Converting a popular graphic novel into an animated film has become a popular–and lucrative–path in recent years. Can it, however, ever work the other way? Have any graphic novels ever started their journey as movie scripts?
At least one has: Morr Meroz’s SNOWLANDS (A Blood Moon). It’s the story of Feba, an orphaned white wolf cub who suffers the blame for her pack’s misfortune–their food supply is dwindling–and, to escape being killed for it, runs off into the snowy wilderness. In the mountains, she stumbles upon Usha, a snow leopard, and a skittish young mountain cat, Batu. The three journey together to find the Seeress, a magical being Usha hopes can help find her missing cub. On the way, they encounter dangers, meet other friends (and foes), and collapse the boundaries of friendship and family.
The best way to think of SNOWLANDS is as a Disney/Dreamworks mashup. Feba is a young hothead who takes off running like the Lion King’s Simba. Usha is irascible but with a heart of gold like Ice Age’s Manny. She rejects Usha, who insists on tagging along a la Shrek’s companion Donkey, with variations on that pair’s I-hate-you-don’t-leave-me banter (Feba: “I wasn’t sure if you were going to eat me or not.” / Usha: “I still might.”) Batu has crazy eyes like Ed the Hyena and only says their own name, “Batu,” which is reminiscent of all sorts of characters, like Chewbacca. Early on, the trio finds food and information at Sanai Springs, a place where animals of all kinds mingle with no killing (Insectopia, anyone?).
Still, the tale is a good adventure story, appropriate for middle school, but no younger. There are, for instance, images of slaughtered wolves, their bright blood trickling across the white snow. The art style is manga-like, but with color–the series Seven Deadly Sins comes to mind. The humor is judicious, not overpowering, and the characters are insightful. Finally, there’s a reason why themes like courage, friendship, and finding one’s place will never go out of style–they still resonate, especially in the lingering aftermath of the worst global pandemic in modern memory.
The next installment in a long line of animal adventure stories, Morr Meroz’s SNOWLANDS (A Blood Moon) mixes stunning art with relatable characters to deliver a satisfying experience.
~Anthony Aycock for IndieReader