Jeff Smith's Bone receives high praise for its engaging storytelling, detailed artwork, and memorable characters. Critics commend the seamless blend of humor, fantasy, and adventure. However, some note a slow start and pacing issues. Overall, it is celebrated as a compelling graphic novel with wide appeal.

Readers who relish imaginative, genre-blending narratives will gravitate towards Jeff Smith's Bone. Similar to aficionados of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, these readers appreciate epic adventures, richly-drawn fantasy worlds, and a blend of humor and dark themes.

Bone by Jeff Smith follows three cousins—Fone, Phoney, and Smiley Bone—who are exiled from Boneville and become entangled in a Tolkienesque war featuring dragons, monsters, and a lost princess, Thorn Harvestar, who seeks to defeat the Lord of the Locusts. Their adventures blend humor, fantasy, and epic battles, shifting from lighthearted to intense as they uncover secrets and fulfill Thorn's destiny.

Adventurous / Mysterious / Humorous / Fantastical / Emotional

- Bone by Jeff Smith is notable for being a self-published comic that became a mainstream success, winning multiple Eisner Awards, including Best Humor Publication and Best Serialized Story.
- The series was initially published in 55 irregularly released issues over the course of 13 years, from 1991 to 2004.
- Jeff Smith was heavily influenced by classic comic strips like Pogo by Walt Kelly, and animated movies, which is evident in the whimsical and expressive character designs in Bone.

**Fone Bone**  
The central character of Bone often portrayed as the voice of reason among his cousins, with a penchant for moderation and humility. He is recognizable for his iconic, simple design and deep appreciation for long stories, mirroring the author's own interests.

**Thorn Harvestar**  
The active protagonist of Bone, she is a farmgirl who embarks on a journey to discover the truth of her origins and fulfill her destiny. Over time, she evolves from a civilian to a warrior, and ultimately to a queen with deep connections to the spirit world.

**Phoney Bone**  
Fone's cousin and a deuteragonist known for his greed and mischievousness, often causing trouble with his schemes. Despite his flaws, he plays a crucial role in both inciting and resolving the story's events.

**The Hooded One (Briar)**  
A formidable antagonist who serves as the sorceress and intermediary for the overarching evil in Bone. Her sinister presence is enhanced by her mysterious identity and powerful magic.

**The Stupid Rat Creatures**  
Recurring comic antagonists depicted as bumbling, inept henchmen who contribute to Bone's humor. They often engage in humorous antics while also posing a legitimate threat at times.

Jeff Smith

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Bone

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Bone reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Bone | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Bone and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Bone Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Volume 1: “The Valley or Vernal Equinox”, Part 1: “Out from Boneville”

Volume 1, Part 1

Bone Volume 1, Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Volume 1: “The Valley or Vernal Equinox”, Part 2: “The Great Cow Race”

Volume 1, Part 2

Bone Volume 1, Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Volume 1: “The Valley or Vernal Equinox”, Part 3: “Eyes of the Storm”

Volume 1, Part 3

Bone Volume 1, Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Volume 2: “Phoney Strikes Back or Solstice”, Part 4: “The Dragonslayer”

Volume 2, Part 4

Bone Volume 2, Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Volume 2: “Phoney Strikes Back or Solstice”, Part 5: “Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border”

Volume 2, Part 5

Bone Volume 2, Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Volume 2: “Phoney Strikes Back or Solstice”, Part 6: “Old Man’s Cave”

Volume 2, Part 6

Bone Volume 2, Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Volume 3: “Friends & Enemies or Harvest”, Part 7: “Ghost Circles”

Volume 3, Part 7

Bone Volume 3, Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Volume 3: “Friends & Enemies or Harvest”, Part 8: “Treasure Hunters”

Volume 3, Part 8

Bone Volume 3, Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Volume 3: “Friends & Enemies or Harvest”, Part 9: “Crown of Horns”

Volume 3, Part 9

Bone Volume 3, Part 9 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Bone Character Analysis

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Themes

Bone Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Bone Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Bone Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Bone Essay Topics

Bone

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read Bone?

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