Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel

Artemis Fowl: The New Graphic Novels Series #1

by Michael Moreci (Adapter)

In 2001, audiences first met and fell in love with a twelve-year-old criminal mastermind named Artemis Fowl. Since then, the eight-book series about his adventures has sold over twenty-five million copies throughout the world. To coincide with the major motion picture coming from the Walt Disney Studios in August 2019, here is an all-new graphic novel adaptation of the book with crisp, accessible storytelling and clear, cinematic perspectives. Readers of all ages can now follow the siege at Fowl Manor between Artemis and the fairies in action-packed, full-color panels.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2019

About the author

Michael Moreci is a bestselling comics author and novelist. His original works include the space adventure novels Black Star Renegades and We Are Mayhem, as well as the comic series Wasted Space, The Plot, Hexagon, Curse, Archangel 8, and more. The Plot appeared on numerous best of 2019 lists, and Wasted Space has been hailed as one of the best comics of the past decade. Moreci's comic trilogy Roche Limit was called one of the best sci-fi comics of all-time by Paste Magazine, and Black Star Renegades was an Audie Award finalist for best sci-fi of 2018.

Moreci has also written for Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and the DC universe--including the YA graphic novel The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Story. He's also adapted Eoin Colfer's bestselling Artemis Fowl series into graphic novels.

He lives outside Chicago with his family.

Reviews

[Yoda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I´ve been putting off reading Artemis Fowl for the longest time, I wasn´t sure if I was going to like it. I really really did though! Can´t wait for my baby sister to be old enough to read this one! Finally I understand why it was so hyped up and I can´t wait to see movie version of this!

[Rosava Doshchyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Насправді краще, ніж я очікувала. Стиль персонажів мені подобається більше в старій мальописній адаптації, але чисто в динаміці Стівен Ґілпін впорався добре. Персонажі роблять виразні фейси, і там, де були пропущені деякі фірмові жартики, спрацьовують обличчя.
Сценарна адаптація Майкла Моресі теж хороша. Втулити цілий роман на 128 сторінок малюнку треба вміти — і йому це вдалося. Комікс читається легко і не потребує зайвих пояснень з першоджерела. Трішки бракує об'ємності, звісно. Наприклад, мені бракувало розтягнутості напруження в екшн-сценах і вау-ефектів ельфійських технологій, але то таке.
Графічний роман вийшов більш ніж стравним, і я б рекомендувала його читати широкій аудиторії. Тим паче що перша частина що тут, що в оригінальному романі сприймається як цілком завершена історія.
Напис на обкладинці "Перегляньте чудову екранізацію від Дісней" повеселив. Вони це серйозно? Хд
Переклад норм, наслідує переклад основних романів від "Ранку". Претензії до нього я вже писала. Перекладати Butler як Батлер — то страшне глупство. Дивно, але жарт про It's Butler... my butler не увійшов у цю адаптацію, тож в мальописі цей момент можна пробачити. Та й загалом жарти з грою слів максимально почистили, що тільки спрощує переклад.
Шалено подобається, що обкладинка переливається, особливо окуляри Артеміса. Це українське видання хвалю.

[Violet ♡]

I chose this graphic novel as my first book in my 2023 reading journey because it starts with the letter A. I picked up the other edition first, but I've decided to switch to this edition as I more prefer its art.



The story is about a young genius who uses his brilliant mind to do criminal things and to win against the fairies. In order to accomplish his goals, he studied the ways of the fairies, kidnapped one, and negotiated with them to have gold.

There are many unexpected events, like the life-threatening injuries of Butler and Holly saving him (one of her kidnappers).

Well, in the end, Artemis saved his team with sleeping pills from his mother's medication. He had his gold, and his mother recovered from her illness (his wish).

I did not really into its beginning, but the ending had me. This is a nice graphic novel and book (if you want to read the original source) if you seek a prodigy or young criminal protagonist. ✨😸

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! I realize how ruthless Arty-boy was now that I see his actions illustrated. I think this art style worked great, but some scenes are a tad grosser here than it was in the book thanks to the magic of illustration. it's been a while since I've read Artemis Fowl, but they cut the ending short of when they find his dad.

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am missing some backstory. maybe reading the graphic novel before the actual book was a mistake, maybe not. I can't say right now. But the quality of the artwork is great, I say that.

[Tasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed from the local library.

I feel like this is missing some set up. Maybe it follows on from the books? Would have been good to understand why Fowl is an evil genius.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this adaptation. If I had read this before the novel, maybe I would have loved it, but I didn't so it feels like it's missing a lot of what makes the story great. I did still mostly enjoy it, and the art was good, which bumped it up to 4 stars. So, basically...read this if you like, but definitely read the novel (and it's great on audio as well!).

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt really meh about this. I think I might have enjoyed the actual novel more. I felt like I had no background going in. It seemed like the middle of a story. And Artemis is kind of a dick.

[Ashton Emme]

It was really good. 100% recommend.

[asiya | アセヤ (free palestine)]

AHA! 🤡 So this is the right one... I knew that (didn't).

[soleil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artemis Fowl is Back and Ready for Trouble! from BookTrib.com.

Attention kids and parents: the 12-year-old ludicrously rich and absolutely brilliant Artemis is back again! Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel (Disney/Hyperion) properly brings the internationally-captivating series into a new age 18 years after the series’ inception. Artistically revolutionized since the 2007 graphic novel, this printing is expertly adapted by Michael Moreci and illustrated by Stephen Gilpin. The visuals feel more immediate than tv, but just in case, Walt Disney Studios’ major motion picture adaptation will run in August 2019. Your child—and perhaps you, too—will definitely want to get the inside scoop before hitting the cinemas.

The beloved characters are well-stocked with the usual iPhones, tablets, battleships and Neutrino 2000. Artemis and friends are constantly tested as they connive against armed foes, dizzying secret languages, and hidden species. Kids may think they know Eoin Colfer’s famous troublemaker, but this new rendition will delight even his most loyal readers.

Each page is electrified with action and suspense. Each panel is jewel-like with its vibrancy and intricate details. Your kid can zip through faster than a fairy flies or can take their time studying the nuances of each frame. The movements are seamless, character designs surprising and whimsical and the dialogue witty and engrossing. Your child will follow Artemis around the world and into new dimensions, all while learning how to see opportunities in the unlikeliest of places.

One of the most rewarding aspects of following Artemis is seeing beyond his classically cool attitude to understand what is truly important to him. In an early snippet of banter while on a mission, Butler asks Artemis, “We’re not leaving her to die, are we?” to which he replies, “Of course not. A corpse is evidence.” Constantly collected and hilarious, Artemis develops emotionally with the plot while sharing deeply important wisdom on friendship, family, and sacrifice.

Artemis equally embraces technology to solve his problems while also trudging through them by hand. The deeply tactile test of his skills and endurance show just how much a kid is capable of without any outside help. He spends hours cross-testing different methods to solve a puzzle. In the end, Butler says, “It was never in doubt. What comes next?” At a time when kids are distracted by screens more than ever, our friend Artemis is a model of concentration, curiosity, and drive. He succeeds because he works hard and never lets anyone underestimate him due to his age. Most importantly, he never underestimates himself. He is always ready for the next challenge.

Like anyone else, Artemis also struggles with understanding and reacting to hardship. He is especially affected by the sadness of those he loves even when it is outside his control. Gradually, children learn to face up to their fears and accept help from others. Grief and separation undercurrent the story so that kids see how it is normal for it to bother them as time passes. As the pages turn, they see quite beautifully how money or fame cannot replace the innate urge to be connected with family or those they love. Parental relationships, in particular, are explored so the child can see the reason why they may have to spend time apart. In one section, a female police captain wakes at 5 am “to work twice as hard as any other […] for half the respect.” The captain is criticized by her boss for being a minute late due to an arduous commute. She challenges those who stereotype her due to her gender. Kids learn how a workday can stress their parents, while also seeing how a positive attitude can pay off even when one least expects it.

Want to dive into the colorful world of Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel ? It is now available for purchase. And be sure not to miss the movie, coming soon to theaters!

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't tried the novels in the Artemis Fowl series yet but when I saw the graphic novel of the first book, Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Irish author Eoin Colfer, I thought I should give it a try. All in all, an entertaining, fast - action fantasy adventure.

Artemis Fowl is a young man whose father has gone missing, presumably killed in an accident at sea. His mother is struggling and the family fortune has gone. Artemis, along with Butler, his capable assistant and Butler's sister, Juliet, work on a plan to get fairie gold. The fairies live underground and come to the surface to deal with rogue trolls, dwarves and other creatures.

The fairies are very high tech and have their own sort of 'Q' (a la James Bond) in Foaly, a centaur scientist. Artemis Fowl kidnaps a fairy police officer, Holly, and this begins the crux of the story. Holly's superiors will do anything to get her back and they begin an attack on the Fowl estate in Ireland.

It's an action - packed adventure, with Artemis and his friends seemingly one step ahead of the supernatural beings. For every move on one side, there is a counter move. Attacks by fairies, sneaky moves using dwarves, friction within the fairie ranks, all sorts of fun and games. The story is well written and superbly drawn and inked. Most enjoyable. Oh, yes and a reasonably satisfying ending. Looking forward to reading the next graphic novel in the series. (3.5 stars)

[Chelsea Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t mind some aspects of the art style, but the magic of the fairies is missing when they all just look like humans. I miss the artwork and adaptation from the original set of graphic novels and am sad knowing we won’t be getting more of those. Here’s hoping they improve from here, but I don’t have high expectations.

[Dana Zett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was okay, but the ending didn’t make much sense.

[Anneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Parts of it could stick with me, and I think I’m grateful I started with the graphic novel. Not sure a full novel would be worth the time for me but the story pique led my interest a bit.

[Magglodon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have to reread this series, I forgot how much I loved it! The original book was better, it provided more context and details obviously.

[Ashleigh Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel was certainly entertaining, but it seemed to end abruptly, and I got the sense that something got lost in translation from the book. Which likely means I should read the book!

[LW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! Much better than the original graphic novel. The illustrations brought the story to life in a new, fun way.

[Huma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the graphic novel

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up the graphic novel because I can't seem to find my paperback copy to read before the adaptation is out. I think I'm going to go on a hunt now so I can read the full story! This was fun but quick and I feel like I need more backstory!

My full review was originally posted on Lazy Day Literature.

Brilliant twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl acquires and translates a fairy's magical book and learns all the secrets he needs to get what he wants from the fairies. He captures one to fulfill his plan but the fairies won't give in so easily!

This was action-packed and illustrated well.
I felt like it was sort of a Lara Croft for boys with Artemis's wealthy upbringing and luxurious family estate. Likewise, Artemis is very intelligent and has all the latest technological gadgets and advancements as well as a highly-trained butler/housemade brother/sister combo to keep him safe and protected.

Also, I think this was the first time I've come across an anti-hero main character in middle-grade fiction. Artemis Fowl doesn't seem all that bad since he's the character we're supposed to be rooting for but his motives are purely selfish and materialistic and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

I've been meaning to read the actual novel ever since I heard about the movie adaptation but, of course, my copy seems to have disappeared. I picked this up from the library to get the story in a quicker format since I'm running out of time to read everything on my TBR list this year. I do feel like I'm missing a bit of the story or back story with this adaptation but that just means I'm more likely to read the actual novel once I get my hands on it again!

[Aiden Heyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the graphic novel very interesting since the start of the graphic novel. Artemis Fowl is a different type of book from what I normally read. The graphic novel starts with Artemis and "Butler" entering a restaurant in Vietnam city, looking for the owner of the shop who knows the location of an old woman who takes rice wine, a type of fermented rice extract, for healing of things like moles, pimples, and blackheads. He is approached by a waiter. Artemis quickly realizes that this is Mister Xuan, the owner, from his rather wealthy-looking appearance. He leads Artemis to the Fairy, where he gets her "book" for two injections, one is a cure for the holy water which was in the spiked rice wine, the other is a man-made purging injection for the 1000's of years she's spent consuming rice wine. He goes home to his mother's mansion in Ireland to decode the pictures of the book he borrowed from the fairy. He tries several languages and realizes they are hieroglyphics turned whichever ways. Meanwhile, Holly Short is set off to find a troll that escaped to the surface. She finds said troll, which is destroying a home. She pacifies it and then has to erase the minds of the humans which were having their houses ravaged. She would have had to do this anyway but she also didn't do a ritual which makes her invisible to the human eye. She is ordered to go and do the ritual before coming underground. by the time that has happened, Artemis has figured out the book and where he would need to be to kidnap a fairy. Four months later, Short reaches where she needs to be to perform her ritual. She lands, folds her wings, finds an acorn which will do for the ritual, and is tranquilized and kidnapped by Artemis and Butler. She wakes up in a sandstone cell. A woman, Juliet, is there watching over her. She talks to her and leaves to get Holly food. A few hours later, Artemis enters the cell to reveal she has been there for three days and had told them everything, especially about the hostage fund. Commander Root, leader of LEP, follows her beacon to a ship. The connection of beacon gets worse as he gets more and more into the lead-made ship. Root ends up finding a phone in a briefcase connected to Artemis, he ends up blowing-up the entire ship with a bomb attached to it. Later, Root finds the fowl manor in Ireland. they send in scouts to try and secure Holly, but they are taken-out by butler. They then send in Mulch, a dwarf convict who "digs" into the manor. Meanwhile Holly has broken the floor and managed to plant the acorn. She then uses her magic to mesmerize Juliet into thinking she's watching wrestling on the blank wall. She then meets with mulch, who then gives her the transcript of the fairy book. Mulch then escapes from the house and acts like there was a cave-in. Butler then finds Juliet "watching tv" inside the cell and tries to get to Artemis, who Holly has slapped by now. They get knocked back by a troll who busted through the manor's gigantic doors. Butler is killed and Juliet is cornered, Holly then appears behind it and takes its attention. She then is grabbed and threw by it close to butler's corpse. She uses her magic to resurrect him. He sees the troll cornering Juliet again, he picks up a set of knight armor and a flail. The troll is then defeated by butler using his gun when he is knocked down by it. Butler then stops because Holly said to because he "owed" her for the resurrection. The book ends with Artemis asking Holly for a wish we do not get to hear. He gives back the gold and drugs Butler and Juliet with his mother's sleeping pills through some wine. Then drugs himself. They send in a "Blue Rinse"( a Chemical bomb that kills anything in the area) into the house. Surprisingly, All three of them survive and Butler asks him why he drugged him and Juliet. He tells them that the "Time field" is a way that elves kept them asleep while they cleaned their houses and shoes. Then a door creaks open, and appears Artemis's mother, who apologizes for how she's been for the last few months and asks him questions about what was going on in his life.

[Angela Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally Review for YA Books Central: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yafict...

As Middle Grade graphic novel adaptations go, this urban fantasy is above par.

The artwork has a bit of darkness and grit, but still conveys characterization and emotion to a close approximation of what I’d envisioned while reading the actual book. (The scene with Artemis trying to talk to his mentally ill mother was particularly affecting.) The plot is certainly condensed, but nothing critical stood out as absent. And the satirical aspects are conveyed effectively—which makes the more derivative Fae worldbuilding forgivable, and even fun.

It’s a pretty quick read compared to the original. And I’m a little afraid that some elements about Artemis are lost in the more visual translation of his character. (Given he starts out the series as an anti-hero who seems on the precipice of going either way with his dubious moral compass, he’s a touch difficult to like and/or relate to—especially in the first book. This effect may be worsened for those who HAVEN’T read the original.)

Note: Having read four books into the original series, I’d like to reassure parents/teachers that the point of these books isn’t to glorify misdeeds or hold Artemis up as an evil genius worthy of imitation. Artemis is simply a flawed character with PLENTY of room for personal growth. And he does grow…albeit more so in later books.

All in all, a solid option for more reluctant readers! And perhaps (hopefully!) a gateway medium for the actual book series.

[Clarabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cette version dessinée du roman éponyme a été une bonne pioche : une lecture correcte et divertissante pour les amateurs, plus ou moins fidèle pour les plus exigeants. Mais l'esprit Fowl est présent, tout en malice et facétie.

L'histoire est un formidable concentré d'action et d'humour avec des personnages hauts en couleur. La palme du cocasse revient d'ailleurs au nain, Mulch Diggums... graphiquement très proche du spécimen vu dans Le Seigneur des Anneaux. Ceci dit, je n'ai pas spécialement d'avis sur l'aspect visuel en général, sauf que c'est moderne et ça se lit comme les comics (super-héros, technologies et scènes explosives). Un lectorat plus jeune s'y laissera prendre et c'est tant mieux.

Sinon c'est à lire en complément du roman et en prolongement du film de Kenneth Branagh. Cette version comporte des qualités et des défauts, comme c'est souvent le cas dès qu'une nouvelle adaptation sort. Par contre, elle met l'eau à la bouche et propose un rendez-vous sympathique avec un héros qui ne joue pas dans la cour des gentils. Ça change un peu et c'est pas mal du tout !

NB : La couverture, en vrai, est plus jolie (cf. les lunettes aux reflets verts).

[✝✝ Christina ✝✝✝ · Rating 1 out of 5]

eh

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the source material, and this graphic novel was an excellent adaptation of it with fantastic art, so of course it had to be 5 stars as well.

I do think reading the novel would give the most complete picture of the story (naturally some details had to be condensed or cut), but overall I think Moreci and Gilpin did a great job of communicating the story. And I love how much original dialogue they used, plus the creative ways they used the illustrative format to interpret or enhance some scenes.

Whether or not you've already read the previous (and fairly bad) graphic novel adaptation, I'd *highly* recommend this one. And if you haven't yet read the original Artemis Fowl novels but you pick up this graphic adaptation, I think it could be a good introduction to the series! Despite some plot or character elements necessarily having less explanation in this version, I would predict it's not hard to follow the story even if you aren't familiar with the original novel.

Some specific thoughts:
-Holly actually has brown skin like she's supposed to! amazing
-No ridiculous shower illustration!
-The character designs were overall really excellent
-I do find it annoying that they changed the scene where Holly heals Butler. They add a line of dialogue that makes it sound like her reasoning, or at least part of it, is that she needs him alive because they need to fight the troll together. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but that bothered me: Holly heals Butler completely selflessly. That's important for her character *and* for Butler's realization of who Holly is. But then later everyone does treat the healing like an inexplicably selfless act, so maybe I AM reading too much into it?

Overall, highly recommend, and for me this was the perfect blend of read and reread: I've read the original novel a zillion times and I always love doing that again, but getting to return to the story in a new way was also a delight.

CW: Kidnapping, violence, mental illness/depression

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

   I learned of the existence of this book because of my local library’s program “Cookies and Comics” – for their November meeting, Michael Moreci was scheduled to come in for the meeting, as he is the writer/adaptor of Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel as well as of other books. While extenuating circumstances kept Moreci from being able to attend, he was kind enough to send us some signed books and comics of his, and we had a great time talking about his work and seeing just how many books and comics he has written and/or worked on.
   For the most part, you would be able to see my review on the full novel Artemis Fowl for specifics on the story itself… if I had written one two years ago. So we’ll just skip that part. But here, I prefer to say just how well Moreci adapted the book into a graphic novel format. Despite its relatively slim size, it felt like he managed to get everything important in the story into its pages; I did not feel that anything was lacking, either in details, in tone, in characterization, in action, anything. A shout out must also go to the illustrator, Stephen Gilpin, for his excellent job in capturing the atmosphere both above and below ground, and the essence of the various characters, from Artemis and Holly themselves to Butler, Juliette, Mrs. Fowl, Commander Root, Mulch Diggums, and more in his illustrations.
   Of the three books for this particular “Cookies and Comics” meeting, this was also the only one that everyone present had read, and it seemed to be unanimous between kids and adults present that everyone found this book well done and a good read – some of the kids/adults even went from reading this graphic novel to listening to the full audiobook. Personally, it makes me eager to see the second book adapted into a graphic novel format, and ideally with Moreci writing and Gilpin illustrating once again.

[Samantha Issa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a neat little summary of the first novel, although I found it too short.

I loved the illustrations! They reminded me of the Gothic-style illustrations for G.P. Taylor's book series, Dopple Ganger. However, I noticed some mistakes: Artemis' eyes would change color from blue to brown, and on the first pages, Butler's ties changed color as well.

Being able to visualize the story helped me understand it more. And it helped me to finally love Holly because she looked more like a cheery, spunky tomboy than the image that had formed in my head of a chill, sexy, no-nonsense fairy. Before, I'd often skip or half-heartedly read her chapters because I cared more about Artemis than her haha. Yet seeing her in this graphic novel in an adorable form that runs counter to my original image of her made me connect to her story. And maybe because I've grown up as a young woman who can relate to her more as opposed to that young teenage fangirl who had a crush on Artemis in 2014.

Well, I'll write more for this review when I have more time. As of now, I would recommend it to visual readers, but not 100% because I find it too short. I'm still going to finish reading it to my little brother.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Artemis Fowl. I used to live for this series.
So when I found out that there was a new graphic novel adaptation of the first novel, I knew I had to have it. The cover, also, is gorgeous. I love the shiny silver lettering - it really reminds me of the OG series covers with the bright silvers and golds and shiny titles.

Even better than the previous adaptation, this is a wonderful comic. I love the art style; it was really fun to look at. The color palette was also very well done. I especially liked Holly's design in this one!
Moreci did a really nice job on the story adaptation. The pacing felt very similar to the original and the gentle nods to more current things (like Netflix and "the Google machine") were slipped in comfortably.

Artemis Fowl is just a story that really lends itself to adaptation done right. (Yes, I'm looking at you movie that I refuse to see.) It's a really fun story with some interesting and morally gray characters who are still easy to root for. The stakes are very real, but it's still approachable for younger readers and such an interesting look at Irish and fairy folklore.

[Ghita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to pick up the book for the longest time but kept pushing it off. This time I told myself 'No more!...but let's test the waters and grab the graphic novel first and see where that leads us'

Honestly, I don't remember ever looking up the plot for this series, so it was quite a surprise to see that the story actually focused on a twelve-year-old evil genius, a bad guy with a purpose! I loved the illustrations and the details that were put in them. However, I do feel like we lack a bit of information when it comes to Artemis himself. We know somewhat what happened, what his goal is, and why but I felt like it lacked depth. I expected the focus the be more on him, you know...considering the fact that the series was titled after his name (or maybe he was named after the series...).

I must say that I am intrigued. I will definitely be picking up the novels and see how much more intriguing the story can get, and understand better who Artemis Fowl really is!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second version of a graphic novel adaptation of the popular novel Artemis Fowl. It boils the story down to it's most serious plot points.

There is much less potty humor, fewer puns and very little cleaver banter. It's almost as if Disney was trying to make the story more motion picture worthy.

So why was this sterilized graphic novel still a better adaptation than the script they ultimately filmed?

The interior art work takes a bit of getting used to, Artemis looks much older than twelve, but it dose serve the more serious tone the creative team seems to be going for.

This is a good starting place for people who think Artemis Fowl might be too middle grade for them. But I'm sure once they understand the universe they will want to dive into the main series.