The golden age

Following the king's death, Princess Tilda's succession is prevented by a coup--led by her Joffreyesque brother--forcing her into exile. With the help of loyal Lord Tankred and his ward, Tilda finds refuge in an egalitarian community, exclusive to women, that rejects the kingdom's hierarchical feudalism. As Tilda seeks allies to help regain the throne, an uprising begins among the commoners, fueled by whispers of the bygone "golden age," a time of prosperous equality. Book one of this French-imported duology lays the strong foundation of an Arthurian epic, using feudalism to address themes of class and power that are alarmingly relevant today. Both ends of the social spectrum are represented in the large cast, which features the perspectives of nobles as well as the downtrodden. The large trim size allows Pedrosa to set a grand stage of bustling cities and finely textured landscapes aglow with fiery oranges and cool blues. The art, coupled with beautiful pacing, rich world-building, and strong characterization, makes for an immersive adventure sure to please the high-fantasy crowd.

This sumptuous, epic fantasy from Moreil and Pedrosa (Portugal) unfurls its detailed European-style feudal world drenched in glowing, jewel-like colors; each setting has its own palette of royal purples, misty greens, or autumnal red and gold. The death of a king leaves his kingdom up for grabs, and Princess Tilda, the chosen heir, is forced to flee from a coup with a handful of loyalists. Wandering in exile, she explores the far corners of the kingdom, meeting monastic nuns and bickering peasants, experiencing prophetic visions, and learning of a lost talisman of power and a legendary book about, yes, a golden age. Though constructed from familiar fantasy and fairy tale elements, Moreil's approach uses the battle between royal heirs to develop a large cast of characters from all walks of life, building a world layered enough to feel real, yet magical enough to transcend reality. The flowing, subtly abstracted art suggests a combination of medieval tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, and Chinese scroll paintings. Every page is gem-studded: ancient forests, bustling city squares, lavish castle interiors, sweeping landscapes. Previously published online in four languages, this ambitious series is poised to join Jeff Smith's Bone and Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet as an exemplar of high fantasy in graphic form. (Feb.)