The King of Birds

Description

This is the story of how a small golden apple started a great battle. It all began with a mouse and a sparrow, but soon all the animals and birds were waging a mighty war. After all, the King of Birds forgives no one... but what will happen when he finds himself at the mercy of a plucky merchant? Enter a world of magic and adventure in this stunningly illustrated comic based on traditional Russian folklore.

Alexander Utkin is an illustrator, comic artist, designer and musician from Russia. He studied at Moscow State University of Printing Arts, graduating in 2006 with a Master of Arts. Clients include Samsung, Universal Music and WWF, among many others.

Alexander Utkin's blue, orange and yellow-dominated visuals are both painterly and modern, and the story is magical and full of the strangeness of the original fairytale that inspired it. * BookTrust * This beautifully illustrated, refreshing take on folktales blends classic storytelling techniques and expressive, captivating character design. Utkin's artistic style is a fluid combination of 1960s-era Disney animation and mid-twentieth-century graphic design, with a bold palette to match. * Booklist * As a whole, Utkin's rendering of Russian mythology succeeds through its use of simple folklore and inspired artwork. * Library Journal * Utkin's work is mesmerizing and haunting both visually and narratively, his striking characters wavering between majestic and malevolent [...] Readers will find themselves easily seduced by Utkin's artwork and storytelling. * Publishers Weekly * If you grew up on Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire's books of Greek, Norse and American mythology, poring over the pictures at least as much as the text, then this is what you're looking for in the modern era. Beautiful character design, vibrant color and nicely varied panel structure. * Paste Magazine * Utkin's art is different from that found in most mythology books; his vigorous lines and vibrant colors beautifully portray all kinds of animals and mythical creatures in action. * VOYA Magazine * The art is wonderful, the source material very interesting. -- Karl Verhoven * The Slings & Arrows Graphic Novel Guide * In retrospect, one may remember that fairytales are most often told to children. But while kids will certainly enjoy The King Of Birds, Alexander Utkin imbues this book with an energy that is enchanting to all. * The Comics Journal * Utkin excels in the colourful weirdness on the page. * Down The Tubes * Alexander Utkin's Lavish and Rich Illustrative Style Brings Russian Folk Tales to Life * Broken Frontier *