I never get tired of seeing Ethan Aldridge's amazing watercolors in action. Whether its setting the scene with a lush environment full of rich color and depth or showcasing brilliant and stunning feats of bardic magic, the illustrations really make this story stand out from other fantasy graphic novels. Some of the panels could really stand as art pieces in their own rights. Also, for some reason, his troll designs always hit just right for the fantasy nerd in me.

I'm a big fan of Aldridge's Estranged series, which, in comparison, is somewhat more complex and action-orientated, but I appreciated Brightblade's more lower key nature. It prioritizes developing engaging character dynamics and plot over rigorous world building, making it more accessible to younger readers who may just be getting into fantasy. I really hope we see more from Alto and the troupe, since I loved seeing how they worked off of each other and played to each other's strengths.