FETCH BOOK 1: THE JOURNEY – Storm Kids goes to Hell
Back in February this year, Storm Kings released Fetch Book 1: The Journey ended on a classic heroic call-to-action cliffhanger. Well the conclusion, Fetch Book 2 is coming in April, 2024, so let’s look at why you should definitely catch up before it comes out.
Written by Mike Sizemore and art by Dave Kennedy, Fetch tells the story of Danni, a 12-year-old, mourning for her dog, Pirate. When she’s given a book on Greek mythology by her substitute teacher, she embarks on an epic quest into Hades to get her dog back. But she’s not alone. At her side is her younger brother, Sammy (who followed her on impulse) and Odysseus, the Greek hero assigned as her guide and protector.
What starts with all the poignancy of a Pixar film, soon transforms into a charming and quixotic tale of love, determination and responsibility (also a bit like a Pixar film, no judgement). Danni is beautifully characterised, she is headstrong but observant, determined but not egotistical or selfish. Even her little brother, though a bit annoying and easily distracted (which is necessary for his actions to make sense), he doesn’t irritate or slow the plot.
They even manage to get the well-worn mythical figures to appear moderately fresh and interesting, while not betraying their fundamental mythological characterisation. In fact the whole point Danni chooses Odysseus to guide her through Hades is because she’s decides she needs someone who is ‘wiley’, rather than one of the various flavours of fighter that she is otherwise offered. They also show him to be egotistical and brash, which I feel is a fair assessment from my limited experience with the classical tales.
Overall this a fun and interesting read, with good pacing, entertaining twists, and a minimum of tired cliches (which is an effort when you are dealing directly with classical mythology). Well worth getting into so you are ready for Book 2, which if you are anything like me, you’ll want straight away after the final page.
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