Prince Valiant, Vol. 49: Road to Sorrow's End

Prince Valiant (Paperback) #49

by Hal Foster

by Hal Foster & John Cullen Murphy
In this volume, Arn, Son of Valiant, is heir to the throne of Thule. As King-to-be he must be careful in his choice of a bride, but his heart belongs to Lydia, the daughter of a savage Viking chieftain, whose mores don't exactly match those of his prospective in-laws. Fantagraphics' deluxe, full-color editions of Prince Valiant run chronologically, and volume 49 includes work from the years 1979-1980. This is the penultimate volume in the series.
SC, 10x13, 48pg, FC

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2004

About the author

Hal Foster is a Professor of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University specializing in 20th century art.

Note: for the comic book artist, see Harold "Hal" Foster.

Reviews

[Michael P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may need to reappraise the previous few volumes of PRINCE VALIANT. I have complained that the epic stories of the past are now reduced to very well told interludes, and that is true here, but with this volume I realized that Hal Foster (writing and layouts) is up to something subtler and wonderful. He tells a series of tales on young men maturing through adversities, some small and some large. These interludes are conceived with marvelous diversity so they do not all read the same and with a variety of characters, which furthers the variety. I realize now that there were a number of similar interludes in previous volumes, sometimes with immature older men. I must reread this series sometime now that I am mature enough to better understand it.

[Little Timmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The incredible artwork of Hal Foster makes these a true treasure to read. Being able to go through a year's worth of the Sunday strips is fantastic. Awesome story and incredible art make these books get my highest recommendation.