Prince Valiant Vol. 18: 1971-1972

Title: Prince Valiant Vol. 18: 1971-1972
Artists and writers: Hal Foster and John Michael Murphy
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books, Inc., Seattle
Publication date: 2018
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets

The cover of volume 18 shows Hal Foster’s last page of 1788.

It was a terrific run by Hal Foster to work on series for 1788 weeks. It was time to step down and let John Murphy work on weekly Sunday strip for King Features. John Murphy seemed to have excellent grasp of world of Prince Valiant which was in the days of King Arthur. I loved seeing fantasy world. I liked things like even Prince Valiant horse named Arvak. It was fun seeing way Prince Valiant’s life had changed since long ago getting married to Aleta. How his life changed with having children. It was interesting in years seeing his character grow through multiple challenges. How his “singing sword” helped him win many battles of conflict. I also liked how story would play back in scenes by John Murphy to many years ago when Valiant fought a dinosaur. Now though it was said in Egypt the same creature was called a crocodile. Another mention was made about legends being told about Valiant fighting a giant. Valiant though recalls that person was very tall but not actually a giant.

I also appreciated that Valiant did not have super powers. I really appreciate world of Prince Valiant.

The Forward at beginning of book was named Memories of Hal and Jack. The Forward was by Brian Kane.

Here is what back cover says about Volume 18.

Prince Valiant was chosen Best story Strip by the National Cartoonist’s Society in 1971, the last year that Hal Foster’s full art on the strip appeared. With this volume John Cullen Murphy – Foster’s hand - picked successor- takes over working from Foster’s scripts and detailed page layouts. Prince valiant rescues Guiveric’s loved one from Astaric and begins an epic quest back to win the heart of Aleta, Val and Arn travel to Aleta’s Misty Isles, encountering a plot against Val’s life.


Allen Klingelhoets