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Gamayun Tales #1-3
Сказки Гамаюн
«Сказки Гамаюн» — новый взгляд на знакомые с детства русские народные сказки. Благодаря мастерству Александра Уткина их сюжеты переплетаются друг с другом, образуя единую волшебную вселенную, и раскрываются с неожиданных сторон. Магические испытания, встречи с мифическими существами, смертельные опасности и захватывающие приключения — книга не даст заскучать ни на минуту!
«Сказки Гамаюн» изданы на английском, французском и испанском языках. В 2021 году они были удостоены премии Французской ассоциации критиков и журналистов в области комиксов и специального упоминания на Болонской книжной ярмарке, а также номинированы на премию Международного фестиваля комиксов в Ангулеме и премию имени Уилла Айснера.
«Сказки Гамаюн» изданы на английском, французском и испанском языках. В 2021 году они были удостоены премии Французской ассоциации критиков и журналистов в области комиксов и специального упоминания на Болонской книжной ярмарке, а также номинированы на премию Международного фестиваля комиксов в Ангулеме и премию имени Уилла Айснера.
184 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2020
3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 9, 2020
A fun set of tales based on Slavic folklore. I loved the art style.
Received a review copy from Nobrow and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Nobrow and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
June 24, 2025
Definitely better to read this collection in order. Before I read volume 2 thinking it was a standalone - it does provide context to what happened before. As a package its more than the sum of its parts and tells a very compelling folklore tale with lots of mythology packed in. It starts with a traditional "don't open this!" but of course the person opens the package tale, and the consequences impact the next generation.
December 2, 2022
Это определенный восторг!
May 5, 2021
A great collection of Russian folk tales all linked together in one narrative. Very fun read.
November 28, 2021
Где же сказка про Василису?! Негодую ❤️
Но вообще большой плюс книжки в том, что хочется пересматривать, перечитывать, очень залипательно
Но вообще большой плюс книжки в том, что хочется пересматривать, перечитывать, очень залипательно
October 10, 2020
A rich and vibrant weaving of several Russian folktales, Gamayun is a delight from start to finish. This collection contains the first three of Utkin's Tales (The King of the Birds, The Water Spirit and Tyna of the Lake) and it is our storyteller, the exotic and beguiling Gamayun (half bird / half human) and a merchant's family who bind all three stories together.
Still retaining the sharp and concise narratives of those early tales, Utkin brings a sense of majesty and cinematic flamboyancy to the retellings injecting humour, drama, tension and a gripping sense of adventure that I have always associated with the best told tales. It's almost impossible to choose a favourite story from the volume or a favourite character although the king of the lobsters (Sir Lobsterrific) was a pleasure to encounter since I recognised him from Old Peter's Russian Tales.
I will say that other reviews of these books lament the broken narrative and cliffhangers. These reviews refer to when the 3 books brought together here were sold separately and I would have probably agreed. Here though, together, they breathe a vibrant and welcome life into old, treasured tales. An incredible addition to any Key Stage 2 classroom.
Still retaining the sharp and concise narratives of those early tales, Utkin brings a sense of majesty and cinematic flamboyancy to the retellings injecting humour, drama, tension and a gripping sense of adventure that I have always associated with the best told tales. It's almost impossible to choose a favourite story from the volume or a favourite character although the king of the lobsters (Sir Lobsterrific) was a pleasure to encounter since I recognised him from Old Peter's Russian Tales.
I will say that other reviews of these books lament the broken narrative and cliffhangers. These reviews refer to when the 3 books brought together here were sold separately and I would have probably agreed. Here though, together, they breathe a vibrant and welcome life into old, treasured tales. An incredible addition to any Key Stage 2 classroom.
March 19, 2020
Review: Gamayun Tales
I enjoyed that Gamayun Tales is told to us by Gamayun, herself who is a character in the story. I related to Tyna, the Blue swan, who has four sisters who also turn into swans. I enjoyed how the lion is still alive after the big battle at the beginning of the book, but I wish the lion would get revenge on the king of the birds. I found Fyodor, the house spirit, helpful because he assists the merchant who has the gold chest, which he received from the queen of the golden realm. I found the water magic that Miss Testudo teaches Tyna really cool. The tale of the mouse and sparrow is a story of friendship going back 30 years. Their friendship ends after the mouse eats a golden apple by herself when they are supposed to share with each other. This made me sad for the sparrow that such an old friend would do that to him. The art in Gamayun tales is great because it is very detailed, colourful and stylized.
Mea, Age 9
I enjoyed that Gamayun Tales is told to us by Gamayun, herself who is a character in the story. I related to Tyna, the Blue swan, who has four sisters who also turn into swans. I enjoyed how the lion is still alive after the big battle at the beginning of the book, but I wish the lion would get revenge on the king of the birds. I found Fyodor, the house spirit, helpful because he assists the merchant who has the gold chest, which he received from the queen of the golden realm. I found the water magic that Miss Testudo teaches Tyna really cool. The tale of the mouse and sparrow is a story of friendship going back 30 years. Their friendship ends after the mouse eats a golden apple by herself when they are supposed to share with each other. This made me sad for the sparrow that such an old friend would do that to him. The art in Gamayun tales is great because it is very detailed, colourful and stylized.
Mea, Age 9
April 15, 2023
Прекрасный со всех сторон комикс, который вышел сначала на английском, французском, испанском, успел собрать кучу номинаций, в т.ч. на Айснера, и только после этого добрался до своей исторической родины.
Книга пересказывает классические русские сказки, но совсем не те, которые первым делом приходят на ум (и давно набили оскомину). Более того, если вы только не перечитали всего Афанасьева, сюжет будет вам скорее всего совершенно не знаком — хотя, определённые мотивы (и герои) вполне узнаваемы. Начинается всё с масштабной войны лесных зверей с птицами, дальше ловкий купец получает в награду волшебный ларец, заключает сделку с хитрым водяным, и уже другие юные герои заканчивают историю дерзким побегом. При этом, все части повествования логично (по меркам сказок) перетекают одна в другую и складываются в единую захватывающую дух историю.
Кое-что автор добавляет и от себя, модернизирует отношения, рационализирует некоторые поступки и сглаживает характеры, но совсем немного. Да и вообще-то сказки именно так и менялись и дополнялись в устном пересказе на протяжении веков. Также автор умело ставит все акценты — и на шутливой составляющей, и на драматичной, и на развлекательной. Трэша и угара Джамбаттисты Базиле здесь нет, книгу вполне можно читать с детьми.
Не отстаёт от классного сюжета и визуальная составляющая. Мягкий рисунок выполнен как бы цветными карандашами и он не имеет ничего общего с лубочно-традиционной манерой иллюстрирования русских сказок (что на мой взгляд убило бы произведение). Стилистика и сама по себе классная, подходящая нарративу, и как комикс книга тоже работает великолепно (также я оценил ряд неброских, чисто визуальных шуток и отсылок). В целом, всячески рекомендую, буду надеяться, что на русском когда-нибудь выйдет и второй том (и он вышел). Вот небольшая фотогалерея.
Книга пересказывает классические русские сказки, но совсем не те, которые первым делом приходят на ум (и давно набили оскомину). Более того, если вы только не перечитали всего Афанасьева, сюжет будет вам скорее всего совершенно не знаком — хотя, определённые мотивы (и герои) вполне узнаваемы. Начинается всё с масштабной войны лесных зверей с птицами, дальше ловкий купец получает в награду волшебный ларец, заключает сделку с хитрым водяным, и уже другие юные герои заканчивают историю дерзким побегом. При этом, все части повествования логично (по меркам сказок) перетекают одна в другую и складываются в единую захватывающую дух историю.
Кое-что автор добавляет и от себя, модернизирует отношения, рационализирует некоторые поступки и сглаживает характеры, но совсем немного. Да и вообще-то сказки именно так и менялись и дополнялись в устном пересказе на протяжении веков. Также автор умело ставит все акценты — и на шутливой составляющей, и на драматичной, и на развлекательной. Трэша и угара Джамбаттисты Базиле здесь нет, книгу вполне можно читать с детьми.
Не отстаёт от классного сюжета и визуальная составляющая. Мягкий рисунок выполнен как бы цветными карандашами и он не имеет ничего общего с лубочно-традиционной манерой иллюстрирования русских сказок (что на мой взгляд убило бы произведение). Стилистика и сама по себе классная, подходящая нарративу, и как комикс книга тоже работает великолепно (также я оценил ряд неброских, чисто визуальных шуток и отсылок). В целом, всячески рекомендую, буду надеяться, что на русском когда-нибудь выйдет и второй том (и он вышел). Вот небольшая фотогалерея.
November 29, 2021
I already reviewed The King of Birds and Tyna of the Lake, but my library was mysteriously missing the middle Gamayun tale, The Water Spirit, so I was quite happy to see this neatly packaged collection featuring all three.
The Russian folk tales in Gamayun Tales are extremely satisfying in the same way that stories told around the campfire are satisfying. There aren't always morals or clear reasons for why the story is being told, but each tale is pleasantly adventurous with mysterious happenings in a world of gods and monsters. I wouldn't exactly call the tales exciting, but they're certainly compelling. I crave the next volume.
Alexander Utkin's artwork is perfect for folk tales. Clean, child-like, somewhat gauzy, yet perfectly coherent. The colors really shine. This is a superb collection.
The Russian folk tales in Gamayun Tales are extremely satisfying in the same way that stories told around the campfire are satisfying. There aren't always morals or clear reasons for why the story is being told, but each tale is pleasantly adventurous with mysterious happenings in a world of gods and monsters. I wouldn't exactly call the tales exciting, but they're certainly compelling. I crave the next volume.
Alexander Utkin's artwork is perfect for folk tales. Clean, child-like, somewhat gauzy, yet perfectly coherent. The colors really shine. This is a superb collection.
September 8, 2020
Gorgeous art that really sucks you into the fascinating, intertwined stories. I haven't read a ton of Russian folk tales (these were all new to me) & they are so good! Very much looking forward to part 2!
April 30, 2021
Featured in the 2021 Outstanding International Book List by The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), Gamayun Tales I offers a colorful, interwoven journey through traditional Russian folklore and Slavic mythology. Narrated by, Gamayun, a mythological human-faced bird creature, the first volume of this graphic novel series shares the tales of The King of Birds, The Water Spirit, and Tyna of the Lake. The author masterfully interconnects these three tales with vibrant illustrations along with direct yet witty text. Like most folklore, these tales provide a window into a different culture from long ago while delivering timeless lessons on human nature such as loyalty, hospitality, sacrifice, and more.
Recommended for grades 5+, the Gamayun Tales would be a great addition to classroom learning as an introduction to mythology or could even be paired with The Odyssey for older readers as an introduction to the hero’s journey. Although the translation is somewhat simplistic, there are words that may fall into tier 3 vocabulary (e.g., forte), and even though the author provides a character guide at the beginning of the book, students may need initial assistance with pronunciation. Although students may readily connect elements of these tales with familiar fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Swan Lake, teachers may also wish to provide additional background on Russian folklore and Slavic mythology to boost comprehension. Available in hardcover and paperback, I found the digital version on Epic! accessible for independent or classroom reading.
Recommended for grades 5+, the Gamayun Tales would be a great addition to classroom learning as an introduction to mythology or could even be paired with The Odyssey for older readers as an introduction to the hero’s journey. Although the translation is somewhat simplistic, there are words that may fall into tier 3 vocabulary (e.g., forte), and even though the author provides a character guide at the beginning of the book, students may need initial assistance with pronunciation. Although students may readily connect elements of these tales with familiar fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Swan Lake, teachers may also wish to provide additional background on Russian folklore and Slavic mythology to boost comprehension. Available in hardcover and paperback, I found the digital version on Epic! accessible for independent or classroom reading.
March 31, 2020
For kids who are new to East European/Slavic folklore, this would be a wonderful addition.
I am not too keen on the graphic novel version but then I guess I am not the intended audience for this book. Nevertheless, the illustrations are wonderful.
As a kid who grew up on a ton of folktales from the USSR, it was awesome to run into Vasilisa and Ivan Tsarevitch though for a very short time and I would have loved to run into the Mistress of Malachite Mountain as well. But, Alas! that was not to be. Hopefully in Volume 2.
I recommended it to my 12 yr old & 9 yr old who promptly postponed it for Anne of Green Gables. Go figure!
I am not too keen on the graphic novel version but then I guess I am not the intended audience for this book. Nevertheless, the illustrations are wonderful.
As a kid who grew up on a ton of folktales from the USSR, it was awesome to run into Vasilisa and Ivan Tsarevitch though for a very short time and I would have loved to run into the Mistress of Malachite Mountain as well. But, Alas! that was not to be. Hopefully in Volume 2.
I recommended it to my 12 yr old & 9 yr old who promptly postponed it for Anne of Green Gables. Go figure!
December 25, 2020
4.5 stars. Beautiful anthology of three interweaving Russian folk tales - incredible art too!
October 30, 2020
I wouldn't usually go for a graphic novel, but I am so glad that I did following a great recommendation. This is a book of Russian Folk Tales that have been re-written for modern life today.
The language in these stories is just fantastic and I would encourage children to magpie as much of the vocabulary as they could, for example "wrought" and "bitterly". I also loved the characterisation and creation of the characters personalities as they were so interesting and had exciting storylines. The mini cliff-hangers throughout help to keep the reader's attention and leave you wanting more.
The language in these stories is just fantastic and I would encourage children to magpie as much of the vocabulary as they could, for example "wrought" and "bitterly". I also loved the characterisation and creation of the characters personalities as they were so interesting and had exciting storylines. The mini cliff-hangers throughout help to keep the reader's attention and leave you wanting more.
March 18, 2021
Absolutely gorgeous art. Russian folklore comics for kids, sort of like babby’s first Hellboy. 10/10
May 7, 2025
I think I expected too much from this Russian folklore graphic novel; it got too hyped and I got disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, the illustrations are beautiful, the classic style tales are smooth and well done, great for my 9-year-old... but both of us were a little disappointed by the voice.
Choosing to have a narrator puts an immediate barrier between the reader and the story. Both of us felt it impacted our immersion, and we didn't manage to "forget we were reading". Instead of plunging into the adventure, we were kept at bay by the formal approach, continuously breaking the fourth wall, reminding us of it. My son didn't put it in those words, obviously, but he compared it to some movie beginnings that have narrators and how he doesn't like that.
I can understand it gives that classic narrative feel, but I think immersion is now a must, even for young readers who have a lot of amazing stuff to choose from.
I really really wanted to like this one, and I think just removing the narrator bits would have elevated it a lot. We don't need to set context if the story is clear, and it very much was. This is a case where I think less would have been more. It had the potential of being a "Princess Kaguya" impactful tale.
I still do recommend it, because it is a beautiful work, just not as engaging as it could have been.
Don't get me wrong, the illustrations are beautiful, the classic style tales are smooth and well done, great for my 9-year-old... but both of us were a little disappointed by the voice.
Choosing to have a narrator puts an immediate barrier between the reader and the story. Both of us felt it impacted our immersion, and we didn't manage to "forget we were reading". Instead of plunging into the adventure, we were kept at bay by the formal approach, continuously breaking the fourth wall, reminding us of it. My son didn't put it in those words, obviously, but he compared it to some movie beginnings that have narrators and how he doesn't like that.
I can understand it gives that classic narrative feel, but I think immersion is now a must, even for young readers who have a lot of amazing stuff to choose from.
I really really wanted to like this one, and I think just removing the narrator bits would have elevated it a lot. We don't need to set context if the story is clear, and it very much was. This is a case where I think less would have been more. It had the potential of being a "Princess Kaguya" impactful tale.
I still do recommend it, because it is a beautiful work, just not as engaging as it could have been.
May 17, 2021
This graphic novel is a collection of stories told by Gamayun, a bird in Russian folklore who can see the future. The tales begin with talking animals, then they tell the story of a merchant and his family and the deals he makes with kings without understanding the consequences.
Each of the tales in this book were connected but they could be read on their own as well. Sometimes folktales with a moral or a lesson can have a tragic outcomes. I found that these stories had positive endings, even if they didn’t seem so at first. Everything worked out in the end, which makes it a fun, positive story for kids.
This was a beautiful book. It is printed on thick paper, which makes it feel like an art book. The illustrations had vibrant colours that made the story a fun read. The beautiful illustrations matched the tone of the folktales perfectly.
This is such a beautiful graphic novel of Russian folktales. The story continues in Gamayun Tales II, so I’m excited to read it soon!
Thank you Nobrow for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each of the tales in this book were connected but they could be read on their own as well. Sometimes folktales with a moral or a lesson can have a tragic outcomes. I found that these stories had positive endings, even if they didn’t seem so at first. Everything worked out in the end, which makes it a fun, positive story for kids.
This was a beautiful book. It is printed on thick paper, which makes it feel like an art book. The illustrations had vibrant colours that made the story a fun read. The beautiful illustrations matched the tone of the folktales perfectly.
This is such a beautiful graphic novel of Russian folktales. The story continues in Gamayun Tales II, so I’m excited to read it soon!
Thank you Nobrow for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2020
I've got to tell you about Gamayun Tales, Volume 1 by Alexander Utkin. It's so lovely!
The book is really a compendium of three previously published stories, and they are visual representations of Russian folk tales, told in bold colors and detailed and amazing images.
This book is so cool, nicely designed (with a textured cover, no less), and bold panels that do great service to the storytelling work. Utkin is an artist, for sure.
And this book has everything -- stray apples, a lion king (no, not that one), magic dolls, giant lobsters, wooden guards, and magical snakes -- plus, so much more!
I can see this book being a go-to on the classroom bookshelf, but I'm also proud to have read it as an older graphic novel enthusiast. I can't wait for the follow-up, due in August. Coolness!
The book is really a compendium of three previously published stories, and they are visual representations of Russian folk tales, told in bold colors and detailed and amazing images.
This book is so cool, nicely designed (with a textured cover, no less), and bold panels that do great service to the storytelling work. Utkin is an artist, for sure.
And this book has everything -- stray apples, a lion king (no, not that one), magic dolls, giant lobsters, wooden guards, and magical snakes -- plus, so much more!
I can see this book being a go-to on the classroom bookshelf, but I'm also proud to have read it as an older graphic novel enthusiast. I can't wait for the follow-up, due in August. Coolness!
February 7, 2021
A comic for children and adults alike, and just up my alley.
Russian folklore fascinates me - for example the idea of house spirits (domovoys): they are magical beings invisible to the human eye (although children may see them sometimes) that guard their households by keeping everything in order and serving, but also by defending the house from evil. Utkin's illustration of such a domovoy is just adorable.
This comic collection is a wonderful present for others but also to treat oneself, just like I did - to me reading this comic is like balm on the soul.
And now: off to reading "Gamayun Tales II", containing another three stories, yay!
Russian folklore fascinates me - for example the idea of house spirits (domovoys): they are magical beings invisible to the human eye (although children may see them sometimes) that guard their households by keeping everything in order and serving, but also by defending the house from evil. Utkin's illustration of such a domovoy is just adorable.
This comic collection is a wonderful present for others but also to treat oneself, just like I did - to me reading this comic is like balm on the soul.
And now: off to reading "Gamayun Tales II", containing another three stories, yay!
June 28, 2021
This ended kind of abruptly and I need to get my hands on the next collection now to see if there's any continuity between all the stories (there was a lot of "that's a story for another time" in here and I need to know when that other time is). The artwork in this was absolutely gorgeous, so it's worth a read just to look at the images.
July 6, 2021
A really fun set of 3 Russian folk tales told in the style of a graphic novel. The pictures are really beautiful and detailed. In terms of the stories. I wasn't a big fan of the first because it felt fairly stilted and read more like a normal fable but the characters develop and become more interesting in the second two stories and they feel more original.
October 6, 2021
CR: 2020
Awards: USSBY Outstanding International Books List (2021)
Genre: Graphic novel, traditional literature
Gamayun Tales vol. 1 is an anthology of Russian folklore in a revamped and vibrant art style that is sure to please any reader.
I would use this as part of a text set about folklore in other countries in middle grades. I would also have this as independent reading material.
Awards: USSBY Outstanding International Books List (2021)
Genre: Graphic novel, traditional literature
Gamayun Tales vol. 1 is an anthology of Russian folklore in a revamped and vibrant art style that is sure to please any reader.
I would use this as part of a text set about folklore in other countries in middle grades. I would also have this as independent reading material.
September 19, 2020
Filled with GORGEOUS illustrations and telling the story of modern Russian folk tales, this was just incredible. Brilliantly woven and interesting stories too! This is interesting and beautifully done. Well worth a read!
October 30, 2021
Gamayun Tales is a graphic novel of Slavic mythical figures. What I liked about it was how the stories were connected or overlapped with each other. One incident with the golden apples has a ripple effect that starts off other stories.
Want to read
February 2, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
August 23, 2020
Fantastic fairy tales. The art is old school and lush. Highly recommend this volume.
December 26, 2020
Lovely interconnected folk stories and absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Perfect.
September 17, 2021
This was such an amazing read! I was able to follow the panels really well. The illustrations were phenomenal as well. Can't wait to read volume 2!
November 27, 2021
Beautiful and engrossing.
December 18, 2021
Красиво, складно. Вроде бы и сюжеты знакомые, а все равно интересно.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews