'The Owl House' is back! In manga-esque form!
All hail 'The Long-Lived King'!
It is set (presumably) a few years before the epilogue of the final episode of the animated series, and it is aimed at an older audience, due to its existentialist themes and use of mild-ish language (all from Eda's dialogue and thoughts).
'The Owl House' is not only my favourite animated show of all time, it is my favourite show of all time, period. So to say I was excited when I found there was actually going to be an official, authorised graphic novel based on it - a continuation of its impact and legacy! - and it would contain a new adventure with these characters and their world, would be a titanic understatement.
Then the publication date of 'The Long-Lived King' - September 29th 2026 - finally arrived, and I ordered it online, and waited several agonising days for it to be delivered to my house. In spite of my impatience, I was euphoric the whole time.
The day came when I sat down, cosied up in my bed, and read it, and, well...
Regardless of my expectations, it is a great graphic novel. It is like a deeper, slightly darker and no less magical episode of the original series (especially the ending scene).
I won't spoil much, but what I'll say is that 'The Long-Lived King' delves into themes of death and mortality, and the existential crisis of knowing what it could mean to outlive those you love more than anything in the world. What it could mean to you, to one day be left alone, while another, or others, are gone forever.
Yeah, okay, this is a comic about semi-immortal King Clawthorne's inevitable existential crisis.
But family, friends, and community, as they are now, in the present, are there for you, in the long run, and will always be in your heart and memories. No matter what, you are never alone. One day we will all die, but that is not today. Remember that the countless special, and little, things in life - like the stars, experienced with the people you love and who love you - even knowing that everything must someday come to an end - are what make it worth living for. So there is no point in trying to suppress your memories, worries and fears, and forget about them, because that is a toxic and unhealthy way of thinking and dealing with the crisis (both external and internal).
Memories are precious and important. Including the sad ones, and the scary ones. They shape you, and make you you, for yourself and your dear loved ones. Try to process any traumatic memories and feelings, healthily and safely, and talk about them, and get some therapy.
Remember, you are never alone.
'The Owl House' makes a stupendous case for found families, too.
Speaking of, let's put aside the talk of death and move on to the 'The Owl House' gang!
They are all present and accounted for, but the focus of 'The Long-Lived King' is on the main three, the Owl Family - Luz Noceda, Eda Clawthorne the Owl Lady, and King (and their palismen, Stringbean and Owlbert). This is done a little at the expense of the other fantastic characters, such as Amity Blight, Willow Park, Gus Porter, Hunter, Vee Noceda, Lilith Clawthorne, Raine Whispers, Hooty, and Camila Noceda, though they each receive their moments.
However, only the main three of the Owl House itself are involved in the plot and action. Seriously, why couldn't the other characters join in and contribute? Not even Lilith with Hooty?! Our old and beloved cartoon friends are busy restoring the Boiling Isles to its former, beautiful, naturalistic glory, after Belos's tyranny. Everyone's even helped build a Boiling Isles history and future museum (Yes! *%! you, fascism and authoritarianism!).
But I want more Lumity!
You won't see much of the minor characters here, either. It is like one episode, after all.
On the other claw, the plot itself and the action sequences are great; they're wonderfully creative, psychological and philosophical. Aiding these is the artwork, which is surprisingly fitting, flourishing, expressive, subtle, and gorgeous, despite being in black and white.
The humour is awesome and on point, especially through Eda, and her PG-unfriendly cussing and cursing.
And the characters, no matter their page time given, remain their brilliant, irresistible, irrepressible selves.
So 'The Long-Lived King' is 'The Owl House'. It is spectacular, starry, shining, arcane, and magical.
I can't imagine Disney ever airing a kids' cartoon episode that ends on a long, heavy, harrowing discussion about death, so you've got to give the graphic novel credit there.
As always, in the face of obdurate and BS obstacles and censorship, 'The Owl House' finds ways to stick it to the Mouse.
%£*#! you, Disney.
'The Owl House' is a revolutionary, unparalleled, stalwart, passionate, lovely, loving, enchanting, and beautiful series.
Now onto the next graphic novel story/episode.
Maybe?
Please?
For further 'The Owl House' gushing love by yours truly, Artemis Crescent, read my review of 'The Owl House: Hex-cellent Tales from The Boiling Isles' here.
Thank you once again, Dana Terrace, for your Titan cranium of imagination.
Hex, you possess more talent, bravery, creative magic, and freedom of expression in your left tarsus(Tartarus) than the whole Disney Corporation put together.
Keep on living the dream.
Keep on living, everybody.
You are stars, every one of of you.
Final Score: 4/5
Regardless of my expectations, it is a great graphic novel. It is like a deeper, slightly darker and no less magical episode of the original series (especially the ending scene).
I won't spoil much, but what I'll say is that 'The Long-Lived King' delves into themes of death and mortality, and the existential crisis of knowing what it could mean to outlive those you love more than anything in the world. What it could mean to you, to one day be left alone, while another, or others, are gone forever.
Yeah, okay, this is a comic about semi-immortal King Clawthorne's inevitable existential crisis.
But family, friends, and community, as they are now, in the present, are there for you, in the long run, and will always be in your heart and memories. No matter what, you are never alone. One day we will all die, but that is not today. Remember that the countless special, and little, things in life - like the stars, experienced with the people you love and who love you - even knowing that everything must someday come to an end - are what make it worth living for. So there is no point in trying to suppress your memories, worries and fears, and forget about them, because that is a toxic and unhealthy way of thinking and dealing with the crisis (both external and internal).
Memories are precious and important. Including the sad ones, and the scary ones. They shape you, and make you you, for yourself and your dear loved ones. Try to process any traumatic memories and feelings, healthily and safely, and talk about them, and get some therapy.
Remember, you are never alone.
'The Owl House' makes a stupendous case for found families, too.
Speaking of, let's put aside the talk of death and move on to the 'The Owl House' gang!
They are all present and accounted for, but the focus of 'The Long-Lived King' is on the main three, the Owl Family - Luz Noceda, Eda Clawthorne the Owl Lady, and King (and their palismen, Stringbean and Owlbert). This is done a little at the expense of the other fantastic characters, such as Amity Blight, Willow Park, Gus Porter, Hunter, Vee Noceda, Lilith Clawthorne, Raine Whispers, Hooty, and Camila Noceda, though they each receive their moments.
However, only the main three of the Owl House itself are involved in the plot and action. Seriously, why couldn't the other characters join in and contribute? Not even Lilith with Hooty?! Our old and beloved cartoon friends are busy restoring the Boiling Isles to its former, beautiful, naturalistic glory, after Belos's tyranny. Everyone's even helped build a Boiling Isles history and future museum (Yes! *%! you, fascism and authoritarianism!).
But I want more Lumity!
You won't see much of the minor characters here, either. It is like one episode, after all.
On the other claw, the plot itself and the action sequences are great; they're wonderfully creative, psychological and philosophical. Aiding these is the artwork, which is surprisingly fitting, flourishing, expressive, subtle, and gorgeous, despite being in black and white.
The humour is awesome and on point, especially through Eda, and her PG-unfriendly cussing and cursing.
And the characters, no matter their page time given, remain their brilliant, irresistible, irrepressible selves.
So 'The Long-Lived King' is 'The Owl House'. It is spectacular, starry, shining, arcane, and magical.
I can't imagine Disney ever airing a kids' cartoon episode that ends on a long, heavy, harrowing discussion about death, so you've got to give the graphic novel credit there.
As always, in the face of obdurate and BS obstacles and censorship, 'The Owl House' finds ways to stick it to the Mouse.
%£*#! you, Disney.
'The Owl House' is a revolutionary, unparalleled, stalwart, passionate, lovely, loving, enchanting, and beautiful series.
Now onto the next graphic novel story/episode.
Maybe?
Please?
For further 'The Owl House' gushing love by yours truly, Artemis Crescent, read my review of 'The Owl House: Hex-cellent Tales from The Boiling Isles' here.
Thank you once again, Dana Terrace, for your Titan cranium of imagination.
Hex, you possess more talent, bravery, creative magic, and freedom of expression in your left tarsus
Keep on living the dream.
Keep on living, everybody.
You are stars, every one of of you.
Final Score: 4/5
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