Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 12/1/2006
Week of November 28
Fiction | Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Fiction
Baldacci, David. The Collectors. Warner. 2006. c.448p. ISBN 0-446-53109-X [ISBN 978-0-446-53109-2]. $26.99. F
Two diverse elements collide in Baldacci's best book in years. A young woman gathers a few men together for the ultimate con that will net millions. Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, the speaker of the House is assassinated, and a short time later the director of the rare book room at the Library of Congress is found dead under mysterious circumstances. One of the man's colleagues, a member of a secret society that first appeared in last year's The Camel Club, asks his partners to help solve the crime. Exciting twists, fascinating characters, and insight into the machinations of the Library of Congress and the art of collecting rare books are only the tip of the iceberg in this rapid-fire thriller. With the open ending, readers will anxiously await the next adventure. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/06.]—Jeff Ayers, Seattle P.L.
Uncertain Endings: Riddle and Puzzle Mystery Stories. Pegasus. Dec. 2006. c.320p. ed. by Otto Penzler. ISBN 1-933648-16-3. $23.95. M
Mystery editor and publisher Penzler presents 19 puzzle mystery stories that his introduction describes as extraordinary and leaving readers "frustrated beyond measure." Extraordinary, yes: the authors represented include Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain, O.Henry, Aldous Huxley, and Stanley Ellin. But frustrating? Several of the tales have sequels that provide solutions, among them Frank Stockton's famous "The Lady or the Tiger?"—with sequels by both Stockton and Jack Moffitt—and Bradbury's frightening "The Whole Town's Sleeping" and "At Midnight, in the Month of June" with their splendid evocation of a summer night in a small town with a serial killer on the loose. (While Cleveland Moffett's "The Mysterious Card" does raise the fear quotient, his explanatory sequel is outlandish.) Some entries, including two fine ones by Ellin that bracket the collection, do end in puzzles, but they evoke less frustration than appreciation for the clever, even delicious, ambiguity displayed—and wonderment at just how a man alone in a windowless room bolted from the inside could be murdered. Recommended for mystery and short story collections.—Michele Leber, Arlington, VA
Nonfiction
Huffman, Felicity & Patricia Wolff. A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: What Every Girl Needs To Know. Hyperion. Nov. 2006. c.288p. illus. ISBN 1-4013-0291-2 [ISBN 978-1-4013-0291-7]. $22.95. PSYCH
Owning a car doesn't qualify a person to write a repair manual. Likewise, Desperate Housewives actress Huffman and her best friend, film producer Wolff (Bring It On), are not in the position to help people with their relationships simply because they have or may have had successful ones of their own. Indeed, their book, intended as a guide for men on how to be a better boyfriend and for women on how to build one, will harm many more relationships than it will assist. The retro cover design and campy artwork separating the chapters are not ironic—they are warning signals that 21st-century readers should steer clear. Full of sexist stereotypes about both males and females, the text openly advocates psychological game playing, manipulation, and outright lying in order to get or keep one's romantic partner. For those looking to improve their relationships with the opposite sex, many excellent self-help titles by well-qualified psychologists and relationship counselors already exist, e.g., Susan Page's If I'm So Wonderful, Why Am I Still Single?. Not recommended, though there could be demand owing to the authors' booked appearance on Good Morning America.—Renee Axtell, Independence, MO
Kapranos, Alex (text) & Andrew Knowles (illus.). Sound Bites: A World Tour of Eating with Franz Ferdinand. Penguin. Dec. 2006. c.128p. illus. ISBN 0-14-303808-7 [ISBN 978-0-14-303808-5]. pap. $15. MUSIC
The idea of reading about a rock star's eating habits is about as enticing as the notion of watching Emeril Lagasse writing songs. Nonetheless, Kapranos, lead singer and guitarist of Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, comes at us with his world tour dining diary, which originally ran as a column in the UK's Guardian. While Kapranos is literate with a cultured palate, it's hard to make the dining experiences very exciting. Sure, he throws in a story about an eye patch–wearing, knife-wielding sushi cook and instructions on how to prepare a live crab for cooking from his days a kitchen hand, but the overall dish is rather bland, lacking any real spice to cook the senses or burn the mind. As the pages turn, it's easy to become impressed with Kapranos's food knowledge, but you're also left wondering there has to be more craziness in a rock star's life than eating octopus. Still, even without the tour bus revelations or backstage gossip, this book offers some honest insight into the world of a professional rocker—and a convincing argument for trying haggis. Recommended for libraries with large music or food collections.—Robert Morast, Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, SD
Lynch, David. Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity. Tarcher: Penguin. Jan. 2007. c.144p. filmog. ISBN 1-58542-540-0 [ISBN 978-1-58542-540-2]. $19.95. FILM
The creator of such outré films as Blue Velvet, Lost Highway, and Eraserhead as well as the cult television series Twin Peaks, Lynch has earned a reputation as an auteur of the weirdness lurking beneath the facade of everyday "normal" life. He is also a devotee of transcendental meditation and the teachings of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, to whom the book is dedicated. Perhaps the term book is a bit overblown; instead, this is an amalgam of random musings on meditation and filmmaking in no seemingly rational order. It includes aphorisms such as "get your sleep and a little bit of food, and work as much as you can" and "in order to create, you've got to have energy." There are sections in which Lynch discusses various aspects of his films, career, and life and the filmmaking process at more substantial length, but these also tend to be somewhat fragmentary. It is difficult, then, to fathom a readership for this book, even for die-hard Lynch fans, but perhaps it will have a modicum of appeal to followers of transcendental meditation. [Lynch's latest film, Inland Empire, was widely released in the fall of 2006.—Ed.]—Roy Liebman, Los Angeles P.L.
Montague, Read. Why Choose This Book?: How We Make Decisions. Dutton. Nov. 2006. c.240p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-525-94982-8. $24.95. SCI
Freedom of choice is often regarded as the ultimate expression of free will. Even so, Montague (neuroscience, Baylor Coll. of Medicine; director, Ctr. for Theoretical Neuroscience) argues that the ability to make valuable decisions depends upon efficient and intricately evolved neural machinery that can be scanned, computed, modeled, and analyzed experimentally. Key is his concept of what actions the brain perceives as rendering "value" to the organism and how maximum benefit can be achieved. His field of computational neuroscience resides at a confluence of several modern scientific disciplines—e.g., mind/brain studies, evolutionary psychology, and computer science—and has applications from economics to medicine. Montague writes in a style that he characterizes as trying to explain what he does for a living to his relatives—i.e., he wants them to understand, but he refuses to dumb down the complexities. So, will this book explain the neural mechanisms that compelled you to choose it? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, though, choosing it would be a good decision for public and academic libraries; suitable for motivated general readers and academics from all fields.—Gregg Sapp, Science Lib., SUNY Albany
Wilding, Jo. Don't Shoot the Clowns: Taking a Circus to the Children of Iraq. New Internationalist, dist. by Consortium. 2006. c.272p. photogs. ISBN 1-904456-48-0 [ISBN 978-1-904456-48-3]. pap. $14.95. INT AFFAIRS
From November 2003 to June 2004, young British lawyer trainee Wilding kept a weblog of her experiences as an independent human rights observer in Iraq during the war and its aftermath. She established a traveling circus there, with performers recruited from local theater groups as well as from the general population. She had heard that circuses traveling to people impacted by war had a positive effect upon them and so wished to practice this ad hoc form of therapy. The circus visited schools, orphanages, squatters' camps, and hospitals. Wilding's work afforded her a unique perspective, evident in her descriptions of the interactions between the circus performers and the Iraqi population. She raised money through her blog (from which the book is adapted) to support the circus as well as to bring supplies to those in need. As a woman, unusual among outside observers in Iraq, she was able to interact with Iraqi women within the privacy of their homes and not simply experience the conflict as it played out on the streets. Wilding was one of 1000 women jointly nominated as a worldwide community for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize. Her book, along with Riverbend's two volumes of Baghdad Burning, expands on the full human perspective of the war and the value of blogging as a means to that end. Suitable for larger public and academic libraries.—Joel W. Tscherne, Cleveland P.L.
Graphic Novels
Cosmic Debris. Emily the Strange. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. Nov. 2006. 160p. ISBN 1-59307-573-1 [ISBN 978-1-59307-573-6]. pap. $19.95. F
This is a compilation of three previously published editions of the highly popular Emily the Strange series. Some adults may mistake Emily for a Goth, but she most certainly does not reflect Goth philosophy or lifestyle. Instead, Emily is the epitome of what teens today refer to as "emo"—dark, angst-ridden, and highly emotional. The artwork, almost entirely done in black, white, gray, and red, reflects Emily's mood, as do the stories and other sections that frame the stories. Yet both the imagery and the narratives still contain considerable humor. From her strange interview with Elvira the Vampire to the Wizard of Oz parody featuring the "Wonderful Blizzard of Ozz," Ozzy Osbourne, it is easy to see why Emily has caught the attention of so many YA readers. Suitable for middle and high school students, this collection features little violence, no sex, and oblique references to the occasional swear word. As with many North American graphic novels, it is printed on good quality, glossy paper with a binding that should last many readings. Highly recommended.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Kim, Sungmo. Emperor's Castle. Vol. 1. Netcomics. 2006. 174p. tr. from Korean by Michael Han. ISBN 1-60009-057-5 [ISBN 978-1-60009-057-8]. pap. $9.99. F
This gritty gangster manhwa depicts the rise to power of Chunhoo Kang, a Korean martial arts master and top fighter in the Japanese yakuza (mafia). Determined to become an "Emperor" (his term for a man who "stands alone at the zenith"), Chunhoo breaks his ties with the Japanese underworld and returns to Korea. In Volume 1, he seeks out his long-lost son, Sukgi Goo, who had recently fallen prey to a Machiavellian power play orchestrated by his fellow gangster Gaesan Doh. The plentiful, violent action scenes are well executed, with Chunhoo's deadly Shi-Nan-Joo techniques on display in gory detail, while the story is choppy and underdeveloped. However, because there are mostly stock characters following conventional motivations, the shortcomings of the plot might not be much of a distraction to fans of gangster or martial arts stories. With mediocre artwork and a thin plot, this is ultimately a pulpy and ephemeral genre entry more likely to provide cheap and forgettable thrills than to capture readers' imaginations. The rating of 16+ is wholly appropriate owing to significant amounts of explicit sex and violence. Recommended only as an optional purchase for adult collections.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Kirkman, Robert (text) & Tom Raney & Ben Oliver (illus.). Ultimate X-Men. Vol. 14: Phoenix? Marvel. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-2019-X [ISBN 978-0-7851-2019-3]. pap. $14.99. F
This volume marks rising comic book author Kirkman's first take on the series, and he doesn't disappoint. While Wolverine and Storm battle Sabretooth, things heat up between Rogue and Iceman, a mysterious new mutant joins the team, and Professor X is approached by the leader of a religious group known as the Church of Shi'ar Enlightenment. Lilandra, their leader, tells the Professor that her church is willing to fund the X-Men's financially struggling school. The only catch is that they require Jean Grey to submit to an examination to determine whether she is the vessel for the Phoenix, a dangerous and powerful being that the Shi'ar believe will bring peace to the universe. The art is crisp and attractive, and the writing is outstanding. The story provides welcome insight into the interpersonal relationships among the X-Men. Kirkman blends action with humor and includes plenty of plot twists and cliff-hangers to keep readers interested. Marvel's Ultimate line seeks to remake and update their classic stories, and Kirkman delivers with this revitalized vision of the Shi'ar and the legendary Phoenix. Rated T+ for violence and sexual situations, this is recommended for teen collections.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Matsumoto, Temari. Shinobu Kokoro: Hidden Heart. BLU: Tokyopop. 2005. 192p. tr. from Japanese by BLU. ISBN 1-59816-021-4 [ISBN 978-1-59816-021-5]. pap. $9.99. F
The parental advisory for explicit content says it all about this collection of yaoi stories. In the first, Master Yuuzuki trains ninja newbie Subaru for an "infiltrate and distract" mission, which is code for seducing his target. Subaru's intimate training has drawbacks when he falls in love with his master and can't complete the mission, but luckily his master loves him in return. In the second story, two older ninjas from Subaru's secret village realize (and consummate) their love for each other when enemies attack the pair and one is almost killed. The third story leaves ninjas for a more magical romance: Futaba is rescued by a snow spirit after an accident leaves him stranded in the snow, and they become lovers. The only problem is that once warm weather comes, Futaba is lonely, as his lover sleeps most of the summer away. Themes of passion and loyalty weave through the three romances, which are sweet if superficial. The semes are hunky and self-assured; ukes are young, thin, and timid; all are beautiful. The bulk of each story is taken up by lengthy and frequent sexual encounters, with brief narrative setups. Recommended only for mature audiences and libraries that collect explicit content.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Mizushiro, Setona. After School Nightmare. Vol. 1. Go! Comi. 2006. 191p. tr. from Japanese by Christine Schilling. ISBN 1-933617-16-0 [ISBN 978-1-933617-16-9]. pap. $10.99. F
Ichijo Mashiro is anatomically neither male nor female, but he has decided to live, dress, and behave as a male. When his body begins to express his conflict, Mashiro is selected to take part in an after-school class where his confusion is explored in dreams. Several other students take part in the dream class, and they cooperate and compete against one another to find a key that will graduate them from the class trials. Mashiro's classmates discover his gender uncertainty immediately and catastrophically, with consequences that spill over into their waking lives. This is a beautiful and complex horror shojo that should appeal to dark fantasy readers. Romantic and sexual tension, mysterious messages, and the possibly sinister aims of the dream class make for an enthralling read. The reader can also sympathize with the honest and kind Mashiro and his identity struggle. There are several brief scenes of sexual violence, and the students attack one another in their dream conflicts. Mizushiro's previous work includes X-Day, and Go! Comi provides a brief preview of Nightmare on its web site. Recommended for older teens and shojo fantasy collections.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, A.B.
Oeming, Michael Avon (text) & Travel Foreman (illus.). Ares: God of War. Marvel. 2006. 120p. ISBN 0-7851-1991-4 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1991-3]. pap. $13.99. F
The mythological heroes of ancient cultures were the original superheroes, so it's no surprise that a comic series would draw its inspiration from them. Having grown tired of being the god of war, Ares abdicates his throne and lives as a mortal. However, when he refuses to answer Zeus's call to aid in a war against the invincible Japanese god of evil, Ares finds his simple life plunged back into the darkness that previously surrounded it. The tone, dark and epic, parallels the classical mythologies, with plenty of sprawling battles and a few scenes of one hypermasculine hero trying to upstage another. The story is told at a breakneck pace; Oeming is in a hurry to get to the climax of the script and misses many opportunities to develop the characters. Nevertheless, it has a solid plot with a well-executed twist at the end that offers a relief from the darkness of the action. There is graphic violence that is not appropriate for less mature readers, but older teens and adults will find this a satisfying and gripping read, even if it is over too quickly.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC
Shiomi, Chika. Night of the Beasts. Vol. 1. Go! Comi. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Kathy Schilling. ISBN 1-933617-14-4 [ISBN 978-1-933617-14-5]. pap. $10.99. F
Creator Shiomi attempts the ambitious task of merging romance, action, horror, and mystery elements into an entertaining and thrilling story. Throughout her school, tenacious and tough-minded teenager Aria has a reputation as a no-nonsense girl with limited patience for the puppy-love games of her male classmates. Aria's aloof attitude, anger, and fighting abilities keep would-be suitors away until a bold and mysterious young man named Sakura walks into her life. Aria is smitten by his charm, but she eventually discovers that Sakura is possessed by a 600-year-old demon that emerges when threatened or tempted by the sight of blood. Aria holds the power to neutralize him with her touch, but a band of strange men claims he poses a serious danger to humankind and must be killed. The fusion of different genres for crossover appeal is commendable, but there is too much material coming at the reader at once. The artwork helps to remedy this issue with well-done action, suspense, and romance sequences; the expressive characters and clever panel arrangements portray the atmosphere and complement the concise dialog. Die-hard manga fans should consider this for its unique efforts. Contains some mild violence, but appropriate for grades 9 and up.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Tieri, Frank (text) & Clayton Henry (illus.). X-Men: Apocalypse vs. Dracula. Marvel. 2006. 96p. ISBN 0-7851-1948-5 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1948-7]. pap. $10.99. F
Title notwithstanding, there are no X-Men in this book but a Jack Starsmore who demonstrates powers similar to Jonathon Starsmore (Jono), an occasional X-Man. Instead, the story depicts a war between Apocalypse (immortal enemy of the X-Men) and Dracula in 1890s London—a struggle between two conflicting evils, each bent on ruling the world through blood and death. The addition of Abraham van Helsing, obsessed with destroying Dracula, brings a human combatant to the fray. While the idea is an intriguing one, it violates so much established Marvel Universe history that it feels like a what-if story. Although a battle between mutants and vampires in the 19th century will seem odd, it's more of a horror story than a superhero/supervillain story, and the vampiric powers, mutant abilities, and blends of the two make for great battle scenes. The writing is weaker, with a few plot holes; both characters survive in the "real" Marvel universe, which makes the ending a puzzle, since there is no reasonable way for the loser to survive the resolution. Victorian England lends flavor, and the artwork is strong enough to carry this brutal story. Beheadings, throat-rippings, and other such graphic violence will restrict this to collections for older teens and adults.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Tsuda, Mikiyo. Princess Princess. Vol. 1. Digital Manga. 2006. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Earl Gertwagen. ISBN 1-56970-856-8 [ISBN 978-1-56970-856-9]. pap. $12.95. F
Kuono, a good-looking freshman, never expected to attract so much attention after transferring to an all-boys school; he is a candidate for "princess," a position no one is allowed to refuse. Dressed in elaborate costumes, princesses act as cheerleaders for school sports events and assemblies and as pseudocelebrities for the sordid male crowd. The three princesses, Kuono, Shihoudani, and Mikoto, band together to attempt to work the system to their advantage. This madcap high school shojo comedy is first-rate. The princesses have distinct personalities and different attitudes toward their popularity; Tsuda's artwork skillfully blends the cartoony and the beautiful. Packed with lots of humor, the story offers some sharp comments about fandom, masculinity, and pride. Surprisingly different from Tsuda's other gender-bending manga, The Day After Revolution, this one is not about gay relationships or cross-dressing (the boys are dolled up in princess attire for very few scenes). Rated 16+ but with no nudity, profanity, or sexual situations, this is suitable for teens 13+. A dilemma for libraries will be how to process the book: under the book's dust jacket, Tsuda has drawn on the front and back covers a nine-panel minicomic. Highly recommended for all teen collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Takashima, Kazusa. Man's Best Friend. BLU: Tokyopop. 2006. 177p. tr. from Japanese by BLU. ISBN 1-59816-357-4 [ISBN 978-1-59816-357-5]. pap. $9.99. F
In one entry of this yaoi collection of fantasy and romance stories ("Imo Mo Arukeba"), a young man, Ukyo, rescues a stray dog that he names Kuro. But when Kuro gets excited, he turns into a human—a sexually excited human. Looking like a big hunky guy with dog ears and a tail, Kuro thinks like a dog but can talk just a little. Another set of stories are the Kentaro and Kasumi series, described by author Takashima as "a bratty kind of stupid boy and the droopy-eyes, pretty kind of quiet boy scenario." The last story is about a goldfish that a young man rescues from a festival, and in return the goldfish turns into a human for a one-night stand with his rescuer. Plot, what plot? The stories are contrived, and the characters exist only to have sex. The artwork spotlights the sexual situations, sweaty bodies, and slobbery kisses. The book contains 24 pages of extras, such as author interviews, an illustrations gallery, and an "interview" with the characters from Takashima's other yaoi manga, Wild Rock, published also by Blu. Rated mature; not recommended.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Week of November 21
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Duncan, Jody. The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio. Titan Bks., dist. by CDS. Nov. 2006. c.336p. photogs. filmog. index. ISBN 1-84576-150-2 [ISBN 978-1-84576-150-9]. $49.95. FILM
By a strange twist of fate, Stan Winston has become the most influential special-effects makeup artist in Hollywood. In his youth, Winston dreamed of an acting career. While trying to break into the business, he landed a job as an apprentice makeup artist, and the rest is Hollywood history. Winston's innovative approach to animatronics and makeup effects has earned him Oscars, Emmys—even his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His extensive credits include Terminator 2, Predator, Galaxy Quest, Edward Scissorhands, War of the Worlds, and Aliens as well as many television commercials and miniseries. Duncan (The Making of the X-Files Film; editor, Cinefex magazine), who has written hundreds of articles and books on movie special effects, has compiled an outstanding chronicle of Winston's creative output as well as that of the talented artists who work in his studio. The book is filled with more than 500 quality color photos and includes sketches and production art. Complete with a foreword by director James Cameron, this is an essential read for anyone interested in special effects and makeup techniques. For the rest of us, it is an incredible journey into the realm of movie magic. Highly recommended.—Rosalind Dayen, South Regional Lib., Broward Cty., FL
Nasiri, Omar. Inside the Jihad: My Life with Al Qaeda: A Spy's Story. Basic Bks: Perseus. Nov. 2006. 337p. index. ISBN 978-0-465-02388-2. $26.95. INT AFFAIRS
Nasiri, a Moroccan brought up in Belgium, describes his work for French, British, and German security agencies tracking militant Islam between 1994 and 2000. He purchased weapons for Algerian Islamic rebels, underwent rigorous discipline and training in theology and all methods of warfare in Afghanistan camps, and infiltrated radical groups in London and Germany, all while reporting to European intelligence officers. The rich description of the training experience for terrorists is particularly absorbing. The author reflects on the tensions between his Islamic identity and his contempt for Western politics, as well as his individualism, nurtured in Europe, that led him to condemn the narrowness and brutality of the militants. His narrative emphasizes adventure over analysis but shows the evolution of regional Islamic groups—in Algeria, Chechnya, Bosnia, and Afghanistan—into a global struggle to revive an Islamic state, a global struggle eventually taken to Manhattan, London, and Madrid. He also presents the failure of the European security agencies in the 1990s to understand jihadist Islam and its potential for threatening Western societies. This book is well written and draws the reader into the personal tale of faith, violence, and deceit. Apparently, Nasiri worked on his manuscript with the BBC security correspondent who vouches for it in his introduction, but readers will be frustrated that the book itself doesn't provide more corroborative information. Recommended for those willing to take his memoir on its own terms.—Elizabeth R. Hayford, formerly with Associated Colls. of the Midwest, Evanston, IL
Pryor, Rain with Cathy Crimmins. Jokes My Father Never Taught Me: Life, Love, and Loss with Richard Pryor. Regan Bks: HarperCollins. Nov. 2006. 210p. photogs. ISBN 0-06-119542-1 [ISBN 978-0-06-119542-6]. $24.95. FILM
Like many tortured geniuses, Richard Pryor (1940–2005) entertained and enlightened the public but made life miserable for those closest to them. Ask any of his six physically abused wives or his seemingly endless and lifelong retinue of prostitutes; better yet, consider the endearingly bizarre story of Rain Pryor, Richard's third child by the white and Jewish Shelley Bonis. In a deceptively simple and clear style, Rain tells multiple stories—of her brilliant and flawed father and their equally flawed but loving relationship, of her search for identity as a biracial Jew at Beverly Hills High and beyond, and of her artistic and personal development as an actor and healthy adult. While there is very little of the Mommie Dearest exposé treatment you might expect (though wife number six, Jennifer Lee, is Pryor's favorite piñata and gets whacked often), we do get the full skinny on the 1980s infamous freebasing incident. It won't spoil things for you to know that Rain comes out beautifully on the other side. The story is excellent; Rainflower's life, of which we are given a full-color glimpse, is hopefully even sweeter. Highly recommended for performing arts and memoirs collections.—Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX
Graphic Novels
Asuma, Mayumi. Elemental Gelade. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Alethea Nibley. ISBN 1-59816-598-4 [ISBN 978-1-59816-598-2]. pap. $9.99. F
Coud Van Giruet is a typical young sky pirate: he spends his days pillaging, trying to fly, and working on impressing the captain. After one successful raid, he takes a peek at the booty and discovers a girl! Within minutes, three strangers calling themselves the Society for the Protection of Edel Raids demand the girl be turned over. The girl, Ren, is an Edel Raid designed to merge with a human and become the ultimate weapon. Coud decides to take Ren home on his own. But the Society aren't the only ones interested in Ren—evil dealer Beazor is determined to own her and turn a nice profit. In this mix of science fiction and fantasy, characters use technology in a primitive world; the story moves quickly but takes the time to develop Edel lore. Coud and the other characters are highly stylized with spiky hair, big eyes, and cool weapons. There are a few instances of missing clothes but nothing graphic. While this manga doesn't break any new ground, it's filled with the stuff that flies off teen shelves—fast, fun action with a little romance on the side.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Card, Orson Scott (text) & Andy Kubert & Mark Bagley (illus.). Ultimate Iron Man. Vol. 1. Marvel. 2006. 136p. ISBN 0-7851-1499-8 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1499-4]. pap. $14.99. F
Card, winner of multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, delivers an intelligent and exciting origin story that all readers will enjoy. Boy genius Tony Stark begins creating the Iron Man armor at an early age, while his father struggles to keep his young son safe from the ruthless industrialist Zebediah Stane. Card mixes just the right amount of science fiction, action, and corporate double crosses to keep the narrative moving. Artist Kubert delivers strong visuals as usual: his realistic style is a perfect match for this real-world superhero story in which villains wear thousand-dollar designer suits instead of spandex costumes. At the end, a few matters are left unresolved: a major character remains in jail for a crime he did not commit, the Iron Man armor is destroyed, and young Tony Stark is pulled unconscious from a river after a close call with a terrorist bomb. Both new readers and old fans of Iron Man will enjoy this modern retelling of his origin, and with an Iron Man movie due out in 2008, expect interest in this character to increase. A great addition to any school library and an exciting jumping-on point for anyone interested in Marvel superhero comics.—Michael Powers, John Jermain P.L., Sag Harbor, NY
Cebulski, C.B. (text) & Tommy Ohtsuka (illus.). New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate. Marvel. 2006. 120p. ISBN 0-7851-2001-7 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2001-7]. pap. $7.99. F
These Mangaverse comics reimagine classic Marvel heroes and villains as manga characters: the artwork, character backstories, and main story have all been manga-fied. Here, Spider-Man belongs to a clan of ninja (Uncle Ben was his sensei), and Mary Jane is his trainee, learning to be Spider-Woman. Wolverine, Iron Man, Black Cat, and Carol Danvers face Japanese-themed villains of the Marvel universe: Lady Deathstrike, Silver Samurai, Elektra, and Sunfire, along with The Hand clan of ninja. Things have gone badly for superheroes, and most of them are dead before the story begins. Oddly, the onslaught from Japan seems to catch the surviving heroes off-guard, and intricate schemes are not explained. The story is fast-paced and interesting but jarring in its half-manga, half-superhero style. While the collection is rated for ages 12+, the exaggerations of manga costuming mean that Black Cat has even more cleavage than normal, and Lady Deathstrike wears little, if any, underwear. A few gruesome acts of violence may also be a problem for younger readers. This volume will be of interest in teen collections where both manga and Marvel Ultimate volumes circulate well, but it's not for manga or Marvel purists.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
DeFalco, Tom (text) & Paul Ryan (illus.). Spider-Girl Presents Fantastic Five: In Search of Doom. Marvel. 2006. 120p. ISBN 0-7851-2132-3 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2132-9]. pap. $7.99. F
This collection of issues 1-5 features Ben Grimm, the Thing; Johnny Storm, the Human Torch; Lyja Storm, a shape-shifting Skrull and now Johnny's wife; Franklin Richards, Reed and Sue Storm's mutant son, a.k.a. Psilord; and Big Brain, a minirobot controlled by Reed Richards. The narrative eventually reveals that Reed and Sue have been exiled into the fabled Negative Zone during an earlier mission. The couple is forced to live on a space station and Reed controls the Big Brain robot and remotely leads his new team. The team confronts a variety of menaces, including a powerful android and a new incarnation of the Frightful Four, who the Fantastic Five defeat with the aid of Spider-Girl. They stage a trip into the Negative Zone, where Reed and Sue have been exiled, and voyage to Latveria to rescue Kristoff, Dr. Doom's son, from the clutches of Diablo. With the same melodrama, corny dialog, and revolving set of teammates that made the original Fantastic Four stories of the 1960s and 1970s unique, this collection may seem somewhat juvenile to older audiences today; and the team's exploits might come off as tired retreads of classic earlier stories for veteran readers. However, the collection may appeal to new, younger audiences. Traditional superhero storytelling by writer DeFalco and conventional artwork by Ryan are competent but unremarkable. Recommended only for very large collections catering to young fans of superhero comics.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Grillo-Marxuach, Javier (text) & Les McClaine (illus.). The Middleman. Vol. 2: The Second Volume of Inevitability. Viper Comics. 2006. ISBN 0-9754193-7-4 [ISBN 978-0-9754193-7-3]. pap. $9.95. F
Here, writer for the Lost television series Grillo-Marxuach offers a fun, fast-paced, and quick-witted comedy-adventure in the vein of Men in Black, Ghostbusters, and Hellboy. In the first volume, the dashing Middleman, an independent contractor of sorts who "fights evil so you don't have to," recruits spunky art school graduate Wendy Watson as his sidekick. The two investigate a rash of mob hits culminating in a showdown with a gangster film–obsessed superchimp. Volume 2 introduces the Middleman's martial arts teacher, the mysterious Sensei Ping, and pits the heroes against an army of masked luchadores (Mexican professional wrestlers). While the plots are zany, the writing is tight and clever, an expert balance of humor and action. The series celebrates rather than skewers popular culture, adding a refreshingly nonsarcastic self-reflexivity to an emerging genre of comic book hero semiparody. Additionally, McClaine's clean, expressive, and graphic style gives the stories energy that titles with similar aspirations lack. This is sure to be a hit with readers fluent in comic book history, and the series remains accessible to nongeek audiences. Strongly recommended for teen or adult collections.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Ha, Sung-Hyen. Queens. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 184p. tr. from Korean by Sora Han. ISBN 1-59816-658-1 [ISBN 978-1-59816-658-1]. pap. $9.99. F
Cute Pil-Hyun Jung enjoys immense popularity at his high school; his nickname is Teddy Boy for his adorable ways and his affinity for sewing cuddly teddy bears. He prides himself on his charms and believes he embodies "the pretty boy that this new era needs." But his world comes crashing down when Sora-Ah, the girl he loves, has eyes only for the campus jock, Gyung-Ju Lee. Gyung-Ju is everything he is not—tall, tanned, cool, manly, and an infamous "rude bastard." Pil-Hyun realizes that he may have lots of girl friends, but he will never have a girlfriend. On a mission to change himself, Pil-Hyun stumbles upon the comic How To Escape from Being a Pretty Boy and tracks down the author to ask for her help. Bok-Nam Park, the twentysomething author, and her hip roommates decide to transform him into a manly man. Typically, it's the high school tomboy or plain Jane who seeks the extreme makeover, but here Pil-Hyun searches for what is the ideal male, which is refreshing. This manhwa is a funny, fast-paced comedy featuring great artwork and solid writing. Rated 16+ for profanity and sexual language. Highly recommended; readers will be anticipating all five volumes.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Kang, Eun-Young. Hissing. Vol. 1. ICE Kunion. 2006. 200p. tr. from Korean by June Um. ISBN 89-527-4463-2 [ISBN 978-89-527-4463-0]. pap. $10.95. F
Da-Eh, an amateur manhwa artist, becomes involved with two boys at school: Sun-Nam, a nice guy who wants to be tough, and Ta-Jun, the ladies' man who has a flock of girlfriends. Both boys are intrigued by Da-Eh's ambivalent response to them; she sees through Sun-Nam's affected meanness and is impervious to Ta-Jun's charm. In this volume, Sun-Nam treats everyone rudely but becomes inexplicably angry when people avoid him, Ta-Jun snickers and flirts his way through school, and Da-Eh stalks around being angry and confused. There are some attempts to link the three characters, but they are superficial. Hints at dark family histories for Sun-Nam and Da-Eh try to build suspense but fail owing to poor dialog, hard-to-follow viewpoint shifts, and "mysterious" plotting. The artwork is realistic with an absence of chibi characters and other silly humor, though intense floral motifs still adorn many backgrounds. Figures have tall, lanky bodies with loose, exaggeratedly long limbs, and the two male leads are confusingly indistinguishable from each other. Not recommended.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Kawachi, Izumi. Enchanter. Vol. 2. Digital Manga. Nov. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-865-7 [ISBN 978-1-56970-865-1]. pap. $12.95. F
Teenager Haruhiko puts his normal life aside when sexy but bossy demon-girl Eukanaria demands his body—her enchanter, Fulcanelli, has died, and she wants to place his soul in Haruhiko's body. Though Haruhiko doesn't intend to say yes, Fulcanelli lends him his power, and Haruhiko ends up battling demons in his stead. In this second volume, Eukanaria badgers inept Haruhiko into searching the dangerous Crystal Cave for Demon-Stones. The tension between Haruhiko and Eukanaria is developed further—Haruhiko cares about Eukanaria but worries that she will replace his soul—but this magical quest doesn't stand out from its peers. In fact, the plot sometimes seems to be the vehicle for an excess of gratuitous fan service, from numerous close-range panty shots and exposed breasts to Eukanaria's near-rape by a tentacled being. The artwork is strong, with attractive characters and exciting action scenes, though, again, it's similar to other series: Haruhiko looks like Haru from Rave Master, for example. An optional purchase for older teen and adult audiences.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Lee, Ha-Na (text) & Kang-Ho Park. Heavenly Executioner Chiwoo. Vol. 2. ICE Kunion. 2006. 180p. tr. from Korean by SukHee Ryu. ISBN 89-527-4476-4 [ISBN 978-89-527-4476-0]. pap. $10.95. F
Creators Lee and Park provide readers with an amusing story that intricately weaves ancient Korean history with fantasy in this highly inventive manwha series. This volume follows the teenage boy Chiwoo as he persists on parallel journeys to find his long-lost father and to discover what it means to be kin to the Mangnani, a dwindling class of men put on earth to exonerate sinners of their crimes. Pursued by elite members of the emperor's army intent on destroying him, Chiwoo evades them with wit, wizardry, and the willing assistance of a few friends, who also help him begin to understand the connections among his father, the emperor, and his own responsibilities. Well-drawn fighting scenes are plentiful: they introduce sleek and highly stylized characters, reveal more about Chiwoo's innate powers, and determine the arc of the story line. The artwork is reminiscent of the traditional Eastern black-and-white painting style with strong lines and dramatic shading. Unique character designs, outstanding combat scenes, and historically influenced backdrops that fit the mood will engross older teenagers in search of a good narrative in the action/fantasy genre. This series will secure a place as an essential manhwa series of this year for grades 10 and up. With some graphic violence.—Raphael E. Rogers, Amherst, MA
Lee, Youngran. June. Vol. 1. Netcomics. 2006. 208p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 1-60009-140-7 [ISBN 978-1-60009-140-7]. pap. $9.99. F
Gangjae Lee is a brilliant neuroscientist engaged in a secret project to clone humans. The clones have a short life span because of rapid aging and cognitive disabilities that are unexplainable when the scientists autopsy their brains after death. A clone currently in decline is a facsimile of Gangjae's beloved wife, Jaehee. When the real Jaehee is murdered and the cloning project is disbanded, what will Gangjae decide to do with his wife's copy? Unfortunately, the biggest mystery in this manhwa is why it took so long for someone to murder Jaehee and what Gangjae is still doing walking around, because they are astonishingly narcissistic and callous. They do love each another, and the volume includes depictions of their lovemaking as evidence, but when they are with other characters, they can be self-absorbed, vicious, and cruel. Perhaps the story line will develop so that Gangjae will repent for their self-absorption, but he will have to take an innocent clone on his journey and make her, as well as the reader, miserable in the process. The art, characters, and exploration of science are standard and not enough to recommend the series for adult collections.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Lee, Youngran. Manhwa Novella Collection. Vol. 1: Lie to Me. 236p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 1-60009-160-1 [ISBN 978-1-60009-160-5].
Wann. Manhwa. Novella Collection. Vol 2: 9 Faces of Love. 230p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 1-60009-161-X [ISBN 978-1-60009-161-2].
Kimjin. Manhwa. Novella Collection. Vol. 3: The Starry Night. 241p. tr. from Korean by Ernest Woo. ISBN 1-60009-162-8 [ISBN 978-1-60009-162-9]. ea. vol: Netcomics. 2006. pap. $11.99. F
This series of collected novellas showcases popular Korean comics authors, as each volume contains several short works from a featured creator. The stories are mostly drama and romance, with some elements of fantasy or humor: a girl discovers she has feelings for her best friend, a princess saves the world, a relationship that started out as a dare blossoms into love. Overall, the artwork is exceptional. The quality of the content varies from story to story: as earlier, less polished works are included as well; some readers may be disappointed by these amateurish stories, although fans will find that it enhances the body of the author's work by bringing a feel of completeness to each volume. The format is appealing and professional, with high-quality paper and well-designed covers. This series is a great way to introduce new manhwa fans to prominent creators or to spotlight their existing favorites. It also provides a format for shorter works that might not otherwise be published in English. The age ratings vary: Volume 3 is appropriate for all ages, while Volumes 1 and 2 are rated 16+ for language, seminudity, and sexual situations. Although each volume stands alone, they are distinctly numbered, and it would be best to prevent confusion by cataloging the series for one area. Recommended for older teen and adult readers in libraries with existing manhwa collections.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Lehmann, Matthias. Hwy. 115. Fantagraphics. Jan. 2007. 240p. ISBN 1-56097-733-7 [ISBN 978-1-56097-733-9]. $19.95. F
Franco-Brazilian Lehmann, who lives in Paris, is a newcomer to the full-length graphic novel scene with this debut, which was originally published in French as L'Ettoufeur de la RN115 to much acclaim. René Pluriel is a hard-boiled French detective on the trail of Robert Illot, the "Heimlich Killer," who has recently escaped from a mental institution. Illot appears to have picked up where he left off—that is, murdering his unfortunate victims by choking them using whatever objects appear to be handy (light bulbs, roller skates, roasted chickens). Pluriel picks up help along the way in the form of the tough dame Agatha, whose extensive notes pull them closer and closer to the shadowy killer. Lehmann's heavy scratchboard style complements Illot's dark world of criminals and crazies. A reader can share the pressure of Pluriel's obsession and his mounting misgivings the closer he gets to Illot through the artist's dark lines, as well as through the narrative's reliance on dreams, hallucinations, and flashbacks to propel itself forward. With graphic violence, prostitution, nudity, and overall noirish tendencies, this is definitely suited—and highly recommended—for adult collections.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan Pub. Libs., Ont.
Millionaire, Tony. Premillennial Maakies. Fantagraphics. 2006. 264p. ISBN 1-56097-778-7 [ISBN 978-1-56097-778-0]. $24.95. F
Roughly 12 inches long and five inches high, this volume will fit awkwardly on most library shelves, which is entirely appropriate, as Maakies is in some ways the anti–comic strip. Nominally about the maritime capers of Uncle Gabby, a moronic monkey, and Drinky, an alcoholic crow, it's really about subverting genre conventions. The humor is so dark it's often invisible, the punch lines are flagrantly unfunny, and the prevailing motifs are destruction, dismemberment, and death. The hypercharged, pen-and-ink draftsmanship—a riot of allusion, parody, and sheer virtuoso bravura—is a rebuke to the visual impoverishment of Dilbert-like strips. But Maakies is also a poke in the beezer to comics dweebs yearning for the second coming of Herriman's Krazy Kat: "You want lyrical whimsy, poetic surreality, and narrative playfulness? You want art? Okay—art this," and we get an entire strip in German, or four wordless panels of exquisitely drawn, stately homes, or collages of antique engravings. Instead of Ignatz kreasing the Kat's bean with a brick, Drinky Crow blows his brains out (a standard denouement). But Millionaire has his cake and vomits it, too. Paying direct homage to such comics legends as Opper, Dirks, Outcault, and, yes, Herriman, he successfully conjures the anarchic energy and loony beauty of their seminal work in the early 1900s and suffuses it with his own harsh, fin-de-siècle mordancy. It may actually be art; it certainly ain't Peanuts.—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA
Minazuki, Suu. Judas. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Nan Rymer. ISBN 1-59816-630-1 [ISBN 978-1-59816-630-9]. pap. $9.99. F
Judas, the murderous spirit of the title, must kill 666 people to find salvation and restore his humanity, but he can commit his murders only when his minion Evie assumes the form of an avenging spirit. While at her day job, Evie inadvertently rescues Mizuki by stepping under her falling body. Mizuki is a brilliant, 16-year-old orphan who has developed a cure for leukemia; however, the cure has a monstrous effect on its recipients, including her priestly mentor, who is experimenting on and murdering nubile young girls. When injected with the drug, victims believe that they can attain Eden, a glorious after-death state that signals they are an appropriate victim for Judas's quest for salvation. The story line is mind-boggling, but the characters are familiar: Judas is a debauched, incorporeal action hero; Evie is the comic naïf; and Mizuki is titillating fan service. The characters are gorgeous idealized, pictured in huge closeups of their high shines, more typical of shojo romance. The action scenes and hints of a celestial war—Judas's striving against the mysterious Peter—are interesting, but the first volume is pure, explicit adventure, lacking the subtlety of Death Note or the epic romance of Angel Sanctuary. A few readers may be intrigued by the interpretation of Christian folklore, while others will be mortally offended by the abduction of biblical characters into a horror manga. Rated for older teens and not a good choice for school libraries.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, A.B.
Miyagi, Tooko. Il Gatto Sul G. Vol. 2. Juné: Digital Manga. 2006. tr. from Japanese by Duane Johnson. ISBN 1-56970-893-2 [ISBN 978-1-56970-893-4]. pap. $12.95. F
Musical prodigy Riya Narukawa suffers from multiple personality disorder and is tormented and buffeted by forces he doesn't understand. Although he attends the prestigious Kirimine Music High School, his attendance is spotty and he frequently "loses time." Volume 2 builds nicely on previous events with several interesting plot and character reveals. Atsushi Ikeda, the university student who aided Riya in the first volume, returns to become Riya's housekeeper/companion, which clarifies and defines the sexual and emotional tension between them. Kousaka, the older bully who rapes Riya in the earlier volume, is made slightly more sympathetic. Added to the list of main characters is Saki Narukawa, Riya's cousin who informs the readers of the Narukawa family dynamic and aids in the intensification of the relationship between Riya and his father. The artwork is well drawn if not spectacular, and the paper and binding are better quality than most. The poignant and humorous story hosts a good dollop of sexual tension, with one graphic sex scene between Riya and Atsushi. A prime example of yaoi at its best. Appropriately rated 16+, this title would be best kept in the adult collection.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Sasaki, Teiko (text) & Shoko Takaku (illus.). Kissing. Juné: Digital Manga. Nov. 2006. 216p. tr. from Japanese by Bruce Dorsey. ISBN 1-56970-922-X [ISBN 978-1-56970-922-1]. pap. $12.95. F
Best friends and college students Kazushi and Haru do everything together, even eat off each other's plates and celebrate their birthdays as one. But then Kazushi uses Haru to turn a girl down by kissing him in front of her, and later Kazushi professes to be in love with him. At first, Haru is certain that this will forever ruin their friendship, but slowly he realizes he feels something more for Kazushi, too, especially when it looks like Kazushi will go abroad for graduate school. Both stumble a lot in expressing themselves, but manage to work things out in the end. The plot may be the straightforward story of friendships changing at a new stage in life, but it's enjoyably done. Takaku's airy, pretty art matches the light tone perfectly, and it's hard not to smile at her adorable characters—even when they're crying. There is one short sex scene; although the details are hidden, it's clear exactly what they are doing. A sweet and simple romance for yaoi fans looking for a cute and fluffy story with just a touch of drama. Rated 16+.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist. AZ
SPRAY (text) & You Higuri (illus.). Gakuen Heaven. BLU: Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Christine Schilling. ISBN 1-59816-708-1 [ISBN 978-1-59816-708-5]. pap. $9.99. F
Gakuen Heaven is a computer game that has spun off an anime, drama CDs, and this manga, which features wonderful art from Higuri (Cantarella; Gorgeous Carat). Keita Itou inexplicably gets an invitation to enroll in Bell Liberty Academy, an exclusive school for boys built on an island. Keita is enthusiastic but basically clueless and without any distinguishing talent, and as he meets his classmates each one seems more attractive and accomplished than the next. Two students are treated like royalty: tall, dark, and handsome Niwa is president of the student council, so he's nicknamed King, while the blond, effeminate Saionji is called Queen owing to his position as head of the budget council. Soon after Keita starts fitting into his new school, he is told that his admission was a mistake and that he has to leave, but all of his new friends want him to stay. Luckily, the board is running a contest that might give Keita a chance to prove himself, so he pairs off with King for the competition, and as they spend more time with each other their friendship starts to grow. The story line is predictable, but Higuri's art is extremely expressive, portraying a large cast of characters with varied personalities. Rated mature for nudity and a couple of explicit sex scenes. Fans of Higuri's other work will enjoy this standalone volume. Recommended for libraries building a yaoi collection for adults.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT
Tsuda, Mikiyo. The Day of Revolution. Vol. 1. Digital Manga. 2006. 174p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-890-8 [ISBN 978-1-56970-890-3]. pap. $12.95. F
Fifteen-year-old Kei Yoshikawa is a cute, short boy with a fiery attitude, a lethal uppercut, and good standing within the crowd of boys who rule the campus. When fainting spells send Kei to the hospital, he finds out he is really a girl and undergoes gender reassignment. Fast-forward six months: cute, petite, and female newcomer Megumi Yoshikawa starts high school. With the doctor's niece Makoto at her side coaching her, Kei, now Megumi, tries to be a typical school girl, but Kei's friends aren't fooled. Not only are the guys unfazed by the change (they all thought Kei was cute enough to hit on), now that Megumi is a girl, the attraction is no longer taboo. Friendship turns into a competition to claim Megumi as a future wife. Megumi/Kei is engaging and likable, and practical, levelheaded Makoto is a stabilizing force amid the wacky antics. The simple, clear layouts complement the fast-paced, breezy writing. The art is a pleasing mix of good-looking students and slapstick humor. Rated 16+, it includes fight scenes, sexual situations, and suggestive language. This two-volume gender-bending, high school comedy is highly recommended for older teens.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Wells, Zub (text) & Patrick Scherberger & others (illus.). Marvel Adventures Spider-Man. Vol. 4: Concrete Jungle. Marvel. 2006. 96p. ISBN 0-7851-2005-X [ISBN 978-0-7851-2005-6]. pap. $6.99. F
This is an all-ages book in which each chapter is a standalone story. Peter Parker is a teen again living with his aunt and struggling with the bullies at school while fighting crime as Spider-Man. In this fourth volume, Spider-Man has run-ins with the Chameleon, Black Cat, Doctor Octopus's mechanical arms, and the Lizard. Wells gives each story a light tone and comic touch, and Spider-Man is depicted as a gangly, skinny hero with a large manga-style head and expressions to match. Scherberger's style is reminiscent of Humberto Ramos's recent take on Spider-Man: he is adept at conveying a wide range of emotions in his characters, even nonhuman ones like Doctor Octopus's mechanical arms. The smaller, digest size of the book makes it look and feel more like manga. A good addition to any juvenile or elementary school collection, yet teens and adults might miss the angst and continuity of the older Spiderman titles.—Mark D. Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Lib., Portland, OR
See the November 15 Xpress Reviews
