The Inkberg Enigma
Age 8+
Comic Strip Fiction / Graphic Novels
A graphic-novel mystery adventure for eight- to twelve-year-olds in which a girl and boy uncover the secret that has corrupted their seaside town
Miro and Zia live in Aurora, a fishing town nestled in the shadow of an ancient castle. Miro lives in his books; Zia is never without her camera. The day they meet, they uncover a secret. The fishing works, the castle, the town council: all are linked to an ill-fated 1930s Antarctic expedition. But the diary of that journey has been hidden and the sea is stirring up unusual creatures. Something has a powerful hold over the town. With Zia determined to find out more, Miro finds himself putting aside his books for a real adventure.
The Inkberg Enigma is an exciting adventure with a strong filmic narrative.
Resources
Creators
Jonathan King’s comics have featured online and in anthologies. King is a prominent filmmaker whose debut feature Black Sheep remains one of New Zealand’s biggest-selling feature films. Its international awards include the Audience Award at the Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival, the Silver Raven at the Brussels Fantastic Film Festival and the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. King co-wrote, produced and directed a film adaptation of New Zealand children’s classic Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee, starring Sam Neill, which has been released worldwide. The Inkberg Enigma is his first children’s book.
Reviews
There are so many elements to love in this fast-paced, contemporary read that is full of adventure and heart… I would confidently place this in the hands of bookish 8 year olds to reluctant teens, and any adults that enjoy a graphic novel
Magpies Magazine
With an array of blended, multilingual, and multiracial families and diverse gender representation, this book is beautifully inclusive … Villains, magical books, and creatures from the deep combine for a fast-paced, rollicking graphic mystery.
Kirkus Reviews
In the best tradition of classic comics, the baddies get their comeuppance in this tale of an endearing couple of oddball kids.
The Listener, 50 Best Kids' Books of 2020
