Rating: 4/5 stars
Description: Rapunzel has grown up in a lovely castle, but has never been outside of its walls and lives with the woman she thought was her mother. When she finds that the world outside is a dark place oppressed by her ‘mother’’s greed for power and uncovers the real secret of her own birth, she is imprisoned in a magic tree tower. In her years of captivity, she learns a lot about self-reliance and the numerous uses of her very long hair. With the will to escape, she eventually frees herself and vows to bring down her mother’s cruel empire while making friends and enemies all the way.
Review: Rapunzel’s Revenge is a really fun read. It is the retelling of fairy tale classic set in the swashbuckling of the Wild West. It is nonstop action that stars a spunky, strong, powerful heroine. While there is a hero named Jack from the Jack and the Beanstalk fame, there is no doubt that Rapunzel steals the show. While locked up in her prison, she learns about self reliance. One of my favorite panel from Rapunzel’s Revenge depicts Rapunzel reading and dismissing a book called “Girls Who Get Saved and the Princes Who Save Them”. It is also very interesting and cool to see how she refuses to use her ‘feminine wiles’ to distract enemies, but rather uses her brains and physical strength to do so. Along with the action, Rapunzel’s Revenge is very funny. I love the banter between Jack and Rapunzel, especially when he gives her the nickname “Punzie”.
Readers who are not familiar with graphic novels, will easily read this one and feel right at home. The panels are spaced out and easy to read. The different boxes for narrative and dialogue are easily identifiable. Illustrator Nathan Hale does a great job reflecting the dialogue and action with his illustrations. This graphic novel, unlike most, is colorful so it is definitely appealing to the eyes. Rapunzel’s Revenge is a delightful read and I really look forward to reading Calamity Jack by these same authors and illustrator.
Readalikes: The Sisters Grimm series by Michael Buckley
Availability: This book is available in the Junvenile Graphic Novel collection in the Children’s Department.
Reviewed by: Rummanah
Wandering Through the Stacks 