Kirkus Reviews

The legend of Robin Hood is ever evolving, reinvented by each generation in its own likeness. Thus, it follows that this is not your mother's Robin Hood, i.e. Kevin Costner in tights. Instead, Lee infuses the age-old tale with snarky dialogue and a whiplash-inducing pace tailored to today's overstimulated youth. The plot is familiar: Robin and his band of merry men rob from the rich and give to the poor as they work to depose the Sheriff of Nottingham and ransom King Richard, held hostage in the Holy Land as the Crusades drag on. It's Hart's drawings and Fujita's coloring that elevate this 21st-century version head and shoulders above the rest. The artist's shadowy figures and chiseled faces give depth to both the characters and the medieval castles and forest landscapes they inhabit. The monochromatic panels set the tone of the story, glowing brilliantly as they propel the action straight off the page into the reader's imagination. This modern reincarnation of one of history's most beloved outlaws is sure to become the stuff of legend. (Graphic fiction. 10 & up)

Horn Book (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Robin Hood's tale is presented in graphic novel format. The telling is darker than conventional versions with some violent action scenes and story elements. The artists mirror this in their comic-style illustrations in which shadow, rather than light, is used to define features.

ALA Booklist (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

It's easy to take familiar stories, and the power they hold for less experienced readers, for granted. But sometimes all it takes is a slight shift in perspective to bring that power back in force. All the familiar elements are in this graphic novel: corrupt authority, sword fights, daring escapes, an archery tournament, Maid Marian, robbing from the rich and . . . well, you know. But this retelling infuses the tale with potent mythological overtones and a distinctly modern sensibility. The intense art, full of echoing castles, shadowed faces, and emotional depth, lends the legend the dark and gritty origin cache of recent movie restarts Casino Royale and Batman Begins. But Robin himself remains a classic hero both in deed and philosophy, making this a prime read for teens looking to explore the idea of heroism in a complicated world that can make that an uninviting prospect. With all that, there's still plenty of room for action, and this could find a comfortable place on the same reading lists as Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider and John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice books.

Voice of Youth Advocates

Certainly the legend of Robin Hood has endured so long because its heroic elements capture the imaginations of succeeding generations. Larger-than-life characters, action and adventure, and timeless good-versus-evil tropes make it a perfect match for graphic telling, and this lushly illustrated version will find a ready audience of teens and adult readers. The historical context is particularly vivid here, and the band of “merry men,” devious and ambitious villains, and a Maid Marian who is no shrinking violet have the depth and contradictions of very real people in a real place and time. Those familiar with the tale will be satisfied in this Sherwood Forest, and teens, in particular, will identify with young Robin of Loxley’s coming of age, father-son conflicts, loyalty to friendship and romantic yearnings. Hart and Artur Fujita’s vividly colorful artwork and use of monochromatic facing panels propel readers right into the story and make each frame a small jewel, while much of the dialogue has a contemporary, cinematic quality that will surely appeal to today’s media-savvy audience. Historical expert Allan Wright’s addendum acknowledges the almost eight-hundred-year evolution of this perennial hero, including various comic book and film incarnations, and will surely lead fans on their own quest.—Mary Arnold.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Tue Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Gr 7 Up-The classic story of Robin Hood is told from the formative years of his childhood to the thrilling challenges and successes of his adulthood. The book begins when Robin is both traumatized and motivated by the Sheriff of Nottinghams brutal punishment of outlaw Will O the Green, then covers his experiences years later in the Holy Land during the Crusades, and follows his return to England. The rich detail in this story, especially during Robins time in Jerusalem, might send readers scrambling for earlier versions of Robin Hood to figure out which parts of this book are from the original story and which parts sprang from Lees imagination. Luckily, the Who Is Robin Hood? addendum by Allen W. Wright clears up some of this confusion, explaining how the legendary story has evolved over the course of almost 800 years. Lees excellent rendition of the famed selfless hero goes hand-in-hand with Harts expressive illustrations, featuring lots of close-ups and dramatic lighting and a beautiful jewel-toned palette. Teens will get caught up in this exciting page-turner, which is one of the most dynamic retellings of a classic tale in recent years. In the pantheon of memorable renditions of Robin Hood there was Errol Flynn, there was Daffy Duckand now there is Tony Lees Outlaw . Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library