by Alexis E. Fajardo

Publisher: Bowler Hat

Format: softcover, 7x9, black and white, $14.95 (order with code DEC083860)

ISBN: 978-0-9801419-1-7

Reviewed by: School Library Journal

In the standard Beowulf story, the character appears as a full-fledged hero, with little concept of how he actually became one. Fajardo tells the backstory, using a blend of humor and soap-opera plot twists. The book opens with a “prologue” that admirably and entertainingly sums up the classic story in just seven pages of poetry and panel art. This section contains several warnings that men “twist the truth,” and the rest of the book purports to show just who Beowulf really was. Part One tells the story of his ancestors, including how several of them meet the dragon that is waiting for someone else from their bloodline for his ultimate battle. This dragon makes a deal with Hrothgar to help him rule the land, but the combining of their blood causes unforeseen problems when Hrothgar’s wife becomes pregnant with what will one day become Gertrude. Part Two covers the events leading up to Beowulf’s birth–as Grendel’s twin brother. It isn’t until Part Three that readers finally see Beowulf as a boy who has no idea of his convoluted family heritage. When he rescues another boy by killing a sea serpent, his abilities become apparent to those around him. The cartoon-style illustrations are lively and contain lots of visual humor. This book will be most enjoyable to readers familiar with the original story as they’ll be able to understand all of the references and appreciate the jokes. –Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library