Handknit Heroes
Whether done to supplement income or fulfill a creative outlet, I admire individuals who seek to realize an idea. That is one reason I looked forward to reviewing Handknit Heroes, a graphic novel (comic book) produced by Mortaine Publications, Inc. Text is written by Stephanie Bryant, and Marc Olivent is the artist. Twins Ana and Alex Miller are teens with a secret; they have special powers. But they aren’t unique. Their mother, Jen, has secrets of her own, and Ana soon finds out that her best friend, Sue, has special powers, too.
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According to the publisher, Handknit Heroes is a “graphic novel for knitters.” If you’re thinking that knitting is an integral part of the story, however, you might be mistaken, at least if the premiere issue is any indication. The publisher does indicate that the knitting will “sneak up” on readers. Jen is shown knitting a swatch-sized piece of fabric that is perhaps bulletproof; it’s unclear. Ana wears a hooded scarf with pockets in some of the panels. Erssie Major designed the scarf, and the pattern for the Pow! Hooded Scarf is included.
Handknit Heroes will be published quarterly. Cover price for the graphic novel is $5.50 in the United States; $6.75 in Canada. Yearly subscriptions are available for $20 in the United States and Canada and $40.00 elsewhere.
I do support the idea of trying something new. But does this project work? I’m not so sure. Graphic novels are being used to encourage students to read. Many literary classics are now available in graphic novel form. And there are the tried and true superhero graphic novels. Those behind Handknit Heroes have made their lead characters superheroes, but do graphic novel readers want superheroes to whom they can relate, or are they more interested in characters such as Iron Man or the Fantastic Four?
The publisher notes that Handknit Heroes is meant for readers age 10 and up, “with only a few panels containing ‘language unbecoming a knitter.’” They might have overestimated their audience. While I can see teens having an interest, I’m not sure it would hold the interest of most 10- or 11-year-olds. As for the language, there was only a panel or two that used such language. In each case, however, it was completely unnecessary. While that is also true in real life, is it really necessary to reflect all aspects of that life? This is an instance of when choosing to forgo questionable language would not have affected the plot in any way.
Only one issue has been published so far, but if it’s an accurate indicator or future issues, the marketing catch phrase, “the first graphic novel for knitters,” misses the mark. Yes, it’s a graphic novel, and I’m sure it’s the first to contain a pattern. But is it really for knitters? Not for this knitter. In press materials, the publishers indicate that the knitting content “sneaks up” up you, but potential knitting readers are told it for them. Knitting doesn’t have to be the center of attention, but there should be more knitting content if it’s being marketed as “for knitters.”
Handknit Heroes has a glossy, colorful cover. Throughout the book, the images are colorful. Unfortunately, the printing process has left some of the colors muddied, at least in the copy I received for review.
Although $20 might not cause many knitters to think twice about subscribing to a knitting-related magazine that comes out four times a year, it might prevent some from subscribing to Handknit Heroes. Will tweens and teens buy a graphic novel that only comes out four times a year? Perhaps. I suggest that one order the first issue before deciding to subscribe. It is also available in some knitting shops.
Like Knitting Purls, Handknit Heroes is more than a publication. There is an online store that will feature T-shirts and kits for patterns above the beginner level. They are currently running a mask design contest. For more about Handknit Heroes, check out its Web site.
I applaud Mortaine Publications, Inc., for having the courage to venture where none have gone before. It’s worth a look.
