The Smurfs #1: The Purple Smurfs
If Belgium’s two most obvious cultural contributions—a style of waffle and The Adventures of Tintin—are to be roundly applauded, what are we to say about the dubious third, the Smurfs? Although adults will be most familiar with the fad and cartoons from the 1980s, kids now have the chance to see the Smurfs in their original comics incarnation, and it turns out they deserve a warm welcome back. In the three Belgian originals reprinted here, the chubby, blue Hobbit-like creatures battle an outbreak of purple that turns Smurfs mean, try to invent a way to fly, and go on a frustrating hunt for a little solitude, always watched over by the smart but tough-as-nails Papa Smurf. More than a touch reminiscent of the current Sticky Burr books, these clever, entertaining stories featuring simple, charming art and a low-key message of community will prove a guilt-free recommendation for kids seeking lighthearted adventure. Just the same, you’ll want to brace for the onslaught of marketing that will no doubt pave the way for the upcoming film. Grades 1-4. --Jesse Karp--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.