A New Talent Joins the Donjon: Aude Picault’s Unique Take

A new artist arrives in the Donjon. Illustrator Aude Picault takes the helm for the 18th volume of Donjon Monsters, titled Noces de fleurs. With her distinctive style, Picault brings a gentle intensity to this heroic fantasy universe, crafting a sequel to two previous stories.

Sailing the Donjon Seas!

The heroine of this new Donjon Monsters installment is Andrée Garnier, a mariner with a vital role in connecting the islands. She delivers supplies and transports tourists. On this particular trip, her passengers, Isis and Herbert, are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary with a romantic cruise. However, their idyllic journey quickly turns into an adventure when the boat is attacked by invisible archers. The ship sinks, leaving the trio stranded on an island. This initial calamity sets the stage for a strange chase as they struggle to identify their mysterious assailants.

Another mystery lies in the contrasting reactions to the attack. While Andrée is understandably shaken, her passengers remain remarkably calm, even blasé, as if accustomed to danger. Why is this seemingly ordinary elderly couple so skilled in combat? Meanwhile, Andrée’s reluctance to seek refuge on a nearby cemetery island raises questions. The story takes a twist when it becomes clear that the attack wasn’t aimed at the couple after all.

This volume thrives on the contrast between Andrée’s isolation-loving persona and the adventurous spirit of Isis and Herbert. Andrée, unaware of the violent conflicts between kingdoms, discovers the harsh reality of her world, resulting in humorous and surprising moments. Herbert, a famous hero, is offended that Andrée doesn’t recognize him, while Isis and Herbert’s battlefield instincts leave Andrée overwhelmed. Their well-coordinated dynamic adds another layer to the narrative.

Noces de fleurs: The Latest Trap from the Donjon

Every Donjon volume tempts readers to dive deeper into its expansive universe, and volume 18 is no exception. While it works as a standalone story, long-time fans will immediately recognize Isis and Herbert, key characters from the main series.

Their portrayal here is nuanced and emotional, reflecting their aging and the pain of knowing their son has become a tyrant, as revealed in a previous Zénith volume. Noces de fleurs bridges the recent future of the main series while also fitting seamlessly into the Donjon Monsters subseries. The story offers a surprising crossover, connecting the main characters with those from the 16th volume of Donjon Monsters, set in the City of the Dead.

Despite its strong ties to the broader Donjon universe, Noces de fleurs stands out. While humor remains a key element, this volume takes a gentler approach. The artwork, entirely by Aude Picault, emphasizes this softness with rounded forms, minimal details, and large swaths of pastel tones, dominated by light blue hues. The absence of borders around the panels further enhances the airy, light-hearted atmosphere.

Published by Delcourt, Donjon Monsters Volume 18 is a double triumph. Aude Picault makes a remarkable debut, delivering a pure and refreshing visual style, while Joann Sfar and Lewis Trondheim’s script deepens the series’ themes, exploring Andrée’s journey and the complicated parent-child relationships of Isis and Herbert. The conclusion promises even more to come, hinting at a dramatic parental revenge arc.

Explore more Donjon tales with our reviews of Dynastie et Magiciens and Potron-Minet 82.