King Arthur: Excalibur Unsheathed [An English Legend] (Graphic Myths and Legends) Paperback – August 1, 2007

I found this graphic novel excellent in all its features. The graphics are colorful. The characterization of King Arthur and other important characters made the story interesting and gave the old legend a refreshing view. Another important aspect is that this graphic novel only covers the beginning of the legend of Arthur until he recieves Excalibur from the hands of the Lady of the Lake, and it does so in 48 pages. This gives enough room to give new life in Jeff Limke's adaptation.I purchased this product with the aim of using it in the classroom in ESL context. However, most sentences are complex, and most of the narration in the yellow boxes is too long. I find this inadequate for low proficiency ESL learners. I may consider using some of its graphics, though, avoiding to burden students' working memory as they try to comprehend the story.

High-quality, nice artwork, easy to read

These are such a great idea, to get the kids reading.

While perusing the Amazon.com website one day, I was surprised to discover this graphic novel and immediately thought...Huh?Thomas Yeates, the talented comic artist who took on the challenge and the privilege of illustrating the "Prince Valiant" comic strip in 2012, drew a comic retelling of the tale of King Arthur in 2007? As a long time fan of the Valiant newspaper strip, and someone who always enjoyed Mr. Yeates' work...this was something I had to see!"King Arthur: Excalibur Unsheathed" is a 48 paged graphic novel published for young readers by the Lerner Publishing Group and Millbrook Press, Inc. It is part of a line of illustrated books called "Graphic Universe" which features "Graphic Myths and Legends" from around the world retold using the sequential art medium. As written by Jeff Limke, "King Arthur" relates the story of how the young Arthur first takes the enchanted sword Excalibur from the stone and begins his mythic life to become the King of all England. During the quickly paced comic novel, Arthur is guided by the mysterious magician Merlin in the ways of knighthood and leadership, and as he matures into a young man, he learns how to be a king."King Arthur" is an admirable introduction to the early years of the boy who would become king, especially for the graphic novel's intended audience, young people. For older readers more familiar with the classic tale of Arthur, like myself, they may find the story a bit too condensed for their tastes. Still, Mr. Limke does embue the story with a good sense of its characters, notably in the young boy Arthur, and the loving bond he shares with his older brother Kay, and their father, Lord Ector. Importantly, even as an abridged version of Arthur's adventures, the book offers the rewarding artistry of Thomas Yeates, who brings his lush rendering style to the legend, heightening the power of the story. For example, Arthur's famous initial freeing of the Excalibur blade from the stone is imagined as a truly magical moment by Mr. Yeates, a comic page worthy of the mythology.From this reviewer's perspective, this graphic novel can not only be an introduction to the Arthurian Legends for children but also a companion to the "Prince Valiant" comic strip, especially since Mr. Yeates is currently drawing that classic contemporary take on the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Mr. Limke's and Mr. Yeates' "King Arthur: Excalibur Unsheathed" is an entertaining prequel to the Valiant comic strip as well as an enticing introduction to the life and growing legend of a character who was to become known and cherished throughout the world. Recommended.A final note:"King Arthur: Excalibur Unsheathed" has a follow-up novel in the "Graphic Myths and Legends" series, also created by Mr. Yeates and Mr. Limke, titled Arthur & Lancelot: The Fight for Camelot (An English Legend) (Graphic Myths and Legends) This comic story delves into the days of an older King Arthur, and his relationship with his beloved Queen Guinivere, and best friend, Sir Lancelot. More good reading for young and old alike!

My son loved it.

very good graphic novel.

Gifted to 9 yr old. He was quite excited.

Based on the legendary King Arthur, this English tale has been entertaining audiences since Sir Thomas Malory created the character in the 15th century. Whether or not King Arthur was inspired by a real man has never been determined, but one thing is certain: Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur looked nothing like the Limke-Yeates version.According to Yeates, he used both historic and traditional sources when shaping the artwork for the book. Together, he and Limke created a 21st-century version of Arthur that fans of both Arthurian legend and graphic novels will be unable to resist. Limke's adaptation of Malory's story is strong. This particular telling of the legend begins with the young Arthur, when he was a squire and England was in turmoil, without a king. When he pulls the sword from the stone, he becomes the next king of England--quite a responsibility for a boy. But, with the guidance of Merlin the Magician and the loyalty of the Knights of the Round Table, he becomes a good and powerful leader.The colorful graphics supplied by Yeates are stunning, and the glossary, index, and list of Web sites at the end will enhance this Arthurian experience for younger readers. Additionally, readers who enjoy this book should check out other books in the publisher's "Graphic Myths and Legends" series.Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard