I've heard a lot of criticism of this book and not all of it good, which surprises the hell out of me because I enjoyed reading Rose more than a lot of books in recent memory. Granted, I love Bone, and while Jeff Smith himself is telling people that this series is a completely self-contained prequel, I consider it essential reading. Even if you don't read Bone!

The story revolves around a very young Gran'ma Ben and her sister, Briar. A lot of the older characters make an appearance in one form or another - like Lucius and the Dragon - and Rose really sets the stage for the events that occur from Bone #1 onwards. Why everything is the way it is, if you will. What the Gitchy feeling is and what the history between Gran'ma and Lucius really is. Great stuff.

And that's not even taking into account the absolutely amazing artwork by fantasy master, Charles Vess. Charles has made a name for himself doing adaptations of fairy tales and anything that Neil Gaiman writes, and here he takes his craft another step further. The linework is precise and democratic, like Hergé's Tintin. He achieves a wonderful balance of colours and forms where no object overpowers any other in any individual panel. And the colours are lush and organic bringing Jeff Smith's world to life.

I can't say enough good things about Rose. I would give this book, and the two as yet unpublished issues, my highest recommendation sight unseen. If they are half as good as the first issue, you're in for a treat. So whether your a regular reader of Bone, a casual reader or a complete newcomer to the series, Rose is the fantasy fix for you.