolving relationship between Courtney and Aloysius is a highlight of the series. And Aloysius is an awesome, if terrifying, character.

The storytelling is engaging and well-paced. It has enough twists and turns to keep even the most discriminate readers hooked from start to finish. Naifeh's world-building impressed me with its rich and intricate magical realm with its own rules and lore.

I would say the overall tone is dark and eerie, but never too dark. It touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.

Overall, the Courtney Crumrin comic book series is a fantastic read for fans of fantasy, magic, and adventure. Ted Naifeh's storytelling and enchanting artwork make it a must-read for anyone in the market for an imaginative comic book series.