Castle Waiting is a graphic novel of the fairy tale variety written by Linda Medley. It mixes old tales (like the story of Sleeping Beauty and a hen that lays golden eggs) with new ones (a religious sect of bearded women who protect women from nasty husbands) with an array of characters that live together in peace within the protective walls of Castle Waiting.
This first volume tells the story behind Sister Peace, a woman who went from a barmaid to a circus worker to a nun. It also shows a pregnant woman’s journey to Castle Waiting and some of the things that happen at the castle. A beaked-man watches over them all, three old handmaids coo over the new (green!) baby, and a demon tries to trick them into signing questionable documents in exchange for wishes fulfilled.
This volume covers an introduction of the characters and one back story, which leaves the reader wanting much more after the final page is turned. It’s a rather PG book but with some adult themes and concepts mixed in. It also had me laughing out loud a few times at some of the shenanigans the characters get themselves into.
I had hoped this comic would be a little more adult, with a darker adaptation of the original fairy tales, but it was still an enjoyable read with mostly happy endings. I look forward to reading the second volume.
Bent Shelf Book Reviews 