ReadItDaddy's Second Book of the Week - Week Ending 4th March 2016 - "Knight and Dragon" by Matt Gibbs and Bevis Musson (Improper Books)

Our Second Book of the Week is a really innovative take on a graphic novel for kids. Not only is it wordless, but there are multiple ways to read it! Bring on "Knight and Dragon" by Matt Gibbs and Bevis Musson (Improper Books)...
This time we're taking a look at a more child-friendly title from Improper Books, serving up a superb slice of interactive fiction in the form of a wordless "Choose your own adventure" comic.

Woven into this comic's intricate storyline are multiple story paths, depending on which character you choose to 'play'. Each character is colour-coded, so you make your choice and then follow the page number prompts at the bottom of each page spread to know where to go next.

Depending on your choice, your impression of the story can vary wildly. Choose the gallant knight and you'll find one path through the tale to the end. Choose the kick-ass damsel in distress (who is neither damsel nor really in distress - which of course was something we loved to bits!) and your path through the story will differ from the Knight's. Choose the dragon and - well we'll let you find out what happens there for yourself!

One Dragon, One Knight, one very tasty looking non-fireproof village. Owch!

The fact that the story unfolds without text is quite interesting in itself. The added allure of being able to make a choice at the outset of how the story will unfold is something really cool. I used to love those "Choose your Own Adventure" books as a kid (Remember Deathtrap Dungeon?) so this is like an uber-cool and easy to follow version of those.

Tsk, boys. They're so rubbish!

The art is awesome too - nice and clear and attractive meaning that this book will win over a really wide age range.

Take up your sword, don your armour and ride into one of the most original graphic novels for kids we've seen in a very long time!

http://www.improperbooks.com/project/knight-dragon/

Charlotte's favourite bit: The 'damsel' ending of the story - which is one she really identified with!

Daddy's favourite bit: What an utterly awesome idea, and so brilliantly executed. A truly innovative approach to storytelling and one we'd really love to see more of!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Improper Books)

"Knight and Dragon" 

Written by Matt Gibbs

Illustrated by Bevis Musson

Published by Improper Books