I’ve never read any of Erin Hunter’s Warriors series. I know that they are very popular with middle grade readers.When I received a copy of one of the TokyoPop graphic novel Manga series Warriors: SkyClan and the Stranger #1: The Rescue, I thought it was a good way to see what the fuss was about.
As Erin Hunter explains in a letter to the readers that prefaces the book, the stories contained in each Manga collection are separate from any of the series. She uses the Manga books to fill in gaps and reveal more information about minor characters.
This series focuses on Skyclan, which was banished from the forest when a Twoleg housing development took over their territory. Leafstar is the leader, and she is about to have kittens. She’s frustrated at the limitations this imposes on her ability to patrol, and wonders how being a mother will change her. Will she still put her clan’s safety first?
A few of the young apprentice kits go out on patrol one day and break away from the rest of the pack. Leafstar worries about their absence until she overhears them arguing about whether or not she should share their secret with the rest of the clan. Leafstar follows them and finds that they’ve visited the Twoleg and eaten her food! The Twoleg sees her and worries about her giving birth outdoors and comes to get her. The Clan has to come together to get Leafstar out of the house and back where she belongs – with them in the gorge.
Apparently this series prints different age ratings on the back, and it notes “action” and recommends it for “age 10+.” I didn’t particularly notice any intense action (other than the practice of hunting for their food), but all the talk of mating (nothing more than talk) and the pains of childbirth do make it appropriate for more mature readers. I suppose when it’s kept in the wild, it might seem perfectly natural (since it is), and children might not ask questions.
Since Leafstar is a female cat and the leader of the clan, I can see this particular storyline drawing girls in, as well as boys. Graphic novels are great for reluctant readers, and we often think of boys when we think of reluctant readers, but there are plenty of girls out there who fall in this camp as well.
This episode tells just one story about Skyclan, and will be continued in Warriors: SkyClan and the Stranger #2: Beyond the Code, but since it’s in B&W, the price is fairly inexpensive, and since my son loves to read graphic novels over and over again, these are the kind of books we tend to add to our collection.
I was also sent a rather thick volume that is newly released. I didn’t read it, but thought I’d let you know that it’s now available. Warriors Super Edition: Crookedstar’s Promise,includes an exclusive manga adventure as well in addition to over 500 pages of text.
Are your kids fans of the Warriors series? Are they drawn more to certain of the series than others?
Jennifer Donovan enjoys sharing the books she’s privileged to review with her children. She blogs at Snapshot when she’s not kept busy with summer activities, reading, and reviewing.
Katrina says
All the Warriors books — including the mangas and the supereditions — have been hits in our house. My tween son (now 12) has been reading them for a couple years, and he’s *still* interested in the story and where it’s going. Interesting fact: “Erin Hunter” is a pseudonym for several writers who create the Warriors series. And yes, my tween taught me that. 🙂