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Assassin's Apprentice (Dark Horse Comics)
Assassin's Apprentice, Volume 1
The first installment of Robin Hobb's New York Times bestselling fantasy epic, The Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy), comes to life in comics form!
When the illegitimate son of a royal prince is discovered in a poor backwater, the boy’s life changes forever. Renamed ‘Fitz� by his new caretakers, the boy is plunged into the maze of scheming and intrigue that makes up the courts of the Six Duchies. But unknown to all, a power has awakened in Fitz. Something in his blood is stirring, and if Fitz cannot learn to control it, it may spell doom for all.
“Fantasy as it ought to be written.”—George R.R. Martin
Dark Horse Comics is proud to present the first installment in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice!
When the illegitimate son of a royal prince is discovered in a poor backwater, the boy’s life changes forever. Renamed ‘Fitz� by his new caretakers, the boy is plunged into the maze of scheming and intrigue that makes up the courts of the Six Duchies. But unknown to all, a power has awakened in Fitz. Something in his blood is stirring, and if Fitz cannot learn to control it, it may spell doom for all.
“Fantasy as it ought to be written.”—George R.R. Martin
Dark Horse Comics is proud to present the first installment in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice!
144 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2023
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 20, 2024
Une bonne adaptation qui essaie de coller au plus proche du roman avec des dialogues mots pour mots !
December 17, 2023
I loved this I loved this I loved this I LOVED THIS
I was swept up & immersed all over again in the Six Duchies, reunited with my beloved Fitz and Nosy and the Fool and Burrich and Verity and Molly and I JUST !!!! This was immersion in my favourite book on a whole new level, the artwork was utterly beautiful (SO MANY DOGS) and the experience was just so special in every way 🥰
Now as I impatiently await volume 2, it’s back to full-time resisting the ceaseless urge to just reread these books all over again - and again - and again - and again - and -
I was swept up & immersed all over again in the Six Duchies, reunited with my beloved Fitz and Nosy and the Fool and Burrich and Verity and Molly and I JUST !!!! This was immersion in my favourite book on a whole new level, the artwork was utterly beautiful (SO MANY DOGS) and the experience was just so special in every way 🥰
Now as I impatiently await volume 2, it’s back to full-time resisting the ceaseless urge to just reread these books all over again - and again - and again - and again - and -
March 24, 2024
Nicely paced and presented.....the books were very immersive and this seems to be the same in this adaptation.
May 13, 2023
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
I read the novelisations a long time ago. Half a lifetime in fact. The mere sight of this in comic form was enough to bring so many memories of my younger self and the happiness and simplicity of such times. The novels were really good, although I enjoyed the Liveship Trilogy more (the second series from Robin Hobb). In fact, it remains my favourite fantasy series to this day. Still, the chance to revisit such a pivotal and poignant moment in my reading life was simply too irresistible to pass up, and I'm really glad I didn't either.
First off, Ryan Kelly's artwork is outstanding. With a story this good, I could forgive lesser artwork, although there is no need for such concessions. It's a very pretty looking book indeed. Combine this with Jordie Bellaire's colours, which perfectly encapsulate Kelly's art, and you have yourself one half of a winning package. I can only hope this artistic team stay on for the whole run. A change for book two would be treasonous.
Jody Houser does a splendid job of adapting Hobb's work, too. I'd be lying if I said I remembered the story well, although it surprised me how quickly it all came back whilst reading the singles. Truth be told, I can't remember if the ending on issue 6 was actually the end of the first book of the series. I would have hoped that with such a long and complex trilogy, that it would be adapted in over 18 issues, although I could be wrong about that. The first book in the series was the shortest.
Either way, Dark Horse and this creative team have created something pretty darn special here. Should the quality continue throughout its entire run (hoping its completed, of course), this will no doubt draw a lot of new readers into the tales of the Six Duchies. Maybe after we can even geta Liveship Traders adaptation. Please... 4.5/5
OmniBen.
I read the novelisations a long time ago. Half a lifetime in fact. The mere sight of this in comic form was enough to bring so many memories of my younger self and the happiness and simplicity of such times. The novels were really good, although I enjoyed the Liveship Trilogy more (the second series from Robin Hobb). In fact, it remains my favourite fantasy series to this day. Still, the chance to revisit such a pivotal and poignant moment in my reading life was simply too irresistible to pass up, and I'm really glad I didn't either.
First off, Ryan Kelly's artwork is outstanding. With a story this good, I could forgive lesser artwork, although there is no need for such concessions. It's a very pretty looking book indeed. Combine this with Jordie Bellaire's colours, which perfectly encapsulate Kelly's art, and you have yourself one half of a winning package. I can only hope this artistic team stay on for the whole run. A change for book two would be treasonous.
Jody Houser does a splendid job of adapting Hobb's work, too. I'd be lying if I said I remembered the story well, although it surprised me how quickly it all came back whilst reading the singles. Truth be told, I can't remember if the ending on issue 6 was actually the end of the first book of the series. I would have hoped that with such a long and complex trilogy, that it would be adapted in over 18 issues, although I could be wrong about that. The first book in the series was the shortest.
Either way, Dark Horse and this creative team have created something pretty darn special here. Should the quality continue throughout its entire run (hoping its completed, of course), this will no doubt draw a lot of new readers into the tales of the Six Duchies. Maybe after we can even geta Liveship Traders adaptation. Please... 4.5/5
OmniBen.
November 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this novel, and when I heard it was being made into a graphic novel my gasp could be heard around the world 🤣 this was fairly easy to read, however it seems in a few parts there maybe have only been half or part of a sentence transcribed into the graphic novel? Some sentences just seemed really fragmented. AND I HATE REGAL IN GRAPHIC NOVEL FORM JUST AS MUCH AS I DID IN THE NOVEL 😤😤😤😤😤😤😤 Overall this was a good adaptation, and I'm very much looking forward to reading through the rest of it!!
May 22, 2024
I don't know how I missed posting a review for this one, but it was great! I had read the novel and was curious about how this would translate. You can read my full review on No Flying No Tights here. I will say that this worked well, for me, as a comic and while I would have loved some of the parts of this to get more time and importance, knowing there are more volumes coming makes me feel better about what is here. Totally worth picking up if you're even a little interested.
May 13, 2024
A Good Rendition
Since Hobb wrote it and likely approved all illustrations, etc, I am not sure that it is correct to call the graphic novel of 'The Assassin's Apprentice' a rendition.
Beautiful illustrations and art in general. I have not read the entirety of the actual book yet, but I am planning on it soon.
I recommend this if you're into graphic novels and high fantasy stories.
Robin Hobb's work always draws me in. They are truly a talented author.
Since Hobb wrote it and likely approved all illustrations, etc, I am not sure that it is correct to call the graphic novel of 'The Assassin's Apprentice' a rendition.
Beautiful illustrations and art in general. I have not read the entirety of the actual book yet, but I am planning on it soon.
I recommend this if you're into graphic novels and high fantasy stories.
Robin Hobb's work always draws me in. They are truly a talented author.
July 8, 2024
Beautiful art and a really faithful adaptation of the novel so far! A great way to come back into this world!
October 1, 2024
juste -1 étoile à cause des visages des personnages que j’aime pas du tout mais sinon ❤️
February 5, 2024
Engaging story, makes me want to read the novel. Hard to tell some of the characters apart but generally the art works well with the story
March 12, 2024
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Although I apparently gave the novel 4 stars here on ŷ, I don't have the best memories towards it. The storytelling was incredibly slow and meandering that it put me off from continuing on with the series. There were, however, a number of things the book had to offer that have stuck with me over the years, now leading me to see if I would find the comics better-paced and more appealing. I'm happy to report, the comics are working for me so far.
Nothing new here concerning the story. Fitz Farseer is a bastard assassin. Throughout the course of Vol. 1, Fitz receives training from the stablemaster and the royal assassin, develops his first crush, and is learns more about his heritage and the mortal danger he must live with. Less Fitz-Nosy relationship-building here, which is sad but expected.
The illustrations by Ryan Kelly and Jodie Bellaire are perfectly fitting for the bleak environment of the Six Duchies. Honestly, there's nothing jaw-dropping or absolutely stunning about this first volume. It's just a solid start to what could be a truly enjoyable adaptation of one of modern fantasy's beloveds.
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Although I apparently gave the novel 4 stars here on ŷ, I don't have the best memories towards it. The storytelling was incredibly slow and meandering that it put me off from continuing on with the series. There were, however, a number of things the book had to offer that have stuck with me over the years, now leading me to see if I would find the comics better-paced and more appealing. I'm happy to report, the comics are working for me so far.
Nothing new here concerning the story. Fitz Farseer is a bastard assassin. Throughout the course of Vol. 1, Fitz receives training from the stablemaster and the royal assassin, develops his first crush, and is learns more about his heritage and the mortal danger he must live with. Less Fitz-Nosy relationship-building here, which is sad but expected.
The illustrations by Ryan Kelly and Jodie Bellaire are perfectly fitting for the bleak environment of the Six Duchies. Honestly, there's nothing jaw-dropping or absolutely stunning about this first volume. It's just a solid start to what could be a truly enjoyable adaptation of one of modern fantasy's beloveds.
March 27, 2024
Interesting graphic novel
I haven’t read the book but this has made me want to. I am plan on reading the novel later this year
I haven’t read the book but this has made me want to. I am plan on reading the novel later this year
November 23, 2024
loved revisiting the start of my all time fav fantasy series in a comic format ✨️⚔️🕯
October 13, 2024
I don't think this would have made any sense if I hadn't already read the book.
December 15, 2023
Man, I really miss Hobb’s works�
October 6, 2024
I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, which is a fairly faithful adaption of the ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE book. The end of comic issue 6 takes us to partway through chapter 7 of the novel (which has 24 chapters, plus an epilogue).
Written by Robin Hobb and Jody Houser
Script by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Color Art by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Art by Anna Steinbauer
There's a higher than typical (but not unreasonable) amount of text to start with, mostly used to set the broader context of the world before immediately narrowing the story back down to Fitz. The book treads that path for much longer, but I thought a more abbreviated version was a good way to start the graphic novel. I really like how the writers/artists have adapted the story, with much being "shown" through panels rather than described; this is often a big issue with book adaptions, but they've done a good job here of finding a balance between quoting the original text and utilising the 'new' visual medium. I particularly like the way they show the use of and visually distinguish between the Wit and the Skill.
The other characters seem a little "samey" at first, but looking closer does actually reveal enough detail to tell them apart. I think this was a character-motivated decision rather than a failing of some kind, because children are notorious for dismissing adults as "old" and therefore all basically the same. Personally, I think it works with the art style; it'll be interesting to see if Fitz starts visually distinguishing between people more once he's an adult.
The Fool shows up briefly and is immediately visually distinct from everyone else, in a way that is both very jarring and utterly natural; it's a hard thing to describe. The book talks about The Fool as seeming almost ageless or timeless, which must have been very challenging to portray visually; I think the artists did a pretty good job. I enjoyed seeing him mockingly 'mirror' King Shrewd while he was making his "I will keep you" speech to Fitz. I look forward to seeing what the Fool is like once he also starts speaking to Fitz and playing a more active part in the story.
The book is broken into chapters; I didn't read the comics individually, but I strongly suspect that the 'chapters' here are where each one ended. Reframing the break between each issue into chapters (and including the associated art by Steinbauer, which is gorgeous) was a good way of echoing the book's structure in a way that still felt useful within this new context, and a really good way of controlling the story pacing � particularly since so much changes within a short amount of time.
The colours are used well, with blues and oranges used to visually convey when something is 'cold' or scary, and oranges conveying 'warmth' and safety. Character flashbacks and Shrewd's imaginings are shown in shades of green, which makes it very easy to understand and contextualise within the story.
I think this adaption is very well done, to the point where the graphic novel would still be interesting to people who don't know anything about the original book. I very much look forward to reading the next volume.
Written by Robin Hobb and Jody Houser
Script by Jody Houser
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Color Art by Jordie Bellaire
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Art by Anna Steinbauer
There's a higher than typical (but not unreasonable) amount of text to start with, mostly used to set the broader context of the world before immediately narrowing the story back down to Fitz. The book treads that path for much longer, but I thought a more abbreviated version was a good way to start the graphic novel. I really like how the writers/artists have adapted the story, with much being "shown" through panels rather than described; this is often a big issue with book adaptions, but they've done a good job here of finding a balance between quoting the original text and utilising the 'new' visual medium. I particularly like the way they show the use of and visually distinguish between the Wit and the Skill.
The other characters seem a little "samey" at first, but looking closer does actually reveal enough detail to tell them apart. I think this was a character-motivated decision rather than a failing of some kind, because children are notorious for dismissing adults as "old" and therefore all basically the same. Personally, I think it works with the art style; it'll be interesting to see if Fitz starts visually distinguishing between people more once he's an adult.
The Fool shows up briefly and is immediately visually distinct from everyone else, in a way that is both very jarring and utterly natural; it's a hard thing to describe. The book talks about The Fool as seeming almost ageless or timeless, which must have been very challenging to portray visually; I think the artists did a pretty good job. I enjoyed seeing him mockingly 'mirror' King Shrewd while he was making his "I will keep you" speech to Fitz. I look forward to seeing what the Fool is like once he also starts speaking to Fitz and playing a more active part in the story.
The book is broken into chapters; I didn't read the comics individually, but I strongly suspect that the 'chapters' here are where each one ended. Reframing the break between each issue into chapters (and including the associated art by Steinbauer, which is gorgeous) was a good way of echoing the book's structure in a way that still felt useful within this new context, and a really good way of controlling the story pacing � particularly since so much changes within a short amount of time.
The colours are used well, with blues and oranges used to visually convey when something is 'cold' or scary, and oranges conveying 'warmth' and safety. Character flashbacks and Shrewd's imaginings are shown in shades of green, which makes it very easy to understand and contextualise within the story.
I think this adaption is very well done, to the point where the graphic novel would still be interesting to people who don't know anything about the original book. I very much look forward to reading the next volume.
February 17, 2025
Oof, this is a hard one to rate, because obviously it’s Farseers and Robin Hobb, so not automatically slapping on 5 stars feels wrong! Also, I do fully recognise what a monumental task it must be to adapt these in any other medium. I admit I had to giggle when I got to the end of this first volume and we’ve barely scratched the surface. I wonder how many volumes are planned? Because at the current rate, you’d need about 237, lol.
So, doing my best to judge this on its own merits: I think the narrative adaptation is very well done � obviously I can’t make myself be a person who hasn’t read and obsessed about these booksway too much a normal amount, but it seems like it would flow well enough to follow even if you haven’t read the novels. The panel layout was easy to follow, and the cover art for the individual chapters is absolutely gorgeous.
The panel art� not so much. It all looks very basic and samey to me and I was pretty disappointed with the character design. It must be tricky to create distinctive-looking characters if several of them are similarly aged men with similar colouring, but I think one thing Ryan Kelly missed is just how young everyone is when the story starts. Like, yes, Fitz is six, nailed that, well done. But Chivalry and Verity and I think even Burrich are young men in their twenties when it all starts � they only seem old and intimidating because the POV character is a six-year-old boy! Regal was a literal teenager! In the panel art, they all look like guys in their forties, and I frequently found it hard to tell Chivalry, Verity and Burrich apart. Poor Molly, as a child Fitz’s age, looks like a thirty-year-old woman. Chade looks ancient, but Shrewd (who actually WAS pretty damn old) is in his fifties and looks like a warlord for some reason. I know character visuals are highly subjective and in fact it’s often what trips me up about comic adaptations, but this was just really not it.
It's also not made clear enough how much time passes � it seems like just a year goes by in this volume but Fitz and Molly clearly go from children to teenagers while nobody else changes physically. It’s all a little vague and meh.
He got the Fool more or less right, which is hilarious as he states in the notes that he doesn't grasp the Fool as a character.
I’ll check out the rest if I can get my hands on them, but mostly I just want to reread the books now and will have to restrain myself because I do not currently have the stamina for a sixteen-tome journey with guaranteed emotional devastation, lol.
So, doing my best to judge this on its own merits: I think the narrative adaptation is very well done � obviously I can’t make myself be a person who hasn’t read and obsessed about these books
The panel art� not so much. It all looks very basic and samey to me and I was pretty disappointed with the character design. It must be tricky to create distinctive-looking characters if several of them are similarly aged men with similar colouring, but I think one thing Ryan Kelly missed is just how young everyone is when the story starts. Like, yes, Fitz is six, nailed that, well done. But Chivalry and Verity and I think even Burrich are young men in their twenties when it all starts � they only seem old and intimidating because the POV character is a six-year-old boy! Regal was a literal teenager! In the panel art, they all look like guys in their forties, and I frequently found it hard to tell Chivalry, Verity and Burrich apart. Poor Molly, as a child Fitz’s age, looks like a thirty-year-old woman. Chade looks ancient, but Shrewd (who actually WAS pretty damn old) is in his fifties and looks like a warlord for some reason. I know character visuals are highly subjective and in fact it’s often what trips me up about comic adaptations, but this was just really not it.
It's also not made clear enough how much time passes � it seems like just a year goes by in this volume but Fitz and Molly clearly go from children to teenagers while nobody else changes physically. It’s all a little vague and meh.
He got the Fool more or less right, which is hilarious as he states in the notes that he doesn't grasp the Fool as a character.
I’ll check out the rest if I can get my hands on them, but mostly I just want to reread the books now and will have to restrain myself because I do not currently have the stamina for a sixteen-tome journey with guaranteed emotional devastation, lol.
January 30, 2024
Couldn’t resist getting this adaptation of Robin Hobb’s , wondering how her prose and story would fare. In this first volume collecting the first 6 instalments, we are introduced to our beloved Fitz, the narrative following pretty closely to the novel’s. It is interesting how certain aspects had to be translated for a visual medium, namely the Wit and the Skill, but also more mundane ones, such as the look of our characters, something that was tainted by Fitz’s point of view in the book (everyone as ‘old� when they weren’t). The art of course adds its own layer of meaning. I can’t help thinking I prefer the words in this instance ;O)
December 1, 2024
Beautiful cover and chapter covers, otherwise the drawing are just fine. Maybe I'm spoiled by how crisp and clean manga art is.
Definitely not a replacement for the novels. It's paced faster, you don't get Fitz's rich inner dialogue, and the lush descriptions of the settings and fashion that is so meticulously detailed in the novels were not at all translated well enough. This is my fave fantasy series so I am going at it with the eyes of someone who knows the ins and outs of Fitz's whole story from beginning to end and am already in love with all the characters.
But it was so lovely to revisit this world after having finished the entire Realm of the Elderlings, like visiting old friends. It's good to be back in any capacity, really.
Definitely not a replacement for the novels. It's paced faster, you don't get Fitz's rich inner dialogue, and the lush descriptions of the settings and fashion that is so meticulously detailed in the novels were not at all translated well enough. This is my fave fantasy series so I am going at it with the eyes of someone who knows the ins and outs of Fitz's whole story from beginning to end and am already in love with all the characters.
But it was so lovely to revisit this world after having finished the entire Realm of the Elderlings, like visiting old friends. It's good to be back in any capacity, really.
November 1, 2024
Without reading the novel I don't have a sense of how true to it the graphic novel is, but it feels like it should be pretty close. It's a dense read with a lot more depth than you usually find in most graphic novels, and more character development (the entire book feels like setup, honestly). There's not much action, but there is a lot of political intrigue and social analysis of the kingdom of the story. On its own I don't know how well it stands alone, but as the setup for a larger story, it definitely provides a sense of place and character.
May 1, 2024
I read an electronic version, but I think a paperback version would have been better. The artwork is exceptionally well done and the way the artist incorporated the different fonts made the supernatural elements easier to understand. That said, I do feel like a lot was lost in the transition from text to comic because I was often confused about what was happening. I find myself wanting to read the actual text to discover what I missed. The storyline and characters are interesting and well developed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this story, but maybe suggest reading the actual text first so the comic makes more sense.
October 8, 2024
A really good adaptation. That should be no real surprise though. Jody Houser seems to be the queen of adapting media to comics. The bastard of royalty grows up neglected in the keep, eventually being trained to become the assassin for the king. Good stuff.
October 19, 2024
j'adore énormément l'Assassin Royal et je pense que c'est une super adaptation, les personnages sont bien représentés, même si certaines choses sont bizarres ou sont amenés bien trop tôt par rapport à l'œuvre original
January 9, 2024
Assassin's Apprentice Volume 1 plunges readers into a visually stunning adaptation of Robin Hobb's captivating novel. The story unfolds around a young boy, the illegitimate son of the heir to the throne, navigating the complexities of his early life while training to become an assassin for the king.
The graphic novel format adds a dynamic layer to Hobb's rich narrative, bringing the characters and the intricate world to life with vivid illustrations. The protagonist's journey from an outsider to a skilled assassin is portrayed with both depth and nuance, capturing the essence of his coming-of-age amidst political intrigue and royal machinations.
The visuals, paired with the source material's compelling storytelling, create an immersive experience for readers. The graphic novel format effectively conveys the tension, emotion, and depth of the original narrative, making it accessible to both fans of the novel and newcomers to Robin Hobb's world.
Assassin's Apprentice Volume 1 stands as a testament to the successful translation of a complex and enthralling story into a visually captivating format, making it a must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy and intricate character development.
5/5
The graphic novel format adds a dynamic layer to Hobb's rich narrative, bringing the characters and the intricate world to life with vivid illustrations. The protagonist's journey from an outsider to a skilled assassin is portrayed with both depth and nuance, capturing the essence of his coming-of-age amidst political intrigue and royal machinations.
The visuals, paired with the source material's compelling storytelling, create an immersive experience for readers. The graphic novel format effectively conveys the tension, emotion, and depth of the original narrative, making it accessible to both fans of the novel and newcomers to Robin Hobb's world.
Assassin's Apprentice Volume 1 stands as a testament to the successful translation of a complex and enthralling story into a visually captivating format, making it a must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy and intricate character development.
5/5
January 25, 2024
Bonito dibujo y buena adaptación de la 1 parte de la obra de Robin Hobbs
January 27, 2024
So good and true to the original book. Loving the images, which fit what I already had in my mind.
April 1, 2024
Found it very boring, and it was hard to tell characters apart.
April 21, 2024
The graphic adaptation of the first of Robin Hobb's Assassin books. I am encouraged to read the series again, it's wonderful reading and it's been far too long.
October 18, 2024
Lost me at animal death. Terrible to see presented this way.
November 3, 2024
Très très cool ! J’avais envie de lire le livre et mon oncle m’a prêté la BD en me disant que ce serait une bonne intro. Maintenant j’ai encore plus envie de lire le livre mdr
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