In the adaptation of Assassin’s Apprentice (the celebrated novel by Robin Hobb), the team behind the comic brings the story’s beloved elements to life while also adding new layers and dimensions. In an exclusive chat with Hobb as well as comics writer Jody Houser, and artist Ryan Kelly, we dig into the comics adaptation as the graphic novel collection recently hit shelves.
When asked what aspects of the original story were essential to capture in the adaptation, Hobb emphasizes that beginning the story with young Fitz was essential, capturing the influences and mentors who shape him into the complex character readers love.
“I really wanted the story to start with Fitz as a young boy so that readers could see the influences and various mentors who shaped him,” Hobb shared.
Kelly echoed the importance of portraying Fitz’s connections.
“The whole cast of people orbiting Fitz’s life are so rich in characterization and life that there is never a dull moment in Buck,” he said. Kelly sought to bring depth to Fitz’s often lonely and isolated life by showing the rich dynamics of those around him, giving readers insight into the kingdom’s struggle after the loss of Prince Chivalry.
Houser, known for her other adept adaptations, focused on the intricate world that Hobb built, aiming to keep fans of the novel grounded in its familiar setting while presenting it through the new medium.
“I wanted to make sure that people who loved Assassin’s Apprentice felt at home reading the comics,” Houser explained
The team carefully balanced the dark, complex themes of Hobb’s work with the visual strengths of the comic medium. Kelly noted their use of unique visual techniques, such as tapestry-like panels and aged paper textures in flashbacks, adding layers of storytelling.
Kelly added, “There is a lot of action and intrigue that occurs off-panel and behind-the-scenes, and this is how we show it in an economical, yet illustrative way.”
As such, working with such a skilled team has been an asset to Houser.
“Mostly by being lucky enough to work with an amazing art team,” she said, crediting Kelly and colorist Jordie Bellaire’s artwork in capturing the story’s layered world.
The cover to Assassin’s Apprentice III #1. Courtesy Dark Horse Comics
The adaptation process proved to be a harmonious collaboration. Hobb expressed her satisfaction, explaining that the team kept her in the loop at every step.
“I was kept informed at every step of the way, and seldom found anything that I felt needed to be corrected,” she said. Meanwhile, Kelly also noted the creative freedom he enjoyed, with feedback serving as valuable guidance rather than restrictive oversight.
Specific moments from the novel, particularly the interactions between Fitz and the Fool, were vital to capture. Houser emphasized that this relationship was central to the novel and needed to be portrayed authentically, as it impacts the rest of the series.
“All of the interactions between Fitz and the Fool felt crucial to me,” she shared, underscoring the Fool’s unique character and influence on Fitz.
Translating Fitz’s internal conflicts visually posed a unique challenge. Hobb acknowledged the team’s inventiveness in depicting the two distinct magical abilities, the Wit and the Skill, through art.
“They conveyed it with art and a few sentences!,” Hobb said, appreciating how they managed to visually represent something she had described in several paragraphs.
Kelly also highlighted the importance of facial expressions in capturing Fitz’s emotions and inner struggles, noting the essential contributions of Bellaire and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
“There are times I don’t quite nail the panel or scene, and they end up elevating me,” Kelly said, pointing to the collaboration’s effectiveness.
With the upcoming volume three of Assassin’s Apprentice launching in December, Houser reassured fans that the project continues to follow the initial plan, allowing each scene to breathe and highlighting the world’s complexity. As Houser explained, “The number of issues we had to work with really meant we could let moments breathe that needed to.”
The adaptation of Assassin’s Apprentice offers new perspectives on the beloved tale, blending Hobb’s narrative depth with the rich, imaginative visuals of Kelly and Bellaire, all guided by Houser’s thoughtful scripting. Hobb herself finds delight in the visual portrayal, especially in the subtle expressions that the team brings to life.
“It’s one thing to type, ‘He was surprised,’ and quite another to see how an artist with just a line or two on the character’s face can convey so much,” Hobb said. “Like magic.”
For readers familiar with the novel, the Assassin’s Apprentice comic offers a fresh, immersive experience, one that retains the soul of Hobb’s story while exploring new creative possibilities.
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