Classic Comics Cavalcade: An Indie Classic Begins In ‘Bone Vol. 1: Out From Boneville’

One of the most lauded and well-loved independent comic series of the medium celebrates its thirtieth anniversary in 2021. It started as a simple self-published book in 1991, but went on to become one of the greatest fantasy adventures in comics, and this week, we’re going to take a look at its first volume – Bone Vol. 1: Out From Boneville.

Created by Jeff Smith (with colors added in later printings by Steve Hamaker), Bone is the story of three cousins- Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone- who begin the story having been kicked out of their home, Boneville. While it appears at first that this is a comedy, the story quickly builds into something more. There are talking animals, dragons, princesses, and, of course, stupid, stupid rat creatures. It’s very clear by the end of this first volume exactly what Bone is- the greatest epic fantasy story in comics.

When the Bone cousins are separated shortly after their exile from Boneville, the trio soon find themselves in the Valley, and at the home of Thorn and her Gran’ma Ben. However not everything is peaceful in the Valley. A group of monstrous creatures, the rat creatures, are searching for Phoney, and their presence may put the entire Valley in danger…

Bone is perhaps the first non-Marvel or DC comic that I was personally aware of. This first volume was serialized in Disney Adventures magazine and I loved it. It was a sweet tale that was hinting at a much bigger world, and a massively epic tale to come. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I found out about the larger series.

Unfortunately I’ve never read more than this first volume (and honestly before this week I’m not entirely sure I ever read the entire volume). However, after revisiting it this week, I’m not only determined to read the entire series, but to take the time to read it with my children. This is a perfect all-ages book. It’s not dumbing things down for the kids, and it’s not skirting around the horror, sadness or grander themes that Smith explores. At the same time, it gives parents plenty to look forward to, from the character relationships, to the excellent world building.

Even better, this book looks great. Smith is a fantastically gifted cartoonist, but he’s just a great artist in general. Starting the series with the extremely Disney-esque cousins eases the reader in, then it builds as he includes more and more. The rat creatures in particular show off his skill as at first they just seem like stylized hulking doofuses. But then suddenly, he turns that on its head, and shows them for their horrifying true form, with jagged claws and sharp teeth. They’re a true threat to not just the cousins but later in the volume Thorn as well.

As for the story, it seems pretty simple up until the point that Fone meets Thorn. Smith is smart to keep the plot fairly simple, as it allows him time to build up our hero over the course of the first few issues. Fone Bone is a smart and resourceful young man, and he never gives in to despair or hopelessness. The hand that he’s dealt is just what it is, and he’ll deal with it until he can reunite with his cousins and figure out what to do next.

But as I said, the story really hits its stride when Fone meets Thorn. He’s instantly stricken with the lovely young lady, and the two begin bonding immediately. Their relationship is the heart of the story, and Smith makes sure that it’s written well. Fone’s crush on Thorn doesn’t ever really cross a line, or feels gross. Crushes are a common and often natural thing, but Fone is mature enough to handle it appropriately, even when he gives in to moments of being dumbfoundedly smitten with her.

Now this first volume doesn’t do a lot with the other two Bones besides establishing their identity and personality. There is a shorthand with the trio as familiar archetypes, especially with Smith’s art style evoking Disney, where Fone, Phoney and Smiley each initially have a lot of similarities to Mickey, Donald and Goofy. However, in spending much of the time with Fone, we get to see him established as a fully-realized character, and it’s clear that similar development for the other two is planned for later volumes.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed revisiting this story. It’s the perfect all-ages book to share with a family, but it’s also great just to sit down and absorb all the great things Smith does. 

Bone Vol. 1: Out From Boneville is available in print and digital formats from Cartoon Books.