Robin Hood and the Minstrel
Published by Joe Gentile and Dave Ulanski
From Moonstone
48 pages
$5.95.

Allan-a-dale is a "humble minstrel" who has lost the most important thing in his life; his true love. His fair Ellen, to whom his whole heart belongs, has been promised to wed her father's less-kind, and much less-youthful, overlord Sir Stephen of Trent. Just when all seems hopeless, however, Allan makes the acquaintance of Robin Hood and his merry band of (more or less) do-gooders.

As Robin and his crew hear the minstrel's tale, sympathy gives way to resolve, and resolve to a plan to rescue Ellen from her fate, and have her joined with her beloved Allan. This, by the way, gives way to a great example of comics-entertainment for the reader. Paul Storrie crafts an engrossing, romantic, and just plain FUN tale within these pages. The characters of Robin Hood and assorted merry men don't come off as stale, despite their longevity and the number of mediums in which they have appeared. The intended groom, Sir Stephen, is made into a finely dislikeable villain, as the "old man" with his eye on the "young girl," and his mind on one thing; and it's NOT love.

Rich Gulick handles the pencils in a very clean-lined, fine style. His Robin has a playful, almost impish quality about him, which, I believe, is the way the bowman should be portrayed. Inker Steve Bird and colorists Ken Wolak and Dawn Groszewski nicely round out an art team that ultimately makes Robin Hood as much fun to look at as it is to read.

Another selling point, I believe, is the fact that the story is self-contained. No need to buy a second issue, no "bait" to get the reader to purchase a "sister" title. Ideal for those tempted to start reading comics.

Robin Hood and the Minstrel is highly recommended for all ages. Look for it at comic shops, comic conventions, online catalogs, or at www.moonstonebooks.com.

Review by Mark Allen

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