Knaak, Richard A. Warcraft: dragon hunt

Kliatt, July, 2005 by George Galuschak

KNAAK, Richard A. Warcraft: dragon hunt. (The SunwellTrilogy, Vol. One.) Tokyopop. 192p. illus. c2005. 1595327126. $9.99. SA

This manga is based on WarCraft, the popular fantasy role-playing/computer game. Dragon Hunt takes place in the world of Azeroth, which has a long and complex history (described in excruciating detail in the first eight pages). I'll try to keep it simple: Arthas, the Lich King, wants an elvish artifact called The Sunwell. He sends his servant, a wicked elf named Dar'Khan, to retrieve it; Dar'Khan in turn sends a dwarf named Harkyn Grymstone to track Kalec, a blue dragon. Dar'Khan does this because dragons, as everyone knows, are drawn to The Sunwell. Grymstone shoots Kalec with his blunderbuss; Kalec transforms into a human, meets a malden named Anveena, and together with his future mate, Tyri, they all travel to the village of Tarren Mill, where they meet a fallen paladin named Jorad Mace. All clear so far?

If you have patrons who like swords & sorcery, this is worth a try (if you don't, it's not). This is a fast read with plenty of action, and I'm sure it makes total sense to people who enjoy role-playing games. This manga contains comic book violence and gore, and is recommended for libraries with collections catering to fantasy/role-playing fans. George Galuschak, YA Libn., Montvale PL, Montvale, NJ

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

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