Review: Part of Your World A Twisted Tale Graphic Novel

In Part of Your World: A Twisted Tale, Ariel story gets a twisted version in this newly released graphic novel. Read on for a spoiler-free review of Part of Your World, A Twisted Tale graphic novel.

part of your world graphic novel book cover showing Ariel as a determined Queen

Publisher provided a ARC for review, however all thoughts and opinions our own. This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission for items purchased.

What if Ursula had defeated Ariel and married Eric?

Five years ago, Ariel defied her father, King Triton, and traded her voice for the chance to meet Prince Eric. But when Ursula attacked and defeated Ariel, the sea witch took everything: the little mermaid’s voice, her prince, and her father’s life. Now, Ariel rules as the silent queen of Atlantica, while Ursula, disguised as a beautiful human woman, runs Prince Eric’s kingdom on land.

But when Ariel discovers that her father might still be alive, she finds herself returning to a world—and a prince—she never imagined she would see again.

On land, Ariel learns that Ursula has been making the most of her role as princess: plotting, scheming, and waging outright war with neighboring kingdoms. And after Ursula catches wind of Ariel’s resurfacing, she threatens to obliterate both land and sea. Will Ariel be able to overthrow the murderous villain bent on destroying her home—along with the world she once longed to be a part of?
Part of Your World book summary by publisher

Graphic Novel Review

In Part of Your World, readers find a lonely and voiceless Ariel as the Queen and leader of the merfolk. After being defeated by Ursula, Ariel loses Eric who is still under Ursula’s spell. One day Ariel catches wind that King Triton may still be alive and under the control of Ursula as one of her sea polyps.

Despite warnings from her sister, she ventures out into the Kingdom of Tirulia to investigate for herself, only to find that Ursula intends to lead Eric’s kingdom directly into war with another country.

Aided by her friends Scuttle and Eric’s staff (Grimsby does return) Ariel works to wake Eric up from the spell only to have Ursula become even more determined to get rid of Ariel for good.

Part of Your World in graphic novel form still captures the interesting story that the long-form novel does. Ariel’s return isn’t welcomed by Ursula who has ingratiated herself into Eric’s kingdom. For all purposes, Ursula craves power but she also craves revenge even more and I found that really true to the animated version of this villain. Even though she still shows the Vanessa version of her face, the same cruel and annoyed Ursula is reflected in this graphic novel.

I liked that a few familiar faces popped up like the human versions of Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s evil foot soldiers. They are just as sneaky as in the movie version which is interesting considering that Ariel is completely different.

Part of Your World’s Ariel isn’t the happy-go-lucky mermaid she was in the original film. She’s very sad and isolated which makes her even more determined to break Eric out of his spell, but not so that they can be together- so that he can help her find her father King Triton.

The illustrations by Kelly and Nichole Matthews are really well done and the characters all resemble their animated movie selves. Some of my favorite panels are when Ariel is on her throne and when she battles Ursula for the last time. I also need to point out that the cover is stunning and I really liked the use of purples and blues to depict Ariel as Queen of Atlantica.

Stephanie Kate Strohm had the huge job of whittling down Liz Braswell’s epic novel and she does a good job although some of the dialogue is a bit cringe. For instance, when Eric wakes up and sees Vanessa’s (Ursula’s) chamber, he proclaims “Dear God what a tacky mess!” which made me chuckle.

With beautiful artwork and a fast-paced story, Part of Your World A Twisted Tale Graphic Novel is a new venture by Disney Publishing and I’m looking forward to more stories.