A stunning graphic novel edition of the classic fantasy adventure, with a foreword by Theo Downes-Le Guin.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin was first published in the UK in 1971 and has been considered a classic of children's fantasy ever since. It follows the story of Ged, a poor smith’s son, who discovers a magical talent and is sent away from home to a wizard school. During a duel with a fellow student, he summons a terrible shadow creature which he tries to banish, but it continues to haunt him long after he finishes his magical training. Finally he seeks advice from his old master Ogion, who tells him to confront the creature rather than flee it – that fears and shadows are to be faced, and that darkness is as much a part of us as the light.

A beautiful, skilful adaptation of a classic of children’s literature for a new readership and new generation – making this remarkable book accessible to visual, reluctant readers as well as graphic novel fans.

Prizes

Nominated for Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2026 (UK)

Sweeping landscapes and intricate character drawings bring a visual angle to Le Guin’s tale of a wizard haunted by his own creation. * The Bookseller *
Fordham has created a series of gorgeous landscape for this graphic novel edition. * The Bookseller *
A beautiful graphic novel, faithful to the original and full of stunning art! Absolutely delighted to own such a pretty book. * Waterstones.com *
A beautifully illustrated tale that is a must-have for fans of Ursula Le Guid. This captivating classic we all love truly comes alive through the stunning artwork! * Waterstones.com *
The most beautiful art […] You can clearly see the love that went into its creation and the respect for the source material. Highly recommend for fans of Le Guin, graphic novel enjoyers and anyone who loves art and a good story. * Waterstones.com *

Fred Fordham is a British artist and author of graphic novels. His most recent projects were the adaptation and illustration of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, and the text adaptation of The Great Gatsby. He's designed and drawn several other comics including Philip Pullman’s debut graphic novel, The Adventures of John Blake, and produced illustrations for The Phoenix, The Guardian and Aces Weekly.