Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books

-- Library Journal, 12/15/2006

Week of December 12

Nonfiction | Graphic Novels

Nonfiction

Boulud, Daniel with Melissa Clark. Braise: A Journey Through International Cuisine. Ecco: HarperCollins. 2006. c.228p. photogs. index. ISBN 0-06-056171-8 [ISBN 978-0-06-056171-0]. $32.50. COOKERY

In his most recent cookbook (after Daniel's Dish), respected chef and entrepreneur Boulud concentrates on braising. Throughout the featured recipes, he strives for authenticity, not appearance, and reminds readers that braising is economical since inexpensive cuts of meat are used and turned into "gold" through slow cooking. The recipes are his own invention and use a variety of ingredients—pork belly, partridge, sweetbreads, ox tail, tripe, and pig's feet, plus the usual—beef, veal, pork, lamb, and chicken. For a few of the main dishes, there are recipes for accompaniments—corn bread, southern biscuits, and soda bread. There are also chapters for fish and seafood, vegetables and beans, and fruits and desserts. The desserts are unique—Peppery Peaches with Sauternes, Licorice Pears with Fennel Sables, and Sweet Eggplant with Pistachios. Thomas Schauer's full-page color photographs bring to life the detailed recipes. The author admits he uses an international pantry, so he provides notes on unusual ingredients, and the appendix lists sources where they may be found. Recommended for public libraries that have a clientele who are experienced and adventurous cooks.—Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.

Brustein, Robert. Millennial Stages: Essays and Reviews, 2001–2005. Yale Univ. 2006. c.288p. index. ISBN 0-300-11577-6 [ISBN 978-0-300-11577-2]. $38. THEATER

Actor, director, author, critic, and academic Brustein (founding director, Yale & American Repertory Theatres) addresses a variety of issues in this compilation drawn primarily from his recent writings for the New Republic. Described by Brustein as "a collection of discrete pieces about the theater and about some of the people contributing to the performing arts," these essays and reviews are organized into three sections. "Positions and Polemics" examines current issues (e.g., politics and religion) and their connection to the theater; "Plays and Productions" contains theatrical reviews (e.g., of The Producers and King Lear); and "People and Places" offers reflections on theater sites and souls. Brustein pulls no punches, and his discerning wit frequently punctures the poseurs in the playhouse. His theater credentials inform each piece, and his erudition establishes the place of the performing arts in the larger context of post-9/11 American society. An outstanding contribution from an important cultural critic and leading American intellect; recommended.—Carolyn M. Mulac, Chicago P.L.

Calagione, Sam. Extreme Brewing: An Enthusiasts Guide to Brewing Craft Beer at Home. Quarry: Quayside. 2006. 184p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-59253-293-4 [ISBN 978-1-59253-293-3]. $24.99. BEVERAGES

How refreshing to see hops and barley treated with the same epicurean esteem as grapes and tannins. Beer is, after all, more accessible in that it can be brewed in one's home, and this accessibility may spur readers of Extreme Brewing to transform their appreciation into application. Calagione, owner of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, DE) and author of Brewing up a Business, turns his attention away from the business and toward the aesthetics and practice of home brewing. His personable, instructive tone guides readers through the complicated art and science of home brewing, while always coming back to the prime reason for brewing craft beer—enjoying the end product. To that end, the book includes recipes for a variety of craft beers (Wildflower Wheat, Sour Cherry Ale), as well as food suggestions and recipes that will enable readers to create uniquely nuanced pairings. Recommended for public libraries with strong cookery and hobby collections.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Wesleyan Coll., Norfolk

Davis, Pat. The Passion Parties® Guide to Great Sex: Secrets and Techniques to Keeping Your Relationship Red Hot. Broadway. Jan. 2007. c.256p. ISBN 0-7679-2437-1 [ISBN 978-0-7679-2437-5]. $19.95. PSYCH

Debut author Davis (CEO, Passion Parties Inc.) presents a commercial for her company and products in the form of a steamy sex manual full of titillating success stories from satisfied customers—a manual she manages to make off-putting with nonstop product placements, especially in boxed inserts providing a checklist of essentials. Aimed at women who want to free their "passion diva," Davis's book explores topics such as communication, sexual anatomy, sex toys, sexual fantasies, and sex acts (e.g., masturbation, oral sex, anal penetration). No-nonsense, step-by-step instructions and some write-in sections are provided, but there is no index or illustrations, except for three simple line drawings. A "7-Day Passion Challenge" at the book's end directs readers to a web site and contest. This one's sure to be a red-hot seller at Passion Parties®, but public libraries may instead want to consider Ducky DooLittle's Sex with the Lights On, Candida Royalle's How To Tell a Naked Man What To Do, or Cathy Winks and Anne Semans's The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex (3d ed.). For larger collections. [Passion Parties® Inc. claims its line of sensual products reaches more than 100,000 women each month through home-hosted events.—Ed.]—Shawna Thorup, Fayetteville P.L., AR

Pollack, Neal. Alternadad. Pantheon. Jan. 2007. c.304p. photogs. ISBN 0-375-42362-1 [ISBN 978-0-375-42362-8]. $23.95. AUTOBIOG

Though eminently readable, Pollack's (The Neal Pollack Anthology of American Literature) memoir is mainly made up of too-cool thoughts on his life and impending and actual fatherhood. Many observations—e.g., Pollack equates caring for an infant to "taking care of a plant. You feed it, water it, and change its soil"—are simultaneously funny, pithy, and somewhat crass. Yet the same spirited satire that makes his blog, The Maelstrom (www.nealpollack.com), such lowbrow-for-highbrows fun works against him here. Chapters include superficial takes on typical dad stuff, like agonizing over his newborn's circumcision, neighbor relations, and taking his son to gymnastics. Though Pollack proves himself to be an observant, witty, and smart (but not "alternative," unless the title intends irony) humorist and father, he doesn't muster enough substance here. Other memoirs, like Roger Friedman's Nipple Confusion, Uncoordinated Pooping and Spittle: The Life of a Newborn's Father, throw in some advice; for true how-to, be sure to stock expectant dad guru Armin Brott's work. Despite its charm, this is an optional or on-request purchase.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Weiss, Robin Elise. The About.com Guide to Having a Baby: Important Information, Advice, and Support for Your Pregnancy. Adams Media. 2006. 277p. illus. index. ISBN 1-59869-095-7 [ISBN 978-1-59869-095-8]. pap. $17.95. HEALTH

Women often have questions about pregnancy, especially if they're having their first child. A licensed childbirth educator and mother of seven, Weiss (The Everything Pregnancy Fitness Book) is the resident childbirth expert for About.com. In this new series debut, she provides a detailed overview of the pregnancy and birth stages, beginning with preparation for pregnancy and addressing issues such as infertility, genetic disease, and insurance coverage. She then covers the topics of conception, how to choose healthcare practitioners and birthing facilities, prenatal care, complications, and the birth process. She discusses both vaginal and cesarean births as well as practical issues (e.g., naming the child, deciding what to bring to the hospital). A series of appendixes covers fetal development, defines terms, and lists books and web sites for further information (MedlinePlus is noticeably absent here). Easy to read and understand, with main points in bold type and sidebars offering "What's Hot" and "Tools You Need," this is an excellent guide for those who want a quick overview and detest What To Expect When You're Expecting. Highly recommended for public and consumer health libraries. (Illustrations not seen.)—Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA

Graphic Novels

Brubaker, Ed (text) & Michael Lark & Stefano Gaudiano (illus.). Daredevil: The Devil, Inside and Out. Vol. 1. Marvel. 2006. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-1988-4 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1988-3]. pap. $14.99. F

Fans of Daredevil have always consumed story arcs that are part superhero action, part Byronic drama, and part legal thriller, and this volume does not disappoint. Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer who is the man behind Daredevil's mask, finds himself in prison. The narrative is chock-full of plot points: Murdock has to contend with a personal tragedy in his life, an impostor Daredevil, and a conspiracy at the federal level. Lark's artwork is typical inner-city grim; there's no glitz in a book set chiefly in a prison. Brubaker keeps the dialog flowing, even during Murdock's numerous monologs. The book's biggest draw is its powerful theme of redemption, which avoids being preachy. However, the use of symbols to replace expletives is not only distracting but almost comic; this volume would be better labeled for adult audiences (it has enough violent content for such a rating), with the profanity spelled out. But for those older teens and adults wanting a comic that is more mature without being full of shock value (never is there violence for violence's sake), this is a fine selection.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC

Cossette House/Aniplex (text) & Asuka Katsura (illus.). Le Portrait de Petite Cossette. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 176p. tr. from Japanese by Aska Yoshizu. ISBN 1-59816-530-5 [ISBN 978-1-59816-530-2]. pap. $9.99. F

Although this is based on the anime of the same name, the story lines of each volume differ greatly. Here, Eiri is an art student who also works part-time in an antiques shop. He finds himself sketching pictures of a young lady whom he cannot identify until he runs across an unfinished portrait in the store's warehouse—a portrait of Cossette. Cossette's spirit begins to appear to Eiri, drawing him into her dark world of curses and horrible death and cementing his obsession with her. Cossette asks Eiri to save her, and to do so he must find Cossette's scattered possessions, which are causing unspeakable horror for those who stumble across them. The story has a potential that goes mainly unrealized. Instead, the narrative seems confused and badly paced, with little character development; facts are revealed, but there's no sense that the characters are accumulating substance. The artwork does provide some inspired moments—Katsura's tableaus are worthy of Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, and the artwork captures the fragile curtain that separates this world from the world beyond. Unfortunately, as Eiri struggles to redeem Cossette, the artwork cannot redeem the story. Not recommended.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.

Fross, Kitty & Erica David & others (text) & Patrick Scherberger (illus.). Marvel Adventures Spider-Man. Vol. 1. Marvel. 2006. 192p. ISBN 0-7851-2432-2 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2432-0]. $19.99. F

This deluxe hardcover collects issues 1–8, which were previously collected in the digest-sized Marvel Adventures Spider-Man, Vol. 1: The Sinister Six and Marvel Adventures Spider-Man, Vol. 2: Power Struggle! Spider-Man is brought back to his roots, with a focus on humor and amusement park thrills instead of gritty realism and emotional drama, which makes it appropriate for all ages and ideal for parents reading to their children. The breakneck pace of each story, the dynamic art, and the approachable text will keep any youngster interested. The story "Goom Got Game!" is one of the funniest single issues of a series ever done, featuring a space alien that speaks in ebonics and feeds on "bling." Even adults will be hard-pressed not to laugh out loud. The artwork is the star of the show, featuring vibrant colors and a distinctive style that mimics cartoons and picture books while being expressive, giving Spider-Man clear facial expressions even when behind a mask. The dialog is witty and straightforward. Furthermore, many of the stories offer a fablelike lesson that parents can discuss with their child. This is a great addition to any children's library, although adults will no doubt find it charming as well.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC

Kannagi, Satoru (text) & Yukine Honami (illus.). Rin! Vol. 1. Juné: Digital Manga. 2006. 228p. tr. from Japanese by Wasabi Media. ISBN 1-56970-920-3 [ISBN 978-1-56970-920-7]. pap. $12.95. F

Katsura has followed his older brother, Yamato, and Yamato's best friend, Sou, onto the school archery team. Katsura shows great promise as an archer but only when he manages to calm his terrible anxiety. Fortunately, a "squeeze" from Sou is all Katsura needs to still his pounding heart! Unfortunately, this little quirk has tongues wagging all over school and is generating the kind of attention that neither Sou nor Katsura wants. The work of Kannagi, writer of Only the Ring Finger Knows, and Honami, artist of Desire, this represents another solid contribution to the ranks of yaoi manga. The characters have depth and distinct personalities, and the four main cast members—Katsura, Sou, Yamato, and Kouichi (the teammate with more than archery on his mind)—each take their own places in the story. Honami's artwork is lovely, in turn playful, brooding, romantic, and anxious. Honami had some experience with Japanese archery in high school, and it shows in his consistency. The story contains no explicit sexuality until the special side story depicting some "squeezes" and chaste kisses. Because of the side story, though, this book is suitable for older teens and adults. Highly recommended for libraries collecting yaoi manga.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.

Kari, Erika. Vampire Doll. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Yoohae Yang. ISBN 1-59816-519-4 [ISBN 978-1-59816-519-7]. pap. $9.99. F

Fans of Ranma ½ will enjoy this gender-bending story. The spirit of Guilt-Na-Zan, an ancient vampire feared by all, was captured in a cross centuries before the story begins. Finally released by Kyoji, a skilled exorcist, Guilt-Na-Zan's spirit is placed into a life-sized wax doll. In this cute and very feminine body, he discovers that he can return to his original masculine form by drinking small amounts of blood from Tonae, the younger sister of Kyoji. The story becomes even more complex with the addition of several other entertaining characters: Kyoichi, Kyoji's evil twin; Vincent, Guilt-Na-Zan's servant who was once a bat; and an unnamed demon who sucks the wickedness out of all boys with whom he comes in contact. The relationships between the characters become complicated and laced with between-the-lines flirtation as Guilt-Na-Zan's gender flip-flops. While this story may sound dark, it is quite humorous, with many visual gags. Unlike Ranma ½, there is no nudity in spite of the gender switches. The black-and-white artwork is clear, and the characters are easily discernable—even the twins are possible to distinguish from each other. Appropriately rated 13+, this would be a welcome addition to YA collections.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.

Kim, Young-Oh. Banya: The Explosive Delivery Man. Vol. 1. Dark Horse. 2006. 184p. tr. from Korean by Taesoon Kang & Derek Kirk Kim. ISBN 1-59307-614-2 [ISBN 978-1-59307-614-6]. pap. $12.95. F

Banya, the title character in this adventure manhwa, is a daring and inventive delivery man who works for the Gaya Desert post office in a world where warfare and monsters often stand in the way of deliveries. This first volume opens with Banya using creative means to make his way through an active war field and over castle walls to deliver his message to a besieged general. Later on, his two coworkers—bossy, emotional, but quick-thinking Mei and young, enthusiastic, and loyal Kong—help him rescue a wounded government courier from the capital city; luckily for the government, this courier carries sufficient money for Banya to take over his assignment. Kim's storytelling is fast-paced and includes many surprises, and the tale ends with the trio separated and a suspenseful cliff-hanger. Full of adventure and humor, it does depict swordfights, carnivorous beasts, and the resulting bloodshed. The artwork is for the most part very detailed—a lesser art team would not have spent as much time on details such as robes and trees—but cartoony expressions are occasionally used. Fun, enjoyable, and recommended.—Kristin Fance, Houston Baptist Univ. Lib.

Matoh, Sanami. Ra-I. Tokyopop. 2006. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Adrienne Beck. ISBN 1-59816-663-8 [ISBN 978-1-59816-663-7]. pap. $9.99. F

Through rather unusual circumstances, private detective Al Foster becomes the bodyguard for Rai, the 13-year-old genius son of the wealthy Spencer family who believes someone is out to kill him. Though he has telekinetic powers, he wants help finding the person responsible. With Rai comes his older sister, Rei, who is determined to offer a hand and won't take no for an answer. By the end of the first chapter, Rai and Rei end up living with Al and assist him in solving crimes (while Rei becomes Al's love interest). This standalone volume by Matoh, author of the popular yaoi crime series Fake, is one of her earlier works, and it's a good example of one stage in her development as a manga-ka. Readers familiar with Matoh will recognize her artwork, her characters in particular (many in Ra-I are dead ringers in appearance and temperament for later ones in Fake)—the smart-alecky kid, the charming letch, the brassy but beautiful woman. This crime/romance story, however, falls short on plot. Each mystery is solved quickly without buildup of suspense or curiosity, and characters don't develop. Still, this is an interesting look at Matoh's earlier work and may be of interest to her fans.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle

Moore, Stuart (text) & Pablo Villalobos & Claude St. Aubin & Frederico Zumel (illus.). Stuart Moore's Para. Penny Farthing. Feb. 2007. 192p. ISBN 0-9719012-4-4 [ISBN 978-0-9719012-4-7]. pap. $19.95. F

This blend of science fiction, psychological horror, and techno-thrills will remind readers of Michael Crichton, but what could be a chilling read turns into an awkward and hard-to-follow narrative. In an interesting start, a young woman explores an abandoned government facility to find that there are no signs of her father's tragic death, but scientific jargon soon bogs down the dialog, and Moore rushes to the story's climax, giving the reader no time to absorb the sense of danger that the characters are supposed to be experiencing. There are also far too many plot turns, which makes it seem as if the author were desperate to extend his story. The one redeeming quality is the art: lush and detailed, it does what the text is supposed to do, with a brilliant use of contrasting color that adds to the ominous quality of the setting. Despite its shortcomings, this is appropriate for most readers; no sex or profanity is present, and while there are a few scary images, there is no graphic violence. Despite the lack of literary merit, it will no doubt draw an audience owing to its likeness to similarly themed and paced popular movies.—M. Brandon Robbins, Wayne Cty. P.L., Goldsboro, NC

Nakamura, Shungiku. Junjo Romantica. BLU: Tokyopop. 2006. 193p. tr. from Japanese by Katherine Schilling. ISBN 1-59816-719-7 [ISBN 978-1-59816-719-1]. pap. $9.99. F

Misaki needs help passing his college entrance exams and has reluctantly enlisted the help of his brother Takahiro's best friend, Akihiko, who just happens to be a wealthy, respected novelist. When Misaki discovers that Akihiko also writes boy's love novels under a pseudonym and that he is in love with Takahiro, he attempts to defend his brother's honor, only to fall prey to Akihiko himself. When Takahiro gets married, Akihiko has to learn to let go of his unrequited love; luckily, as he tutors Misaki, Akihiko realizes he's the one. In a second story, which takes place in the past, university student Hiroki also loves someone who doesn't return his affections (it's a young Akihiko); when he begins to tutor young Nowaki, he is baffled by Nowaki's attention until he confesses his love. In both stories, mutual love flourishes unexpectedly after painful, one-sided desire, and the resulting relationships are sweet, uncertain, and genuine. Though sex scenes are plentiful and (in some cases) explicit, they rarely feel gratuitous because the characters and their relationships are well developed. A nice title for any collection allowing explicit manga.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle

Satoshi, Shiki. Daphne in the Brilliant Blue. Tokyopop. 2006. 216p. tr. from Japanese by Ray Yoshimoto. ISBN 1-59816-597-6 [ISBN 978-1-59816-597-5]. pap. $9.99. F

This adventure manga starts out well when main character Ai Mayauzumi makes a daring escape from school. Teenage Ai test-drives her prominent scientist father's inventions. She lives in the underwater city Noimon, a domed outpost beset by a terrorist group called Error. Error, having caused chaos over the years and kidnapped Ai's mother, now wants to return to the surface world. When their activities lead to a test-drive cancellation, Ai decides to confront the group herself, and she helps the secretive, all-female anti-Error group, the Stelnas, try to catch them; Error vows revenge. The dialog is stiff, and Satoshi's art features skimpy outfits on women, pointed breasts, and wide, open mouths that expose the canines. While there is an interesting subplot that hints at a psychic link between Ai and Error, Ai's relationship with the Stelnas is obvious from the time that they meet. This volume ends with several hanging plot lines, but there is no indication that the series continues. Tokyopop rates this manga, which includes kidnapping and attempted rape, as 16+. The sound effects are not translated, and it does not include a glossary. Not recommended.—Kristin Fance, Houston Baptist Univ. Lib.

Takizawa, Seiho. Who Fighter with Heart of Darkness. Dark Horse. 2006. 206p. tr. from Japanese by Toshifumi Yoshida. ISBN 1-59307-626-6 [ISBN 978-1-59307-626-9]. pap. $11.95. F

Dark Horse describes this anthology as a "weird war" manga, and that is an apt description. The first story, "Who Fighter," is based on the foo fighter UFO legends reported by pilots in World War II; a Japanese pilot shoots down a mysterious light and proceeds to investigate the crash site. The entity that is unleashed is never explained, but it wreaks havoc on the military men with which it comes in contact. The second story is an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness—Lieutenant Maruo is ordered to hunt down the rogue Colonel Kurutsu in the jungles of Burma. Finally, a short story about the use of tanks during war completes the volume. The art is remarkable, realistic, and clean, even though it is in black and white; each character has a distinctive look. There are few background scenes, though the jungle in the second story sets the mood well. The stories are presented at a slow and thoughtful pace, punctuated with short bursts of violence, and themes of war, delusions, and madness run throughout. The violence is not graphic, yet the pace and subject matter make this a better read for older teens and adults.—Mark D. Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Lib., Portland

Tsuzuki, Setsuri. Broken Angels. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 176p. tr. from Japanese by Nayoung Aimee Kwon. ISBN 1-59816-159-8 [ISBN 978-1-59816-159-5]. pap. $9.99. F

High school student Fujiwara Sunao is a rebel. She wears her hair short, ignores the underclassmen who idolize her, and clashes with the school principal because she wears the boy's uniform. Fujiwara also has the secret power to control water. Although she seems aloof, she quickly forms a team of friends who need her to play hero. Her crew includes the overly attentive school nurse, a piano-playing girl with a dark side, and an underclassman stalker who wants to be her apprentice. Fujiwara is repeatedly called upon to save her friends and her school, and she meets her match in the villain Shiba, who, with his power to manipulate people, attempts to turn Fujiwara and her friends and classmates against one other. Elements of fantasy blend well with the usual high school angst, although the plot seems thin at times. Fujiwara herself is not very likable or interesting, but the remaining cast of quirky characters does have appeal. The artwork is detailed but not very expressive. Language and nudity make this appropriate for ages 16+. Recommended only for large manga collections with an older teen audience.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City

Yoshida, Sunao (text) & Kiyo Kyujo (illus.). Trinity Blood. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Beni Axia Conrad. ISBN 1-59816-674-3 [ISBN 978-1-59816-674-3]. pap. $9.99. F

The Gothic and the futuristic blend in this world ruled by the opposing forces of vampire and Vatican. Vampires roam Earth, ruling cities and terrorizing "terrans." Only the Catholic Church stands against them; their top weapons are Abel Nightroad, itinerate priest, and Crusnika, a vampire who feeds on other vampires. In this first volume, the priest aids a young nun whose parish is under siege by a vengeance-driven vampire lord trying to destroy Rome. By the end, the parish is in ashes, and nun Esther is the sole survivor, who cheerfully joins Abel on the road back to Rome. Driven more by action and concept than by sensitivity to its characters, this series, like most manga that utilize Catholicism, doesn't pretend to have any real religious basis. The church employs both vampires and androids in their antivampire defense department, and the characters' costumes are more flair than fact. The look is the important thing here: a clean, attractive Gothic style makes up for some of the narrative shortcomings. Reminiscent of Yasuhiro Nightow's Trigun, Daisuke Moriyama's Chrono Crusade, and Kaori Yuki (Angel Sanctuary; Godchild) and currently running in anime form on the Cartoon Network, this series will appeal to middle schoolers and up.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI

Yoshinaga, Fumi. Gerald & Jacques. Vol. 1. BLU: Tokyopop. 2006. 192p. tr. from Japanese by BLU. ISBN 1-59816-541-0 [ISBN 978-1-59816-541-8]. pap. $9.99. F

Sold to a brothel to cover his family's debts, 17-year-old aristocrat Jacques has his first, and last, customer in wealthy commoner Gerard. Gerard "takes" him and then buys his freedom, and Jacques soon ends up as a houseboy at Gerard's mansion, where he learns to do manual labor. Gerard confuses Jacques by refusing to touch him, although he continues to visit prostitutes as well as treat his servants far better than any master should. Slowly, Jacques realizes he may feel more toward Gerard than he thought possible. A flashback explains Gerard's past, including how he came by his fortune. Yoshinaga (Antique Bakery, LJ 11/15/06) has a simple, soft, art style; panels often have no background, just figures in blank space, but it works. The facial expressions are especially well done. Set in the decadent age just prior to the French Revolution, Yoshinaga's series includes some vivid portrayals of sexual excess, especially in the flashback, including a threesome. The sex and frank sex talk earn the mature rating, but it isn't overly graphic and fits into and adds to the story. The youth of Gerard's preferred prostitutes may disturb some readers. Yoshinaga writes fascinating characters, and yaoi fans will be waiting for the next book.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ

---

Week of December 6

Bouzereau, Laurent. The Art of Bond: From Storyboard to Screen; The Creative Process Behind the James Bond Phenomenon. Abrams. 2006. 240p. photogs. ISBN 0-8109-5488-5. $40. FILM

There is no more enduring icon of film than James Bond. Through 21 feature films, the franchise has succeeded as much through the talent of its creative teams as its casting of dashing men and beautiful women. In this treasure trove, filmmaker and cinema author Bouzereau has collected storyboards, 200-plus photographs, and interviews with people who have helped create the Bond films and been inspired by them. More than 30 creative talents—including screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz (Diamonds Are Forever) and director Martin Campbell (GoldenEye)—share their memories of screenplays, locations, music, marketing, and, of course, gadgets. The only thing missing are interviews with some of the on-screen players, but this is a minor criticism. Published in conjunction with Casino Royale—Ian Fleming's first Bond novel and thus a prequel to the other films—the book features all five leading men, with a special focus on the debut of Daniel Craig as James Bond. This is a new look at the franchise and essential for fans. Recommended for all libraries.—Peter Thornell, Hingham P.L., MA

Castro, Rafaela G. Provocaciones: Letters from the Prettiest Girl in Arvin. Chusma. 2006. 162p. ISBN 1-891823-10-8 [ISBN 978-1-891823-10-7]. pap. $13.95. AUTOBIOG

In this set of essays, Castro (Chicano Folklore) pays loving tribute to her Mexican heritage, her working-class roots, and her parents' complex marriage, ranging from the 1930s, when her parents married, to the 1990s. The daughter of farm workers who moved among labor camps in Southern California, she recalls her itinerant, indigent childhood in an era when farm companies and canneries segregated their workers by ethnic group for jobs and housing. Though she, her mother, and sisters lived mainly conventional Catholic lives, her father was engaged in virtually chronic infidelity, yet Castro's mother demonstrated inner strength, consistently making a living and running the household in his absence. Rather than stay at home and marry, Castro herself defied convention when she joined the Peace Corps in the mid-1960s after she turned 20. Passing the screening process of psychological and academic tests and serving in Brazil for two years changed her outlook, matured her, and instilled in her a tremendous pride in her work and her heritage. Overall, Castro provides a cultural portrait of life for her farm-worker parents and, by extension, for other Mexican farm workers—pre–Cesar Chavez, pre–United Farm Workers. While her writing can be stilted or self-conscious, her tantalizingly short book contains rich and multifaceted stories. There is glossary of Spanish words and phrases at the end. Highly recommended for high school, academic, and public libraries.—Lisa Nussbaum, formerly of Dauphin Cty. Lib. Syst., Harrisburg, PA

Foxman, Paul. Dancing with Fear: Controlling Stress and Creating a Life Beyond Panic and Anxiety. 2d ed. Hunter House. Dec. 2006. c.320p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89793-476-8. pap. $17.95. PSYCH

Foxman (director, Ctr. for Anxiety Disorders, Burlington, VT) updates his 1996 work on anxiety disorders with new knowledge from mental health research and clinical practice. The result is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing the many forms of anxiety, with a strong focus on recovery. Foxman's user-friendly, self-help approach integrates information on the many new mainstream and alternative treatments now available as well as fresh insights on the biochemistry involved in emotions and how this can impact anxiety. He refines the material on how genetic temperament, anxiety personality traits, and stress overload can influence the development of anxiety. Also, this second edition no longer contains the chapter on treating anxiety in children, because the author addressed this in The Worried Child. Foxman begins with a concise story of the development and overcoming of his own anxiety, a perspective that distinguishes this work from the many other titles on anxiety disorders. The diagrams, lists, resource contacts, and 35 skills and exercises provide pragmatic tools for readers who may be dealing with an anxiety disorder, while the solid research-based material will be of value to behavioral health professionals. Highly recommended for university libraries supporting the helping professions and for larger public libraries.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

Love, Patricia & Steven Stosny. How To Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It: Finding Love Beyond Words. Broadway. Jan. 2007. c.240p. index. ISBN 0-7679-2317-0 [ISBN 978-0-7679-2317-0]. $23.95. PSYCH

Therapists Love (Hot Monogamy) and Stosny (You Don't Have To Take It Anymore) have teamed up to expose a myth: talking with your spouse about your relationship doesn't help. What works instead, they argue, is forging a nonverbal connection. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding gender differences in emotional relationships. To prevent a vicious circle of blame and withdrawal, they propose that each partner needs to practice "binocular vision" awareness of male and female points of view, use emotions as positive—not negative—motivators, and be supportive when the other is at his or her worst. Love and Stosny aren't advocating a no-talking approach; in fact, they provide exercises for each partner to practice and optimally discuss the results. Individuals reading this book on their own may also pick up helpful tips. The final charge is a four-and-three-quarter-minute daily power love formula that includes hugs, positive thinking, and a self-contract to love with compassion and generosity. Complete with stories of couples who have turned their marriages around, this book espouses good, solid advice that couples beginning a relationship should know and those in a long-term relationship need to revisit. Recommended for self-help collections.—Lucille M. Boone, San Jose P.L., CA

Norwich, John Julius. The Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean. Doubleday. 2006. c.688p. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-385-51023-3. $39.95. HIST

Norwich, the author of several accessible and magisterial narrative histories (e.g., A History of Venice), here relates the political and military histories of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. He begins with Egypt and the early seafaring Minoans and Phoenecians, who crisscrossed this "Middle Sea" between the Atlantic on the west and the Black Sea to the east. The heart of his work, however, focuses on the interactions between Christian and Muslim civilizations bordering the sea, including the Crusades as well as the lesser-known conflict between Venice and the Ottoman Turks. While Venice and its allies won a major victory at the naval battle of Lepanto (1571), the conflict in fact dragged on for over a century. Norwich ends his account of the region's political and military machinations with the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. There is less emphasis generally on French history owing to the center of France's power being far away from its Mediterranean coastline and operated in relation to other parts of Europe. Norwich opted not to carry his narrative to the present because it would have required an entire second volume (evidently not forthcoming). His history is recommended for public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/06.]—Robert J. Andrews, Duluth P.L., MN

Our Roots Are Deep with Passion. Other. 2006. c.288p. ed. by Lee Gutkind and Joanna Clapps Herman. ISBN 1-59051-242-1 [ISBN 978-1-59051-242-5]. pap. $15.95. SOC SCI

This thoroughly enjoyable and instructive essay collection also serves as Volume 30 of the literary journal Creative Nonfiction. Gutkind (founding editor, Creative Nonfiction) and Herman (creative writing, Manhattanville Coll.) either performed their editing duties superbly, had an enormous pile of writing talent from which to pick, or some combination of both circumstances judging from the engrossing results. Actor Joe Mantegna's humorous and articulate foreword provides an eloquent prelude. "'Mbriago," Louise DeSalvo's notable opening piece, is seamless writing interwoven with childhood memory and Italian history. Maria Laurino's "Sacrifice" explores numerous feminine and societal quandaries, including motherhood, determining one's identity, and prioritizing conflicting roles. Unsurprisingly, many of the essays feature food and cooking as integral to a diverse Italian American experience. Sandra M. Gilbert, for example, in "Bitter Herbs?", presents a brief catalog of culinary spices accompanied by memories of family, while Stephanie Susnjara offers an absorbing ode to the potency and seductive beauty of garlic in "Allium Longicuspis." Essential for multicultural collections; an engaging read and highly recommended for academic or public libraries.—Stacey Rae Brownlie, Lititz P.L., PA

Shengold, Leonard, M.D. Haunted by Parents. Yale Univ. Jan. 2007. c.272p. LC 978-0-300-11610-6. ISBN 0-300-11610-1. $35. PSYCH

Psychoanalysis is much less fashionable as a treatment modality than it once was. However, this book, which is grounded in that tradition, revisits some of its key concepts in a thoughtful, intelligent, and readable way. Shengold (psychiatry, NYU Medical Sch.; Soul Murder) explores resistance to change through four interrelated themes: the state of being "haunted" by parents, difficulties of knowing and owning, the equating of change with loss, and the garden as metaphor. He then develops these themes through a melding of literature, psychology, and case studies. He examines the lives and works of literary figures (e.g., Edna St. Vincent Millay, Henrik Ibsen) in relation to how they integrated parental "ghosts" into their own lives and creative pursuits, and through revealing case studies, shows the difficulties and payoffs of raising childhood fantasies about parental omniscience to a conscious level. The book requires an intellectual investment, but the ideas are enlightening and applicable to real-life problems of being "stuck" in unhealthy psychological states (e.g., bad marriages, masochistic tendencies). Provocative and challenging, it should appeal to readers of Alice Miller's works (e.g., Prisoners of Childhood), which also examine toxic parental influences. Recommended for large public libraries, therapists, and students of literature and psychology.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN

Walter, Chip. Thumbs, Toes, and Tears: And Other Traits That Make Us Human. Walker. 2006. c.272p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8027-1527-3 [ISBN 978-0-8027-1527-2]. $25.95. SCI

There are many ways in which we as a species have developed unusual differences from other primates. Science journalist Walter (Space Age) explains how certain unique developments have made further changes leading to modern humans possible. Our ancestors' strong, straight big toes, for instance, enabled us to balance and walk upright, freeing our hands to develop superior grasping power. Our upright position also enabled our pharynxes to move down, making it possible for us to make the great variety of complex sounds necessary for speech. With speech came the ability to engage in complex social interactions. While other books (e.g., Sean Carroll's Endless Forms Most Beautiful) cover some of the same territory, Walter writes clearly and engagingly and from an interesting point of view. He talks about how the developing body and brain interacted and changed in sync to give us powers of thought, speech, self-awareness, and emotion unique to our species. In an epilog, he speculates how technology may affect our future. His writing style is clear and entertaining, even when dealing with complex subjects. Recommended for all types of libraries.—Marit S. Taylor, Univ. of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Ctr.

---

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.[Ed.'s note: There is nudity and mature dialog in the second volume; for the review of Princess, Princess, Vol. 2, please go to Xpress Reviews, 2/20/07.]—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

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Post a comment

» VIEW ALL TALKBACK THREADS

Related Content

• Topics
• Author

Related Content

 

By This Author

There are no other articles written by this author.

MOST POPULAR PAGES

America's Star Libraries: Top-Rated Libraries

America's Star Libraries: The Stars, State by State

LJ Best Books 2009: 31 Titles, Plus Best Genres & How-To

America's Star Libraries: The Top-Rated Libraries

35 Going on 13: The Best YA for Adults 2009

Get to Effective Weeding

Sponsored Links