We will admit we are waiting for the fairy tale connection to become more apparent with this movie, although we're certain it is there, even if only by way of folklore.
Perhaps it's because we haven't been keeping close tabs on the development but the trailer, as awesome as it looks for a fantasy movie, doesn't have that same Harry Potter vibe. It seems more related to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, with the time period adding to that impression. The main issue, as far as we can deduce, is that the aspect of a child in the real world discovering and coming to terms with the magical one, isn't there. Neither is that personal journey of a child searching for where they belong.
That doesn't mean the trailer isn't, well "fantastic":
Our observation isn't meant to be a criticism of the film, the story or anything similar but we guarantee it won't have the same impact on elementary and middle school children that the books and the first few movies did. Having to deal with real things, complicated by the event of wondrous things (both good and bad) made Harry and his friends relatable characters who had to learn that just because something was fantastic, didn't mean you got a free pass. You still had responsibilities and were accountable for your actions and decisions. Fantastic Beasts moves away from that fairy tale-like feel, depositing itself directly into fantasy. From this trailer the most fairy tale like thing seems to be that magical bag, aka "the case of beasts". (We were discussing magical bags and sacks recently, with regard to Kelly Link's The Faery Handbag, if you'll recall.)
Since it's been quite some time since posting on this movie, we thought we'd include a nicely laid out article from Entertainment Weekly. We adore the illustrated border and illuminated lettering. (Click on each page to view full size - they're quite large.)
Fantastic Beasts will be released on November 18, 2016, something we hope will invite lots of magical merchandise to be made available for the Yule/Christmas season and little Harry Potter fans we're fond of.
One of a number of covers for Vertigo comics by Charles Vess for Neil Gaiman's Stardust
Neil Gaiman is one busy and prolific creator, there is no doubt, but even while he is busy promoting no less than two new books and six re-releases with new artwork, (all of which you can see below and will be of great interest to fairy tale folk), as well as giving his stamp of approval to the upcoming American Gods TV series (airing in 2017 for Starz), he always seems to have other projects bubbling away in the background.
See an amazing preview of the Troll Bridge graphic novel HERE.
We are guessing the hammer will not spin as the book sits on your shelf...
This is a re-release with Chris Riddell's illustrations (who was critically praised and awarded for his work on Gaiman's The Sleeper and the Spindle)
One of these that we'll be treated to in the Winter/Yule/Christmas Season, is a new, adapted, dramatized, audio performance of his story "Stardust".
The just-released new cover, painted by Robert E McGinnis. While we're always happy to see more unicorns, Charles Vess' Yvaine and flowing ink lines will always be iconic for us
Stardust is Gaiman's work du jour it would seem! There is a new release of the novel with a new cover by - along with new covers for three other books of Gaiman's, (see below) and you did see Lisa Stock's lovely photo story posted a few days ago with Gaiman's blessing, correct?
Also painted by Robert E McGinnis
There's also a contest for those in the UK, to create some artwork to be featured as the front cover.
Charles Vess
The two competition winners will have their work featured as the episode image for the drama, as well as receiving a script signed by the cast. You’ll also get a beautiful print donated by Neil with a personal note. One winner will be selected from each of the following categories: entrants aged 13 - 16; entrants over 17.
Entries will be considered by four judges. They are:
- Artist Chris Riddell - UK Children’s Laureate, political cartoonist for The Observer and illustrator for a number of Neil Gaiman stories
- Actor Sophie Rundle - As the female lead Yvaine in Stardust, Sophie is close to the spirit of the Stardust story
- Artist Sean Phillips - Sean has been a professional illustrator for over twenty-five years, mostly drawing comic books. He was the main artist on Radio 4’s Good Omens and has also worked for DC, Marvel, Vertigo and 2000AD
Jeremy Howe, commissioning editor for Drama at Radio 4
You can find those details HERE.
Here's the cast list:
We hope BBC will see fit to broadcast this online so BBC - and Stardust - fans around the world will have the opportunity to hear it.
From the 2007 movie adaptation of Stardust, starring Claire Daines
Editor's Note: Normally I wouldn't accept the offer of a review ARC that is mainly fantasy rather than having a fairy tale emphasis. However, I know many of those who love reading fairy tales, also love the Arthurian legends so I'm making an exception, especially knowing there are quite a few Brackston fans among readers here. Take it away Madison!
Jacket description:
Some landscapes hold more magic than others. Artist Laura Matthews finds her new home in the Welsh mountains to be a place so charged with tales and legends, so teeming with the force of the supernatural, that she is able to reach through the gossamer-fine veil that separates her own world from that of myth and fable. She and her husband Dan have given up their city life and moved to Blaencwm, an ancient longhouse high in the hills. Here she knows that the wild beauty will inspire her to produce her best art. And here she hopes that the powerful nature of the place will give her the baby they have longed for for so many years. But this high valley is home to others, too. Others such as Rhys, the charismatic loner from the croft, who pursues Laura with a fervour bordering on obsession. And Anwen, the wise old woman from the neighbouring farm who seems to know so much but talks in riddles. And then there is Merlin. 'Lamp Black, Wolf Grey' tells both Laura's story and Merlin's. For once he too walked these hills, with his faithful grey wolf at his heel. It was here he fell in love with Megan, nurse-maid to the children of the hated local noble, Lord Geraint. Merlin was young, at the start of his career as a seer and magician, but already his reputation had gone before him. When he refuses to help Lord Geraint it is Megan who will pay the price.
The heart of any story is belief. The reader must trust the author to lead them through the narrative and fairy tale stories have the added dimension of dealing, by nature, with the unbelievable. Paula Brackston’s latest novel, Lamp Black, Wolf Grey, delivers vivid world-building and a location-rooted story you can trust to take you through the elements of the unknown. Similarly to her novel, Silver Witch, this book also brings together characters from separate times, past and present. For Lamp Black, she combines the mythic world Merlin inhabits with our own mundane present, and draws each in lyrical and authentic prose. Merlin is the story’s major rooting point to the mythic and his story transcends the separated worlds and characters. He exists in a romanticized medieval time with his lover Megan, but lives also in present day, where he meets Laura Matthews. Laura and her husband have moved to the hills in a last-ditch attempt to have a baby and save their marriage. By happenstance, these are the same hills Merlin haunts. While Merlin is the connecting character between the plots of two mortal women, it’s unclear whether he is immortal or if his presence in the present day exists only in a separate story realm which Laura has insight into. Brackston uses Merlin as archetype rather than character. This Merlin is a younger version than typically seen in Arthurian legend and has been given a new lover, Megan. Having Merlin in this story, considering he is such a solitary character, is an interesting juxtaposition with the other theme of the story—love, both romantic and maternal. Two main plot points revolve around Laura’s desire for a child, as well as Merlin’s relationship with Megan. Placing Merlin against this background humanizes him to an extent that most legends don’t. Lamp Black, Wolf Grey, has all the elements which make this a wonderful fantasy tale. A mythic past, Celtic magic, true love, and the most recognizable of all wizards: Merlin. If your interest lies in the nitty-gritty of the Merlin legend, this book is not for you. For the rest of us, however, Paula Brackston creates a sensory world, and her book offers an undemanding, entertaining experience. Her descriptions of medieval life made me want to curl up in a castle turret and watch the world go by. I recommend Lamp Black, Wolf Grey to lovers of the country-side, and to readers looking for an accessible story.
Disclosure: A complimentary ARC was given by St, Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Madison Lindstrom is currently an undergrad in Creative Writing. She lives in a small, mountainous town, but dreams of traveling the world. She also loves reading, writing, mythology, and of course, fairy tales. Find her at https://brontesbennetsbibliophiles.wordpress.com/
