First Look at Bone #5

First Look at Bone #5

In this issue we learn that there’s been a Great War with the rat creatures in the past and that both Gran’ma Ben and the Dragon were involved in it. Apparently the Great Red Dragon had some kind of agreement with the rats that they were to stay on the other side of the waterfall. With them attacking the farm, they’ve violated that agreement. It looks like Kingdok and the Dragon might be headed towards a confrontation. On a somewhat more positive note, while we finally see all three Bone cousins in this issue, they’re still not back together yet but we’re getting close.

Bone #5

Out From Boneville, Barrelhaven by Jeff Smith. Published by Cartoon Books, 1991. The rat creatures have surrounded Gran’ma Ben’s farm and things are looking pretty dire. Gran’ma is tough though and she sends Thorn and Fone into the forest so they’ll hopefully get away.

Meanwhile, Phoney makes it in to Barrelhaven and finds that Smiley is tending bar at the local tavern.

Back in the forest, the dragon shows up and scares off the rats but it may be too late for Gran’ma as we end the issue seeing the farmhouse in flames.

A lot goes on in issue 5 and my theory that the dragon can’t be seen by humans goes out the window as Thorn even rides on the his back. The art continues to impress me as we see the simply drawn Bones contrast nicely with the detailed humans and the bulbous eyes of the rats. Andthe palette changes as we move from the nighttime forest to the tavern lit by fireplace are distinct and well defined.

Another good issue.

You can find first looks at other issues in this title linked in my January Reading List.

I rate this issue a B.