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Courtney Crumrin
Volume 2
Ted Naifeh (Author, Artist)
Warren Wucinich (Colorist)
.Oni Press; Special
Edition Graphic Novel
August 29, 2012/ ISBN 978-1934964804
Ages 7+, Gothic Fantasy / Adventure / Special Edition Graphic
Novel
Amazon
Reviewed
by Beth E. McKenzie
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In
this volume Courtney is more advanced. Not more mature or
grown-up; she still approaches everything like an impatient
teenager with emotions roiling, but she is more clued in to
the personal benefits of her special abilities, the impact
of the local Coven on the day-to-day happenings in Hillsborough
and why her uncle has chosen to shun its company. That doesn’t
stop the Council of Elders from asking Uncle Aloysius to help
when they are beyond their scope with the Night Things.
The compilation is assembled in 4 chapters which correspond
to the four issues released in the Coven of Mystics miniseries.
It is interesting to me that they do not have sub-titles;
they are just referred to as Issues / Chapters One, Two, Three
and Four. The events described in the four chapters tie together
to tell a larger story that skims along in the background
of each.
Chapter One:
Courtney learns that there are bigger and scarier monsters
in the world than in her nightmares. She shivers with fear
the night she learns about Tommy Rawhead and Bloody Bones,
a monster cursed beyond cursing again, who has been called
from the marl-pit. But trembling turns to tremors of rage
when she realizes that it was a human-a coven member-who turned
this creature loose on the neighborhood and wants her uncle
dead! But don’t worry, Uncle Aloysius is smarter than
your average Warlock and knows when to fight fire with water.
Chapter Two:
Courtney learns that teachers take many forms. Courtney’s
school teacher, Miss Crisp, and Uncle Aloysius have a past;
so as a favor Miss Crisp is tutoring Courtney in normal-people
classes at her house. Quick, Miss Crisp’s silky white
cat, and Boo, a neighborhood black cat, are leaving for a
secret cat gathering and ask Courtney to accompany them. The
cats need to find a new leader to replace the injured Tobermory.
How does a human attend a SECRET cat council? Disguised as
a kitten of course! While the cats are hunting the will-o-the-wisp
that will secure the leadership, Courtney sees two human hunters
sneaking up on a Night Thing and fouls their shot. Uncle Aloysius
saves the day as the Coven Marshall, Councilman Hector Hughes,
draws down on the fluffy white kitten with a bat-shaped spot
on her forehead. The second bowman is not identified. The
Night Thing, Skarrow, is at the mansion under Uncle Aloysius’
protection.
Chapter Three:
Courtney learns that cooperation between species is easier
than cooperation between neighbors. A field trip to the Hall
of Wonders goes into overtime with guest lecturer Tobermory
and assistant burglar goblins Butterrum and young Butterbug.
Meanwhile the Counsel questions the ensorcelled Madam Harken
in a nearby room. The townspeople are frightened and blame
Skarrow for Madam Harken’s plight bringing down the
ire of Uncle Aloysius.
Chapter Four:
Courtney learns that the weapon of her enemy fits well in
her own hand. Uncle A. is brought before the Council to where
his speech falls on deaf ears and he is required to turn over
Skarrow for execution as a scapegoat to calm the community.
Things go poorly from there but Courtney takes another step
in her advancing role as a dark protector.
Other reviews in this series
Volume 1: Courtney
Crumrin and the Night Thing
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Reviewer’s
Notes: As stated in the review, this special,
full-color, hardcover edition contains previously released
material:
Courtney
Crumrin, Vol. 2: Courtney Crumrin & The Coven of
Mystics (Courtney Crumrin Tales) [Paperback] (October 2003)
which is a compilation of Courtney Crumrin & The Coven
of Mystics Issue #1 (Dec 2002), Issue #2 (Jan 2003),
Issue #3 (Feb 2003) and Issue #4 (Mar 2003)
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