Graphix celebrates its 10 year anniversary with Jeff Smith’s 'Bone'

The Scholastic imprint releases a tribute edition of their first graphic novel for young readers

To celebrate their 10 year anniversary Graphix has released a special tribute edition of their first release "Bone #1: Out from Boneville," the first book of Jeff Smith's award-winning "Bone" series.

Graphix was launched by Scholastic in 2005 to bring a variety of graphic novels geared to kids. The first graphic novel they published was a full color version of "Bone: Out from Boneville."

Bone began in 1991 as a self-published black-and-white comic book that ran 55 issues. The fantasy series tells the tale of the three Bone cousins Smiley, Phoney, and Fone Bone, as they journey far from Boneville and come across a mysterious valley. They are taken in by a farm girl Thorn and her Gran’ma Ben. As the story progresses the Bones learn there is much more to their new friends and help the women in their struggle to free their valley from the evil Lord of the Locusts along with his minions the Hooded One and her terrible rat creatures.

Smith has created a timeless fantasy that should be on every kid’s (young and old) book shelf. The story is funny, heartwarming, suspenseful, and a bit scary – elements that guarantee readers will be enthralled from start to finish. Smith’s artwork is wonderful cartooning with great characters, beautiful landscapes, and exciting action.

Graphix has collected the "Bone" comics into a full color series of nine graphic novels. And while Smith’s original black-and-white art is gorgeous, the colors by Steve Hamaker add a breathtaking layer of beauty to the story.

So to celebrate their milestone, Graphix has created a wonderful birthday party within the pages of this tribute edition. Not only do you get the wonderful first part of the "Bone" story, there are many "party favors" as well. There is a new illustrated poem from Smith along with 16 pages of "Bone"-inspired artwork from some great comic artists including Doug TenNapel and Raina Telgemeier.

It's a great vehicle allowing kids and their parents to discover or revisit Smith’s wonderful world.