Luke Pearson’s ‘Hilda and the Black Hound’ Review
From children’s books publisher Flying Eye Books comes the latest volume of Luke Pearson’s graphic novel series Hilda. The books are about a rambunctious young girl who lives in a world of myth and fairytale, a delicious mix of Norse like beasts mixed with Studio Ghibli-esque worlds. The combination of folklore and graphic novel used in this particular series of books is easily enjoyed by both children and adults alike, a term admittedly thrown around a lot when discussing comics, illustrated books or even art books, but one which rings particularly true in this instance. It is easy for both adults and children to associate some aspect of their lives to the plucky Hilda, a headstrong and stoic young girl, wise beyond her years. Transporting the reader back to a world still full of wonder, where every rock is a creature in waiting and every shadow can be a potential new friend or foe, Hilda represents every tom-boy girl or adventurous lad you knew as a child, whether they were a best friend, a sibling or yourself.
The books themselves are organised in a classic panel style of many graphic novels which ultimately delivers the narrative in a more intriguing way, presenting a far more engaging and lengthy story within a relatively thin book. They are beautifully printed and bound into volumes that will be treasured, as is the norm for both Flying Eyes and their sister company NoBrow, whose books are created with the individual artist’s vision in mind. This serves to incorporate everything we love about the printed medium and give the reader not just a story in a book but an object to hold, love and treasure.
The newest book in the series Hilda and the Black Hound follows our scrappy young heroine settling in to city life after joining the Sparrow Scout,s but when a mysterious, shadowey dog starts terrorising the city Hilda takes it upon herself to discover the beast’s shady past and its plans for the townsfolk. The book is dark, mysterious and charming in equal measure, Pearson having carved out a truly fascinating world, one he isn’t rushing to give away, choosing instead to explain the multitude of beasts and critters that inhabit his world as they come along, with an incredibly in-depth knowledge and detailed insights into the world of his imagining. 
I read all four current books in quick succession on a dark October evening and was fully engrossed into this little gir’sl thought process, her strength and humility in understanding not only her magical world but the even more mysterious and often harsh world of adults. The tenderness and compassionate character being developed within Hilda is brilliant, but at the end of the day she is still the gaudy, adventurous child you hope you were growing up – or you hope your children will be!
The artwork In the book is fresh, sharp and all altogether comforting. It combines a knowing nod to European cartoonists like Hergé with a slight hint of the day-to-day influence of the cutesy manga culture ever-present in today’s illustration community. That being said, Pearson’s style remains ultimately original, his attention to detail and superb colour palettes creating a timeless and unique vision, underpinned by a knowledge of human form which gives Pearson’s books the boldness to create such enjoyable and unforgettable characters.
Hilda and The Black Hound is available in most good bookshops and from Flying Eye Books‘ online shop. For a short time it is also possible to own your very own Hilda figurine the short run of these limited edition dolls are sure to be snapped up in the Christmas rush so get yours today here. For updates on this book and all the others in the Flying Eye Books collection like and follow their Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as for fun actives and exciting competitions.