Oyster War

BOOKLIST-Towle (Midnight Sun, 2008) dives into a rich historical fantasy in his latest graphic novel. Commander Bulloch, late of the Confederate Submarine Battery Service, has arrived in Blood's Haven to take command of the Oyster Navy and put an end to piracy devastating the oyster beds of Chesapeake Bay. Pirate Treacher Fink has gone beyond scraping the oyster beds clean; rumor has it he has found a magical urn that gives him control over every creature in the sea, and Bulloch and his crew must stop him before he unleashes that power. Towle's ample cast of characters are each distinct and well designed with stylish, exaggerated shapes, and the humor is silly enough to break the tension. In panels with plenty of breathing room, the vibrant colors, full of purples, lavenders, and deep reds, and vivid seafaring details make the scenes come alive. Combining well-researched but little-known facts with fable-rich elements, such as selkies, ghost captains, hidden treasure, and sea serpents, Towle has crafted a dynamic adventure that is as delightful as it is exciting.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY-Towle (Amelia Earheart: This Broad Ocean) tells a tale of magic, adventure, and seafood in this clever book. Oysters are the cornerstone of the economy in Blood's Haven, a small 19th-century hamlet overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Business is booming-but not all who ply the waters have pure intentions. Pirates have been dredging the bay for as many oysters as they can find, heedless of the devastation their practices will bring to the oyster population in a scant few years. In response, the Oyster Navy is created: a motley band of immigrants, veterans, and bare-knuckle boxers willing to risk it all for the future of the oyster trade. Rumor has it, however, that the pirates are after something much more valuable than oysters, something that could grant them dominion over the bay. This charming tale is particularly successful in blending history and folklore. Towle's character designs and use of color are especially memorable-every single page is wonderfully vibrant, with a strong cast of oddball characters. Occasionally muddled battle scenes don't detract from what is overall a wonderfully lively and imaginative yarn.