Graphic Novel Review – The Dam Keeper by Robert Kondo, Dice Tsutsumi (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 160 pages
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: September 26, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1626724266
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Life in Sunrise Valley is tranquil, but beyond its borders lies certain death. A dangerous black fog looms outside the village, but its inhabitants are kept safe by an ingenious machine known as the dam. Pig’s father built the dam and taught him how to maintain it. And then this brilliant inventor did the unthinkable: he walked into the fog and was never seen again.

Now Pig is the dam keeper. Except for his best friend, Fox, and the town bully, Hippo, few are aware of his tireless efforts. But a new threat is on the horizon―a tidal wave of black fog is descending on Sunrise Valley. Now Pig, Fox, and Hippo must face the greatest danger imaginable: the world on the other side of the dam.”

This was the first volume in this well done middle grade fantasy graphic novel series. The illustration is unique and beautiful and the story is engaging. I really enjoyed it and would recommend to those who enjoy beautiful and deliberate fantasy graphic novel.s

The story is about a young pig (named Pig) who keeps the windmills running on the border of Sunrise Valley to push back a deadly black fog. When Pig’s dad ventures into the fog and dies, Pig is left on his own to protect the town. However Pig is very misunderstood at school and only his friend Fox makes things better. When Pig realizes the pattern of the black fog is changing: Pig, Fox, and Hippo end up on an accidental adventure.

I loved the soft and beautiful illustration throughout the story; it’s easy to follow and fun to look at. The story was imaginative and well done as well. I think my only complaint would be that things move a bit slow. My 11 year old son wasn’t a huge fan of this graphic novel; he said it was too creepy and moved to slow.

Overall this was a beautiful and magical story set in a fantasy world of talking animals and deadly black fog. This is just the beginning of the story but I enjoyed it. My 11 year old was not a fan, so this may be something adults enjoy more than kids.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Goodreads Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge