Dynamite Entertainment’s A Game of Thrones is only two issues in, and already, writer Daniel Abraham (a distinguished author of fantasy and science fiction himself) and artist Tommy Patterson have aptly proven that Martin’s magnum opus is an entirely suitable subject for adaptation.
Issues one and two have hewn closely to Martin’s novels, with much of the dialogue taken directly from within. Where deviation is required – and a comic book demands such concessions due to its uniquely visual format – Abraham and Patterson do so in a subtle, seamless fashion. I’ve yet to see even a single serious sway from the path Martin has laid. Patterson’s bold, dark strokes, accented by the vibrant color work of Ivan Nunes, carries a solemn weight appropriate to the events that would signal the first rumblings of the war of five kings.
Issue two, released this week, follows King Robert’s arrival in Winterfell , the banquet in his honor, and Lord Eddard’s fateful decision to send Jon Stark… well, you’ve read the books, right?…perhaps some Suvudu reader has not, and I hesitate to reveal even the slightest of spoilers. (An aside: why, dear reader, have you not started A Game of Thrones? It’s fantastic!)
I’ve read the novels, and I’m reading the comic book now. I’ve enjoyed both equally, and I suspect that the rest of Martin’s fans would as well. That being said, if you don’t plan on reading the books, this might be a perfectly acceptable way to experience the magic of this wonderful series.
If you’ve not purchased issue one yet, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one online or in your favorite local comic book shop. Why not grab it on your next visit?
