Akwilon is one of the largest comic book fantasy worlds. The stories that unfold in it are appreciated by both critics and fans. Now the series has also hit our market. Is it really worth entering Aquilon?
Water element
The stories set in Aquilon have been divided into several cycles, including stories about dwarves and orcs. One of the first albums from this series that hit our market is Elfy. Blue Elf Crystal. As the title suggests, it focuses on one of the most famous fantasy races. In this case, the heroes belong to the subspecies associated with the element of water. Already at the beginning we meet Lanawyna, who together with her human companion discovers that the inhabitants of one of the elven cities have been killed. There are many indications that the slaughter was carried out by one of the neighboring countries, but before specific accusations appear, the “long-eared” decide to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the young elf Vaalanna learns a prophecy according to which she may become worthy of possessing a magical crystal that gives extraordinary power to control all waters.
Fantastic intrigues
Although the first volume of the tales of elves at the beginning looks like a classic fantasy straight from Middle-earth or Faerûn, the story is much more complex. The screenwriter, who in this case is Jean-Luc Istin, took care of it. Crystal of the Blue Elves has a lot of fantasy in it, but it’s also a pretty good crime story, addictive and with good twists. The reader realizes from the beginning that not everything is simple here, and there is intrigue in the background of the Knut, but he also does not immediately realize who is behind the crimes and what is the real purpose.
It is also worth praising the fact that the main character, i.e. the aforementioned Lanawyna, remains the narrator here all the time. She tells her story in a very personal way, which makes it easier to identify with her, understand her and encourage her. And not only her. Other characters are also described in such an interesting way that they are not just background. Each has its greater or lesser share in the events, has a different character, and the reader will be able to like them (or not, but this applies to the “bad” ones, which is all right).
The only thing I regret is that only this small part of the world is presented to us. Yes, it would be difficult to show all the places of this huge universe on a few pages (the size can be seen on the map attached to the comic), but the screenwriter could at least bring us a little closer to the cities where the action takes place. Unfortunately, many things remain only in the realm of conjecture. However, one can hope for developments in the next volumes.
The beauty of Aquilon
Although the Blue Elf Crystal shows us a small slice not so much of Aquilon itself as of one of the lands, Arania, we can’t complain anyway. Kyko Duarte took care of the graphic design here, and he did his work with incredible precision. This applies to both characters and places. The characters are showing their emotions. The scenes of fights and chases were also well rendered. However, it is also impossible not to appreciate the details in the background. It is thanks to them that we can move to this world, appreciate it and want to return to it on the occasion of subsequent volumes.
To take or not to take?
The first volume of Elves is a really great comic, both in terms of story and graphics. Fans of fantasy will surely like it, but also lovers of intrigue will find something for themselves here. So we can be happy that the series has finally hit the Polish market (the series debuted in France in 2013). We can only regret that the adventure is so short. Even with careful admiration of subsequent frames, you will finish it very quickly. The consolation is the fact that this is not the last part of the story from Aquilon. At the same time, it may be a problem for some, because nearly PLN 35 for 56 pages is quite a lot. And yet it is worth reaching into your pocket and moving to this extraordinary universe! Or go for some promotion .
