Interview: V.E. Schwab Talks Continuing the Magic in 'Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince'
Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince hits stores this week, providing a collected look at the latest chapter of the Shades of Magic series. The graphic novel features the story of a young Maxim
Shades of Magic series author V.E. Schwab crafts the narrative of The Steel Prince, alongside art from Andrea Olimpieri. ComicBook.com got a chance to chat with Schwab via email about Shades of Magic, where the franchise is headed next, and the re-release of her first novel, The Near Witch.

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ComicBook.com: How did the idea of expanding the franchise through a comic come about?
V.E. Schwab: It was in part a long-standing
In the graphic novel’s introduction, you talk about expanding Maxim’s origins, and sort of subverting what people thought they knew about the character in the books. I was wondering if you could elaborate on that decision a bit more.
The King of Red London is a fairly static figure, set in his ways by the time we meet him in the Shades novels. He's in many ways an antagonist, but no one is the way they are without reason--I knew there were events that shaped Maxim, but

What was it like transitioning from exploring this franchise in novel format to having the added visual medium that comes with the graphic novel?
It's like learning a new language, a completely different format, sure, but also a different way of thinking about
Are there any sequences in this graphic novel that you’re especially fond of or proud of?
I have favorites, but most of those are thanks to the genius work of the artist and
I personally loved the dynamic between Isra and
So often

What can you tease about what’s to come in the next installment of the graphic novel, Night of Knives?
I have to be careful of teasing, because I have no self-control :p But I will say that the Night of Knives sequence --centering on a series of trials meant to test power, ego, and control-- will have some truly amazing magic sequences, as well as a twist I can't wait to see play out on the page.
I’m excited to hear that Titan Books is republishing your first novel, The Near Witch. How does it feel to have the novel find a new generation of readers?
Humbling and surreal. My first novel, like so many, fell victim to the fact that publishing is rather ruthlessly short-minded, and I didn't have the audience to keep the book on shelves long enough for readers to discover it. I'm over the moon it's coming back, and with a novella included that I wrote with all my heart, and never saw published. This is the book that started it all for me.
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Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince will arrive in stores on Tuesday, March 5th.