Kriss: The Gift of Wrath

by Ted Naifeh, Warren Wucinich (Illustrator)

Overview

"...an utterly enjoyable first volume with accessible worldbuilding and an eye-catching goth-tinged aesthetic." – Kirkus

For fans of The Graveyard Book and Through the Woods comes a different kind of YA fantasy graphic novel, in which a teen boy's search for his destiny leads him into darkness.

Lean, ghostly pale, and permanently grim-faced, Kriss has always been an outsider in his small village. Not even his adoptive parents love him. Only Anja, the blacksmith's daughter, brings kindness and friendship into the life of the sullen teenager. But Kriss is haunted by dim memories of his true father, Erikk Iron Tooth, the king of Darkovia.

When Anja's mother is killed by a wild sabercat from the far north, the young girl's world is shattered, and Kriss determines to avenge her. Armed with only a pitchfork, the skinny teen sets out to kill the beast, only to learn that it's actually a dark spirit from Darkovia, come to bring him his destiny. The spirit grants Kriss the power to vanquish the mightiest foes, and commands him to reclaim his father's kingdom. But his gift of power comes with a price — uncontrollable rage. And leaving the village would mean leaving Anja, the only person who's always been there for him. Kriss must choose between his destiny and Anja, who needs his friendship more than ever. But his growing power, and the fiery anger that comes with it, threatens to make the choice for him, and burn everything he holds dear.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620106617
Publisher:	Oni Press
Publication date:	09/17/2019
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Ted Naifeh first appeared in the independent comics scene in 1999 as the artist for Gloomcookie, the goth romance comic he co-created with Serena Valentino for SLG Publishing. After a successful run, Ted decided to strike out on his own, writing and drawing Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things, a spooky children’s fantasy series about a grumpy little girl and her adventures with her Warlock uncle. Nominated for an Eisner Award for best limited series, Courtney Crumrin’s success paved the way for Polly and the Pirates, another children’s book, this time about a prim and proper girl kidnapped by pirates convinced she was the daughter of their long-lost queen. Over the next few years, Ted wrote four volumes of Courtney Crumrin, plus a spin off book about her uncle. He also co-created How Loathsome with Tristan Crane, and illustrated two volumes of the videogame tie-in comic Death Junior with screenwriter Gary Whitta. More recently, he illustrated The Good Neighbors, a three volume graphic novel series written by New York Times best-selling author Holly Black, published by Scholastic. In 2011, Ted wrote the sequel to Polly and the Pirates, and illustrated several Batman short stories for DC Comics. In 2012, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Courtney Crumrin, he wrote and illustrated the final two volumes of the series. Currently, you can find Ted everywhere: from the pages of Batman ‘66 to his newest original series for adults, Night’s Dominion. Ted lives in San Francisco, because he likes dreary weather.

Warren Wucinich is an illustrator, colorist, and part-time carny currently living in Dallas, TX. When not making comics he can usually be found watching old Twilight Zone episodes and eating large amounts of pie.

Editorial Reviews

07/26/2019

Gr 9 Up-A young orphan, Kriss, was taken captive from Darkovia by soldiers and left to survive in Varne. Anja is Kriss's only friend, and both of them care for each other deeply. Kriss's town becomes terrorized by a ravenous, mystical beast that is on the hunt for blood. As Kriss hunts the beast down to avenge the death of Anja's mother, he learns that the creature comes from Darkovia. This beast gives Kriss the power of wrath; with wrath comes superhuman strength, but this ability is difficult to summon. As Kriss harnesses his power, the beast encourages him to pursue his destiny—to go back to Darkovia and become king. Kriss decides to stay in the village to protect Anja but learns that destiny cannot be ignored. This moody, gritty graphic novel is easy to follow. Speech bubbles are well placed, even when multiple characters are speaking at once. Kriss becomes more likable as the story progresses, and he attempts to do what he believes is right even though things don't seem to go his way. Secondary characters such as Anja, her family, and Kriss's adopted family further the plot. There are several instances of drinking, violence (including bloody scenes), and profanity. VERDICT A dark, violent fantasy recommended for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories and adventure.-Kharissa Kenner, Bank Street School for Children, New York

School Library Journal

2019-07-14
Kriss is not like the other men in his remote medieval village.

With a sickly gray pallor, a lithe, decidedly nonmuscled physique, and long, lank hair falling over black-ringed eyes, orphaned Kriss was left to live in a Game of Thrones-inspired village with an uncaring farmer and his wife. Kriss' solace is best friend Anja, who is beautiful, blonde, and unwaveringly loyal to him. After a viciously victorious fight with an enchanted wildcat, he is offered the gift of wrath, which manifests as a sinister internal voice. Kriss tries to carve a place for himself in the village, finding a knack for blacksmithing in Anja's father's smithy. However, when Anja's machismo-drenched, square-jawed brother attempts to murder him in a fit of jealousy, Kriss is the one who finds himself ostracized when he defends himself. Alone again, Kriss ventures out to uncover his shadowy past and learn where he fits in to his world. Naifeh's (Night's DominionVol. 2, 2018, etc.) graphic novel is an utterly enjoyable first volume with accessible worldbuilding and an eye-catching goth-tinged aesthetic. While the cast is abundantly white, Kriss thoughtfully explores male gender constructs and toxic masculinity. Most of the men Kriss encounters have some air of entitlement that he squashes with force, however he must confront his own violent impulses and bring his own accountability to the forefront.

A brooding, dark thrill ride that interrogates machismo. (Graphic fantasy. 13-adult)

Kirkus Reviews

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