REVIEW: Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts by Craig Phillips

Above: the cover for Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts by Craig Phillips.

Since my childhood I've been a fan of world mythology - creations stories, and tall tales from around the globe. Seeing these stories adapted in comics form, from Jack Kirby's take on the Norse myths in Thor, or Bill Willinghams' use of various fairy tale and mythological characters in Fables, it's always a treat to see these stories come alive on the page. 

Earlier this year I came across Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts: Ten Tales from the Deep, Dark Woods, a handsome paperback written and drawn by Craig Phillips. Inside you'll find re-tellings of classic fairy tales and mythology spanning the globe, from 'Snow White and Rose Red' (from Germany) to 'Thor' (from Scandinavia), 'Momotaro' (from Japan) and Finn McCool (from Northern Ireland) to name a few. All the stories are richly illustrated in full colour, drawing from the traditional folklore - so they aren't sanitised in a Disney version: Russia's fabled witch Baba Yaga will still threaten to EAT Vasilisa for supper if she doesn't do all her chores! Which I'm sure will go down a treat with most kids looking for a bit more bite in their picture books.

Above: Artwork from Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts by Craig Phillips.

I was pleasantly surprised to read that the author Craig Phillips is currently based in New Zealand, and produced Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts with the assistance of an Australian Arts Grant. I also understand he'll be appearing at the upcoming Overload Convention in Auckland, so keep an eye out for his artwork! Speaking of which, his art chops are of a high standard in this book, featuring clear storytelling with plenty of character and great colouring and design. It certainly reminded me of some of P. Craig Russell's comics collaborations with Neil Gaiman. So if you're a fan of those books and looking for a new take on folklore stories for you and the family, this collection is for you!

Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts: Ten Tales from the Deep, Dark Woods by Craig Phillips is out now from Allan & Unwin with an RRP of $27.99NZ. You can also visit Craig's website HERE, and follow the book's Facebook page HERE for updates.

- AK!