MJ Review: Avalon High Coronation: The Merlin Prophecy, Volume 1

[Jason]

Title: Avalon High Coronation: The Merlin Prophecy, volume 1
Mangaka: writer: Meg Cabot, artist: Jinky Coronado
Originally Serialized in: none—original English language title
Genre: fantasy/novel tie-in
Licensed by: TOKYOPOP
Price: 7.99

Avalon High, the novel by popular teen writer Meg Cabot, tells the story of new-girl-in-town Ellie, who discovers that the teens in her school are the reincarnations of the major players in the Arthurian legends. Ellie’s story continues in this graphic novel, as she struggles to get Will, her hunky boyfriend, to believe that he really is the reborn King Arthur before disaster strikes. On top of having to help him reunite with his estranged family, she’s been nominated for Homecoming Queen, and she fears that Will’s crazy half-brother may have escaped from his mental institution and is now after her.

This sequel is a nice idea that never reaches its full potential. Though the book is 128 pages long, the last 19 pages are an excerpt from Avalon High, plus short blurbs for Cabot’s other books, and the first 36 pages are just a recap of the events that happened in the novel. The remaining pages are barely even enough for a short story, leaving the reader feeling like the book has ended before it has even begun.

Cabot’s usual flair for plot and language is missing here. Characters seem to waver back and forth between believing and not believing in the reincarnation story. Mr. Morton, the civics teacher/Merlin, is a poor version of Giles the librarian from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. Instead of being one of the strong, but nerdy girls Cabot is famous for, Ellie comes across as weak. She spends most of her time either angsting or hugging her boyfriend. The other characters are stereotypical, from the loyal best friend to the glowering beauty queen to the crazy half-brother. None break out of their molds or distinguish themselves.

Coronado’s art is acceptable, though nothing out of the ordinary. Too often characters are hard to differentiate and their facial expressions don’t always match what is happening—for example, they blush when they should be laughing or they glower when they should be sad. It’s a minor detail that makes the story harder to follow. The characters are also often posed awkwardly, rather than in a realistic fashion. Coronado’s strength shows in the panels where characters are shown in historical clothes or settings. There they have a sweet fantasy quality which works well.

Overall this book is a disappointing offering from an otherwise interesting author. Cabot might have been better served writing a sequel in novel form or on focusing a little harder to develop her story outline. Recommended only for die-hard Avalon High fans.

Reviewed by:Snowcleo
Proofed by: riseabove77
Edited by: Firedog