Synopses & Reviews
The 456-page Castle Waiting graphic novel tells the story of an isolated, abandoned castle, and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. A fable for modern times, Castle Waiting is a fairy tale that's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil - but about being a hero in your own home. The opening story, The Brambly Hedge, tells the origin of the castle itself, which is abandoned by its princess in a comic twist on Sleeping Beauty when she rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming. The castle becomes a refuge for misfits, outcasts, and others seeking sanctuary, playing host to a lively and colorful cast of characters that inhabits the subsequent stories, including a talking anthropomorphic horse, a mysteriously pregnant Lady on the run, and a bearded nun.For the first time, Fantagraphics' Castle Waiting collects the first volume of the Harvey and Eisner Award-winning* comic book series into one hearty hardcover. Linda Medley lavishly illustrates Castle Waiting in a classic visual style reminiscent of Arthur Rackham and William Heath Robinson. Blending elements from a variety of sources-fairy tales, folklore, nursery rhymes-Medley tells the story of the everyday lives of fantastic characters with humor, intelligence, and insight into human nature. Castle Waiting can be read on multiple levels and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.*Awards:
2007 Eisner Award nominee: Best Graphic Album - Reprint, Best Publication Design (Adam Grano) 2007 Harvey Award nominee: Best Graphic Album - Previously Published Official Selection, 2008 Festival International de la Bande Desinee de Angouleme (French edition) 20 Essential Albums for Summer 2008, l'Association des Critiques de Bandes Dessinees (French edition) Finalist, Prix de la Critique 2008, l'Association des Critiques de Bandes Dessinees (French edition)
Review
"A wryly funny fairy tale narrative that’s both women-centered and women-powered." NPR
Review
"Castle Waiting creates a vibrant fantasy world not unlike The Lord of the Rings’ Middle-earth but with a focus on the lives of women. Gorgeously illustrated in black and white, fun to read and look at, Castle Waiting will enthrall fantasy readers of both genders." Time
Review
"Medley’s big book ranks with Jeff Smith’s Bone as a nearly-all-ages graphic-novel triumph." Booklist
Review
"Starred Review. Medley’s art is both exquisitely detailed and fantastically lighthearted. Though appropriate for all ages, this one-of-a-kind graphic novel is likely to appeal most to smart women in their 20s and older and to any man who believes in feminism and knows how to laugh." "Core Collection: Graphic Women"
Review
"There’s a clear salute to the power of sisterhood in Castle Waiting’s stories of battered and exploited women banding together with kindly men to make a new world... The Castle Waiting castle draws people looking for a safe place to rest. The Castle Waiting book draws readers looking for much the same. Club rating: A-." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Medley’s storytelling... uses flashbacks and stories-within-stories in a manner that creates a rhythm that is both fun and gripping. Hard-edged lines with simple forms create black-and-white artwork that melds nicely with the fairy-tale feel of the stories. This volume is accessible for younger readers but filled with enough layers and depth to satisfy those looking for a bit more sophistication." Johanna Draper Carlson Comics Worth Reading - Best of 2010
Review
"The true strength of Castle Waiting... is Medley's gorgeous art. The characters are perfect, distinctive and expressive, and the storytelling so strong you don't even notice it. [...] When I close the cover, it's always a melancholy action, because I want more time with these people, more adventures, more humor and good-heartedness." The Onion A.V. Club
Synopsis
Unexpected visitors result in the discovery and exploration of a secret passageway, not to mention an epic bowling tournament. A quest for ladies underpants, the identity of Pindar s father, the education of Simon, Rackham and Chess arguing about the manly arts, and an escape-prone goat are just a few of the elements in this delightful new volume The book also includes many flashbacks that deepen the stories behind the characters, including Jain s earliest romantic entanglements and conflicts with her bratty older sisters, the horrific past of the enigmatic Dr. Fell, and more. "
Synopsis
The multiple Harvey and Eisner award-winning fantasy is now collected in one volume! A fable for modern times, Castle Waiting is a fairy talethat's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fightingthe ultimate war between Good and Evil - but about being a hero in yourown home.
Synopsis
With its long-awaited second volume, Linda Medley’s witty and sublimely drawn fantasy eases into a relaxed comedy of manners as Lady Jain settles into her new life in Castle Waiting.
Unexpected visitors result in the discovery and exploration of a secret passageway, not to mention an epic bowling tournament. A quest for ladies’ underpants, the identity of Pindar’s father, the education of Simon, Rackham and Chess arguing about the “manly arts,” and an escape-prone goat are just a few of the elements in this delightful new volume.
The book also includes many flashbacks that deepen the stories behind the characters, including Jain’s earliest romantic entanglements and conflicts with her bratty older sisters, the horrific past of the enigmatic Dr. Fell, and more.
Synopsis
The long-awaited return to Castle Waiting!
About the Author
Linda Medley lives in Portland, OR, where she is currently working on the Castle Waiting series.