The 2007 Redwall graphic novel is a perfect refresher for fans or newcomers before Netflix's upcoming on-screen adaptations of the children's book.
In light of Netflix's plans to create an original Redwall TV series and film, the 2007 graphic novel adaptation of the first book is the perfect way for new fans to dive into the amazing world of Redwall and for older fans to refresh their memories. The Redwall series by author Brian Jacques remains one of the most iconic children's fantasy tales to ever be told, spanning more than 20 novels since 1986. The black and white graphic novel adaptation of Redwall is a gorgeous introduction to the series, and is an ideal nostalgia hit for anyone who grew up in the '90s obsessed with the adventures of the creatures within Redwall Abbey.
Redwall follows a large group of anthropomorphic animals that live within Redwall Abbey and the surrounding Mossflower Wood, mainly featuring characters that are mice, badgers, rabbits, and moles. Much of tension and adventure that appears within the books come when the typically peaceful and loving residents of Mossflower are forced to become warriors to defend their kingdom and loved ones from the evil forces of the world's "vermin" creatures, the terrible rats, foxes, and weasels. First published in 1986 by Jacques, Redwall features the young novice monk Matthias as he searches for a legendary shield and sword created by the great Martin the Warrior, while helping the Abbey fight back against the truly evil one-eyed rat Cluny the Scourge.
The 2007 Redwall: The Graphic Novel was illustrated by Bret Blevins, known for his penciling and artwork on the '80s run of New Mutants, the Marvel adaptation of The Dark Crystal, and many issues of Batman: Shadow of the Bat. The graphic novel clocks in at a whopping 147 pages and each one is painstakingly illustrated in black and white, detailing the intense emotions and action-packed fight sequences that made Redwall one of the most beloved children's fantasy sagas of all time. Blevins' adaptation of the deranged Cluny is especially haunting, portraying the evil rat as an ominous monster wearing his signature cape made out of bat wings, held together by a mole skull, reminiscent of the horrible Sauron from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Bret Blevins does an excellent job of synthesizing the long first novel in the Redwall saga into a beautiful, digestible graphic novel that would serve as a perfect introduction for young readers who are interested in young adult graphic novels, which have become super popular over the last decade. It is also a wonderful refresher for long time fans of the series who don't remember some of the details, and want to know their Redwall lore before diving into the upcoming Netflix Original TV show and movie based on the Redwall saga. Apparently the Netflix series will focus on Martin the Warrior, the legendary mouse whose shield and sword Matthias attempts to retrieve in the first book, so reading the graphic novel won't spoil any of the main plot of the show, which adapts the third book in the series.
Redwall, which has already been adapted into a three-season animated series from 1999 produced in Canada, is certainly due for an updated animated adaptation, and it has been confirmed that Patrick McHale, creator of Over the Garden Wall and a writer on Adventure Time, will be tasked with writing the new Netflix series. While there has been no news on when production will start on the Redwall Netflix TV series or film, fans and new readers can dive into the universe of Redwall Abbey by reading Bret Blevins 2007 adaptation of Brian Jacques' classic children's fantasy novel Redwall.
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