Review: "First Test" (graphic novel) by Tamora Pierce; adapted by Devin Grayson and Becca Farrow

First Test by Tamora Pierce; adapted by Devin Grayson and Becca Farrow
Published July 2024 via Random House Graphic
★★★★

I may have squealed when I saw that First Test was being adapted into a graphic novel, and I may have squealed again when I found it at the library and there wasn't even a waitlist. This graphic novelization is spot on: it's as true to the original as it can be while making small cuts to account for the different needs of a graphic novel. Pierce's books are already diverse, and this version takes subtle pains to emphasize that.

It's a little hard for me to tell because I read the books so many times when I was younger that they're basically cemented in my memory, but I do suspect that a few of the details will be lost on uninitiated readers; the book is definitely still standalone for those who haven't read the series, but...I think it'll hold a special place in the heart of longtime readers. Now the only concern is: when is the next installment coming out...? I probably should have savored this rather than flying through after dinner.