The Merchant of Death: Pendragon Graphic Novel (Pendragon (Quality)) [Paperback]

Carla Speed McNeil (Adapter, Illustrator), D.J. MacHale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 20, 2008 | Age Level: 10 and up | Series: Pendragon (Quality) (Book 1)

Bobby Pendragon is a seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy. He has a family, a home, and even Marley, his beloved dog. But there is something very special about Bobby.

He is going to save the world.

And not just Earth as we know it. Bobby is slowly starting to realize that life in the cosmos isn't quite what he thought it was. And before he can object, he is swept off to an alternate dimension known as Denduron, a territory inhabited by strange beings, ruled by a magical tyrant, and plagued by dangerous revolution.

If Bobby wants to see his family again, he's going to have to accept his role as savior, and accept it wholeheartedly. Because, as he is about to discover, Denduron is only the beginning....

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–An award-winning comics creator has adapted the first in D. J. MacHale's popular series (S & S). The Pendragon books take the elements of the classic hero and his journey (the orphaned young man with a great destiny, the mentor, the call to adventure, etc.) and mix in sci-fi, fantasy, and plenty of action to create a compelling story. This adaptation moves along at a brisk pace, establishing the characters and situations and then playing them out to their (literally) explosive conclusion, but not without first setting up the next volume in the series. The black-and-white illustrations do a capable job of presenting the events, although both story and image lack the spark that would elevate them above similar tales. Still, Pendragon fans and lovers of action comics will certainly be drawn to this title.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
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About the Author

D.J. MacHale is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pendragon series. He has written, directed and produced many television series and movies for young people that have been seen on Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel, HBO, Showtime, PBS, Discovery Kids and the broadcast networks. D.J. lives with his family in Southern California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; First Edition edition (May 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141695080X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416950806
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,068,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing new look at the Pendragon series, June 27, 2008

By 

E. Green - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Merchant of Death: Pendragon Graphic Novel (Pendragon (Quality)) (Paperback)

When you see "graphic novel" the first thought on an adult or teen's mind is that the book is only for those interested in comics or for young children. However, when I, a Pendragon addict, saw this release I read it only to find a refreshing new look at the series. The pictures are drawn in a style unlike the cartoony magna graphic novels, allowing the reader to take the story seriously and make it an exciting read. The original novel is one of my favorite books of all time, and viewing it in this beautifully illustrated new format was very satisfying to me and definitely a good buy.

This is more than just a childrens book and I would recommend it to all who have read The Merchant of Death in its original format and enjoyed it, or to any who enjoy a story in a visual format. In either case, I highly recommend this wonderfully illustrated book, as it is a very well done package of a good story, great art, and a professional touch.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Reading the book might be better., October 30, 2008

By 

Shannon M. Mcgee "Confuzzled Books" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Merchant of Death: Pendragon Graphic Novel (Pendragon (Quality)) (Paperback)

I am not sure how I feel about this one. I started the book at one time before and thought it interesting. The Graphic Novel seems so short compared to the size of the book but maybe I am wrong. Characters were not that defined and the story went to quick. I almost feel like I am missing something. Artwork was decent and captured what was there of the story and characters. I would probably be interested in reading the next one in the series but maybe in regular book format.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I would have never known, August 22, 2008

By 

Taylor D. Wright (Oakland, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Merchant of Death: Pendragon Graphic Novel (Pendragon (Quality)) (Paperback)

Other than getting wrapped up in Harry Potter I haven't read a young adult book in 15 or more years, I would have never known or paid attention to the Pendragon series if it wasn't for Carla Speed McNeil's penning this book. I've followed her Finder work for years now and think her imagination, storytelling and artwork are remarkable. I think she lends her skills to the Pendragon story very well, and I'd encourage people to check this book out. I found out about the book on her website and decided to give it a shot, I enjoyed it and would easily follow the story in this graphic format... though I doubt I'll pick up the originals.