Wheel of Time Graphic Novel Preview: My Thoughts

I know this news is old but I thought I would revisit it and offer my thoughts on the preview. 🙂

First off, the cover:

Amazing! Our first sight of in-novel Lews Therin Telamon and he looks great! The muscles don’t bug me at all – after all, the Forsaken Sammael was a big man, too, and both had always been described as similar. I also like (yikes, might be the wrong word, lets change that, shall we?) feel Lews’ pain through the expression on his face – you can see by his slightly raised arms that he feels utterly helpless and shattered. I like his garments, too – not too ostentatious, and the ancient Aes Sedai symbols look great! We also see Ilyena Sunhair for the first time, although I s’pose it’s not much of a view. One mistake, though: the painting or tapestry on the wall to the right (probably a painting) shouldn’t be damaged. It was driven home in the Prologue how Lews’ insanity-driven channelling hadn’t touched the various artworks in his home. And it would have been cool to at least see Elan Morin Tedronai’s shadow lying across Lews. 🙂 But overall, awesome! 🙂

First Image after the cover:

Now, I’m not sure if this is part of the Prologue comic but it would make sense if it is – this is obviously based on the short piece added to the split-edition of The Eye of the World, in which we meet younger versions of the gang. That’s obviously Egwene, just having returned from a well or the river (probably the river, since I can’t think that a well would be outside Emond’s Field). The Raven is cool, as is the tree. I wouldn’t be surprised if the veiny things, vines or whatever, will be a colour evoking decay and corruption, reminding us of Shaitan. I’m also very glad that her hair isn’t braided! 🙂

Second Image after the cover:

I really like this one, makes me wonder if there isn’t some foreshadowing going on? Three trees have now been revealed and with the Raven they could symbolize the Seanchan, Egwene’s future enemies in the Rebel Aes Sedai camp, and her enemies in Tar Valon (these all being the trees), while the Raven represents Shaitan. What do you think?

Third Image after the cover:

Our first view of Emond’s Field and Tam al’Thor! 🙂 (IMO) Somehow I was expecting a bigger view of Rand’s hometown, but maybe that’s being left till when Rand and Tam arrive with Bela, so that the whole Winternight episode carries more weight. And my logic tells me that Rand is the small kid closest to Tam.

Fourth Image after the cover:

But then this image makes me think that maybe this entire scene is taking place on the Al’Thor farm? If that’s the case, then maybe we have to brace ourselves for some changes to the narrative.

Fifth Image after the cover:

Rand, Mat and Perrin? My guess is: Mat is the one leaning against the fence-post, Rand is the one standing with his hand on the sheep, and Perrin is the one with the longer hair (from the first panel). Anyone know for sure?

Sixth Image after the cover:

First glimpse of Bran Al’Vere? (Last panel) Can’t imagine what he’d be doing in a sheep-pen though? But then I realize he may be a judge and that it’s Bel Tine! 🙂

Seventh Image after the cover:

The real Tam? Seems a better Tam than my first guess. Preparing to tell them about the War of the Powers… 🙂

Eighth Image after the cover:

Very cool image! Trollocs trollocs trollocs!! And war and flames and male Aes Sedai in battle! 🙂

Ninth Image after the cover:

I like how they’ve done this, showing the action behind Rand and the rest – more foreshadowing? Death and destruction following in Rand’s wake as he tries to unify the world for Tarmon Gai’don?

Tenth Image after the cover:

First glimpse of Cenn Buie? And I’m thinking Egwene made a remark about Tam’s tale that drew their attention to her. 🙂 And are those more ravens streaming up out the forest?

I’m pretty damned pumped for this! Cannot wait to see the finished product! 🙂

Be Fantastic!