The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel: Volume Two by Philip Pullman (review)

This second of three graphic novels (translated from the 2014 French version) covering the events of The Golden Compass focuses primarily on Lyra’s journey north to save her friend Roger and seek Lord Asriel. The highlight in this volume is the connection between the irascible bear Iorek Byrnison and Lyra, once she manages to help him retrieve his sky armor. Additionally, the story follows the traumatized children who are missing their daemons, the animals spiritually tied to them, and the research of the formidable Mrs. Coulter on separating children from daemons. There is generally a lot of text per panel, making the occasional wordless illustration all the more powerful. The illustrations themselves are stunning—most of the scenes take place in an Arctic location, and the blues, violets, creams, and sharp white are used to good effect to depict the frozen setting. Size is used effectively as well, with Iorek, for example, dominating a panel when he needs to be a fierce protector and appearing closer to Lyra’s size in companionable moments. It’s possible that folks who haven’t read the original novel but did read the previous graphic novel will feel informed enough, but truly this is for readers who have completed both—it’s a complex plot that dives in with little exposition. For those in the know, however, this continues to be a visual treat.