Punycorn
By Andi Watson
Middle grade fantasy/humor graphic novel series
Harper Collins/Clarion, November 14, 2023; 272 pages
Series: Punycorn
Subrights Info
- Translation rights available via New Leaf
- UK/ANZ rights available via Harper Collins/Clarion
- Film/TV rights available via New Leaf
- Merchandising and commercial rights available via New Leaf
Punycorn is the runt of the unicorn troop: the smallest, the slowest, the least heroic of all. They’re always embarrassing the others by walking upright on two legs, getting out of breath or breaking into a sweat. Unicorns NEVER sweat; they sparkle. When all the unicorns leave Punycorn behind to go on a team-building holiday, the world of Carbuncle comes under threat from evil Sir Ogre. Sir Ogre has acquired the Gauntlets of Ultimate Victory, which gives him power over an unstoppable army of goblins, ogres, and other wretched creatures. With the other unicorns gone, Punycorn is the only one willing to step up to save the world.
Setting off on the quest, Punycorn encounters Wheeze the allergic dragon and P’oo the dung elemental, who join the mission to defeat Sir Ogre. Assistance also arrives in the form of Sixsmith, Sir Ogre’s unnervingly capable sister… but are her motives truly altruistic? In this fast-paced, hilarious graphic novel – a glorious parody of high fantasy tropes – readers will fall in love with a trio of bungling heroes whose hearts of gold make up for their utter lack of panache.
Reviews
“This graphic novel has vibrant illustrations and witty dialog, which readers will find entertaining and addictive. The fast-paced plot moves along well as the heroes encounter peril and danger. The story ends on a cliffhanger that will have readers clamoring for more. VERDICT An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school libraries where graphic novels and fantasy are in high demand.”
“Watson, a long-time fixture of the indie comics scene whose work for children has included the Glister and Gum Girl series and Kerry and The Knight of the Forest, presents an extremely silly adventure comic, perhaps his silliest work to date…Punycorn should find a receptive audience in young readers, a fact that the publisher seems to be betting on, as there are a few loose ends at the close of the book, as well as an announcement of ‘the next adventure’: Punycorn and the Princess of Thieves.”
Awards and Accolades
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
- Florida’s 2026-2027 Sunshine State Young Reader Award
This book might appeal to fans of Hilo by Judd Winick, Bone by Jeff Smith, Giants Beware! by Jorge Aguirre, and Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson.
If you are a rights buyer or a reviewer and wish to access the pdf, email me.
Author Bio
Andi Watson was born and raised in Kippax, a small town in Yorkshire, England. He spent half his life playing outdoors with his brother and friends, and the other half reading, drawing and watching TV. (School apparently played a minor role.) Andi’s original career goal was to become a car mechanic. Eventually, he realized he had no interest in cars, which would have made him a rather poor car mechanic. So he went to art school in Liverpool instead. There, he rediscovered comics, made one himself, and continued to make more. Approximately 50 more, published by Dark Horse, Slave Labor Graphics, Walker Books, Oni Press, Image Comics, Marvel, Top Shelf, Çà et Là, Roaring Brook Press, Random House Graphic…but who’s counting? His most recent books include The Book Tour, Kerry and the Knight of the Forest, and Glister. He lives in Worcester with his wife and daughter and a lot of books. Visit Andi at https://andiwatson.info/.
Other Titles
