The Legend of Bold Riley was a 2012 graphic novel fantasy about a royal seeker of adventure and beautiful girls… only the seeker was a woman. Now Riley is back in a comic book series with the same title.

The Legend of Bold Riley #1 cover

Given the series’ episodic approach to storytelling and use of different artists, it fits better, in my opinion, in issues instead of thick books. This first issue, “The Talking Bone”, is drawn by Jonathon Dalton, with a cover by Brittney Sabo. All the princess’ adventures are written by Leia Weathington.

Apparently, something bad happened in the previous stories that left Riley heartbroken, according to a brief introduction. You don’t need to know, though, because a wandering hero is easy enough to understand, and the story works fine without the background. Visiting a new city, Riley finds a finger bone that promises her, “Give me something to drink and I will tell you my story!” Of course, since this is a magical fantasy, the deal isn’t so simple, and the story involves a haunted pool and a forsaken love.

Those inclined to think more deeply about their reading may find a useful message in the idea that meddling in someone else’s romance may not be a good idea, and humor in how she gets drunk before she does it. Some relationships are better off left alone, in the past.

It’s an amusing, thought-provoking tale, and I like Riley’s non-typical responses to the usual fairy tale conventions (albeit portrayed with a bit more horror). It’s clearly told through solid art with touches of eastern mythology. The Legend of Bold Riley is a great modern approach to fantasy expectations, and I look forward to seeing more. The next issue is due out any week now, since the series is intended to be monthly for five issues.

There are preview pages at the publisher’s website. (The publisher provided a digital review copy.)

Similar Posts: More Jeff Smith Bone Coming With New Writer § *Criminal: The Last of the Innocent — Best of 2011 § Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura Book 1 § Flashmob Fridays: Criminal: Last of the Innocent § *Andre the Giant: Life and Legend — Recommended

Books Posts

Sep 30, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday: City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett

By Beauty in Ruins

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. City of Blades by Robert Jackson Bennett...

Sep 14, 2015

Fantasy Review: The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

By Beauty in Ruins

I thoroughly enjoyed The Aeronaut's Windlass, no doubt about it. It was a fast-paced, action-packed, imaginative bit of fiction with a lot of elements that appealed to me. Where Jim...

Sep 14, 2015

The Martian Reviewed, Godzilla and King Kong, America’s Got Talent, Iron Maiden and Muse Album Reviews, and Ninja News!

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

Entertainment News The upcoming film, The Martian, was just reviewed at the Toronto International Film Festival. According to JoBlo’s site - As such, The Martian really is terrific family entertainment....

Sep 09, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday: Servants Of Hell by Paul Kane

By Beauty in Ruins

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. Servants Of Hell by Paul Kane Expected...

Sep 04, 2015

Horror Review: The Crimson Corset by Alistair Cross

By Beauty in Ruins

Falling somewhere between paranormal romance and vintage horror, The Crimson Corset is a tale of small towns, family ties, and vampires. Alistair Cross puts just enough of a spin on...

Aug 26, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday: The Last Mortal Bond by Brian Staveley

By Beauty in Ruins

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. The Last Mortal Bond by Brian Staveley...

Aug 24, 2015

RiffTrax Live! Plus Movie Reviews, Trivia, and News; Dragon and Cassa News, Battle of the Banned, and Ninja News

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

Back from vacation! I’m starting to really enjoy those… RiffTrax Live! Two more shows remain in this year’s RiffTrax Live line-up – Miami Connection and Santa and the Ice Cream...

Aug 17, 2015

Urban Fantasy Review: Daring by Elliott James

By Escape Reality, Read Fiction!

My Review: Although I read Daring before Fearless (review here), I’m posting it after. I’ll be packing for WorldCon in Spokane when this posts, and frankly, I needed to have...

Aug 14, 2015

SF Review: Doctor Who: The Drosten’s Curse by A.L. Kennedy

By Escape Reality, Read Fiction!

My Review: Tomorrow, Saturday August 15, has been declared Doctor Who Comics Day by Titan Comics, who, of course, publish Doctor Who Comics. While I didn’t have a Doctor Who...

Aug 13, 2015

SF Review: The End of All Things by John Scalzi

By Escape Reality, Read Fiction!

My Review: If Doctor Who is the story of a “madman with a box” then The End of All Things is at least partially the story of a brain in...