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Korgi #3
A Hollow Beginning
Every story has a beginning. It is time for this one to be told. Ivy and Sprout follow their curiosity about the shard of stained glass they discovered in the woods. What they find is a clue to the very origin of their beloved home, the Korgi Hollow. In this third book, many questions are answered and a few new ones are created. Follow the brave Ivy and her lovable Korgi cub, Sprout, as they start to unravel the mysteries surrounding their magical land.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2011
5 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Christian Slade
51 books38 followersAs a boy growing up in New Jersey, Christian Slade carried his sketchbook everywhere he went. It was said that he sometimes lived in another world, and it was this other world within the pages of his sketchbook that inspired him to draw from his imagination and the world around him. After thirty years, not much has changed. A former Disney animator and currently a full-time freelance illustrator, Christian has embarked upon his very first all-ages graphic novel series, Korgi. Christian currently lives in Orlando with his wife, Ann, and their two Welsh corgis, Penny and Leo.
--from the cover flap of Korgi: Book 1
Christian Slade has a B.F.A. from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. from Syracuse University, a health collection of comic books, way too many sci-fi toys, and a giant rubber tarantula. He keeps all this stuff in a little studio where he draws at the desk he used as a Disney Animator.
Korgi is Christian's very first all-ages graphic novel series. He currently lives in Florida with his wife Ann, their toddler twins Kate and Nate, and their Welsh corgis Penny and Leo.
--from the cover flap of Korgi: Book 2
--from the cover flap of Korgi: Book 1
Christian Slade has a B.F.A. from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. from Syracuse University, a health collection of comic books, way too many sci-fi toys, and a giant rubber tarantula. He keeps all this stuff in a little studio where he draws at the desk he used as a Disney Animator.
Korgi is Christian's very first all-ages graphic novel series. He currently lives in Florida with his wife Ann, their toddler twins Kate and Nate, and their Welsh corgis Penny and Leo.
--from the cover flap of Korgi: Book 2
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 6, 2021
do you love korgi’s? do you love strong femme leads? do you like faries? do you like adventure? got it all right here. i would say that to fully understand this type of a story that you would need to read them all. i think you could pick of up any of them and read it and appreciate it but this is something where you should have all 5 and read them in like 2 days or 3 days max just when u wanna read for 15 mins. this is also coming from a children’s librarian.
December 18, 2023
Christian Slade's Korgi comics continue to be a perfect mix of cute, cozy, bizarre, and potent magic!
The art is divine, the silent storytelling is exquisite, and I genuinely do not think I could possibly love these comics any more than I already do!
Korgi is my safe and warm happy place is a world that making me increasingly blackpilled and hopeless.
The art is divine, the silent storytelling is exquisite, and I genuinely do not think I could possibly love these comics any more than I already do!
Korgi is my safe and warm happy place is a world that making me increasingly blackpilled and hopeless.
September 14, 2021
It was ok! Good artwork but not much to say besides that.
December 31, 2011
Ivy and Sprout are curious about the shard of stained glass they found in the woods. And while their friends have many suggestions as to what it is, it isn’t until they visit Wart, the town’s librarian, that its secrets are revealed. Wart shares with Ivy and Sprout the story of the old kingdom, how the korgi’s came to korgi valley, and the evil that destroyed the old kingdom. Ivy and Sprout leave Wart’s happy with their new found knowledge. But evil still lurks around the old kingdom and danger might still be around.
This is my first journey into the world of Korgi and wow...after reading this volume I’m hooked. It’s a completely wordless tale with absolutely fantastic illustrations. I get the impression that this volume is slightly darker than previous two, but it’s still something I think young readers would enjoy. And for me the best thing is that even though I haven’t read the other two volumes it was easy to slip into this world and get to know the characters. I love Ivy and Sprout’s relationship and how easily they get along (and Sprout’s love of all types of food.) One of my favorite parts of this story is where the characters are trying to figure out what the shard of stained glass is and their interpretations range from a knife to a toothpick. The line work in this book is absolutely gorgeous and it reminds me in some ways of Shaun Tan’s work (The Arrival.) I especially love seeing the porcupine practicing his archery skills with his own quills. I also really like the images from the storybook that the old frog is reading, they look just like old woodcut images and are absolutely fantastic.
I’m definitely going to be reading the other two volumes and eagerly await the next volume in the series. This is a great story for young and old alike.
Electronic review copy provided by NetGalley
This is my first journey into the world of Korgi and wow...after reading this volume I’m hooked. It’s a completely wordless tale with absolutely fantastic illustrations. I get the impression that this volume is slightly darker than previous two, but it’s still something I think young readers would enjoy. And for me the best thing is that even though I haven’t read the other two volumes it was easy to slip into this world and get to know the characters. I love Ivy and Sprout’s relationship and how easily they get along (and Sprout’s love of all types of food.) One of my favorite parts of this story is where the characters are trying to figure out what the shard of stained glass is and their interpretations range from a knife to a toothpick. The line work in this book is absolutely gorgeous and it reminds me in some ways of Shaun Tan’s work (The Arrival.) I especially love seeing the porcupine practicing his archery skills with his own quills. I also really like the images from the storybook that the old frog is reading, they look just like old woodcut images and are absolutely fantastic.
I’m definitely going to be reading the other two volumes and eagerly await the next volume in the series. This is a great story for young and old alike.
Electronic review copy provided by NetGalley
July 25, 2013
Oh, wonderful! We get some of the back story of Korgi Hollow, and it is full of supercreeps and scary monsters! I love the balance between CUTE CUTE CUTE cuteness and really nasty monsters. Everyone who is, or was a child should read these books!
November 17, 2021
By: Ron Baxley, Jr., fantasy and “Oz universe” author with YBR Publishing and author and scripter of the international-award-winning fantasy Corgi graphic novel series for ages 10-100 (or older), “Ziggy Zig-zags the Light and Dark Fantastic”
Book 2 Crossed Genres; Book 3 Does It Further and Darker with Neat Framing
5 out of 5 stars
Where Book 2 brought more science fiction into the Korgi graphic novel series, author and artist Christian Slade has gothic horror brought into “Korgi 3, A Hollow Beginning” or at least dark fantasy. The visuals are stunning as always, and, like in Book 2, the plot seems to be more organized than Book 1. Perhaps Book 1 needed to provide more of an overview and that is why it seemed more scattered. But 3, along with 2, seems to have a more logical plot.
What does counter the darker aspects of some of the later horror is the kawaii or cuteness factor of the Korgi Sprout himself and his newly introduced benevolent friend Otto, a porcupine-like creature who uses his quills as an archer uses arrows. He literally puts his quills in a bow and can shoot them for archery practice. The Mollie/woodland fairy Ivy and Korgi Sprout have a surprise encounter with him at his archery range and invite him to a picnic with all sorts of goodies. Unfortunately, a nasty bit of vermin spies on them during this picnic and is later introduced. Otto makes a surprise appearance later in the book as well.
Next, the visual from Book 2 which is pulled into this one, Ivy’s torn page with the castle on it, is brought by Ivy and her Korgi Sprout to the talking toad Wart, scroll-keeper and historian of Korgi Hollow. Wart discovers that it is a missing part of one of his books, shows this to Ivy and Sprout, and this serves as a framing device to bring the backstory of how seven Korgis came to be in Korgi Hollow. The framing device of a book within a book is executed well, and the art in the book within a book has more of a darker, wood-cut style, making it seem like even more of an ancient tale of yore versus even the current narrative.
Within the old book backstory, the Korgis started their lives with a benevolent wizard with a Corgi-headed staff (and I promise I did not know this when I gave one of my characters an anthropomorphized Corgi-headed staff in my O.Z. Diggs VII series). Eventually, the Korgis were stolen by bandits and sold to an unscrupulous character. They were sold by this character at market to Auntie Pluther of the Pluther Royal bloodline who gave them as gifts to her literally bloodthirsty thirteen year old twin nephews who want to gain the Korgis’ powers completely. The Korgis escaped thanks to a kind knight and thanks to the Mollies/woodland fairies ended up being in Korgi Hollow where they were as of Book 1.
But what the Pluther twin princes will do to try to find and gain the Korgis power just has to be seen to be believed. And, oh by the way, the visual from Book 3 which will lead to Book 4 is the creephog, a squat, furry underground burying sphere-shaped little monster and servant of the Pluther princes.
From the woodcut style to the black ink style, the artwork within this volume still excels. It also add to the gothic horror or dark fantasy aspects of this particular volume. Young children used to fairy tale violence or the type of violence in fantasy in general should be okay with this particular volume but may need comfort after seeing some of it.
Book 2 Crossed Genres; Book 3 Does It Further and Darker with Neat Framing
5 out of 5 stars
Where Book 2 brought more science fiction into the Korgi graphic novel series, author and artist Christian Slade has gothic horror brought into “Korgi 3, A Hollow Beginning” or at least dark fantasy. The visuals are stunning as always, and, like in Book 2, the plot seems to be more organized than Book 1. Perhaps Book 1 needed to provide more of an overview and that is why it seemed more scattered. But 3, along with 2, seems to have a more logical plot.
What does counter the darker aspects of some of the later horror is the kawaii or cuteness factor of the Korgi Sprout himself and his newly introduced benevolent friend Otto, a porcupine-like creature who uses his quills as an archer uses arrows. He literally puts his quills in a bow and can shoot them for archery practice. The Mollie/woodland fairy Ivy and Korgi Sprout have a surprise encounter with him at his archery range and invite him to a picnic with all sorts of goodies. Unfortunately, a nasty bit of vermin spies on them during this picnic and is later introduced. Otto makes a surprise appearance later in the book as well.
Next, the visual from Book 2 which is pulled into this one, Ivy’s torn page with the castle on it, is brought by Ivy and her Korgi Sprout to the talking toad Wart, scroll-keeper and historian of Korgi Hollow. Wart discovers that it is a missing part of one of his books, shows this to Ivy and Sprout, and this serves as a framing device to bring the backstory of how seven Korgis came to be in Korgi Hollow. The framing device of a book within a book is executed well, and the art in the book within a book has more of a darker, wood-cut style, making it seem like even more of an ancient tale of yore versus even the current narrative.
Within the old book backstory, the Korgis started their lives with a benevolent wizard with a Corgi-headed staff (and I promise I did not know this when I gave one of my characters an anthropomorphized Corgi-headed staff in my O.Z. Diggs VII series). Eventually, the Korgis were stolen by bandits and sold to an unscrupulous character. They were sold by this character at market to Auntie Pluther of the Pluther Royal bloodline who gave them as gifts to her literally bloodthirsty thirteen year old twin nephews who want to gain the Korgis’ powers completely. The Korgis escaped thanks to a kind knight and thanks to the Mollies/woodland fairies ended up being in Korgi Hollow where they were as of Book 1.
But what the Pluther twin princes will do to try to find and gain the Korgis power just has to be seen to be believed. And, oh by the way, the visual from Book 3 which will lead to Book 4 is the creephog, a squat, furry underground burying sphere-shaped little monster and servant of the Pluther princes.
From the woodcut style to the black ink style, the artwork within this volume still excels. It also add to the gothic horror or dark fantasy aspects of this particular volume. Young children used to fairy tale violence or the type of violence in fantasy in general should be okay with this particular volume but may need comfort after seeing some of it.
October 17, 2023
The series took a step backwards with the 3rd edition. And this backwards step really hurt the series for me during my initial read, once combined with the lengths of time between published editions.
When in the present tense, the visuals are first-rate. But the book spends a lot of time telling back-story and the art-style is changed to present a real dichotomy. Nearly ¾ of the book is dedicated to the back-story or leading into the back-story, and limited time is spent in our “present day.” And that was too little too late.
5 years passed between this edition and the next. And while I later acquired it, the desire to continue no longer existed. This edition plus five years time sucked it out of me. In a re-read scenario, I’m no longer burdened by the 5-year gap (and the next 5-year gap to the fifth and final edition) and can rank on its own merits.
I looked at this as being a 3.5 and I gave a generous rounding up to a Goodreads 4.0
When in the present tense, the visuals are first-rate. But the book spends a lot of time telling back-story and the art-style is changed to present a real dichotomy. Nearly ¾ of the book is dedicated to the back-story or leading into the back-story, and limited time is spent in our “present day.” And that was too little too late.
5 years passed between this edition and the next. And while I later acquired it, the desire to continue no longer existed. This edition plus five years time sucked it out of me. In a re-read scenario, I’m no longer burdened by the 5-year gap (and the next 5-year gap to the fifth and final edition) and can rank on its own merits.
I looked at this as being a 3.5 and I gave a generous rounding up to a Goodreads 4.0
September 9, 2019
This was still beautifully drawn and despite the lack of words reasonably easy to follow.
I read this whole series in a row and I guess most of my detailed review will be saved for here.
The advantage of this volume, we got backstory.
That being said, there were cliff-hangers left in the first and second volumes that were touched upon again in this volume, however, in the end it still felt incomplete. It did not seem as though these to problems from the first volume were actually resolved. I think had this been a few volumes longer it would have been able to wrap-up these loose ends and feel complete.
Despite being beautiful and featuring adorable corgis, I don't think this is a series I'd recommend.
I read this whole series in a row and I guess most of my detailed review will be saved for here.
The advantage of this volume, we got backstory.
That being said, there were cliff-hangers left in the first and second volumes that were touched upon again in this volume, however, in the end it still felt incomplete. It did not seem as though these to problems from the first volume were actually resolved. I think had this been a few volumes longer it would have been able to wrap-up these loose ends and feel complete.
Despite being beautiful and featuring adorable corgis, I don't think this is a series I'd recommend.
July 15, 2018
Readers as well as Ivy and Sprout learn more about Korgi Hollow’s history. This one is my least favorite, because it is darker than the other two. While there were mean, somewhat bizarre-looking creatures in the previous ones, this one goes a little too far with imagery and content - that is, if this book is intended for the juvenile audience. I am still confused as to whether it is an adult or children book. Parents of young children may be disappointed at the dark turn the third book takes. I have not read the fourth book yet; I hope it is not as scary!
February 3, 2018
Wow, this one takes a turn for the scary! Much better at communicating in the panels, though there is a whole two-page spread that is just replicated drawing zoomed in slightly more every frame for six frames, which was a bit much. Loved the change in style for the history comic within the comic, and the turn for the scary. Wasn't expecting it from a comic that has been mostly just cute and placid.
May 14, 2019
The concept of telling a story without words is interesting, but I'm not sure that I can get behind it. Yes, I know, I've read three of the books in the series but I still like words to flesh things out. Maybe if the illustration were more "wow" but I sometimes find it confusing as well.
Of the three books though, I do prefer this one as the story give some history and we meet some new characters that are intriguing.
Of the three books though, I do prefer this one as the story give some history and we meet some new characters that are intriguing.
June 5, 2023
If you've read the first two books in this series, this one is different as it gives the background on a few characters and how the Korgis came to the forest. This story made me sad, gasp and cheer for the original korgis, again without any words from the author. This author just goes to show that pictures alone is worth a thousand words.
April 15, 2019
I liked the first book with its whimsy and adventure. This book is a bit darker. There are people who drink Korgi blood, kidnappers, and all sorts of unpleasant people and creatures in it.
The title refers to the origins of the molly-korgi relationships in their shared hollow.
The title refers to the origins of the molly-korgi relationships in their shared hollow.
December 23, 2020
This fantasy graphic novel borders on horror as readers discover the dark history of the castle ruins and how the Korgis came to live with the Mollies. Per usual, finishing one of these gorgeously sketched books will just make you want to reach for the next one.
August 7, 2022
Wordless and for all ages, this third volume in the tale of the Korgi shows where there is darkness in their happy hollow. I’m eager to learn more, and enjoy more of the charming, expressive artwork.
February 5, 2024
Even in a land teeming with magic, it's still exceedingly unseemly to me to have wings appear from nowhere onto her back when she wants to fly. Then, no matter what type of story, I want the map and dramatis personae in front.
December 22, 2017
Again...the artwork is amazing! And a frog historian who collects books. Oh man! This is so great! And Otto the Porcupine! What a great story!
Want to Read
September 12, 2019I HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT THESE BOOKS SINCE I WAS 11! Totally forgot they existed- when I get a card for my old library again, I'll have to track them down. I had no idea a third one had been made!
October 5, 2019
This book gives you a look at how the magical korgis came to the Hollow. Awesome backstory with a very satisfying conclusion.
March 14, 2022
pros: history of Korgi Hollow
story in a story framing, with flashback story in a simpler style, reflecting how Wart's art skills have developed over time
story in a story framing, with flashback story in a simpler style, reflecting how Wart's art skills have developed over time
November 22, 2022
See my Korgi #1 review for more detail-- so far I've liked all the books and found them all to live up to that standard!
January 17, 2023
MPA ratings: PG for violence and for scary images
September 3, 2024
Beautifully drawn stories of magical Corgis!
December 8, 2024
Goes with book two nicely. Takes an unexpected turn, but much more mild than Grimm’s.
April 14, 2025
A mysterious image leads Ivy and Sprout the Corgi to discover the lost history of their community. Once again, no words are needed to tell the story. The beautiful line work does it all.
December 9, 2012
The third Korgi book: A Hollow Beginning, harkens back to the adventure of the first Korgi book. Complete with a one-eyed porcupine who knows Archery and an old library inside a tree, this book embodies the spirit of fantasy- and it's a definite improvement from the second book. In this book, we learn about the beginnings of the Korgi Hollow- of two evil princes who are greedy for power, and use the fire-breathing power of the kidnapped Korgis for evil. Ivy and Sprout learn about this history because of the piece of glass they acquired from the second book- a nice tie-in.
The things I loved about this book are numerous. The adorable happy look the Korgis have when they are breathing fire, the love of baked goods by everyone in Korgi Hollow, the compass with a Korgi at the center, and the lighthearted and playful spirit of the people in town. I also like the change of illustrations for the history of the Korgis- a more simplified pen sketching and thicker panel borders. The wizard who first owned the Korgis is adorable- and I would love to know more about him.
The only frustrating aspect of this book is that the author and artist feels the need to elaborate on his story at the end by giving character descriptions, complete with details that didn't happen, or weren't apparent, in the book. Since the book has no words, it's sometimes difficult to tell exactly what the author intends. It's disappointing to me that this information is only conveyed in words at the end of the book- I was hoping the artist would find a way to communicate that information during the graphic novel.
I liked the art better in this book, perhaps because it felt more like the art in the first book, and because it featured more Korgis and less robots! :)
I think the Korgis are headed back in the right direction.... and I'm excited to see where it goes. Also, I want to adopt a Corgi.
The things I loved about this book are numerous. The adorable happy look the Korgis have when they are breathing fire, the love of baked goods by everyone in Korgi Hollow, the compass with a Korgi at the center, and the lighthearted and playful spirit of the people in town. I also like the change of illustrations for the history of the Korgis- a more simplified pen sketching and thicker panel borders. The wizard who first owned the Korgis is adorable- and I would love to know more about him.
The only frustrating aspect of this book is that the author and artist feels the need to elaborate on his story at the end by giving character descriptions, complete with details that didn't happen, or weren't apparent, in the book. Since the book has no words, it's sometimes difficult to tell exactly what the author intends. It's disappointing to me that this information is only conveyed in words at the end of the book- I was hoping the artist would find a way to communicate that information during the graphic novel.
I liked the art better in this book, perhaps because it felt more like the art in the first book, and because it featured more Korgis and less robots! :)
I think the Korgis are headed back in the right direction.... and I'm excited to see where it goes. Also, I want to adopt a Corgi.
August 21, 2015
There's not much of a standalone story to Book 3. So while things indeed happen, it feels like the end of one minor mystery and the continuation of another, but doesn't have a beginning, middle and end of its own. Book 3 is also unique because it requires familiarity with the previous books, something Book 2 did not.
February 14, 2017
A beautifully drawn, wordless graphic novel about the adventures of a fairy and her dog-like companion. Adorable and imaginative, with just enough menace to give the story weight.
September 29, 2011
I eagerly await each volume of this title almost as much as my daughter does. The third entry in the series focuses on answering some of the questions and solving riddles that have surrounded the world of Korgis and Mollies from the beginning. The flashback into the history of this land was most definitely unnecessary. The strange creatures that live in this world don't need origins, in my opinion, but the back story didn't detract from my enjoyment of the series either. The world created by Slade doesn't need large arcs. Some of my favorite stories are the "small" ones created for the Free Comic Book Day offerings from Top Shelf. Anytime Sprout & Ivy do anything (or nothing) it's gorgeously rendered and sweet and clever (see the FCBD story where Sprout gorges on desserts and has bizarre dreams), so Slade could tell those non-linear stories from here until doomsday, as far as I'm concerned, but any Korgi is good Korgi, so bring it on!
August 24, 2021
Synopsis: "Every story has a beginning. It is time for this one to be told. Ivy and Sprout follow their curiosity about the shard of stained glass they discovered in the woods. What they find is a clue to the very origin of their beloved home, the Korgi Hollow. In this third book, many questions are answered and a few new ones are created. Follow the brave Ivy and her lovable Korgi cub, Sprout, as they start to unravel the mysteries surrounding their magical land."
My Review: I absolutely love this series of graphic novels! It is wonderful to have a little introduction at the beginning of each one, as they are a wordless graphic novel, and then at the end there is a little index of the characters in the series too. The images throughout are mostly done in pen with no color and I love the simplicity of them. This is a series of graphic novels that can be enjoyed by all ages.
My Review: I absolutely love this series of graphic novels! It is wonderful to have a little introduction at the beginning of each one, as they are a wordless graphic novel, and then at the end there is a little index of the characters in the series too. The images throughout are mostly done in pen with no color and I love the simplicity of them. This is a series of graphic novels that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews