Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert (review)

In the land of Irpa, there is no night or day; the world is kept in constant illumination by the Lights, mysterious orbs created by a long-extinct race, the Galdurians. It is here that Beatrice lives with her adopted grandfather, the Pig Wizard, who is as prone to forgetting things as he is talented at potion making. Bea meets a strange adventurer named Cadwallader, who claims to be one of the lost Galdurians, and when the pair discover that Bea's grandfather is missing, they join forces to find him and bring him safely home. Probert's debut graphic novel is both inventive and familiar, with unique characters in a fresh fantasy world embarking on a classic quest. Mental illness and Alzheimer's are subtly and compassionately illustrated, balancing the very real fears Bea has about herself and her grandfather's safety with gentle and kid-friendly language. Overly cautious Bea and reckless Cad make for an endearing team: Cad reacts to most situations with a drawn sword and fearsome battle cry, while Bea is prone to overwhelming anxiety, brilliantly depicted as swirling black tendrils, and she wears her pessimism and paranoia like an armor. Probert's art is part Jim Henson, part German folktale, with three-eyed witches, wraithlike bird creatures straight out of The Dark Crystal, and, of course, the axolotl-esque Galdurians. Scenes seamlessly shift from bright and endearing to moody and terrifying, and the final cliffhanger is kind enough to ensure our heroes are safe yet dramatic enough to have readers whining for the next installment.