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The Dresden Files Graphic Novels #0.5
Welcome to the Jungle
When the supernatural world spins out of control, when the police can’t handle what goes bump in the night, when monsters come screaming out of nightmares and into the mean streets, there’s just one man to call: Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the Chicago phone book. A police consultant and private investigator, Dresden has to walk the dangerous line between the world of night and the light of day.
Now Harry Dresden is investigating a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that has left a security guard dead and many questions unanswered. As an investigator of the supernatural, he senses that there’s more to this case than a simple animal attack, and as Dresden searches for clues to figure out who is really behind the crime, he finds himself next on the victim list, and being hunted by creatures that won’t leave much more than a stain if they catch him.
Written exclusively for comics by Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle is a brand-new story that’s sure to enchant readers with a blend of gripping mystery and fantastic adventure.
Now Harry Dresden is investigating a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that has left a security guard dead and many questions unanswered. As an investigator of the supernatural, he senses that there’s more to this case than a simple animal attack, and as Dresden searches for clues to figure out who is really behind the crime, he finds himself next on the victim list, and being hunted by creatures that won’t leave much more than a stain if they catch him.
Written exclusively for comics by Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle is a brand-new story that’s sure to enchant readers with a blend of gripping mystery and fantastic adventure.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2008
About the author
Jim Butcher
287 books48.7k followersJim Butcher is the author of the Dresden Files, the Codex Alera, and a new steampunk series, the Cinder Spires. His resume includes a laundry list of skills which were useful a couple of centuries ago, and he plays guitar quite badly. An avid gamer, he plays tabletop games in varying systems, a variety of video games on PC and console, and LARPs whenever he can make time for it. Jim currently resides mostly inside his own head, but his head can generally be found in his home town of Independence, Missouri.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
Jim goes by the moniker Longshot in a number of online locales. He came by this name in the early 1990′s when he decided he would become a published author. Usually only 3 in 1000 who make such an attempt actually manage to become published; of those, only 1 in 10 make enough money to call it a living. The sale of a second series was the breakthrough that let him beat the long odds against attaining a career as a novelist.
All the same, he refuses to change his nickname.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 637 reviews
July 21, 2018
Story: 5 stars!
Art: 5 stars!
That was really good! This is a prequel to the first novel in the Dresden Files series. I haven't read any of the novels so I went into this knowing nothing. I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting and engaging. The mythology was unique. It also had the best art I've seen in a while.
This graphic novel is definitely worth picking up if you like fantasy and mythology. Now I'm excited and looking forward to reading the novels :)
Art: 5 stars!
That was really good! This is a prequel to the first novel in the Dresden Files series. I haven't read any of the novels so I went into this knowing nothing. I was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting and engaging. The mythology was unique. It also had the best art I've seen in a while.
This graphic novel is definitely worth picking up if you like fantasy and mythology. Now I'm excited and looking forward to reading the novels :)
August 1, 2017
I like the Harry Dresden novels by Jim Butcher. So when I saw that Butcher had written a graphic novel, I was interested in seeing how well the images that Butcher created in my head were represented with Adrian Syaf's artistry.
Don't be put off by the dust jacket image (like I was). This is the only image that was not created by Syaf and it is way different from the well-crafted drawing that accompanies the story.
The story, on the other hand, is something you may find Dresden-lite. Harry is brought to the Lincoln Park Zoo, by his cop pal Murphy, to help explain a murder that the conventional Chicago cops would like to pin on one of the residents of the Ape House. The answer would be shocking if we were not already attuned to the supernatural.
Harry plunges ahead with his usual angst and shtick, almost getting killed, before the mystery is solved. There are a few flashbacks (all consistent with the novels) but no character development and none of the usual characters in evidence aside from the aforementioned two-dimensional Murphy, Harry's cat, Mister and Bob.
Pleasant enough, but you will not kick yourself for taking a pass on this one.
Don't be put off by the dust jacket image (like I was). This is the only image that was not created by Syaf and it is way different from the well-crafted drawing that accompanies the story.
The story, on the other hand, is something you may find Dresden-lite. Harry is brought to the Lincoln Park Zoo, by his cop pal Murphy, to help explain a murder that the conventional Chicago cops would like to pin on one of the residents of the Ape House. The answer would be shocking if we were not already attuned to the supernatural.
Harry plunges ahead with his usual angst and shtick, almost getting killed, before the mystery is solved. There are a few flashbacks (all consistent with the novels) but no character development and none of the usual characters in evidence aside from the aforementioned two-dimensional Murphy, Harry's cat, Mister and Bob.
Pleasant enough, but you will not kick yourself for taking a pass on this one.
January 10, 2019
A pretty great prequel to the Dresden Files. Harry investigates some murders at the zoo which of course, were NOT animal attacks. The story is simplified enough to fit in four issues. You do get introductions to Harry and Det. Murphy along with the wizarding world of Chicago. Jim Butcher wrote this. He does a good job of setting up the same vibe found in the books, so if you liked this, you should check out the Dresden Files. It's one of my favorite book series.
November 21, 2022
A fabulous, entertaining addition to the Dresden Files universe!
Harry Dresden is a hapless, down on his luck wizard. In fact, he's the only licensed wizard in the Chicago phone book. Business isn't exactly brisk so from time to time he acts as a consultant with the Chicago Police Department when the cases drift out of the mundane and into the realm of the paranormal. When Karrin Murphy, one of Chicago's finest, is called upon to investigate a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that left way too many weird questions from left field unanswered, she knew it was time to call on Harry's unique skills. One look at the crime scene was all that Dresden needed to realize that powerful black magic was at work.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE is an enjoyable graphic novel and a welcome extension (a prequel, actually) to the Dresden Files, a series that almost defies genre classification. While Harry Dresden assumes the role of the angst-ridden, hard-boiled detective with the self-sufficient, anti-authority attitude reminiscent of a John Corey or Harry Bosch, he's also a bit of a laughable bumbler. We've got fantasy, blended with comedy, the paranormal, cozy mystery, thriller and even a touch of heart-warming romance from time to time.
As with any venture into the paranormal, a certain suspension of disbelief is required. But the willing reader will reap abundant rewards - strong character development; gritty, realistic, easy-flowing, natural dialogue that has lots of lightweight comedic moments; good guys and bad guys that will evoke strong reactions; smiles, chuckles and laughs throughout; a new supernatural universe complete with rules governing the use of magic and an over-riding White Council, the government overseeing the appropriate use of magic as it were; a convincing glimpse at the criminal mind's twisted interpretation of honour and respect; and an enjoyable tale that will provide a few hours of pure entertainment.
Illustrator Adrian Syaf's art is first rate and, in an introduction, author Jim Butcher acknowledged that Syaf's visions of the characters were bang-on with the mental perception of the characters that up until now had only existed in Butcher's mind. I expect that should be interpreted as a compliment to both Jim Butcher's skills at narrative description and character development as well as Syaf's artistic abilities.
Even if WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE can't lay any great claims to literary merit, it sure is fun and a fabulous way to while away a couple of easy-going reading hours. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
Harry Dresden is a hapless, down on his luck wizard. In fact, he's the only licensed wizard in the Chicago phone book. Business isn't exactly brisk so from time to time he acts as a consultant with the Chicago Police Department when the cases drift out of the mundane and into the realm of the paranormal. When Karrin Murphy, one of Chicago's finest, is called upon to investigate a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that left way too many weird questions from left field unanswered, she knew it was time to call on Harry's unique skills. One look at the crime scene was all that Dresden needed to realize that powerful black magic was at work.
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE is an enjoyable graphic novel and a welcome extension (a prequel, actually) to the Dresden Files, a series that almost defies genre classification. While Harry Dresden assumes the role of the angst-ridden, hard-boiled detective with the self-sufficient, anti-authority attitude reminiscent of a John Corey or Harry Bosch, he's also a bit of a laughable bumbler. We've got fantasy, blended with comedy, the paranormal, cozy mystery, thriller and even a touch of heart-warming romance from time to time.
As with any venture into the paranormal, a certain suspension of disbelief is required. But the willing reader will reap abundant rewards - strong character development; gritty, realistic, easy-flowing, natural dialogue that has lots of lightweight comedic moments; good guys and bad guys that will evoke strong reactions; smiles, chuckles and laughs throughout; a new supernatural universe complete with rules governing the use of magic and an over-riding White Council, the government overseeing the appropriate use of magic as it were; a convincing glimpse at the criminal mind's twisted interpretation of honour and respect; and an enjoyable tale that will provide a few hours of pure entertainment.
Illustrator Adrian Syaf's art is first rate and, in an introduction, author Jim Butcher acknowledged that Syaf's visions of the characters were bang-on with the mental perception of the characters that up until now had only existed in Butcher's mind. I expect that should be interpreted as a compliment to both Jim Butcher's skills at narrative description and character development as well as Syaf's artistic abilities.
Even if WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE can't lay any great claims to literary merit, it sure is fun and a fabulous way to while away a couple of easy-going reading hours. Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
April 15, 2015
Not as good as the books, but still really fast and fun read! Only wish there was more Bob in it, but Dresden was hilarious as usual, so I couldn't give it any less than 5 stars.
Would recommend to anyone who's fan of the series.
Would recommend to anyone who's fan of the series.
August 7, 2013
Wow. This was so fun to read. I am a fan of the Dresden Files urban fantasy series, and it's wonderful to get some visuals to go along with the prose. Butcher wrote the foreword, and he said he was very happy with the way Harry comes out, that he'd always visualized Harry Dresden in this medium, since he grew up as a huge comic book fan. I'd tend to agree. I think the artist did an excellent job of capturing Harry and also Karrin Murphy and Carmichael. He captures Harry's physicality as well as his self-awareness of both his flaws and strengths. It was interesting to see Harry perform his typical spellwork and see him in action with his blasting rod and staff, and get a glimpse of his beloved VW Bug. While I watched the tv show, and I liked it, there were a few things they changed that I didn't care for, so this was a better way to visualize Harry outside of my own active imaginations, and truer to the plotlines of the books.
The storyline was very good. I loved the infusion of folklore and the underlying concept driving the story. The villain was really quite formidable and very creepy. Harry shows his heroism, even though he is often the underdog in the battle. And he definitely faces some serious obstacles, as always. I liked the secondary characters like Will. Of course, being an animal lover, I enjoyed the fact that this is set in a zoo.
Beautiful artwork, and great storytelling. What's not to like about this? Really glad to see Harry Dresden in the graphic novel medium. Will definitely read more of these!
The storyline was very good. I loved the infusion of folklore and the underlying concept driving the story. The villain was really quite formidable and very creepy. Harry shows his heroism, even though he is often the underdog in the battle. And he definitely faces some serious obstacles, as always. I liked the secondary characters like Will. Of course, being an animal lover, I enjoyed the fact that this is set in a zoo.
Beautiful artwork, and great storytelling. What's not to like about this? Really glad to see Harry Dresden in the graphic novel medium. Will definitely read more of these!
January 25, 2024
4.25 stars
February 28, 2018
I'm not sure if this would really have been all that great if I wasn't such a huge fan of the Dresden Files.
But I am. So it was.
In other words, don't trust my rating, because I'm not sure if it was any good or not.
That's how much I love Harry.
But I am. So it was.
In other words, don't trust my rating, because I'm not sure if it was any good or not.
That's how much I love Harry.
January 18, 2020
Basic Plot: When bodies begin piling up at a zoo, it's up to Harry Dresden to figure out what supernatural beastie is responsible and stop it before things get worse.
Graphic novels are definitely a different medium than traditional novels. When I first heard that these books were coming out I was worried that they wouldn't capture the characters and their attitudes effectively. This book definitely has the Harry Dresden sarcasm I know and love, though. Harry looks considerably less scruffy than I imagined (the hair wasn't nearly scruffy enough, but he did have chin stubble, so that's something), but all the narrative flavor is still there, and I enjoyed it immensely. Butcher actually did write this himself and it shows. His introductory letter explains that the art made him very happy, particularly the depiction of Harry, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much about the way Harry looks. The art was very solid overall, with the animals of the zoo looking particularly good.
The story takes place right before the events of Storm Front, so Harry is still fairly new to the PI/Consulting Wizard gig. Overall, it moved quickly (as a comic should) and let the images and words work together to tell the tale. It was a good book and a way to get more Dresden in between novels, and a little more Dresden is never a bad thing to me.
Graphic novels are definitely a different medium than traditional novels. When I first heard that these books were coming out I was worried that they wouldn't capture the characters and their attitudes effectively. This book definitely has the Harry Dresden sarcasm I know and love, though. Harry looks considerably less scruffy than I imagined (the hair wasn't nearly scruffy enough, but he did have chin stubble, so that's something), but all the narrative flavor is still there, and I enjoyed it immensely. Butcher actually did write this himself and it shows. His introductory letter explains that the art made him very happy, particularly the depiction of Harry, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much about the way Harry looks. The art was very solid overall, with the animals of the zoo looking particularly good.
The story takes place right before the events of Storm Front, so Harry is still fairly new to the PI/Consulting Wizard gig. Overall, it moved quickly (as a comic should) and let the images and words work together to tell the tale. It was a good book and a way to get more Dresden in between novels, and a little more Dresden is never a bad thing to me.
July 8, 2017
First read 28 December, 2009. Re-read 28 January, 2012. (The 28s are just a coincidence.) Re-read 31 October, 2013--the last few years, I like to celebrate Halloween with some Harry D. Happy birthday, pal.
A 4 star read in terms of graphic novels, although very simple and streamlined in comparison to any of the regular Dresden novels. A fun, quick read.
Turns out Butcher was inspired to write Harry in part by his love of comic books and characters like Peter Parker. It makes sense. This is a nice addition to the Dresden series. The story is pretty good, and Ardian Syaf's artistic style is very detailed. The art is better in terms of realistic detail than for the supernatural elements. The regular humans, animals, and surroundings are very well done. There's a lot to appeal to both male and female readers here (or should I say, those interested in men and those interested in women?). Harry is more handsome than I'd pictured him; Butcher notes that he looks very much as *he* pictures him. But the women aren't overdone pinup types, which is a nice change of pace! Zoo worker Will (Wilhemina) is a good addition to the Dresden cast of characters. (I wonder why Butcher didn't name her something else, since he already has a character called Will? There are other unisex names. Oh, well.)
A 4 star read in terms of graphic novels, although very simple and streamlined in comparison to any of the regular Dresden novels. A fun, quick read.
Turns out Butcher was inspired to write Harry in part by his love of comic books and characters like Peter Parker. It makes sense. This is a nice addition to the Dresden series. The story is pretty good, and Ardian Syaf's artistic style is very detailed. The art is better in terms of realistic detail than for the supernatural elements. The regular humans, animals, and surroundings are very well done. There's a lot to appeal to both male and female readers here (or should I say, those interested in men and those interested in women?). Harry is more handsome than I'd pictured him; Butcher notes that he looks very much as *he* pictures him. But the women aren't overdone pinup types, which is a nice change of pace! Zoo worker Will (Wilhemina) is a good addition to the Dresden cast of characters. (I wonder why Butcher didn't name her something else, since he already has a character called Will? There are other unisex names. Oh, well.)
April 12, 2020
Çok iyiydi! Dresden'i gerçekten çok özlemişim... Çizimler, hikaye akıp gidiyor. Romanlarını İthaki bıraktığından beri bir yayınevi alıp nasıl basmadı hala aklım ermiyor. Urban Fantasy'nin büyük ihtimal en iyi serisinden mahrum durumdayız resmen. Sevenlerini kızdırmak istemiyorum ama 9. kitabından sonra seksten başka bir şey anlatmayan Anita Blake'in bile 20den fazla kitabı çevrildi Türkçe'ye. Gerçekten üzücü. (Anita'nın çevrilmiş olmasına demiyorum bunu tabii ki hsjfkskdk)
June 23, 2019
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
This graphic novel is a prequel to The Dresden File series. It is set just before the events of Storm Front, book one. Here, Harry is called in to help CPD Sergeant Murphy investigate a strange murder at the zoo. It appears that gorilla killed a man, but the gorilla is in its enclosure. What gorilla will lock itself back into an enclosure after killing a man? It just doesn’t make sense.
This was a fun story. I always love to see Harry Dresden in action. In addition, we get some time with Murphy and Carmichael. Oh and I can’t forget Bob, the Skull and Mister, the cat. There’s also a really sweet girl zoo keeper who goes by Will, because she doesn’t want to go my Willamena.
I don’t want to go too much more into the story, because I don’t want to give anything away. However, I can talk about the artwork, which is very well done. It has dark drawings that fit well with The Dresden Files series. According to the Forward, written by Butcher, the characters are pretty much what he sees in his head when he writes. He also includes a bit about the process of writing for a comic versus a novel, which I found very interesting.
The one thing I thought was really funny (and I’ve never noticed with previous graphic novels, or if I did that with others, I didn’t notice it at the time), I read the pages with James Marsters in my head. He is just Harry Dresden for me.
The next book is Storm Front in graphic novel. I might grab that too, but I’m not sure when. I do enjoy comics as a general rule, but most of what I’ve read are from authors that I’ve read as novels (Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs and Laurell K Hamilton), but I’ve also read Jennifer Jones Alias and one of the many Deadpool books. I want to get more into the Marvel Universe that I love so much. Maybe even try some DC Comics too.
See some examples of the artwork below. Click on the images to see a larger version.
This graphic novel is a prequel to The Dresden File series. It is set just before the events of Storm Front, book one. Here, Harry is called in to help CPD Sergeant Murphy investigate a strange murder at the zoo. It appears that gorilla killed a man, but the gorilla is in its enclosure. What gorilla will lock itself back into an enclosure after killing a man? It just doesn’t make sense.
This was a fun story. I always love to see Harry Dresden in action. In addition, we get some time with Murphy and Carmichael. Oh and I can’t forget Bob, the Skull and Mister, the cat. There’s also a really sweet girl zoo keeper who goes by Will, because she doesn’t want to go my Willamena.
I don’t want to go too much more into the story, because I don’t want to give anything away. However, I can talk about the artwork, which is very well done. It has dark drawings that fit well with The Dresden Files series. According to the Forward, written by Butcher, the characters are pretty much what he sees in his head when he writes. He also includes a bit about the process of writing for a comic versus a novel, which I found very interesting.
The one thing I thought was really funny (and I’ve never noticed with previous graphic novels, or if I did that with others, I didn’t notice it at the time), I read the pages with James Marsters in my head. He is just Harry Dresden for me.
The next book is Storm Front in graphic novel. I might grab that too, but I’m not sure when. I do enjoy comics as a general rule, but most of what I’ve read are from authors that I’ve read as novels (Kelley Armstrong, Patricia Briggs and Laurell K Hamilton), but I’ve also read Jennifer Jones Alias and one of the many Deadpool books. I want to get more into the Marvel Universe that I love so much. Maybe even try some DC Comics too.
See some examples of the artwork below. Click on the images to see a larger version.
March 5, 2012
It was very cool to get this episode of the Dresden Files in graphic novel comic form. The art was fantastic, really bringing Harry and Murphy (and Bob and Mister) to life.
I'm also glad that Butcher wrote the story himself. The voice was right. So often a graphic interpretation loses the author's special touch.
And of course, this cool little story of the wizard named Harry makes me want to pick up the next Dresden Files novel.
Nicely done, Jim.
I'm also glad that Butcher wrote the story himself. The voice was right. So often a graphic interpretation loses the author's special touch.
And of course, this cool little story of the wizard named Harry makes me want to pick up the next Dresden Files novel.
Nicely done, Jim.
January 17, 2023
All of the best bits of a Dresden story, except with pictures!
There were a couple times the storyline had a bump in it, a slight jump without good explanation where something was skipped, but a constant reader of Dresden will know exactly what goes in that gap! A new reader might experience a bit of confusion, but only mildly.
There were a couple times the storyline had a bump in it, a slight jump without good explanation where something was skipped, but a constant reader of Dresden will know exactly what goes in that gap! A new reader might experience a bit of confusion, but only mildly.
October 18, 2018
Ik hou hiervan!!! Tof verhaal, vette graphics.
May 9, 2010
Welcome to the Jungle is a prequel story to the Dresden Files, showing one of Harry’s earlier cases for Murph. The story is a little thin, but interesting nonetheless. The illustrations of Harry and the other characters are in line with my own imaginings, although the wizard is a little sterner-looking than he might be. There were also a few continuity issues (a missing staff here, missing glasses there).
What I found most distracting were the boxes detailing Harry’s inner monologue. Since the books themselves are in first person, I suppose it was more natural for Butcher to give us clues into what Harry is thinking. In most cases the thoughts weren’t necessary, and even when they were they slowed the flow of the story. Still, it was fun to see Harry’s magic in full color and to get a peek at his apartment, Blue, and even Mister. The concept art at the back includes scenes from future books and looks promising. Overall, I enjoyed it enough that I’ll probably seek out the other GN adaptations in the future.
What I found most distracting were the boxes detailing Harry’s inner monologue. Since the books themselves are in first person, I suppose it was more natural for Butcher to give us clues into what Harry is thinking. In most cases the thoughts weren’t necessary, and even when they were they slowed the flow of the story. Still, it was fun to see Harry’s magic in full color and to get a peek at his apartment, Blue, and even Mister. The concept art at the back includes scenes from future books and looks promising. Overall, I enjoyed it enough that I’ll probably seek out the other GN adaptations in the future.
February 6, 2016
5 stars
Awesome comic book. Nice to see a story in the world of The Dresden Files in comic book form. Hags look very creepy. Glad Harry was able to stop them. Wonder if Will will show up again later in the series. Law of the Jungle always prevails. Also glad that Moe didn't die and was able to back with his family. RIP Dr. Reese and others. Very weird comic book too. Would be scary if the supernatural world existed. Can't wait to read more books in the Dresden Files series!!!!!
Awesome comic book. Nice to see a story in the world of The Dresden Files in comic book form. Hags look very creepy. Glad Harry was able to stop them. Wonder if Will will show up again later in the series. Law of the Jungle always prevails. Also glad that Moe didn't die and was able to back with his family. RIP Dr. Reese and others. Very weird comic book too. Would be scary if the supernatural world existed. Can't wait to read more books in the Dresden Files series!!!!!
April 29, 2021
In this prequel to the first book in the beloved Dresden Files series, Chicago PD’s Special Investigations unit calls in wizard Harry Dresden to investigate an impossible murder at the Chicago Zoo. The best they can come up with is, “The gorilla did it.” But Harry and Lieutenant Karen Murphy know something dark is happening, with the zoo at its center.
This was a pretty fun entry in the series. It’s nice to read something set fairly early in Dresden’s life, before things get so…messy. The mystery is pretty straightforward and engaging enough. Harry tries to be his sarcastic self but I think the shorter format interferes with that a bit. How many panels of snark are truly important to an action-packed story?
The artwork was mostly great. I had to look at a handful of panels for a few minutes, wondering what was going on or why the artist chose to portray the scene from such an awkward angle. I’m no artist myself though, so I may have just missed something. Harry is portrayed pretty much as I picture him but Murphy is a bit more complicated. I do know that she’s a deceptively cute little blonde, but I cannot get the tall brunette actress who portrayed her in the TV show out of my head. It was kind of nice to see her as she’s really described but a bit jarring all at the same time.
I recommend this for fans of the series who also like graphic novels. It’s not necessary to the overarching series plot but it’s a fun way to pass an hour or so.
This was a pretty fun entry in the series. It’s nice to read something set fairly early in Dresden’s life, before things get so…messy. The mystery is pretty straightforward and engaging enough. Harry tries to be his sarcastic self but I think the shorter format interferes with that a bit. How many panels of snark are truly important to an action-packed story?
The artwork was mostly great. I had to look at a handful of panels for a few minutes, wondering what was going on or why the artist chose to portray the scene from such an awkward angle. I’m no artist myself though, so I may have just missed something. Harry is portrayed pretty much as I picture him but Murphy is a bit more complicated. I do know that she’s a deceptively cute little blonde, but I cannot get the tall brunette actress who portrayed her in the TV show out of my head. It was kind of nice to see her as she’s really described but a bit jarring all at the same time.
I recommend this for fans of the series who also like graphic novels. It’s not necessary to the overarching series plot but it’s a fun way to pass an hour or so.
September 3, 2021
This is honestly a pretty fun entry in the Dresden Files. It's definitely nothing essential but I do like sometimes seeing where it all began. Compared to the last comic I've read ( in the Dresden File series) though the actual artwork I still wouldn't consider it good it's a much better use of colouring. Again not that good but art that conveys emotion. If you are a Dresden Fan and like comics, I would recommend it for that type of audience. It's entirely written by Butcher so the dialogue feels consistent with the main series. If you want to read about killer animals attack Dresden, you will have some fun.
February 19, 2009
This could be either a teen or adult graphic novel, since the Dresden Files fiction titles are considered to be adult titles. But if you are a fan, you will want to read this first graphic novel of the Dresden Files, particularly since it's an original story that takes place before his first title Storm Front.
Although there is a lot of violence, it is not very explicit, which makes it more acceptable for teen readers. Since I am an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed it, and particularly liked Butcher's comments at the beginning of the story about how he pictured the books as graphic novels or animated films, instead of the live-action series that aired on the Sci Fi channel.
I just have to comment on the debate about "graphic novels" vs. "comic books". Since I have been purchasing gns since 1999 for the 18-library system where I work, I have a lot of experience! The term "graphic novel" was thought up to describe a bound book- either trade paperback or hardcover, as opposed to individual issues of comic books, which come out more often and can be purchased at comic book stores.
So you can still purchase comic books, and then often they are gathered up and made into a complete story and become a graphic novel. Or they can be an original complete story. Whatever, they are two different animals, and Butcher's background is as a comic book reader, but now he has some experience in helping to produce a graphic novel! Nothing wrong with either one of them- great for reluctant readers, people who like art along with their story (I am one of those!), and definitely not to be looked-down-upon!
Although there is a lot of violence, it is not very explicit, which makes it more acceptable for teen readers. Since I am an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed it, and particularly liked Butcher's comments at the beginning of the story about how he pictured the books as graphic novels or animated films, instead of the live-action series that aired on the Sci Fi channel.
I just have to comment on the debate about "graphic novels" vs. "comic books". Since I have been purchasing gns since 1999 for the 18-library system where I work, I have a lot of experience! The term "graphic novel" was thought up to describe a bound book- either trade paperback or hardcover, as opposed to individual issues of comic books, which come out more often and can be purchased at comic book stores.
So you can still purchase comic books, and then often they are gathered up and made into a complete story and become a graphic novel. Or they can be an original complete story. Whatever, they are two different animals, and Butcher's background is as a comic book reader, but now he has some experience in helping to produce a graphic novel! Nothing wrong with either one of them- great for reluctant readers, people who like art along with their story (I am one of those!), and definitely not to be looked-down-upon!
December 23, 2010
Not bad, but not really as engaging to me as the rest of the series. The story is good, the portrayal of the characters is acceptable- i.e. nothing wrong but tough to compare with the images in my head- and the art decent. I like my version of Murphy a litle better- a little rounder in the face, smaller, more compact, with shorter hair- which makes the contrast with some of her attitudes greater and thus more fun. But in all cases, none of the characters are blatantly wrong, such as sticking a hat on Harry or making him too handsome. I think the Butcher's work flows a little bit better in text form than graphic novel as the action gets a little choppy and the reader gets a little bit less of the Harry I love with fear and humility and humanity and cockiness and everything all rolled in to one because the text needs to be edited to let the pictures have a large role. I still don't understand why so many comic books have different artists do different covers so hat you get several different visualizations of the main character that are all different but all "legitimated" by being published in a book, especially one with such heavy influence from the author. In the end, I probably won't bother to read graphic novels that are repeating the already published stories, but at the same time, I'd be happy to read another one when it contains a Harry story from outside the main series.
August 19, 2012
This was a quick read. It's an interesting story, a precursor to the novels that sets up some of the characters. The actual story, about unpleasant doings at a zoo, was fun and it definitely felt like the novels. The art was pretty good too - Dresden looks just like you'd expect. It's shallower than the novels, as it has to be, but still a good story for the series.
February 2, 2015
A pretty straight conversion from text to graphic novel. Not bad writing, not bad art. Dresden and Murphy should both have been thinner. Dresden should have been taller. Magic was handled pretty well and story was not a bad one. The Blue Beetle should have been way more battered. All in all not a bad start. 3.5 of 5.
January 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
The early Harry Dresden, aahhh the memories. This is the tame stuff compared to later books, besides it is one of the first graphic novels.
This is a fantastic series; I hope the graphic novels do it justice.
The early Harry Dresden, aahhh the memories. This is the tame stuff compared to later books, besides it is one of the first graphic novels.
This is a fantastic series; I hope the graphic novels do it justice.
January 27, 2017
Wow!! Wow! Dresden is exactly the way I'v pictured him! It was really a good read.
April 3, 2016
I have no idea how this comic came to be in my house, as it's
1) In Dutch, and I prefer to read comics in English
2) Part of the Dresden universe and I have little love for those books (although people insist on telling me that really the next book will really kick the series off, just read the next book! (Dresden fans have been telling me this since the first part and I'm still waiting)
There's no price scribbled on the first pages, so I couldn't have bought it second hand...and there isn't a sticker on the back (I always leave those on. ...yes I know), so I think this has been gifted to me or something.
Anyways, the weather was a ma zing, so the husband and I both grabbed something to read (he tookShadows of the Empire, check out that sweet cover. I brought this book cause it was as good a time as any) and walked to a nearby park to chill & get down with nature.
Yay:
- We get to see Dresden, Murphy, <3 Mister <3 et al as Butcher designed them
- Bob
- There are some nice full page spreads and Dresden pulls some hilarious faces
- Part of the reason I don't like to read Dresden, is because Butcher insists on fully describing every single character in detail in every single volume. Yeah, I get it. Mister is a gigantic monster truck of a cat and people mistake him for a mountain lion he is that big. i get it. There is none of that in this comic! Dresden lets the illustrations do the talking and I really, really appreciate that.
Nay:
- It's in Dutch and the translator included some really dated, toe-curling one-liners.
- Women are still introduced to either a) be saved by Harry, or b) to fight Harry
- And this is just a pet peeve, but my jimmies are still rustling so here it comes; I've been introduced to Karrin Murphy at least four different times, maybe more. She is short. Like, 1.50 m short (that's 4 feet and 11 inches). I know that. It's been burned in my head, I won't forget it ever. And Harry is 2.07 m (6 feet and 9,5 inches), which is exactly my husbands length, so I won't ever forget that either. Yet in this comic, the top of her head reaches his shoulder. Artistic freedom!! Yes, I know, but in the back there are a few character sheets and again it is mentioned that she's short 'n' feisty, and he's tall and solemn. Get it right.
All in all I appreciate Dresden more in a comic format than the novels I've been reading, so three stars for that. Still selling this one, though.
1) In Dutch, and I prefer to read comics in English
2) Part of the Dresden universe and I have little love for those books (although people insist on telling me that really the next book will really kick the series off, just read the next book! (Dresden fans have been telling me this since the first part and I'm still waiting)
There's no price scribbled on the first pages, so I couldn't have bought it second hand...and there isn't a sticker on the back (I always leave those on. ...yes I know), so I think this has been gifted to me or something.
Anyways, the weather was a ma zing, so the husband and I both grabbed something to read (he tookShadows of the Empire, check out that sweet cover. I brought this book cause it was as good a time as any) and walked to a nearby park to chill & get down with nature.
Yay:
- We get to see Dresden, Murphy, <3 Mister <3 et al as Butcher designed them
- Bob
- There are some nice full page spreads and Dresden pulls some hilarious faces
- Part of the reason I don't like to read Dresden, is because Butcher insists on fully describing every single character in detail in every single volume. Yeah, I get it. Mister is a gigantic monster truck of a cat and people mistake him for a mountain lion he is that big. i get it. There is none of that in this comic! Dresden lets the illustrations do the talking and I really, really appreciate that.
Nay:
- It's in Dutch and the translator included some really dated, toe-curling one-liners.
- Women are still introduced to either a) be saved by Harry, or b) to fight Harry
- And this is just a pet peeve, but my jimmies are still rustling so here it comes; I've been introduced to Karrin Murphy at least four different times, maybe more. She is short. Like, 1.50 m short (that's 4 feet and 11 inches). I know that. It's been burned in my head, I won't forget it ever. And Harry is 2.07 m (6 feet and 9,5 inches), which is exactly my husbands length, so I won't ever forget that either. Yet in this comic, the top of her head reaches his shoulder. Artistic freedom!! Yes, I know, but in the back there are a few character sheets and again it is mentioned that she's short 'n' feisty, and he's tall and solemn. Get it right.
All in all I appreciate Dresden more in a comic format than the novels I've been reading, so three stars for that. Still selling this one, though.
June 25, 2010
Right off the bat I want to say how much I enjoyed this graphic novel. It opened a door for me that I didn’t expect to go through. I have heard of Jim Butcher and seen his novels on the NYT Bestseller Lists but had not given any of them a chance. What a big mistake. The graphic novel straightened all misconceptions of his characters and his writing style out for me. I am now a huge fan. Ardian Syaf did the artwork and is an awesome collaboration.
The main character, for the uninitiated like myself, is Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the Chicago phonebook. He is also a police consultant and private investigator. Dresden has to walk the fine line between the world of night and day. The setting for the graphic novel is a zoo. Weird stuff happens and the police call in Harry; the fun begins. The fun starts right from the get go as I read the intro by Jim Butcher. He is a lot of fun and his writing style is incredible.
I like it when authors of major franchises like Butcher, Patterson, Evanovich, take their characters the graphic novel route. It is a different medium for us the reader to get a different sense of the characters because now it is not just written it is visual also, and that adds a new dimension to it. I have to say that I am going to find more of the graphic novels if there are any, then go right to his novels. It is an awesome ride; do not pass it up.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day!
The main character, for the uninitiated like myself, is Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the Chicago phonebook. He is also a police consultant and private investigator. Dresden has to walk the fine line between the world of night and day. The setting for the graphic novel is a zoo. Weird stuff happens and the police call in Harry; the fun begins. The fun starts right from the get go as I read the intro by Jim Butcher. He is a lot of fun and his writing style is incredible.
I like it when authors of major franchises like Butcher, Patterson, Evanovich, take their characters the graphic novel route. It is a different medium for us the reader to get a different sense of the characters because now it is not just written it is visual also, and that adds a new dimension to it. I have to say that I am going to find more of the graphic novels if there are any, then go right to his novels. It is an awesome ride; do not pass it up.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Facebook. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, Book Blogs, and also look for our posts on Amazon. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; we will see you tomorrow. Have a great day!
July 25, 2012
I recently decided to start reading through the "essential" graphic novels, mostly because I was getting a little bored with the novel I was reading and was looking for a break. While looking for a different title at the library, I came across Welcome to the Jungle. Being a big Dresden fan, I had heard of the novel before, but I had never read it. In fact, I think it's the only published Dresden literature that I had not read...so I had to pick it up.
The bottom line, Welcome to the Jungle plays out very much like many of the Dresden short stories (see Side Jobs). It still has a lot of the Dresden charms like powerful magic and Harry's wit, but what it lacks is the twisty plot that you get in the full-length novels. I liked it, but I didn't think it was quite as good as a Dresden novel.
The artwork was pretty cool, very detailed. I thought the colors were particularly good. Harry was pretty close to my own visualization and I think that helped pull me in.
I gave this a 3, but I would probably say it's more of a 3.5. It was a good, fun, quick read. I would recommend it to any Dresden fan.
The bottom line, Welcome to the Jungle plays out very much like many of the Dresden short stories (see Side Jobs). It still has a lot of the Dresden charms like powerful magic and Harry's wit, but what it lacks is the twisty plot that you get in the full-length novels. I liked it, but I didn't think it was quite as good as a Dresden novel.
The artwork was pretty cool, very detailed. I thought the colors were particularly good. Harry was pretty close to my own visualization and I think that helped pull me in.
I gave this a 3, but I would probably say it's more of a 3.5. It was a good, fun, quick read. I would recommend it to any Dresden fan.
May 3, 2009
Jim Butcher admits in the introduction that in his head, Harry Dresden plays out in comic book / graphic novel form, and so he's really excited about the opportunity to "translate" his books into this medium. "Welcome to the Jungle" is a made-for-graphic-novel prequel to Storm Front, in celebration -- and anticipation of -- the books ebing converted into graphic novel form.
I don't appreciate this medium as much as I do a regular, good old book, I admit. However, it doesn't detract from an all-too-short Harry Dresden adventure, with the wry humour I've come to expect from Mr Butcher.
It of course was a fast read.
The good thing about this, however, is that it really is like the books. So Harry is sporting a wooden sigil-inscribed staff, and NOT a hockey stick, for example. I didn't mind the tv adaptation, but it's nice to not have to rationalise away things like that, y'know? :)
That said, I wouldn't bother buying "Welcome to the Jungle". Just check it out from your local library. That's what I did :)
I don't appreciate this medium as much as I do a regular, good old book, I admit. However, it doesn't detract from an all-too-short Harry Dresden adventure, with the wry humour I've come to expect from Mr Butcher.
It of course was a fast read.
The good thing about this, however, is that it really is like the books. So Harry is sporting a wooden sigil-inscribed staff, and NOT a hockey stick, for example. I didn't mind the tv adaptation, but it's nice to not have to rationalise away things like that, y'know? :)
That said, I wouldn't bother buying "Welcome to the Jungle". Just check it out from your local library. That's what I did :)
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