Courtney Crumrin Vol. 2: The Coven of Mystics

Like Harry Potter, these are books which target children ages 7 and higher, however, the material and subject matter is sophisticated enough to entertain adults. Im one such fan of Ted Naifeh, who's writing and art are at his best in this series about a young girl with gifted powers. Think of Courtney Crumrin as Wednesday from the Addam's Family except with magical powers. Both are curmudgeon's and yet adorable; kids who grow up too fast or who have old souls. Her adventures are typical for a girl of her age except they involve very real monsters and very deadly situations. If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harry Potter you'll love this graphic novel series (yes, they are graphic novels or comics). I am now a fan of Mr. Naifeh and young Ms. Crumrin.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes gothic horror and humor. It's nice that the hero in this book is a heroine and a cool one on top of that... ;)

Starring the most lovable young curmudgeon in comic book history, Courtney Crumrin, "Coven Of Mystics" is one of the most enderaing, laugh-out loud hilarious, tragic, bittersweet, imaginative and triumphant books I've ever read, comic book or prose, fiction or non-fiction. It's also one of the scariest, with the Rawhead 'N Bloody Bones bog monster more frightening than most of the nasties conceived of by Stephen King or H.P. Lovecraft. As far as comedic value goes, I rank it with "Fawlty Towers", "Fierce Creatures", and "A Fish Called Wanda", and the "Gon" comics. On mix of triumph and tragedy, fear and delight and whimsey, think "E.T.", "Bambi", and even "Simon Birch". With a superb cast of characters - on par with the cast of the "Batman" or "X-Men" lines of comics, and unique, quirky art so expressive, especially in certain panels, that it sums up the expression 'A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words' perhaps better than anything I've ever encountered. As a bonus, the back of the book reprints, free of words, blurbs or logos, the original covers to the individual comics of the mini-series this volume reprints. If you like this (or love it like I do), I'd also recommend the following (or if you're into the following I'd recommend "Coven Of Mystics") - {comics} - the other Courtney titles, "Gon" and "Bone" (for starters); {novels}- "The Gnole" by Alan Aldridge, Steve Boyett and Maxine Miller; "Balook" by Piers Anthony; "Duncton Wood" by William Horwood (definately not for younger readers despite a huge abundance of beauty and charm); {movies} - "Spirited Away", "Kiki's Delivery Service", "Fairy Tale: A True Story" "Castle In The Sky", "Fluke" (young kids should watch with a grown-up), "Princess Mononoke" (same deal as "Fluke")

Ted Naifeh has done it again, proving he is one of the most amazing voices working in comics today. The tales here are a bit darker than his previous Courtney Crumrin series, but character has grown a bit since first discovering the world of magick, so it works well. Beautiful art, a compelling storyline, and a heroine who anyone who's ever felt alone can relate to. Wonderful work, Ted!

I bought the first comic of Courtney Crumrin on a whim, and I eagerly bought the newest installment, the Coven of Mystics. The plot of this one is even better than the first one. It adds depth to all the existing characters and also introduces us to some promising new ones, such as Ms. Crisp, Courtney's new no-nonsense teacher, and Tobermory, the leader of the cats. The Coven of Mystics also alludes to the politics of the magical community that Courtney is only beginning to venture into.Basically this story is about love, whether romantic or familial. The story takes many turns, some of them can be terrifying and bad things sometimes happen to good people. It's a very rewarding graphic novel and one well worth your money.