Euro Preview — ‘Yakari: Fury From The Skies’ Brings Us Nature And Adventure

by Richard Bruton

More Euro comics adventures with the brave little Yakari, whose adventures are gentle things, rich with nature and humanity….

Apologies, one and all… I usually give you these Cinebook previews in the month of release… but it’s been a busy November and December here in Bruton Mansions and things have slipped in the schedules a heck of a lot! Anyway, rather than just ignore them, I did want to give you our usual preview of the latest Cinebook releases.

Yakari‘s a title created in 1973 by writer Job and artist Derib. There have been 42 volumes to date in Europe published by Casterman and Le Lombard, with Joris Chamblain taking over writing duties. It’s relatively unknown in North America and Britain, but it’s a huge series that’s already been twice adapted into a TV cartoon series and a 2020 animated movie.

What makes it so special is the gentleness and environmental approach the comic takes. Yakari and his indigenous tribe live in harmony with the Great Prairie, in synergy with the animal life and the season cycle of their world. Yakari, with his ability to talk with the animals, travels the prairie with faithful mustang. Little Thunder. and has all manner of adventures that are just so delightfully gentle and caring. It’s a book full of both humour, adventure, and plenty of warmth and kindness. It’s just a perfect thing for ages 6 and up.

Here in the latest volume from Cinebook, things are not as idyllic as they usually are, with the heat of a terrible summer bringing everyone to anger all too quickly. There are conflicts between friends, questions over the leadership of the tribe, before nature takes a devastating and potentially deadly path as a tornado roars through their camp. In the aftermath, the tribe needs to rebuild and to find those missing. So, off goes Yakari to look for them.