Random House Graphic, an imprint of RHCB, has published Mel the Chosen, a charming fantasy comic book for readers ages 8-12. There is a stronger desire than ever to encourage the reading of comics intended for children of an early age, as the best way to ensure they will grow up appreciating, if not loving the art form. And the new release written and illustrated by Rachele Aragno is a wonderful starting point for a young reader eager to enjoy some of their first graphic novels.
The Tuscany-born Aragno followed a passion for comic books to a degree in foreign comics from the International School of Comics in Rome, and this first book, Mel the Chosen, is a heartfelt fantasy story about what 'growing up' really means. The book follows Mel, a girl whose parents are on the verge of moving (again). With the words of her grandparents echoing in her ears--"Make your own decisions. Choose your own path."--she finds herself encountering a land of magic where not all is as it seems... and she herself is the chosen one, destined to free the Here & Now from the grips of an evil figure known as the Malcape.
Mel the Chosen stands out because it is, in a word, wholesome. It's an engaging, fantastical story with enchanted statues, talking birds, headless queens, and magic of every flavor imaginable. Mel gets the chance to learn that growing up isn't something one rushes, but something that needs to be savored, while also realizing that people aren't always what they seem. The artwork is also another reason to pick this book up, as Aragno's watercolors are enchanting and work with the story to make the reader feel like they are part of this magical world as well. The story's positive message--the importance of choosing your own path--resonates throughout, and is an easily recommended message for a young reader's (possibly first) comic. Magic is prevalent in comics, but the way Aragno presents magic in the tale of Mel the Chosen as connected to a larger idea of transformation is engaging from start to finish.
Publishers are beginning to take more notice of the all-ages/young readers market and have been producing a fair amount of books that are either based on existing children's properties (like IDW's My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) comics, or are aging down their adult properties to be kid-friendly. The issue is that, without familiarity with either the children's properties or the adult properties that the kid-friendly comics may be based on, there's a chance that a new reader may be lost.
Mel the Chosen stands on its own as a self-contained story that will encourage kids to read, and ideally, give a sense of accomplishment in finishing an entire book. There are plenty of comics unsuitable for kids, but Mel the Chosen is a fun, engaging read for budding comic fans.
Mel the Chosen is available in bookstores everywhere from Random House Graphic.
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