The Courageous Princess

By Rod Espinoza

6 x 9, SC, 238 pgs, FC

First printing 2003

Dark Horse Books edition, April 2007

ISBN-13: 978-1-59307-719-8

As I was browsing through the local comic shop, it so happened I had just spent a couple hours visiting with my sister, niece and nephew, and I was struck with the mood to find something I would want my own children to read. The Courageous Princess seemed like such a book.

I am not a fan of the hard core Manga style. The huge eyes and the general style of line and storytelling bother me. If this is the case for you as well, then this is a happy medium -still Manga, but of the softer kind and more realistic facial proportions, with only slight exaggeration in eye size, enough to simply give it a “cartoony” look.

This is the story of young Princess Mabelrose, living an idyllic life with her loving parents, the kind King and generous Queen of a small kingdom in the middle of the Land of a Hundred Kingdoms. Idyllic that is, until she is kidnapped by the local baddy, the “most fearsome dragon” of all the kingdoms. Imprisoned and told that no one has ever escaped, she is resigned to her fate, and sits in melancholy praying each night for Prince Charming to come rescue her. Oh, but wait… no, no, no… wrong fairy tale. Do not be fooled. This is no ordinary princess, no, this princess takes matters into her own hand, engineers her own escape by wit and gumption, and off she goes facing the unknown.

This is adventure at its best, where danger abounds, magical creatures and beings reside, friendships are formed and the occasional helping hand is found along the way. A tale of courage, where kindness is rewarded and good ultimately triumphs over evil.

Colors, details and garments are exquisitely rendered. Espinoza injects enough humor throughout the book to keep things light hearted and entertaining. Play close attention to names throughout the book. Adults will reminisce over innocence lost and a younger audience will simply get engrossed in the adventure.

I’ve tremendously enjoyed accompanying The Courageous Princess on her adventure. I wish her well on her journey and know she will reach her destination. And until then, she will also be visiting my niece and nephew.