L' Épée d'Ardenois #1

Étienne Willem's L'Épée d'Ardenois opens its first volume, Garen, with a cover that immediately signals a richly detailed anthropomorphic fantasy adventure. Three animal warriors — a hulking bear wielding a massive battle-axe and rifle, a sharp-eyed lynx in a dark cloak, and a wide-eyed rabbit — pose together with the quiet confidence of seasoned companions. Published by Paquet in 2010, this is a promising start to what looks like a wonderfully textured world of swords, fur, and camaraderie.