Kalevala #[nn]

Marko Raassina brings Finland's great national epic to life in this charming graphic adaptation from Arktinen Banaani. The cover sets a wonderfully quirky tone, featuring a wide-eyed, long-bearded elder perched atop a massive tree stump — a small but spirited figure raising one hand in greeting, with a rustic village and rolling hills stretching out behind him under billowing clouds. It's an irresistible blend of ancient myth and playful cartoon energy that makes the Kalevala feel fresh and approachable for 2015.