There’s little original about The Elsewhere Chronicles’ story-four friends are trapped in another world and must find a way home, while fighting monsters and a mysterious, shadowy warlord. Originally published in French, the fourth volume has recently been translated into English-so consider this a review of the series so far.

The art is bright, colourful, and expressive, a blending of Japanese and European styles. Although the characters are archetypical, their emotions and expressions are genuine and are clearly conveyed to the audience. The artist has a particular talent for exciting, dramatic action scenes.

There are a few minor problems with the translation-it occasionally feels like something has been left out or skipped over. On the whole, the Elsewhere Chronicles are a fun, exciting, but somewhat derivative and shallow read. I plan on buying the rest of the series as it comes out, but it is by no means a must-have.

Rating: ✰✰✰ 1/2