King Arthur: Excalibur Unsheathed
by Jeff Limke

    KING ARTHUR: EXCALIBUR UNSHEATHED by Jeff Limke
    Illustrated by:  Thomas Yeates
    Category:  Manga/Comics/Pop Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  8/15/06
    Publisher:  Graphic Universe
    Reviewed by:  Mechele R. Dillard
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Based on the legendary King Arthur, this English tale has been entertaining audiences since Sir Thomas Malory
    created the character in the 15th century.  Whether or not King Arthur was inspired by a real man has never been
    determined, but one thing is certain: Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur looked nothing like the Limke-Yeates version.

    According to Yeates, he used both historic and traditional sources when shaping the artwork for the book. Together,
    he and Limke created a 21st-century version of Arthur that fans of both Arthurian legend and graphic novels will be
    unable to resist. Limke's adaptation of Malory's story is strong. This particular telling of the legend begins with the
    young Arthur, when he was a squire and England was in turmoil, without a king. When he pulls the sword from the
    stone, he becomes the next king of England--quite a responsibility for a boy. But, with the guidance of Merlin the
    Magician and the loyalty of the Knights of the Round Table, he becomes a good and powerful leader.

    The colorful graphics supplied by Yeates are stunning, and the glossary, index, and list of Web sites at the end will
    enhance this Arthurian experience for younger readers. Additionally, readers who enjoy this book should check out
    other books in the publisher's "Graphic Myths and Legends" series.