For kids fascinated by epic struggles and diverse cultures, this graphic novel brings ancient myths to life through thrilling tales of divine conflict.
Reach for this book when your child is captivated by superheroes or action video games and you want to channel that energy into reading and world cultures. This high-action graphic novel presents four epic battles from world mythology: Egypt's Ra against the chaos serpent Apep, Thor's clash with the World Serpent, the Greek gods' war with the Titans, and the Babylonian creation myth of Marduk and Tiamat. It explores themes of good versus evil and bravery in a format that is thrilling and accessible, especially for reluctant readers. It’s an exciting way to introduce foundational world stories and show kids that the superheroes of today have ancient roots.
Deaths are of mythological beings in a fantastical context, not realistic.
Sensitive Topics
The book is centered on conflict and violence. However, the violence is fantastical, stylized, and free of blood or gore. It is always between mythological beings (gods, monsters, titans) rather than humans. Death is present but is metaphorical, representing the defeat of chaos or a previous generation of rulers. The presentation of these belief systems is purely mythological and historical, not devotional. The resolution in each story is hopeful, establishing order and safety for the world.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11-year-old who loves superhero movies, epic fantasy, and action-oriented video games. They are drawn to stories of power, conflict, and clear good-versus-evil dynamics. This book is particularly well-suited for a reluctant reader who is engaged by visual storytelling and fast-paced plots.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the artwork, as the depictions of monsters like Apep and Tiamat could be frightening for more sensitive children. The book can be read cold, but it might be helpful to explain to a child that these are ancient stories people told to make sense of the world, like creation and the struggle between order and chaos. A parent has noticed their child is exclusively interested in action scenes, be it in movies, TV, or video games. The child might be drawing battle scenes or acting out fights with toys. The parent is looking for a book that meets the child's interest in action but also broadens their horizons to literature and world culture.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the surface-level action: the cool weapons, giant monsters, and epic fights. They will experience it as a superhero comic. An older reader (10-12) may begin to grasp the deeper themes, noticing the similarities between the myths (e.g., order vs. chaos) and developing an interest in the different cultures and pantheons presented.
What Makes It Special
Its primary differentiator is the combination of a graphic novel format with a comparative mythology approach. While many books focus on a single pantheon (usually Greek), this one concisely presents four distinct major mythologies side-by-side. This makes it an excellent, accessible introduction to world mythology for kids drawn to visual action.
Read plot summary
This graphic novel is an anthology of four separate myths about divine conflict from different world cultures. It includes the Egyptian story of the sun god Ra's eternal battle against the chaos serpent Apep, the Norse legend of Thor fighting the monstrous Midgard Serpent, the Greek myth of the Olympians (led by Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) overthrowing their Titan parents, and the Mesopotamian creation myth where the god Marduk defeats the primordial sea goddess Tiamat.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the stories of Ra vs. Apep and Marduk vs. Tiamat, the battle is between a god of order and a monster of chaos. Why do you think so many different cultures had similar kinds of stories?
2
Hades is often seen as a villain in modern stories, but here he fights with Zeus to defeat the Titans. Can a character be both 'good' and 'bad'? Are the gods in these stories simple heroes?
3
Thor is a powerful warrior, but he needs his magic belt and hammer to be at his strongest. Does depending on magic tools make a hero more or less brave?
4
Compare the monsters in the book: Apep, the Midgard Serpent, the Titans, and Tiamat. Which one did you find the most interesting or scary, and why?
