Scott's Take: The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel Adapted by Orpheus Collar

The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel adapted by Orpheus Collar is based on the novel of the same title by Rick Riordan. This adaption of the first book in The Kane Chronicles is a great adaption of the underrated book series. While some claim that The Kane Chronicles is the weakest of the various series written by Rick Riordan, I very much enjoyed the books and disagree with a lot of the criticism.

This series focuses on Egyptian Mythology and is set in the larger Percy Jackson universe. Unlike the other series in this universe, here there are two main leads instead of one. Carter and Sadie Kane are siblings who are forced to adapt to a sudden new perspective of the world and the reality around them. Carter is a nerdy boy who has spent most of his life having to be a mini adult while Sadie is more rebellious, sarcastic, and outgoing. The kids are biracial and their mixed heritage is rare in fantasy reads. At the beginning of the series, they are not very close at all. That changes as time passes, as they are forced to work together in order to survive because everything they thought they knew was wrong.  

The book deals with a lot of deep and complicated themes such as loss, grief, working with people you do not like, unique family situations, the legacy of bad acts in the distant past coming to the forefront now, racism, and much more. In order not to ruin the read, the simplest plot explanation is that the siblings must face the secrets of their bloodline at the same time they must deal with a God of Chaos named “Set.” Basically, he is the Egyptian version of “Loki” from Norse Mythology and does some of the same sorts of things.

The art is excellent, there is plenty of action, character development, and humor. The graphic novel adaption keeps the main plot points of the original novel while also depicting numerous scenes as well as battles from the original novel. One can think of it as a sort of buddy cop adventure with magical elements that is orientated to Egyptian Mythology. If you enjoy this read, the next in the series is The Throne of Fire.

My reading copy came by way of the Dunbar Branch of the Dallas Public Library System.

The Red Pyramid: The Graphic Novel

Adapted by Orpheus Collar

http://www.orpheusartist.com/

Lettered by Jared Fletcher

https://jaredkfletcher.com/

Hyperion (Disney)

http://www.DisneyBooks.com

ISBN# 978-142315069-5

Paperback

192 Pages

Scott Tipple ©2020