Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches Book Four (Of Four)
Adapted & Illustrated by Jeff Stokely
Published by Archaia
I knew Archaia was getting ready to make a book based on Jim Henson’s unproduced The Storyteller script, but I somehow managed to completely miss it as it was releasing. On a complete whim I managed to catch it’s final issue and gave it a read, and I’m very pleasantly surprised.
Jeff Stokely (who previously brought Fraggle Rock to life with writer Heather White for Archaia) adapts the screenplay masterfully into a story that is engaging and entertaining. The somber story of Vasilissa and her unfortunate encounter with Baba Yaga draws the reader in to the world quickly and doesn’t let go. The writing is sharp and appropriate for the theme, and Stokely’s art style creates a grounded sense of fantasy that I found personally quite enjoyable.
Again, I’ve not read Books 1-3, nor do I know the story as to why Henson’s Storyteller: Witches script went unproduced. But if the quality is anything akin to this single issue, they’re definitely worth picking up.
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches, Book Four is on stands today, or you can purchase it directly through the BOOM! Studios shop. If, like me, you’re intersted in reading the rest of the series, you can pick them up from the BOOM! shop as well, or hold out for the hardcover collection coming in May. If it’s like previous Archaia hardcovers, it’s definitely going to be something you want on your shelf.
