History, mythology, and adventure converge in the graphic novel series Kid Beowulf. Follow the story of 12-year-old twin brothers, Beowulf and Grendel as they travel across distant lands and meet fellow epic heroes therein!
Beowulf (“bay-oh-wolf”) is a 12-year-old Viking boy. He grew up an orphan in Geatland until one day his father appeared (as a fire-ghost) and told him he had a twin brother across the sea! Beowulf set out to meet his brother Grendel (who happened to be a monster) and his life has been full of adventure ever since. Beowulf is stubborn but forthright and loves to eat lingonberries.
Grendel (“gren-dell”) is a 12-year-old monster boy (part-human/part-dragon to be exact). He grew up in the forests of Daneland with his mother (a monster) and his grandfather (a dragon). Grendel led a relatively peaceful life until he met his twin brother Beowulf and ever since they’ve gone from one adventure to another. Even though he is a monster, Grendel is a thinker. He is mighty in hand, strong in heart, and does his best to keep Beowulf out of trouble.
Hama (“hah-mah”) the pig is from Geatland and was sent to Daneland for supper! Along the way Hama got ship-wrecked with Beowulf and the two became fast friends (see Hama the Pig’s Big Adventure). Hama accompanies Beowulf and Grendel on all their adventures. He is smart, trustworthy, and heroic…even if he is just a pig.
Nagling (“nag-ling”) means “nailer” in Old English and is an ancient sword forged by the great smith Weyland from ages past. It has been wielded by gods and demi-gods, heroes and heroines, and now belongs to Beowulf (much to Nagling’s dismay). Nagling is imbued with the power of speech and likes to be heard…though no one likes to listen.
Emer (“ee-mer”) and Ermlaf (“irm-laff”) are from a rival clan of Heathobards who are out to get Beowulf and Grendel (read Lookin’ for Lingonberries to find out why). Desperate and broke, the duo look more threatening than they really are. Emer (the short one) is usually greedy, and Ermlaf (the fat one), is usually hungry – unenviable traits that lead them both into trouble.
The World Map
Orphaned, reunited, and exiled from their homeland (see Book One, The Blood-Bound Oath), Beowulf and Grendel have had a busy life for only being 12 years old. Their travels have taken them to far-off places like France, where they helped the hero Roland and his uncle, Charlemagne, beat back an invading army (see Book Two, The Song of Roland). From there the brothers arrived in medieval Spain where they met new friends, found old enemies, and saw a young knight named Rodrigo embrace his destiny (see Book Three, The Rise of El Cid). In between these adventures Beowulf and Grendel had many others (see Songs & Sagas). One of these landed them in ancient Italy where they fought in the gladiatorial games and met another pair of twins named Romulus and Remus (see Book Four, The Tarpeian Rock).
These are just a few of Beowulf and Grendel’s adventures through history and mythology. Explore the World Map below to see where they will go next and who they will met along the way!
History of the Comic
Like most comics, Kid Beowulf began in the margins of a sketchbook (1999) – just a goofy idea by someone who loved ancient legends and classic comics like Bone and Asterix. Those sketches eventually took shape as a black and white mini-comic (2000) that expanded into a comic book (2001); which grew into a graphic novel (2003) that morphed into a better graphic novel (2007); which spawned more graphic novels. Kid Beowulf has appeared online as a webcomic; has been self-published, been with traditional publishers, and has received awards along the way. You may have read it in one of these forms, seen it at a comic-convention, or come across it at the bookstore. Maybe you’re discovering it for the first time right here! No matter, if you like epic stories about ancient legends that are smart and fun, then this is the comic for you.
About the Author
Alexis E. Fajardo is an Eisner award-winning editor and cartoonist. Lex grew up reading stories about mythology, monsters, knights, and heroics and now creates his own in his graphic novel series, Kid Beowulf. Lex is a member of the National Cartoonist’s Society; Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators; and has been a National Writing Juror for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. When he’s not drawing comics, Lex works for them as Editorial Director at the Charles M. Schulz Studio in Santa Rosa, California, where he edits Peanuts books. Lex has been a featured guest at numerous comic-cons and conferences.
Invite him to your next event or visit Lex’s author website for more.
