HORN SLAYER

A unicorn’s horn continues to be a bone of contention as Pacey Packer returns to the magical realm of Rundalyn on a rescue mission.

Hoping to restore the children from the Human Realm who had been turned to stone by evil unicorn Arkane—and chasing after an overstimulated dog she’s supposed to be minding—Pacey hurries over a rainbow bridge back to the land of the unicorns for a whirl of chases, captures, sudden reverses, and ad hoc schemes with a strong tendency to go wrong or, in the end, just barely right enough. And, as if Arkane, who will stop at nothing to get his broken horn back, isn’t threat enough, it seems that the horn itself, which can bring the stone children back at a touch, also turns to the bad anyone who even holds it for more than a few moments. Fortunately Pacey has allies, notably Slasher, a surly unicorn plushy, and its former owner, Carlos de la Cruz, to help out. Unfortunately the horn ultimately falls into the hands of…well, that’s a tale for the next episode. Nonstop action, expressive artwork, and witty asides give this strong reader appeal. Except for Carlos and some other human figures in the purple duotone comic art, who are tinted a pale mauve, the cast presents White. Phillipps includes a mini–drawing lesson at the end.

A refreshing change of pace for unicorn devotees a bit weary of the sugary, mild-mannered sort.