WAR: A GRAPHIC NOVEL, by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano, Sourcebooks Young Readers, Sept. 15, 2026, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)
Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano join forces for their third issue-based graphic novel, WAR.
When her city is invaded, Kat suddenly finds her life ripped apart, her family divided and her father taken captive. Adam has been forcibly conscripted into the invading army. When their worlds collide can they trust each other long enough to win freedom for Kat’s father?
WAR is not a story about any one specific war. It is a story about the effects of each and every war on the most vulnerable group of people in the world – children. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Young Readers
Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin and Giovanni Rigano are known for their collaboration on the Artemis Fowl graphic novel series and for their issue-based graphic novels, ILLEGAL and GLOBAL. WAR is the third book in that series.
WAR tells the story of Kat whose country has been invaded and, to a lesser degree, Adam, who has been forced to join the invading forces. It’s a heavy topic but one that is unfortunately top of mind. The story is purposely set in an unnamed city in an unnamed country, though it feels European.
The story itself is tight with excellent development and pacing. Colfer and Donkin’s writing is sparse, though compelling. It provides the framework for Giovanni Rigano’s often heartbreaking illustrations that drop readers directly into a war zone. Rigano’s use of color and light and shadows play a large role in setting the tone.
Young people do want to know what’s going on in the world, and WAR gives them an idea of what current conflicts likely look like. And readers get to see those conflicts from the point of view of the children who have no say in the global disagreements that are thrust on their doorsteps.
WAR is an excellent graphic novel that will stick with readers long after completion.
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