Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Tricksters #1 (of 4)
Recap
Discover the fascinating tale of Anansi, the spider-god, and his quest to free all Stories from his father, the sky god Nyame. But when Anansi becomes the Keeper of Stories, what will he decide to do with all of his new, potentially world-changing knowledge?
Review
This is an excellent and beautifully illustrated adaptation of a very interesting African legend. Yet another example of this series shining light on the diverse and fascinating mythology of the world.
The story is a fairly straightforward telling of the Anansi legend, as told by our beloved storyteller, but it is also a very thorough recollection of the myth. Many previous versions of the story I have read have oversimplified the legend or left out details seen as unimportant but this comic seems to cover every detail of the mythology while still keeping if fun and appropriate for all ages.
The art on this issue feels a bit oversimplified in the panels featuring our storyteller but becomes more detailed and colorful as it depicts the legend of Anansi. This subtle detail actually helped to make the pages depicting the legend to come alive in contrast to the calm and pensive panels of the storyteller interacting with his dog.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was a great retelling of a legend that I was already familiar with. Great respect was taken in bringing the legend to life in a way that is both entertaining and informational.
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Tricksters #1 (of 4): Anansi, Weaver of Stories
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 8.5/108.5/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9.5/109.5/10