Not Sugar-Coating It, a guest post by Bree Paulsen

Whenever I describe the themes explored in my new graphic novel, The Firelight Apprentice, people are confused when I say it is for middle graders. Critiquing how the military preys on low-income families with promises of education and employment does not sound like something that would be in a graphic novel targeted at children aged ten and up, but that is the message at the narrative’s core. The plot of The Firelight Apprentice revolves around a nameless king’s magicians putting on magic shows as a form of military recruitment and propaganda.

This is not too different from how our own military in the U.S. puts on flashy air shows, trying to highlight how spectacular being part of the military can be. And the allure that is created is real, making kids eager to become fighter pilots, especially if it means securing a job after getting a college education. My goal with this graphic novel—beyond telling a story I had as a dream when I was a teenager—was to create an age-appropriate gateway to hard conversations about these issues–including the issue of grief–with trusted adults.

Set in a post-war world, the book shows the effects of the recent war through worldbuilding and the characters’ narratives. Our leads, Ada and Safi, are mourning their mother, who died in action, while also navigating their father’s deteriorating health. A few pivotal characters are learning to live with new disabilities, which have left one veteran houseless because they were not given proper support. And the city as a whole is on the lookout for liches left behind by the war itself.

Tangential to these war themes is the subtle ways adults may groom children in one way or another, and how those of marginalized identities will be accused of being such predators, when the perpetrator is someone who is viewed as innocuous.

All of this is pretty dark subject matter that is more often seen in media aimed toward older audiences. But children, as some sadly forget, are people. They engage with a world that can be very unkind and cruel. And being a child does not shield them from this reality.

There are children who are now still living through the later years of a pandemic that has killed millions, with the weight of a climate crisis on their shoulders and a third world war threatening to break out. While they may not know the why and how, children are not ignorant to what is happening around them. Acting as though kids are not aware of all of this insults the capacity of their developing minds.

This is where fiction plays a vital role. Tactful exposure to the dark side of life is important for children. It can help them understand the pain others endure or be prepared to navigate such circumstances when they are personally affected.

Grief and mourning are seen throughout this graphic novel and are never framed as bad things that should be hidden. Dealing with loss is an aspect of life, and whatever feelings one may go through as one grieves should be validated. When it comes to media about grief, seeing characters go through the process can be very cathartic, especially for children whose experiences with mourning are not taken seriously. Early reviews of The Firelight Apprentice have concurred with this sentiment, as one early reader expressed that they wished they had had this book when they lost a parent as a child. It’s praise like this that I truly take to heart and appreciate, because it means I did something right in making a reader feel seen.

Of course, all of the above makes this book sound very bleak, but most of what I have mentioned is merely hinted at in the worldbuilding and character backstories—though events from the past year have me wishing I was a bit clearer about some details. And while the grim overtones are felt throughout the story, it does have lighter moments and ends on a note of hope. This is a graphic novel for children, after all.

 

It is important to instill hope, especially in a world that can feel quite hopeless. Even in moments of great grief, people come together to make sure those grieving the most never feel like they have to bear it alone. Of course, there will be characters who will not be as patient or understanding, which is why showing examples of what supportive relationships look like is important.

I think this is why The Firelight Apprentice is still described as a cozy fantasy story by readers. It is those moments where characters comfort and aid one another that relate it to other cozy works. This is definitely something that can be seen in much of Hayao Miyazaki’s work, which is a big inspiration for a lot of my work. So often in his films, there is a great conflict that needs to be dealt with, that could have disastrous consequences if not resolved. Despite this, these works are considered cozy by many because each story will still have those quiet moments where characters are able to breathe.

What I have iterated on from his adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle should not be lost on my readers. From the setting and worldbuilding, there are many similarities between the two works, while the stories are very different.

So while it is quite different, I think there is a lot for returning readers who fell in love with  the cozy, cottagecore vibes in my debut graphic novel duology (Garlic and the Vampire and Garlic and the Witch)that they will enjoy in The Firelight Apprentice. And I can only hope they too will enjoy what my work is like when I do explore darker themes in my graphic novels.

Meet the author

Bree Paulsen is a SoCal writer and illustrator who loves spooky monsters, fashion history, and all things autumnal. After graduating from the Laguna College of Art and Design with a BFA in animation, she freelanced on a few independent animation and illustration projects before tuning her focus toward comics. She started her webcomic, Patrik the Vampire, in 2013 and self-publishes its printed volumes. Her first middle grade graphic novel, Garlic and the Vampire, received a starred review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, which called it “folkloric…a down comforter of a graphic novel.” Garlic’s adventures continue in Garlic and the Witch. 

https://www.vampiresnwhimsy.com

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Twitter: @breebird33

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About The Firelight Apprentice

The bestselling author-illustrator of Garlic and the Vampire, Bree Paulsen, brings her fantastical storytelling and warm, sparkling artwork to this story that celebrates the bond between sisters.

In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king’s magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom. 

When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces…

ISBN-13: 9780063266599
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 10/29/2024
Age Range: 10 – 12 Years

Filed under: Guest Post