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From Horn Book

January 1, 2018
Coloring by Climent Oubrerie with Philippe Bruno. This edition compiles all three sections of the French graphic-novel adaptation (volumes one and two were previously published individually in the U.S.). In part three, Lyra and Iorek dethrone the usurper bear king, then deliver the alethiometer to Lord Asriel--and young Roger to his sad fate. Oubrerie's illustrations capably convey the starkly beautiful setting, the bears' violent battle, and Lyra's intense emotions.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

August 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-This exciting second volume of Pullman's saga lives up to the promise of the first. Lyra and the Gyptians are continuing their northward quest, but first Lyra must recruit a new companion, the ferocious panserbjorn Iorek Byrnison. The party, including the aeronaut Texan Lee Scoresby, are attacked by Samoyed hunters, who apprehend Lyra and take her to Bolvangar. The Gobblers pretend to be caring for the children they have captured, but in fact they perform experiments to remove the connection between the children and their daemons. This volume ends with Lyra leading the escape of the children and the battle between the Gobbler forces and Lyra's allies, with airborne witches providing much-needed support. As in the first volume, Oubrerie employs muted colors, with notable exceptions (his brilliant blues and greens for the Aurora). His accessible style recalls a young person's doodling, albeit with greater detail. VERDICT This worthy continuation of the series belongs in all libraries that include Pullman's works.-Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Booklist

August 1, 2016
Grades 6-9 In this follow-up to Melchior and Oubrerie's graphic adaptation of Pullman's acclaimed fantasy series, Lyra and the Gyptians continue on their journey northward to Bolvangar to rescue the kidnapped children held captive by Mrs. Coulter. Lyra learns she must seek help from a distempered, renegade armored bear, Iorek Byrnison. Lyra also proves her worth to the witch consul, who promise her their help. Soon enough, Lyra, Iorek, and the Gyptians discover that Mrs. Coulter's scientists at Bolvangar are experimenting with separating children from their daemons, and the process has fatal consequences. This graphic-novel adaptation is crammed with exciting action. The highly detailed, colorful art fills the panels with fine-lined figures, saturated hues, and atmospheric shadows, and while the print and panels are both small, everything is clear and readable. Battle scenes with Iorek, a powerful polar bear, make this volume, which covers the middle third of Pullman's original novel, a bit more gruesome on occasion than the first installment. Pullman fans and new readers alike will appreciate this well-executed adaptation.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

From Kirkus

July 15, 2016
The second volume of the graphic adaptation of Pullman's modern classic follows Lyra's adventures into frozen lands. Hewing faithfully to its source material, this sophomore interpretation trails headstrong Lyra Belaqua and her shape-shifting daemon, Pantaimalon, as they venture into the frozen north to seek out a villainous group that has been abducting children and severing their connections to their daemons. Aided by a mysterious coven of flying witches, a curmudgeonly armored polar bear, and an airship captain, Lyra endures bloody battles and uncovers shocking secrets as she learns the truth behind the kidnappings and mutilations. Dreamy watercolors organized into neatly ordered panels lend themselves well to the fantastical setting, creating a sense of sweeping cinematic scope. Pullman's original magnum opus is heady and dense, and it may prove challenging for some; this adaptation, with its visual accessibility, can help those struggling with the novel's complexity achieve an understanding without watering down the intricacies. This being only the second volume of three--and concluding with a cliffhanger--readers can expect a yearlong holdup before reaching the novel's conclusion. While this may be a bit much to ask, those who have the patience should be pleased with Melchior-Durand and Oubrerie's interpretation. An engaging adaptation, but some may wish to wait until all three volumes are available. (Graphic fantasy. 11 & up)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Booklist

August 1, 2015
Grades 6-9 This graphic-novel adaptation of Pullman's wildly popular The Golden Compass (1996) takes readers through about the first third of the novel. Raised by the academics of Jordan College in Oxford, Lyra is a bit of a wild child. Her uncle, Lord Asriel, announces a discovery that could shake the foundations of the Church, and then he disappears on an expedition to the North. Meanwhile, Lyra learns some troubling things: the truth about her parents; her caretaker Mrs. Coulter's responsibility for the predatory Gobblers; and her own destined, pivotal role in a mission to rescue the gyptian children. Originally published in French, this adaptation boasts an accessible translation and European-style artwork in a subdued, appropriately old-fashioned color palette. The small and detailed but very clear panels are full of expressive faces, discernible action, and moody shadowing. Readers familiar with Pullman's novel will appreciate this artistic adaptation, as will readers who simply prefer graphic novels to prose. Two forthcoming volumes will complete the adaptation of the first novel in Pullman's series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

From Kirkus

July 15, 2015
Lyra Belaqua begins her journey north again in this graphic-novel adaptation of Philip Pullman's classic fantasy. Twenty years after the publication of The Golden Compass, Melchior-Durand and Oubrerie reimagine the dark fantasy series through the graphic format. This installment adapts the first third of the original novel-in which Lyra leaves her home at Jordan College, finds refuge with the gyptians, and learns the truth about her parentage-leaving the rest of the tale for future volumes. The script is well-paced and deftly condenses the original text to the demands of graphic storytelling. However, the artwork is often disappointing. While the illustrations do a fine job of establishing a sense of time and place, the figures are stiff and don't do justice to the story's many charismatic personalities. For instance, the graphic novel's Mrs. Coulter lacks the seductive magnetism that makes her so dangerously alluring when she first appears in the original novel. Purists may also be annoyed by details that aren't faithful to the novel. The original text repeatedly describes Lyra as blonde, but she is a brunette here. It's a minor complaint, but it's hard to see why a change was necessary at all. Best for readers new to the series, who won't be distracted by comparisons with the original. (Graphic fantasy. 11 & up)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From School Library Journal

July 1, 2015

Gr 6 Up-The first book of Pullman's acclaimed "His Dark Materials" series, The Golden Compass, appears in a well-told and well-drawn graphic format in this volume, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the book's publication. The graphic novel adaptation divides the first book into three volumes, with this first volume following Lyra up until the time that she sails for the North with the gyptians. With Lyra, readers will overhear plots in Jordan College; suffer the loss of her friend, Roger; and receive the mysterious alethiometer. They will escape from Mrs. Coulter and join the gyptians in their camp in the fens, all the while hoping to reunite with her uncle, Lord Asriel, who has gone to the North. The artists' interpretation of the work pairs well with the story. The somewhat muted color scheme reinforces the Dickensian feel of the novels. The characters and their backdrops are drawn in a style reminiscent of a child's hand, albeit with a sophistication and level of detail not expected of a child. VERDICT Whether this is a reader's first experience with the tale or they are already familiar with the story, they should be delighted by this rendition.-Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from June 29, 2015
Pullman's His Dark Materials ranks with the work of C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, and this graphic adaptation is the first of three books from a French team that will cover the events of The Golden Compass. It introduces the fierce and canny Lyra Belacqua, whose quest is set in a steampunk Europe where the Magesterium, a church government of Orwellian dimensions, plots to deprive its subjects of free will. Oubrerie's characters are, at first glance, rougher and shaggier than Pullman's polished work might suggest, but readers are quickly drawn into the dreaming spires of Jordan College, the magnificence of Lyra's nemesis Mrs. Coulter's mansion, and the fens of the water-dwelling gyptians, all presented in a fast-paced series of compressed, closely-worked panels. The story's signature fantasiesâ€"the daemons, animal companions possessed by every person in this alternate universe; the armored mercenary polar bears called panserbjorne; and the alethiometer, Lyra's truth divinerâ€"are realized with compelling force (and, in the case of the daemons, humor). Skillfully translated back into English, Melchior-Durand and Oubrerie's retelling will bring Pullman's work new fans and give previous readers new pleasure. Ages 10â€"up.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 9, 2002
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy now appears in sophisticated trade paperback editions, each title embossed within a runic emblem of antiqued gold. The backdrop of The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book I sports a midnight blue map of the cosmos with the zodiacal ram at its center. The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass carry similarly intriguing cover art, and all three titles offer details not seen in the originals: in Compass and Knife, for example, Pullman's stamp-size b&w art introduces each chapter; Spyglass chapters open with literary quotes from Blake, the Bible, Dickinson and more.

From Publisher's Weekly

November 30, 1998
Pullman's masterfully rendered fantasy-adventure, the first in the His Dark Materials trilogy, captivates from the start on this vibrant audio production. As narrator, the British author is swift and sure, inviting young listeners along for a most intriguing story. Young Lyra Belacqua and her daemon companion Pantalaimon leave their sheltered life among the scholars and caretakers at Oxford University to find Lyra's best friend, Roger, who has been kidnapped. Lyra's quest leads her to the Far North where she encounters battle-ready witches, talking polar bears and a team of evil scientists who plan to perform a hideous experiment on Roger and the other children they have captured. But worst of all, Lyra learns that her fearsome Uncle Asriel and the mysterious Mrs. Coulter (who had tried to befriend and kidnap Lyra) are at the center of the child-demon investigations. With the help of the kind Gyptians, Lyra is able to outsmart her enemies and rescue Roger. The cast of actors enact a breadth of characters, from headstrong Lyra and her excitable, impatient daemon to the superior and sharp-sounding Lord Asriel. The villains, dramatic voyages and fantastic creatures are certain to hold listeners' attention throughout the hefty recording. The production is also available in trade packaging, in three separate installments. Ages 9-up.

From Publisher's Weekly

June 29, 1998
In this deluxe trade paperback edition of the first in the celebrated Dark Materials trilogy, "Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. Nothing short of breathtaking," said PW in a boxed review. Ages 12-up.

From Publisher's Weekly

April 15, 1996
If Pullman's imagination dazzled in the Victorian thrillers that culminated with The Tin Princess, in this first volume of a fantasy trilogy it is nothing short of breathtaking. Here Earth is one of only five planets in the solar system, every human has a daemon (the soul embodied as an animal familiar) and, in a time similar to our late 19th century, Oxford scholars and agents of the supreme Calvinist Church are in a race to unleash the power that will enable them to cross the bridge to a parallel universe. The story line has all the hallmarks of a myth: brought up ignorant of her true identity, 11-year-old Lyra goes on a quest from East Anglia to the top of the world in search of her kidnapped playmate Roger and her imprisoned uncle, Lord Asriel. Deceptions and treacheries threaten at every turn, and she is not yet certain how to read the mysterious truth-telling instrument that is her only guide. After escaping from the charming and sinister Mrs. Coulter, she joins a group of "gyptians" in search of their children, who, like Roger, have been spirited away by Mrs. Coulter's henchmen, the Gobblers. Along the way Lyra is guided by friendly witches and attacked by malevolent ones, aided by an armored polar bear and a Texan balloonist, and nearly made a victim of the Gobblers' cruel experiments. As always, Pullman is a master at combining impeccable characterizations and seamless plotting, maintaining a crackling pace to create scene upon scene of almost unbearable tension. This glittering gem will leave readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lyra's adventures. 100,000 first printing; $250,000 ad/promo. Ages 10-up.

From Kirkus

Part of the fantasy trilogy, this first book begins Lyra Belacqua's journey to discover the meaning of "dust" and her role in the struggle against evil that threatens to destroy the universe. Listening to this complicated tale with its multitude of unfamiliar names, places and words is a challenge. Case's rendering is fairly successful as he differentiates each character's voice--no mean feat given the number of characters--and, for the most part, he manages to keep them all straight. The least effective part of the recording is the narrative. The clipped diction, which emphasizes the final consonants, sounds very upper crust and snooty. Performance aside, this book is particularly difficult in audio form unless the listener has read the print version first. S.S.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine