New from Fairylogue Press

Sometime back, I reviewed Namesake Book 1. Well, now I have Book 2 in hand. The collected print edition of this popular and well-done webcomic is nicely presented and matches the first Book well. Megan Lavey-Heaton continues some great writing, working with Isabelle Melancon's beautiful art for a gripping fantasy epic.

The story of Namesake continues as Emma and her friends in Oz head to the Emerald City to try to find Ozma. Along the way, the mystery of Emma's presence in Oz deepens and we learn more about Warrick and Selva, the Tin Woodman's grandchildren.

Meantime, Emma's sister and friends try to figure out how to get Emma back. Also, we see Alice and Mr. Dodgson, who attempt to go to the mysterious organization Calliope for help.

Book 2 also contains a bonus story about Warrick that was not released online.

Namesake improves on the concept of crossing over fantasy worlds by largely keeping them separate. In this way, it avoids problems other crossover tales—such as ABC's Once Upon A Time—encounter. Large, complicated casts of characters with backstories are not a problem here, the focus being more centralized on Emma and her friends, many of which are original characters and are free of expectations of previous incarnations.

Namesake has been developing much more from the point where Book 2 ends and plans are already in place for Book 3.

Also available from the same crew is a little comic titled Knot, which can be neatly described as a traditional fairy tale for the 21st century. Isabelle Melancon writes and draws this 11 page tale.

A princess' parents call for sorcerers to find a cure for her sadness. No one seems to be helping until the smallest sorcerer gets caught in the knots in the princess' hair. Untying one, he begins to get to the bottom of the princess' trouble. (Namesake fans will easily spot Warrick making a cameo in the tale.)

Both Namesake and Knot are highly recommended. It's refreshing to see quality storytelling and art in a highly-available format.

Namesake is available in three forms: e-book ($5 each), softcovers ($20 each) and hardcovers ($30 each). The entire comic can also be read for free online through the archive. Knot is available in a standard comic book, printed on high quality paper. ($5) Both titles (as well as Book 1, an upcoming comic, and art prints) are available in Fairylogue Press' online store.