Rose Wolves: Out of the Blue
Natalie Warner
TopShelf Comix / IDW Entertainment
$14.99 (US) | ISBN 978-1-60309-569-3
152 pages | 6.1/4” x 8”
Full-color hardcover graphic novel
Publisher’s Summary:
Kids and families who love the beauty of the woods will adore this minimalist graphic novel sequel, which spins a new enthralling fable about family, disability, transformation, and the passage of time. In the first volume of Rose Wolves, a young girl made a wondrous connection with a magical creature linked to a mysterious rosebush. Now she’s excited to share this discovery with her mom…but as the seasons change and the forest falls asleep for winter, the world of the rose wolves must change as well. Ahead of them lie new problems, new discoveries, and even more new friends!
Acclaimed Canadian graphic novelist Natalie Warner continues her moody, tender, and captivating fable, capturing oceans of meaning without using a single word.
Review:
The dedication to animal companions is an instant sign that I’ll love this book. I didn’t have any doubt though because book one hit me hard in the heart.
At specific times of the year, the girl and her mother take nature walks to go back to the magical tunnel. Through the tunnel is the mystical rose bush where the rose wolves are born and stay sheltered. They get to spend 24 hours in the wolves’ company.
By the midpoint, the humans have discovered a tragedy. Natalie Warner foreshadowed amiss as plants are dying while the people are on their nature walks.
Worth noting is that the child is an amputee with their left forearm missing. This ties into why she appreciates things her mother does for her like brushing her hair and styling it into fun braids. There’s a closeup of the girl’s hand near a front pocket of her jeans. I think this is showing that the pants were altered to zip on the side where she has the use of her hand.
Each emotional scene is given room to breathe. There are panels to show small movements and subtle shifts.
The mother grafts a small cutting from the wolves’ foliage to an existing plant she’s growing. This calls back the scene in book one about the girl pitting a magical rose in a vase.
Months pass. The winter full moon (possibly February) comes and they take their traditional walk to the magical tunnel. The full moon imbues the plant at home with the power to grow a new floral wolf. This new pup appears to have a lily for a tail.
They decide to keep the adopted pup and think of clever ways to incorporate what a floral wolf puppy will need to be happy.
After a year has passed, they decide to take the pup on one of their camping trips so it can experience its origins at the wolf grove.
In the final act, there’s heartwarming surprise connected back to book one’s unique rose wolf that shared a special bond with the girl. This volume is as tender as the first. It shows how humans and animals form strong relationships.
Rating: 5 stars
DISABILITY REPRESENTATION: Disabled cartoonist Natalie Warner continues the enthralling adventures of her physically disabled protagonist and the mysterious rose wolves she discovers in the woods.
PERFECT FOR FANS OF NIGHTLIGHTS, THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY, AND KODI: With themes of loneliness, companionship, and acceptance of differences, this middle-grade graphic novel is sure to tug on your heartstrings.
WORDLESS GRAPHIC NOVEL: This is pure visual storytelling without the use of dialogue. The story is clearly illustrated without being didactic and gives young and young-at-heart readers the opportunity to discuss their interpretations.
GORGEOUS TWO-TONED ARTWORK WITH EVOCATIVE IMAGERY: You’ve never seen anything quite like these rose wolves, but they’ll feel instantly familiar. Every page is a sheer pleasure to look at and will appeal to illustration/cartooning fans, forest witches, and hip tastemakers of all ages. Perfect for readers who love Emily Carroll’s two-toned style and air of mystery.
CONTEMPORARY FAIRY TALE WITH HEARTFELT THEMES: Like many myths and folktales, Rose Wolves has some hints of darkness, but they’re gentle, and the book ultimately celebrates embracing the wild and the natural cycles of life.
AGE RANGE: 9-12 years
About the Creator:
Natalie Warner is a Canadian illustrator and author based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She attended the School of Art at the University of Manitoba and Briercrest College. Natalie’s books are dedicated to children and the young at heart, valuing creativity, community, and lifelong curiosity.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AmberUnmasked.com and Vodka O'Clock Podcast. Author of The Farrah Wethers Mysteries, comic book short stories, prose, and non-fiction. Cosplayer and figure model.