Review by Frank Plowright

Since his introduction the manipulative and power hungry Max Griffin has become an increasingly prominent character, and Prince of the Elves saw him ascend to that title in preference to Trellis. Trellis’ father has given up on him, and despite his first failure, he’s willing to invest some patience in Max. Emily’s confirmation as a Stonekeeper makes her a leader, but she’s secondary here to her brother Navin. He’s by some distance the best natural bot pilot around, but this is resented even among the staff.

After some initial explanation of what might be coming, Kazu Kibuishi splits the cast into two threads. The first has Emily and other Stonekeepers accompanying Max for a mission he’s devised. Can they trust him? Navin and other pilots are trapped in Lucien lacking resources to escape what’s now a very dangerous place.

Throughout the series Kibuishi has ensured the basic storytelling remains simple and clearly understood, but a number of people have been credited in the rear of the book for assorted other aspects of the art. Jason Caffoe, previously one of several named for backgrounds and colour now has an additional primary credit as Lead Production Artist, indicating he’s responsible for more than backgrounds and colour. A really appealing bonus of Amulet is the story pages interspersed with glorious painted spreads, which are more frequent here. The best of a good bunch refers to the title, showing just where the residents of Lucien escaped to. Unfortunately its days as a refuge seem to have come to an end.

Kibuishi is a very satisfying plotter over the long term. Escape From Lucien features the usual desperate and exciting adventure in a crisis, but finds room to include a joyous reunion and to lay some groundwork for what’s coming. A further strength is introducing new characters in passing who actually have larger roles to play. Regular readers will love the people fitting that description. That’s all in Lucien, and Kibuishi seems to be saving Emily’s problems for Firelight, but he does eventually return to her, and manages a big surprise there also.

Amulet has enthralled from the start and this is another great episode.