Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You

Another entry that doesn't fit the really strict definition of a comic, but a beautifully illustrated work. From my school library.

Title: Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You
Date: 2005
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Writer: Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black
Artist: Tony DiTerlizzi

This is a companion book to the Spiderwick Chronicles novel series by DiTerlizzi and Black, with a few references to the stories, including an addendum by one of the main characters.

But primarily, this stands on its own as a gorgeous interpretation of the natural history of faerie and mythical creatures from elves to sea serpents to sprites and boggarts. DiTerlizzi's illustrations are lovely, and there are some very clever details. His merfolk were among my favorites, with their "hair" serving as gill filaments. There is a good mix of original ideas and traditional folklore in the descriptions, and some nice hints of stories to be discovered.

This would serve as an excellent roleplaying supplement for a GM who enjoys homebrewing creature stats, and it is an entertaining and inspiring read on its own.

Rating: 9/10