By Yvan Delporte & Peyo
Publisher: Papercutz
ISBN: 978-1-59707-208-3
This is the original book-length tale that introduced the Smurfs to the world. They don't even appear until at least halfway through, and even then they are support characters, but you do get a sense that by the final page the creators are thinking, Hang about, we're on to something here.
The story centres around Peewit, a small music-loving lad who loves playing instruments, and his older friend Johan. They both live in a castle and seem on exceptionally good terms with the king, although the exact relationship is never quite explained. Everyone's a little fed up with Peewit's music playing so when a merchant arrives selling musical instruments he is hastily shooed away before Peewit can see him, but not before he accidentally drops a flute. It isn't long before this ends up in the possession of Peewit who discovers that when you play it the listener can't help but dance, which of course he has to keep trying. He also discovers that if you play it for long enough the poor dancer drops into a faint, suggesting that the flute could be used for more sinister means. Its existence becomes known to a nefarious individual known as Matthew Oilycreep who seeks to obtain the flute for himself, while all the time somebody else is also watching from the shadows.
The story is beautifully executed and due to some fine re-colouring is as fresh as it was when it was first created. Its certainly something that can be enjoyed by a younger audience, but if you're an older fans of cartooning then there's enough humour, plot and wonderful illustration to hold your attention as well. Enjoy it while you can because with the impending film you may well be sick of the site of them by the end of the year.
And if you liked that: Book 3 is out soon
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