A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA, by Ursula K. Le Guin and Fred Fordham, Clarion Books, March 11, 2025, Hardcover, $26.99 (young adult)
Ursula K. Le Guin’s bestselling A Wizard of Earthsea has now been reimagined in a graphic novel by acclaimed artist Fred Fordham.
Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth, he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and unleashed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance. —Synopsis provided by Clarion Books
A Wizard of Earthsea (first published in 1968) is the first book in Ursula K. Le Guin’s six-volume set, Books of Earthsea. Le Guin’s son, Theo, first thought a graphic adaptation was impossible. It was only after seeing Fred Fordham’s version of To Kill a Mockingbird that Theo thought a graphic novel “might not only be possible, but delightful.”
Theo’s not wrong.
I have not read the original novel, but after reading Fordham’s version, I want to read the entire original series. Fordham balances text with illustrative storytelling, giving readers a full and exciting experience. Fordham’s watercolor style helps set the fantasy tone. And I wouldn’t mind hanging some panels on my wall — they’re that beautiful.
This graphic version is sure to entice a new generation of readers.
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