The Murder of King Tut

May 1, 2011

Gr 8 Up-Two stories are told in this hardcover edition of the five-issue comic book based on the print novel by James Patterson and Martin Dugard: that of the boy king Tutankhamen and that of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered Tut's tomb. Two different artists, each employing a distinct style, illustrate the book. Carter's early-20th-century story is drawn in smooth lines and muted colors, while ancient Egypt looks harsher and bolder. Unfortunately, this drawing style makes characters difficult to distinguish, and the scarcity of proper names in the dialogue doesn't help. Even readers familiar with Egypt's New Kingdom period may have trouble keeping track. In addition, one character's name is variously spelled "Aye" and "Ay" throughout. Carter's tale has its own problems. Chiefly a story about a man digging in the desert and finding nothing, it is talky and uneventful, especially contrasted with the wars and murders of dynastic Egypt. Twice, readers suddenly become privy to Carter's thoughts, as internal monologue takes on narrative duties. And the novel closes with an appearance by Patterson himself, who suggests that both Carter and King Tutankhamen may rest somewhat easier now that he has solved the mystery of the Boy King's death. Money would be better spent on a less-fictionalized nonfiction title, such as Zahi Hawass's Tutankhamun (National Geographic, 2005).-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

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