I'm a fan of Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series. But, I don't often pick up graphic novels so I missed The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle until I was shelving in the teen department. If you're a Harry Dresden fan, you'll want to pick up this book. It provides a background for Harry Dresden. And, Jim Butcher himself was pleased with the illustrations, saying "The representation of the characters found here is very, very close to the images of them that exist in my head. Harry is bang-on, in particular." If you want to see a better Harry Dresden than the TV series provided, check out this book.When a security guard is killed at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, Moe, the gorilla is the primary suspect. But, Lt. Karrin Murphy of Special Investigations thinks there's something supernatural about the death, so she calls in Harry Dresden, the only wizard in the Chicago Yellow Pages. But, Harry faces a confrontational zoo staff, and, then attacks by the animals themselves. While Harry knew those animals were possessed, one of those zoo employees provoked his suspicions.
Fans of the Dresden series will discover all of the favorites here, Harry, Murphy, Mister, and, of course, Bob, the Skull. If you haven't yet met the characters, now is the perfect chance to see the characters as the author does. Naturally, the story isn't as complex as one of the novels, but the graphic novel tells the story of Harry's background, introduces some of the basic elements of the story, and provides a dangerous, fast-paced adventure.
I've already passed on my love of Harry Dresden to one of my nephews. Now, I'm going to find out if he's read the graphic novel, Welcome to the Jungle. It's great to see one of my favorite characters brought visually to life in Jim Butcher's story, and Ardian Syaf's wonderful illustrations.
Jim Butcher's website is http://www.jim-butcher.com/
The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher. Illustrations by Ardian Syaf. Del Rey, ©2010. ISBN 9780345507464 (hardcover), 168p.
*****
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