northern lights the graphic novel volume 1

Of course aspects of the plot have to be simplified and speeded up because this is a graphic novel - and because of the complexity of the themes.

So I remember the book, but not enough to get really picky about the adaptation itself, which would detract from enjoyment of the graphic novel. Since then, I have listened to the fantastic audio production of the trilogy (including a full cast with Pullman himself narrating) a couple of times. I also think that I am perfectly poised to review the graphic novel adaptation of The Golden Compass because I first read the trilogy about 16 years ago, just before the third and final book, The Amber Spyglass, was published. For an encompassing review of all three books in one, read Brian Anderson's review of The Amber Spyglass for the New York Times. What follows is a review of the graphic novel with a brief synopsis of the plot of the graphic novel adaptation (but not the whole book) for readers who have not had the immense pleasure of reading this trilogy yet. Contemplating writing a review of this philosophically provocative, theologically challenging brilliant work of fantasy (really - dæ mons? The best fantastical creation ever!!) feels comparable to starting my thesis senior year of college. A review of Pullman's almost 20 year old book falls into both categories. Like the other books that have meant a tremendous amount to me as an adult and/or as a child ( Harry Potter, The Phantom Tollbooth) I have not reviewed them here, either because I wasn't sure I could add anything new to the conversation or because the task was too overwhelming.

I have been half-writing (mostly in my head) a review of the first book in Philip Pullman's masterful trilogy, (known collectively as His Dark Materials) The Golden Compass, originally published in the UK with the title Northern Lights, since I started this blog in 2008.

Northern lights the graphic novel volume 1