Briar vol 1 by Christopher cantwell

Illustrated by Germán García, colored by Matheus Lopes

Briar Rose slumbers, but it’s not Prince Charming who wakes her, nor is the world as it should be. Rose has been sleeping for nearly 100 years. Her betrothed is long gone, and the world is darker and crueler than when she went to sleep. She discovers a terrible prophecy that foretold how she would destroy the world, and surmises that this was the reason for her deep sleep. Now, along with the violent woman from the North who woke her, Briar is determined to exact revenge on the being who is responsible for her slumber, caring little for the prophecy that hangs about her neck.

---

Cantwell has an interesting take on the classic fairy tale and has reimagined it more into a feminist mantra. Constantly, Briar is having to prove that she is strong enough and determined enough to save herself, even though her body has wasted away into nothing and she is in an unfamiliar world. The creative team did what they could to cram this story into four chapters where they really could have used the standard six. There are some interesting supporting characters that don't really get a chance to shine or thoroughly develop, and the subplot with Briar and the kingdom of her betrothed could have been expanded a bit more (though I imagine that's what volume two is going to explore more). Regardless of the story's inherent pacing and breathability, I enjoyed the world Cantwell is starting to build, and appreciate the titular character's plight and growth.

There is quite a lot of swearing, violent battles and death on page, and some  adult situations. This book would be best suited for older readers or adults.

Sara's Rating: 7/10
Suitability Level: Grades 11-Adult

Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Publication Date: May 30, 2023
ISBN: 9781684159000 (Paperback)

​Tags: Rating: 7/10, Suitability: High School, Suitability: Adult, Comicbooks, Fantasy, Folklore, Action Adventure, Adaptations, BOOM! Studios