In this energetic and fast-paced graphic novel by Kevin Cannon, we join Army Shanks, "crusty old sea dog and legendary brawler of the high arctic seas" on the search for Far Arden, a mythical tropical island in the high Canadian Arctic. All the pieces of a great adventure are here. There’s an innocent orphan child; a secret society; a femme fatale; a man-beast; two intrepid student journalists; the Royal Canadian Arctic Navy; and a magical creature, leading the way to an island paradise that may or may not contravene all the laws of nature.
Shanks’ mentor Simon Arctavius was last seen searching for Far Arden on his ship the Aereopagitica. Now the ship is back, but Arctavius is nowhere to be found. Enter Shanks — somewhat belligerent and a little the worse for drink — to pick up the search, unravel the conspiracy, and reveal some truths along the way. No one here, except perhaps Army, is who they claim to be, and there are more than enough double crosses and hidden motives to go around, with the island as the prize.
The book borrows some plot structure from classical adventure, but takes a vibrant and funny approach, making it impossible to put down. Cannon brings together the pieces of his puzzle expertly, and is not above arching an eyebrow or breaking the fourth wall as he drops in clues and characters…or resets the stage. Although the illustrations are black and white, these simple graphic elements lend a great deal to the story. Fight scenes include descriptive sound effects — just one example of why this is a story best told in the graphic novel format.
Army Shanks is a great take on the honorable and opinionated loner-hero, and the Canadian High Arctic is a new and different location for his quest. Think John Wayne in gumboots and a really heavy cable-knit sweater, and go find Far Arden if you dare!