‘The Stone King’ TPB (review)

Written by Kel McDonald
Art by Tyler Crook
Published by ComiXology Originals
/Dark Horse Comics

In today’s world, it is hard to find a piece of storytelling that is genuine and memorable and tells an engaging story that satisfies the reader and perhaps leaves them wishing for a little more adventure. Kel McDonald has crafted such a piece of art in her graphic novel, The Stone King.

When I first entered the landscape of The Stone King,  I was immediately reminded of the game The Shadow of the Colossus. I would bet dollars to donuts that McDonald was in part inspired by the game above.

The world of Ave and her friends is a beautiful yet barren landscape reminiscent of the works of Team Ico, developers of Shadow of the Colossus.

To prove herself as a master thief in the town of Stoneport, Ave has decided to harvest moss from the wandering colossus, the Stone King, illegally.

The Stone King is a benevolent mighty giant that roams the lands immediately surrounding Stoneport. The city owes its prosperity to the Stone King’s mere presence. Ave’s heist goes better than expected, and she hauls away the coveted moss and the precious ruby that will proclaim that she is a master thief and keep her fed for life.

However, Ave’s dreams are quickly dashed when her actions instead lead to disaster for herself and the residents of Stoneport. Now Ave, the upcoming thief, must join forces with an unlikely companion Phul an equally inexperienced city guard, to retrieve the stolen ruby and save the city of Stoneport even as their former comrades try desperately to stop to pair.

The Stone King is a well-written and gorgeous piece of art. McDonald and Crook prove why they are at the top of their game. The pair have created a brisk and straightforward narrative that is easy to read and an addictive page-turner. I think I finished The Stone King in under 45 minutes.

At its heart, The Stone King is a tale of how adversity and suffering can make people who would be the worst of enemies become the best of friends. I loved this book, and I would read more of Ave and Phul’s adventures if McDonald and Crook ever decide to revisit the world of Stoneport.

Final Score: 5 of 5 Stars