Robin Hood and the Minstrel

    (Moonstone, 2002)
™ and ©2003 Steve Ellis and Fred Van Lente

The character of Robin Hood is a familiar one, to be sure, but not exactly one with a large wow factor. Like Frankenstein or The Three Musketeers, it’s widely acknowledged as a classic creation but, for many, it generates little interest beyond that. But at least writer Paul Storrie conjures up a decent story by focusing, not on Robin Hood himself, but rather the character referred to in the title as the minstrel.

The minstrel, a young man named Allan, loudly laments the loss of a young woman with whom he has become taken. The woman, it seems, has been promised by her father to another man. Hearing the young musician’s cries, Robin’s band invites him to their camp to hear his story and pledge to help Allan regain his lost love. The premise is contrived, but the idea of the band of thieves aiding the young man is a lot more interesting than a run-of-the-mill Robin Hood tale, and the setting and dialogue are nicely written.

The art in the graphic novel by Rich Gulick and Steve Bird is competent, but the clean look is diminished by labored lettering and crowded word balloons. Much of the lettering is downright sloppy; in some panels, the rough pencilled letters still show beneath the final inks. Overall, this take on the character is far from a masterpiece but it’s enjoyable enough.

— Jim Johnson
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Cover Price: $5.95
2 copies available from $1.75 		Paul D. StorrieRich Gulick