The Dragon Path: A Graphic Novel

by Ethan Young

Prince Sing, heir to the Wong Clan, is eager for adventure. On a journey to seek a better life in the Old Land, the Wong Clan must travel through the treacherous DRAGON PATH, ruled by the Dragon Tribe. In a fierce battle, Prince Sing is separated from his family. Now it's up to the young prince to save his clan from their sworn enemies - and a wicked traitor hiding in plain sight.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Adventure, Comics, Fiction, Magic

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 18, 2021

About the author

Ethan Young was born and raised in NYC. Young's books include: NANJING: The Burning City (winner of the 2016 Reuben Award for Best Graphic Novel, The Dragon Path, Space Bear, and Life Between Panels, and a graphic novel adaptation of The 39 Clues for Scholastic.

Young is also a Character Designer on Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman on Disney+

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Road Warrior and the Alex Toth inspired Hanna-Barbera cartoons of the 60's and you are here! Original story with great art! This book was really a surprise find for me; a friend had been telling me to check Ethan Young out for some time. Very glad that I did; will be sure to look out for more works in the future from him!

[LordTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8.25/10

Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance reading copy of The Dragon Path for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.

The Dragon Path is a artistically beautiful, thoroughly engaging graphic novel that is sure to excite fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet.

I’m starting to become a sucker for Scholastic’s Graphix line. While middle-grade fiction isn’t necessarily my forte, the little kid inside who used to watch Saturday morning cartoons and Dragon Ball Z re-runs jumps for joy every time I have a chance to read a new piece of fantasy literature from them.

While there is opportunity to flesh the story out a tad more, this was a very enjoyable coming-of-age hero story mixed with ancient prophecy, family dynasties, and exploring one’s past to make for a better future. Plus, ANIMAL COMPANION. How can you go wrong?

Seriously, giant cat with a horn that shoots energy blasts. What more could you want?

Young’s story has plenty of twists to keep the reader engaged, and while this story can seem familiar with some of the usual suspect tropes, the artwork and the reveals will prove a breath of fresh air. I especially enjoyed how certain character movements were put into a slow-motion form, giving you each count during fights; rather than just simply having a first and last step for each strike. It is something I don’t see very often but is just an added bonus for a graphic novel.

I hope this is only the start of something bigger, but if it is simply a standalone, the story is wrapped up with a bow by the time you turn the last page.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Prince Sing is traveling with his family, the Wong Clan, as they seek to reclaim Old Land, their ancestral home. They must take the treacherous Dragon Path, which is ruled by the Dragon Tribe, a clan of slobbering evil dragon people. When the Wong Clan is betrayed by one of their own and ensnared in a trap set by the Dragon Tribe, all seems lost. No one expects the young prince to have the key to their rescue.

This is a dramatic folkloric-like fantasy with steampunk trappings – the Wong Clan travels in a vehicle reminiscent of Mad Max’s giant truck, but with sleeping quarters and details of a 19th century Chinese house. There are deceptions, epic battles, a magical orb, and allusions to political hostilities that go back generations, not to mention a giant magical unicorn cat named Midnight. The political feud between clans may go over some readers’ heads, but the battles and Sing’s stay with a Mystic make for great drama. Prince Sing cannot be older than 12, but he is wiser than his years. Kids will cheer as he saves the clan. The art is beautiful, even in the black and white of the uncorrected proof.

[Michael J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to explore some of the stories available in the young adult section of graphic novels. Thanks to some recommendations from a librarian friend, I've been discovering the cream of the crop. This was highly entertaining, and an awesome introduction to the worlds and concepts of fantasy (and the theme of the hero's journey) for younger readers, especially middle-grade.
The story has some surprises, but is concise and covers Chinese culture in addition. Young's art is very appealing and reminds me of both Jeff Smith and Stan Sakai.

[Artnoose McMoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prince Sing seeks to fulfill his destiny and a family prophecy y returning to the Old Land and defeating the Monster that drive his ancestors out. However, nothing is as it seems of course, and the monster is actually a protector. Terrific artwork and a good storyline. I’m going to look up other books by Ethan Young.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient prophecies? Family dynasties? Powerful mystics? All that AND a ginormous cat with a unicorn-style horn that blasts energy? SIGN ME UP.
Seriously, this is a rich and compelling read (first in a series, I hope!) that will be devoured by fans of Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), Peter Wartman and Xanthe Bouma (Dragon Prince graphics) and more. Cannot wait to sell this one to stores. #ScholasticEmployee

[Tod Emko · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing! You should give it a try if you like adventure; you'll likely be compelled to finish it in one sitting.

[J.D. Holman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an engaging action comic book with a self-contained story. Parts are predictable - at least to me, as an adult. And no character really gets fleshed out. Maybe Ming does?

The art is good. I liked the use of certain colors for flashbacks, or for telling tales. The creature concepts were interesting.

My favorite character and plot element is definitely the kitty.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

The old west, fantasy, science fiction, Chinese mythology come together in a graphic novel of family, honor and righting wrongs. If Avatar the Last Airbender meet a wagon train of immigrant settlers, it might look something like this. Especially the cat-bear-a-corn monster.

[Myles Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations and a compelling story. I'd compare this to Avatar the Last Airbender. If you liked that you'll probably enjoy this. Ages 9 - 12

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time deciding on 3 or 4 stars, but went with 4. I liked the art, characters, and world building. It was all pretty fast paced so it was a quick read for me. Probably too quick. Also rather predictable. I think I would have liked this graphic novel so much more if it had been longer and slower, and let us see more of the world and character interactions.

Midnight was the best character.

Fans of Avatar: the Last Airbender, Raya and the Last Dragon, and The Nameless City trilogy will likely really enjoy this read.

[Princess Cordelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prince Sing is traveling with his clan in search of the Old Land, but the path they must take is treacherous, filled with danger and traitors. When the Prince is separated from his clan during a fight he will have to make his own way and discover the truth about his ancestors. I was on the edge of my seat during this exciting fantasy adventure. The lack of chapter breaks made it flow quickly, the action sequences were exciting, and the narrative of Prince Sing discovering where his ancestors came from was compelling. It’s a great read for fans of Avatar, Amulet, and anyone who likes an interesting fantasy adventure.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick notes:
-ARC was mostly b&w, but the color palate appears very rose, peach, orange, sunset compared to many other MG graphic novels.
-The style of the drawings have elements of movement that seem established, but I can’t place.
-There is a giant, badass, cuddly CATICORN!!
-It covers all the elements of legendary action-adventures, and will lend itself naturally to Avatar: The Airbender fans.
-There is a certain late 80s/early 90s classic cartoon feel about it; She-Ra & Thundercats come to mind.
-Looking forward to hand selling and gifting this one.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Wong on the advice of his adviser, Quan goes to win back the Old Land from the monster which drove his ancestors away with a convoy and his family. Little does he realise that the enemy is much closer than he expected.

This adventure packed tale is a gripping read. It encourages the reader to explore one's past to know more about oneself rather than to dwell upon it. I liked how the illustrator portrays the character's action moves in a slow motion. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading tales based on ancient prophecies.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother looked at this first and he compared it to Mad Max. After reading it, I can see why he compared it to Mad Max, but at the same time it is NOTHING like Mad Max. I wasn't really a fan of the end. I wanted an epilogue or a time-skip, like Timo the Adventurer.

Verdict: A unique graphic novel that blends fantasy, mythology, and dystopian elements for an exciting read.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to read it to the kids.

[sayitwithasmile · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dragon Path was a fun, fantastical graphic novel. Prince Sing's nomadic family is on their way to reclaim the Old Land. They have chosen to cut through the Dragon Path, an area ruled by their sworn enemies. Facing attack, Prince Sing steps up and learns all about his family history and secrets while also learning the meaning of "home". With giant animal guardians, big battle scenes, and family magic, feels like a mash up of the Amulet series meets Mad Max: Fury Road meets Avatar the Last Airbender. The illustrations are action-packed and visceral (I especially like Young's pointillism line drawings that signify memories). I wish there was a little character development and depth to the story. Much like the Amulet series, it felt like an animated TV episode that should be followed by many more installments that give more overall story arcs. I wanted to know more about Aunt Hu (in my opinion, the best character) and her hinted-at storied history with wars and the Dragon clan. I also wanted more context around the Dragon clan besides the fact that they are enemies. Though I really liked what I saw and read on the page, it just left me wanting more!

There is a darkness to this story that skews up in age - probably 12 and up - though if kids already watch The Lord of the Rings or Star Wars movies, the depiction of weapons won't be any worse. Great for fans of fantastical TV shows, movies, and graphic novels!

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A parent gifted me so many novels from the scholastic book fair to use in my classroom and this gem was among the gifted! It's not a secret that I adore a good graphic novel and this one was the perfect mix of cultural and fantasy that makes me want to offer it as a book club read! Bonus - one of the tribes is very similar to the dragon born race in Dungeons and Dragons - so some of my students will pick up on that and LOVE reading it even more.
Summary: A young prince must help his tribe find their way back to their ancestral lands. On his quest, he is met with foes and friends and he has to decide whom he can trust.
Beware: there are monsters within these pages and some of them wear human faces!
Artwork: this graphic novel has a very syfy/fantasy style. I love the details in both clashing tribes. There's a very primal color scheme: browns, oranges and red, but it is full color!

[Christine]

This was an action packed story with a little bit of sweet giant cat friend stuff thrown in.

I could see this doing well in an elementary school, possibly a middle school. I decided to buy it for my middle school students so we'll see how it goes. I'm always a fan of anything involving cats. : )

Content Notes:

Swearing/profanity: None

Sex/sexual references: None

Religious elements: There is discussion of prophecy and blood ties

LGBTQ rep: Not specified

Violence: Yes, people die in this one

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As time passes, memories fade. Traditions die. The stories we pass down begin to change.”

Prince Sing longs for adventure as his family, the Wong Clan, travels as a long convoy to return to the Old Land—a place the Wongs lived many generations ago. However, the prince’s dad makes a poor route choice which lands them all in a dangerous, trapped place. Can Prince Sing find a way to save them?

Students looking for action, danger, fighting, Komodo dragons and large monsters that are similar to cats will devour this great story.

[Su · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like an old school comic in the best way. The colors, the panels, the dialogue and art style - so classic. And how beautiful! The story itself is a solid action-packed coming-of-age tale. I really enjoyed a lot of the elements, especially the theme regarding family. There’s also destiny and honor and some really cool dragon humanoids. I really loved this book and can’t wait to share it with others.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who loves Nickelodeon’s “Avatar” will appreciate this. Solid hero coming of age adventure story: aging father swayed by a poisonous advisor, brave army commander who saves the prince and accepts new alliances, powerful bad guys who also accept new alliances, misunderstood “monster”, family legacy, etc.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward fantasy adventure with an intriguing world. It moved a bit too quickly for me to become fully immersed and might have been better as a duology where the characters and world-building would have had more of a chance to breathe. While some aspects felt familiar, the way it was mashed together was different and entertaining.

[Julesy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4 stars
Artwork 5 stars
Color 4 stars
Lettering 5 stars

Overall rating: 4.5 stars

Theme/genre: Chinese, adventure, magic
Setting: The Dragon Path leading to the Old Land
Likeable characters: Prince Sing, Lady Hu, Midnight

[Ezma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story is very predictable. You’ve almost certainly seen this plot and these exact beats in an animated movie before. But Young tells it well. The thick line art and sumptuous coloring are great to look at, and there’s several well-done action scenes. Wish we got to see more of the convoy as that’s the coolest part of the setting.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

WOW. The artwork for this graphic novel is gorgeous. On top of that, the world building is rich and reminiscent of early Miyazaki. Sometimes I felt lost in the story which is HARD to pull off. The plot is a little simple but it’s for kids so I forgive that and the lack of blood. Highly recommended!!

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good sized GN with appealing art and just enough speech bubbles. Story is lacking and reads like a kids cartoon show. For me some parts were cringe worthy in the dialogue but kids will like this one so I will purchase.

[Darcy Roar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little middle grades fantasy adventure story with some strong road warrior vibes. I like that the central message is not hugely overbearing but present enough to be felt. Also that cat monster is my favorite.

[Alysa Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great adventure packed graphic novel. It reminded me a lot of To Train a Dragon (the movies) as well as Avatar the Last Airbender (Ming in particular). This was a good story to read, it is a reminder that it is wise to not forget the past and to learn from previous mistakes.