Myth Adventures!

by Robert Lynn Asprin (based on book from), Richard Pini (editor), Phil Foglio (penciller/comic adaptor/colorist)

Myth Adventures is the graphic adaptation of Robert Asprin's comedic novel Another Fine Myth. It chronicles the adventures of Skeeve, a hapless apprentice magician, and his demonic teacher, Aahz, who has been stripped of his powers, as they battle with an insane wizard who is determined to drain the world of magic. Long out of print, this fantasy classic is fondly remembered by and greatly sought after by a wide audience of comics fans, gamers and fantasy readers. It was also the first professional comics work by both Phil Foglio and his inker, Tim Sale. Also available in a hardcover edition (ISBN-13: 978-1-8908-5643-4).

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Humor, Fiction, Comix, Science Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Robert (Lynn) Asprin was born in 1946. While he wrote some stand alone novels such as The Cold Cash War, Tambu, and The Bug Wars and also the Duncan & Mallory Illustrated stories, Bob is best known for his series fantasy, such as the Myth Adventures of Aahz and Skeeve, the Phule's Company novels, and the Time Scout novels written with Linda Evans. He also edited the groundbreaking Thieves' World anthology series with Lynn Abbey. Other collaborations include License Invoked (set in the French Quarter of New Orleans) and several Myth Adventures novels, all written with Jody Lynn Nye.

Bob's final solo work was a contemporary fantasy series called Dragons, again set in New Orleans.

Bob passed away suddenly on May 22, 2008. He is survived by his daughter and son, his mother and his sister.

Reviews

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skeeve is apprenticed to Garkin, a wizard. During a training session, Garkin summons a demon. But an assassin's arrow finds him, leaving his young apprentice to deal with everything ... This volume collects the first eight issues of the Myth Adventures comic book series, based on Robert Asprin's novels, and represents the entirety of Phil Foglio's run on the title (I think. I'd have to go down into the dungeon ... I mean, "basement," to dig through long boxes and see for sure. It's been ages since I originally read these.) This book adapts the first book in Asprin's series, and differs in some details, though it begins and ends the same way. I've been a fan of Foglio's work since his early days doing, "What's New?", in The Dragon magazine back in the early 80's. Myth Adventures was one of the first major comic books he ever did. This volume definitely stands the test of time, though some of the jokes--references to other titles from WARP Graphics, the original publisher--may be lost on present day readers. Phil's work rewards rereading; there are always new background gags to discover. The comics did continue through an adaptation of at least the second of Asprin's novels (there were around fourteen in the Myth series, I think) with Jim Valentino taking over on the art chores. Not sure if those were ever collected into a graphic novel or not. In any case, this is an excellent book--as one would expect from Phil Foglio--and well worth reading.

[Kristjan Wager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Works better as a comic than as a book. Asprin's ideas comes to life in a fun way in Phil Foglio's drawings

[Strawberry Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve owned this for years but never actually looked at it. An odd case of the adaptation being as good as or better than the source material. We get some interesting backstories on Isstvan, Garkin, and Tananda (who’s portrayed wearing panties and a sort of bralette thing…I mean I get it but maybe at least cover her ass). This series is interesting in that I feel there’s a lot to explore beyond what Asprin put to page. The later books in the series are more about character development than action or plot. You get the feeling Asprin was like…trying too hard, or something. This graphic adaptation goes more in depth with the characters while remaining light and breezy. I definitely wish there were more of these.

[Zm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great graphical novel of the first book in the series!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the collected edition of the old MythAdventures! comic from Warp Graphics (home of ElfQuest.) It is an accurate adaption of the first Myth Adventure novel Another Fine Myth. Following the sudden death of his master, apprentice magician Skeeve teams up with demon-without-powers/magician Aazh to take on the machinations of mad wizard Isstvan, who is embarking on a new plotwishes to take over the magic of all the dimensions. It follows the novel very closely and is a great adaption. Phil Foglio was the original cover/interior artist for the series when it was first published by Donning/Starblaze so the art just feels natural with this series. Take a close look at the backgrounds for little inside jokes in the panels. But where this book really becomes special is in the story. It really is "Another Fine Myth v1.5' because it is a slight expansion of the novel. The character who benefits the most from this revision is Garkin, Skeeve's former master who dies in the first chapter. Throughout the almost 20(?) novels in the Myth Adventures series, Garkin is never really a part of the story. He dies to get the story going and that's it. But in this, we are treated to the adventure which first pitted Garkin and Aahz against Isstvan. It also gives a great reason as to why Garkin doesn't use much magic and is so slow in training Skeeve in the magical arts. It's an awesome companion to the novels and kind of a shame that they never got around to adapting the other books in the series. R.I.P. Robert Asprin. You are sorely missed.

[Nighteye · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing, funny, cunning and good art with the hilarious storyline of Robert Asprin. It follows the books original storyline completely as I remember it but makes it more funny because of its amazing pictures.
the style embrace the storyline completely, and the artist put in some jokes too like Elf quest or Darth Vader and other funny things like that.
Outstanding the best graphic novel Ive read so far!
Even if Im not a fan of his Girl Genius stories his style fits Asprins stories great.
Only too bad I didn't meet him in personal at Loncon even if I saw his art there at the art section (including some of the Robert Asprin-bookcovers).

[Meran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early art by Phil Foglio, now of Girl Genius fame. (I can see in this work many of the characters which became prominent in Girl
Genius, a comic I still enjoy.)

Far too reminiscent of Bone, the movie Wizard, and other comics and animations of the time (a time this book was made in), I found this graphic novel to be very slow moving (something I rarely complain about), unfunny, and boring.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The humor is as fun as ever and the characters are well drawn. Phil Foglio is a good fit for the source material. But, I do think that puns work better in the purely textual medium. Very enjoyable.

[Tony Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the original 1980's version that was published in 2 volumes. Very good work and hilarious art. They work together wonderfully.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic comic adaptation of the Myth fantasy stories. Highly recommended