We’re always on the lookout for stories with an epic flare to them. So when Megan showed me the cover of Squire, it caught my attention immediately. Opening this graphic novel did not disappoint: it’s the story of Aiza, a daughter of a conquered nation given the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of adventure—as well as to gain the privileges of citizenship—by training to become a squire in the imperial army. Throughout her training, she pushes herself harder than she thought possible, makes unexpected friends (and enemies), and faces challenges both personal and political.
It’s set in a fictional world, but one highly evocative of the medieval Levant. It captures the atmosphere of all the empires that have occupied that territory without burdening the story with the complications of real-world history. Instead, it establishes a diverse set of cultural dynamics within its own setting, setting the military hierarchy of knights, squires, and footsoldiers in tension with the conflict between the various ethnic groups within the military, and exploring the role of that military within the larger empire. Aiza navigates this tricky terrain, ultimately setting her own course toward honor, virtue, and justice.
The artwork captures the personality of both the characters and the setting, with gorgeous landscapes, expressive faces, and thrilling action. I liked where it left Aiza at the end, but there’s room for more of her story, so I hope it might lead to a sequel someday!
–Robert