cover image Castle Waiting, Vol. II

Castle Waiting, Vol. II

Linda Medley, Fantagraphics, $30 (375p) ISBN 978-1-60699-405-4

The second volume of Linda Medley's quirky Eisner-winning modern classic has finally arrived. Castle Waiting, Sleeping Beauty's former home, now hosts a motley collection of characters in need of a second chance. This volume begins with the arrival of Tolly and Dayne, two dwarfs visiting their friend Henry, the castle's smith. The clever and kindhearted Tolly quickly befriends the castle's younger inhabitants, leading simple Simon and young mother Jain on adventures through lost rooms and secret passages. His equally likable uncle Dayne is a more ambiguous figure, caring toward his friends and family but full of amoral ambition and hinted agendas. At well over 300 pages, the book still feels about an issue too short. What will happen if Dayne's suspicions about Jain's green and furry infant are correct? Castle Waiting is a warm yet bittersweet ramble through the margins of the fairy tale world. Dayne's human foster daughter is implied to be Snow White, while tragic Henry, his broken heart held together by bands of iron, is a minor character from "The Frog Prince" destined to one day again be whole. Medley's distinctive black and white art is full of life, while her writing is as engaging if leisurely as ever. (Dec.)