MISC. MANGA, *The Dragon Prince: Bloodmoon Huntress

Being the second graphic novel based on the Netflix high fantasy series, The Dragon Prince: Bloodmoon Huntress takes place chronologically before the first volume as its all happens years prior to the first TV season, also known as Book One. Writer Nicole Andelfinger has already written for existing franchises like Power Rangers, Dark Crystal, and Steven Universe, and artist Felia Hanakata went on to draw for the third Dragon Prince graphic novel. Set in the past, we learn more of Rayla's origin when she was a young elf after her parents left. This comic sets up events that would play out later in the TV series, especially in Book Five.

Tasked with guarding the Dragon Queen, Rayla's mother and father had to leave the Moonshadow Elf village Silvergrove, along with their daughter in the care of their best friends, Runaan and his husband Ethari. Rayla eventually learns that Runaan is in reality a trained assassin and discovers how much effort goes into training to be one. She also befriends a Skywing Elf boy named Suroh whose parents have been captured by a Kim'dael, an ancient Moonshadow Elf who founded the Order of the Blood Moon. Kim'dael uses the blood of sacrifices to prolong her life, and her latest attempt to consume some blood will help her come out of her latest little dirt nap. Rayla and her surrogate fathers manage to free Suroh which set back Kim'dael's plans for another few years.

Bloodmoon Huntress is a great look into Rayla's earlier years and how this event helps shape her into the fearless warrior that has helped save the day dozens of times throughout the course of The Dragon Prince TV series. You can also see how Runaan's tutelage would have an effect on Rayla and the bond she formed with her two other fathers. There is attractive artwork and a great focus on the characters we've only just gotten to know briefly in their animated adventures. Read this before you start binging episodes of the awesome otherworldly saga.