This is part of a series, Graphic Myths and Legends, which includes tales in comic-book format from various worldwide cultures. Almost a third of the series’ offerings feature stories from the ancient Mediterranean: Atalanta, Demeter and Persephone, Hercules, Isis and Osiris, Jason, Odysseus, Perseus, Psyche and Eros, Theseus, and the Trojan horse. This volume has an attractive map of Egypt spread across the opening two pages, with little drawings of the pyramids just southwest of Cairo, and the surrounding African and Middle Eastern countries labeled. Greece is unlabeled and all but obscured in the fold between the pages; this strikes me as a missed opportunity to connect ancient Egypt geographically with the many Greek tales in the series, but the inclusion of a map always makes me happy. The story revolves around the god Set’s attempts to destroy his brother Osiris, and Osiris’ wife Isis’ efforts to find him and save him. Most of the tale is narrated by Isis and seen from her point of view. David Witt’s art is inventive and beautiful. Black borders and panel dividers create an overall dark look, and the panels are full of rich golds, blues, and purples. An especially striking panel early in the story shows a close-up of Isis’ tear-filled eyes, with the baby she has placed in the fire reflected in her irises. (The baby-in-the-fire story is nearly identical to the one in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, and comes from Plutarch’s version of the Isis story). Hawk-headed Horus and dog-headed Anubis are charmingly depicted as little kids. The visual storytelling is not always entirely clear (it’s hard to get that the glowing blue bird is Isis, transformed), and on the whole I think this book would appeal to kids age 9 and up; younger audiences may find it confusing. No body parts are explicitly mentioned, though it is said that the dismembered and re-assembled Osiris was missing one part, which was replaced by a potter. The back of the book has a glossary and pronunciation guide, and a list of “Further Reading, Websites, and Movies.” An enjoyable read for young ancient Egypt enthusiasts!

—Diane Arnson Svarlien