Other meanings of Amulet
Comics
Amulet is a fantasy graphic novel series created by Canadian author and illustrator Kazu Kibuishi, published by Scholastic under its Graphix imprint. The series follows Emily Hayes, a young girl who inherits a powerful magical amulet and must navigate the perilous world of Alledia to save her family. Known for its cinematic art and intricate world-building, Amulet has become one of the best-selling graphic novel series for young readers, with over 8 million copies in print.
The series begins with Emily Hayes, her younger brother Navin, and their mother moving to an old family house after the mysterious death of their father. There, Emily discovers a sentient amulet that leads the family to Alledia, a world threatened by the evil Elf King. The story follows Emily's quest to master the amulet's powers, which are tied to a stone that can either save or destroy the world.
Alledia is a richly imagined realm with floating islands, robotic allies, and a history of conflict between humans, elves, and other races. Kibuishi draws on classic fantasy tropes but infuses them with a modern, cinematic sensibility, often compared to Hayao Miyazaki's films for its visual storytelling and emotional depth.
Kibuishi, already known for his webcomic Copper and the anthology Flight, conceived Amulet as a response to the lack of epic fantasy in children's comics. He pitched the series to Scholastic, which launched it under the Graphix imprint in 2008 with The Stonekeeper. The series was planned as a multi-volume arc, with Kibuishi serving as writer, artist, and primary architect of the story.
Publication has been steady but with notable gaps; volumes have appeared roughly every two to three years. The ninth volume, Waverider, was released in 2024, and Kibuishi has stated that the series will conclude with the tenth volume. The books have been translated into multiple languages, expanding their global reach.
Critics have praised Amulet for its strong female protagonist, complex family dynamics, and exploration of grief and responsibility. Emily's journey is not just a battle against external evil but also an internal struggle with the amulet's corrupting influence, a theme that resonates with readers of all ages. The series has been a staple on bestseller lists and has won several awards, including the 2009 Cybils Award for Graphic Novels.
Educators and librarians have embraced the series for its ability to engage reluctant readers, and it is frequently recommended for ages 8–12. However, some critics have noted that the pacing can be uneven, and the large cast of characters occasionally overwhelms the narrative. Despite this, the series maintains a devoted fanbase and is often cited as a gateway into comics for young readers.
Beyond the main series, Kibuishi has expanded the Amulet universe through short stories and supplementary materials. A notable example is the short story "The Prince of the Elves," which appears in the Flight anthology and provides backstory for the Elf King. Kibuishi has also released concept art and sketches through his website and in special editions.
The series has been adapted into an animated film, with a script in development as of 2024, though no release date has been announced. Kibuishi has also cited influences from The Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons, and the amulet itself is inspired by the magical artifacts in classic video games like The Legend of Zelda. Fans have noted subtle references to these influences throughout the artwork.
All information is based on publicly available sources as of 2024.
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