Sue Reichard (Children's Literature)
Artemis Fowl fans will not be disappointed with this graphic adaptation of the popular character from the series by the same name. A brief prologue introduces Artemis and provides the back story for unfamiliar readers. Fans may find it difficult to change their own visual images of the characters in this book as they are brought to life now on the printed page; they may gain some comfort in knowing that Fowl’s original creator was involved in this project, too. The underground fairy world, Fooly’s inventions and Fowl manor are brought to life, as well. The storyline stays true to the plot of the original book, and characters remain the same. The colors of the book are visually appealing, though the frames and text are small. The text size may be too small for some readers. This book is going to be a hit with Fowl fans and is sure to bring the reluctant reader to this fascinating fantasy series. 2007, Hyperion Books for Children, $12.99. Ages 10 up.

Ruth Gavin (Kutztown Book Review, Spring 2008)
Artemis Fowl, genius, criminal mastermind, 12-year-old, is possibly the only con artist who would imagine trying to rob the fairies of their gold. Combining his brilliant powers of deduction with the latest technology, Artemis locates a fairy and bargains for her “Book,” the key to all the fairies’ secrets. More brilliant reasoning lets him decode the fairies’ language, thus enabling him to set a trap for them and con them out of large amounts of gold. Artemis shares the stage with his fairy opponent, Holly Short of the Lower Elements Police recon squad (LEPrecon). The story allows both to be sympathetic characters and provides an opportunity for Artemis, a dedicated criminal genius, to express his wit, haughtiness, and yes, vulnerability as he amasses his fortune to find his lost father and cure his grieving mother. Some of Eoin Colfer’s original word play and wittiness are lost in this adaptation. For readers who have already devoured Artemis’s adventures, the characters are wrested from our imaginations and depicted according to the confines of the graphic novel genre. Everyone has enormous eyes and a choice of square or triangle-shaped face. Holly sacrifices her feminist attitude for a body that is virtually the same shape as every other comic book female: Barbie. As an addition to the Artemis Fowl series, this really is enjoyable, but I’m not sure how well it would stand on its own. Category: Fantasy. 2007, Hyperion Books for Children, $18.99. Ages 10 to 14.

Suzanne Libra (Library Media Connection, February 2008)
Artemis Fowl is a twelve-year-old, Irish criminal genius out to steal fairy gold. A fair number of readers know that already-having devoured the series in its original format. The first book in the series (Hyperion, 2001) is now available in graphic novel format. The art is cool, as befits a criminal genius, although I did have the usual reader's reaction: some of the characters just don't look like I imagined them. Everything is highly stylized, from the sharp-paned faces to the red tones for Fowl Manor and the blue tones in Haven City. A student's reaction to the book was, "I've got to get that!" However, this isn't just a book for aficionados. It is a complete story within itself so new readers can enjoy the journey as well. The two versions could also be used in language arts class for compare/contrast assignments. Purchase where the original version is popular or where graphic novels are popular (that covers just about every place, I think). Recommended. 2007, Hyperion Books for Children/Disney Publishing Worldwide, 112pp., $18.99 hc.. Ages 10 up.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2008)
This graphic novel adaptation of the first Artemis Fowl book presents Artemis in action as he schemes to capture a fairy and collect a golden ransom. Action scenes are presented from various visual perspectives, heightening excitement. Even readers familiar with the series will enjoy this new approach, though their conceptions of the characters (some poorly developed) may not match the pictures. Category: Intermediate Fiction. 2008, Hyperion, 112pp, 18.99. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.