Sirk TV Graphic Novel Review: THE WITCHER VOL. 2 - FOX CHILDREN [Dark Horse]
The intention of "The Witcher Vol. 2: Fox Children" [Paul Tobin/Dark Horse/136pgs] is meant to show that all life needs to progress in its own personal time. The irony is that life always and will forever be inclined to collide. It is simply an aspect of Darwinian theory. If a python takes on a crocodile, only one will win. In this iteration, which is also progressed in a video game, our "Witcher", not unlike a Jedi, preaches tolerance and cutting losses instead of committing an aggressive act. An early story point occurs as he and his traveling partner, a gruff but strong and funny dwarf, are camping out in the woods as they meander the countryside. They kill a boar and a troll comes through, wants half of the hog not to kill them...saying he just wants what he needs and then he is on his way. Simple survival of the fittest. It is wonderful foreshadowing for the rest of the graphic novel. Our duo next ends up at a seaport where they are asked to serve as defenders for a dangerous trip for which the captain will not relay the angle. The person who has been wronged is Vulpess who is a mix of elf and fox with magaical powers. These beings are able to engage long ranging illusions to trap their prey. The ship, like pirate ghosts mind you, provide temptation all along the way including treasure which lurks men into bogs where decripit women pull them down to their deaths. The main wrong done here is that one of the hands guarding a girl they have kidnapped (who is a daughter of sorts to Vulpess) mistakenly kills her bringing the wrath down upon them. The art oozes a kind of sliminess that works well with the bogs and hungry crocodiles meandering about ready to snap. The dwarf keeps the dialogue loose always wanting to get back to a bit of beer and a beautiful women...all righteous pursuits. The big story point however comes back to why The Witcher signed on to these men in the first place and the epilogue, where Vulpress allows him to touch her, makes it all the more clear.B
By Tim Wassberg