Xpress Reviews—First Look at New Books
-- Library Journal, 3/15/2007
Week of March 13
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Fulbright, Yvonne K. Touch Me There!: A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots. Hunter House. 2007. c.192p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89793-488-1 [ISBN 978-0-89793-488-6]. pap. $13.95. PSYCH
Fulbright (The Hot Guide to Safer Sex), a sexuality educator, writer, and consultant, incorporates techniques from tantra, yoga, acupressure, and reflexology in this detailed Baedeker to erotic parts. The tour also visits numerous body parts often overlooked: testicles and prostate as well as areas on the head, torso, and limbs. The writing is clear and friendly with detailed instructions and exercises for different types of stimulation, even if claims for success may be overly optimistic. This manual could refresh the repertoire of a committed couple with experience with Eastern and alternative bodywork. However, the techniques—which often rely on multiple pressure points and poses with exotic names—seem too complex and sometimes too opaque for casual use or with partners not used to each other. Numerous photos and drawings are included, but there are still not enough; many are not conveniently placed in the text. For example, the reflexology techniques of "thumb-walking" and "finger-walking" are never illustrated and do not seem doable. For larger and specialty collections.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia
Miller, Arnold with Kristina Chrétien. The Miller Method®: Developing the Capacities of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Jessica Kingsley. Mar. 2007. c.320p. illus. index. ISBN 1-84310-722-8 [ISBN 978-1-84310-722-4]. $24.95. PSYCH
Drawing on 40 years of research and work with children on the autistic spectrum, Miller and his late wife developed the Miller Method, which is currently being used in schools and clinics. In this technical volume, Miller teams with Chrétien, a developmental therapist, to make the system accessible to parents and therapists who are interested in trying it in their own homes or practices. Miller begins with a description of his method and his view of children's systems before discussing treatment and how the Miller Method works. Later sections focus on education and research and application of the method. Appendixes are included, e.g., the Miller Diagnostic Survey for Children with Developmental Issues, which would be helpful to parents and therapists alike in evaluating their children and students. Recommended for academic and large public libraries with a developmental disabilities collection.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS
Beasts!: A Pictorial Schedule of Traditional Hidden Creatures from the Interest of 90 Modern Artists. Fantagraphics. Mar. 2007. 200p. curated by Jacob Covey. ISBN 1-56097-768-X [ISBN 978-1-56097-768-1]. $28.95. Fine Arts
Covey's new compilation, best described as cryptozoology for the hip, features artists from the worlds of "comics, rock posters, skate graphics, fantasy illustration, pin-ups, children's books, animation, and commercial and gallery art" and depicts 90 creatures from myth and folklore in distinctly modern and extremely personalized forms. The images are spectacular—every page showcases vivid and often disturbing visions that preserve each artist's unique style while blending into a whole. The book's text descriptions are another story, unfortunately. A bare four to five sentences (less than one-quarter of a page) adjoin each image, providing minimal backstory. The font for each entry's heading is a gothic typeface that looks like it's been used by death metal bands and is generally indecipherable; readers will find themselves scanning the descriptive paragraphs to figure out the names of each beast. These inadequate descriptions keep the book from being a hip, new kind of pop art–infused reference work; instead, its primary value for libraries lies in chronicling the artists of the indie/D.I.Y./alternative scene. This compilation should also find a home in graphic novel collections with a focus on included creators such as Jason, Tony Millionaire, and Gilbert Hernandez.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
CLAMP. Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE. Vol. 12. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 185p. tr. from Japanese by William Flanagan. ISBN 978-0-345-48532-8. pap. $10.95. F
In the beginning, Princess Sakura's memories were dispersed in the form of feathers to countless worlds across the dimensions. Her dearest friend, Syaoran, enlisted help from the space-time witch, Yuuko, who sent them, along with magician Fai and swordsman Kurogane, from world to world in search of Sakura's feathers. The series' pacing is legendarily slow, and this volume does nothing to shake that reputation; continuing from Vol. 11, the story is concerned with a race on cute, round flying machines to reach the prize of one of Sakura's feathers. It is the definition of a filler arc, and if buyers are uninterested in going past book 12, there is little point in acquiring these. The only big draw for fans may be the cameos by characters from other CLAMP series like RG Veda, CLAMP School Defenders, Magic Knight Rayearth, CLAMP School Detectives, and Cardcaptor Sakura. The series so far is recommended for ages 13+. Please note, however, that later volumes are recommended for ages 15+. Starting with Kurogane's backstory in Vol. 13, it becomes much darker and more violent (as perhaps indicated by appearances from the full cast of X/1999, CLAMP's grimmest series). Hints that something is not quite right with Syaoran finally culminate; the resulting fight almost kills Fai. Kurogane saves his life against Fai's will, injuring their relationship in the process; Sakura finally shows her mettle; Syaoran is quite literally not who he was. Readers will agree the succeeding volumes make the filler worth their while.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
Cuneo, John. nEuROTIC: Drawings from the Sketchbook of John Cuneo. Fantagraphics. Mar. 2007. 96p. ISBN 978-1-56097-788-9. $19.95. Fine Arts
The sketchbook drawings of Cuneo are collected for the first time here in a handsome little hardcover. Although Cuneo has illustrated for big-name magazines such as Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly, this work may not have been drawn with publication in mind, though not for a lack of finish. The artwork springs from freewheeling imagination and contorted humor, but it initially sticks out for its explicit and erotic sexual themes and unabashed graphic nature (e.g., a man fishing from a vagina and penises that become woodwinds). Cuneo's approach takes the glamour out of the depiction of sex and sexuality—he sticks to middle-aged models for inspiration. The rough, jagged ink and watercolor drawings are mostly full color and have a beauty of their own, despite the distorted images, disproportionate body parts, and potentially offensive subjects. Although the captions of each illustration may give a glimpse of Cuneo's thoughts while doodling, they do not add much to the humor; the illustrations speak for themselves. For adult collections only.—David Garza, AWBERC Lib. U.S. EPA, Cincinnati
Duggan, Gerry & Brian Posehn (text) & Rick Remender, Hilary Barta, & Michelle Madsen (illus.). The Last Christmas. Image Comics. 2006. 176p. ISBN 1-58240-676-6 [ISBN 978-1-58240-676-3]. pap. $14.99. F
The end of days is upon us: the laws of society have all but broken down, and the poisoned earth has given rise to abominations insatiable in their hunger for flesh. As the remnants of humanity teeter on the brink of annihilation, there arises a savior—Santa Claus has come to town! After reading the synopsis, two thoughts immediately came to this reviewer's mind: one, this might be the coolest idea for a comic ever; and two, there will be many, many bad puns. Though this work pales in comparison to the similarly themed The Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special (where a jealous Easter Bunny hires antihero extraordinaire Lobo to kill Santa), it is a very enjoyable, albeit depraved tale of Santa's downward spiral and eventual resurgence as a beacon of hope. Narrator Gary the Snowman and Santa's posse of mentally challenged and/or homicidal elves provide the hilarious quips and movie quotes. The artwork is a good fit: severed limbs and steaming piles of viscera are served aplenty but with enough of a cartoonish slant to ensure that guffaws, and not indigestion, follow. Furthermore, some of the depictions of Santa are truly laugh-out-loud: at one point a cigar-chomping Santa cuts through a horde of the undead, guns blazing—a jolly, fat angel of death. The language and violence make it strictly for adults, but this action-packed romp with plenty of dark humor is highly recommended.—George Sun, New York
Emura. W Juliet. Vol. 14. Viz Media. 2007. 208p. tr. from Japanese by Naomi Kokubo & Jeff Carlson. ISBN 1-4215-0567-3 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0567-1]. pap. $9.99. F
Tall, tomboyish Ito Miura has always been cast as the male lead in the drama club productions. New transfer student Makoto Amano attracts attention with her statuesque beauty and dramatic talent. The two quickly become best friends, and Ito discovers Makoto's secret—she's a he. Makoto's father wants him, his only son, to inherit the family martial arts dojo. His father set an ultimatum: if Makoto can get through the last two years of high school as a girl, he can become an actor. If he's discovered, he has to follow the future his father laid out for him. In this final volume, Makoto and Ito face graduation and their future together. Makoto will no longer have to disguise himself, but after years of deceiving Ito's family, can he be accepted as Ito's boyfriend? Hugely entertaining, this series packs in the action and physical comedy. Despite the wacky gender-bending scenario, this old-fashioned shojo romance emphasizes hard work, strong convictions, and the importance of family. It balances humor with quiet, reflective scenes. Rated ages 13+, it contains slapstick martial arts fighting, mild language, and kissing. Readers of Yoko Kamio's Boys over Flowers (LJ Xpress Reviews, 12/19/06) will enjoy this. Highly recommended for teen collections.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Hipp, Dan. Gyakushu! Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 184p. ISBN 978-1-59816-969-0. pap. $9.99. F
The word gyakushu carries two different meanings, depending on the characters used to write it. The first is "counterattack"—highly appropriate in this story of revenge and likely what Hipp had in mind. The second meaning, however, is just as appropriate in an odd way: "holding a memorial for oneself." This original English language (or OEL) manga's main character, the Thief, is a man reborn for revenge. Attacked by the supremely creepy Viktor and the cannibal Wretchik, the Thief loses his family and very nearly his life. He returns to walk this world, scarred and unrecognizeable behind his bandaged face, until he once more confronts Wretchik only to find out the unthinkable about the fate of his son. One particularly enjoyable aspect is the cryptic commentary by the one-eyed narrator. We do not know who he is or what his connection is to the Thief, but he provides both dramatic tension and insight. The artwork is taut and edgy, the story fast paced. Extremely violent, this nod to the samurai tale falls into that very rare genre—manga that will capture the attention of the teenage boy. Appropriately rated ages 16+ and highly recommended.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
Kang, E-Jin. Good Luck. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 184p. tr. from Korean by Ellen Choi. ISBN 978-1-59816-761-0. pap. $9.99. F
Shi-Hyun is cursed with bad luck, and everybody knows it. She has built up a protective wall around herself, not letting others touch her or get too friendly. After being ostracized and getting in fights at school, Shi-Hyun is transferred to her stepbrother Shi-Woo's school. The rumors of Shi-Hyun being bad luck have spread to these students, and Shi-Hyun doesn't help herself by being standoffish and rude to those who reach out to her. She also encounters the Queen Bee and the Cold Prince, the attractive upperclassmen who rule the school, but Shi-Hyun has a crush on Shi-Woo, so she ignores the attention and advances of the Cold Prince, a decision that makes her enemies with the Queen Bee's clique. One of Shi-Hyun's classmates is planning revenge, and the volume ends with a cliff-hanger. The artwork is beautiful: expressive, clean lines serve the story well, and intricately drawn flowers decorate many panels to convey the emotional states of the characters. Shi-Hyun's inner turmoil and defensiveness make her an empathetic character, and the beautiful boys who chase her will appeal to teen shojo readers. This melodramatic manhwa series is recommended for ages 13+ because of language and minor violence.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Remender, Rick (text) & Eric Nguyen & others (illus.). Strange Girl. Vol. 2: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now. Image Comics. 2006. 128p. ISBN 1-58240-642-1 [ISBN 978-1-58240-642-2]. pap. $14.99. F
Hell on earth continues as the spell-casting protagonist, Bethany Black, continues her struggle to survive in a post-Rapture world overrun by demons. In Vol. 2, Bethany and her sidekicks, the boisterous blue demon Blato and the temperamental tough-minded Tim, are trapped inside a secret underground military base that provides humans with protection, but they soon find out that humankind can be just as cruel as the demons. Blato and Tim are jailed, and Bethany begins to learn the shadowy secrets of a place run by a religious fanatic. Then, the base is discovered by the horde of demons that are ordered to track down and return Bethany to the demon lord Bilal. With colorful, action-packed panels and clever, snappy dialog, Remender and Nguyen's series combines action, drama, horror, and a bit of dry, dark humor. The artwork fits the overall mood with detailed and expressive characters and vibrant settings that are beautifully colored primarily in shades of orange, red, brown, and blue. Nguyen is joined by two additional artists, Jerome Opena and Harper Jaten; Opena excels at drawing hyperdetailed characters, and Jaten does an excellent job adding an impressionistic, cartoonish edge. Together the three artists enhance the already great story. This series is one of the best comic collections being sold today—essential for readers in search of an exciting action/horror work. With mildly explicit language, nudity, adult themes, and violence, this is recommended for mature readers.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Takahashi, Kazuki. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelist. Vol. 19: Duel with the Future. Viz Media. 2007. 192p. tr. from Japanese by Joe Yamazaki. ISBN 1-4215-1112-6 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1112-2]. pap. $7.95. F
The Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise includes manga, anime, and various forms of gaming—a merchandising juggernaut similar to Pokémon but aimed at teens rather than young children. As a result, the stories are more mature, dealing with serious themes of responsibility and friendship, and the game battles are far more life-threatening at times. In Volumes 18 and 19, part of season two of the television show, a tournament is in progress, supposedly "just" a master-level card game. In fact, some of the players have higher stakes in mind—the winning of special artifacts that have real-world power. One of these players raises the stakes to put lives at risk for his twisted enjoyment. Some readers will dislike the highly stylized artwork made famous by the TV show, but for most, it works very well. Characters are readily identifiable, and readers who also play the card game will appreciate the bonus feature at the end of each volume that allows them to compare cards in the manga to ones available in the game. Highly recommended for teen collections.—Nick Smith, Pasadena P.L., CA
Takahashi, Kazuki. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Millennium World. Vol. 5: Tomb of Shadows. Viz Media. 2007. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Anita Sengupta. ISBN 1-4215-0694-7 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0694-4]. pap. $7.95. F
The third Yu-Gi-Oh! series (after Yu-Gi-Oh! and Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelist, see review above) finally delves into the past of Yugi's "other" self, Yu-Gi-Oh, the spirit of an Egyptian pharaoh that melded with Yugi after he solved the Millennium Puzzle. Yugi and his usual group of friends—Jonouchi, Hiroto, and Anzu—travel into the distant past in search of the pharaoh's true name and the secrets behind the millennium items while the Pharaoh relives his battle against evil necromancer Bakura. In Volume 5, it's revealed that they are also in a shadow game with the modern Bakura, the past playing out as a role-playing game—with everyone's lives at stake. As the Pharaoh and Bakura maneuver their past selves to win, Yugi fights his own shadow game for the lost name. As in previous Yu-Gi-Oh! series, the battles here go back and forth a lot, each side coming close to defeat before pulling off a hat trick and regaining lost ground. The various threads of worlds within worlds can prove challenging to follow, as can the complicated rules of the card games, but Yu-Gi-Oh! readers are used to that by now; it would be hard to read this series—let alone this volume—without the prior ones. It is interesting to get some long hinted at secrets revealed as the series wraps up, and to see Yugi and Yu-Gi-Oh acting separately. Takahashi's distinctive and detailed art adds a lot to the action of an otherwise standard but popular battle manga.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ
Toyama, Ema. Pixie Pop: Gokkun Pucho. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Aska Yoshizu. ISBN 978-1-59816-813-6. pap. $9.99. F
Maya Kousaka is looking forward to her first day of middle school, especially because her graduation from elementary school ended unhappily when she confessed her love to Amamiya and he rejected her. Unfortunately, she is seated next to him in school, and she realizes that he will always remain cold to her. At home that evening, Maya comforts herself by drinking a strange elixir that turns out to be a magical beverage that the fairy Pucho-sama would have imbibed to turn into an adult. Now Maya transforms—turning into a giant or becoming invisible depending on the liquid that she drinks—and only Pucho-sama can restore her. Each time Maya changes shape, she learns more about Amamiya and the reasons for his aloofness and about herself. Each epiphany provides replacement ingredients for the potion that she mistakenly stole from Pucho-sama. The frames and character designs are similar to the hectic design of Arina Tanemura's Full Moon O Sagashite (LJ Xpress Reviews, 1/16/07), but the story is much lighter and gently farcical. This bubbly shojo fantasy is appropriate for younger teens. Recommended for public libraries looking for additional shojo or gentle romantic fantasy titles.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Watanabe, Taeko. Kaze Hikaru. Vol. 4. Viz Media. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Mai Ihara. ISBN 1-4215-1017-0 [ISBN 978-1-4215-1017-0]. pap. $8.99. F
Nineteenth-century Japan was not a peaceful place. During this period of social upheaval, teenage girl Sei—who is determined to avenge the deaths of her father and brother—disguises herself as a boy in order to join the Mibu-Roshi. The warrior group, ferociously loyal to the Shogunate and bushido code, is a perfect place for Sei. Going by the name Kamiya Seizaburo, she quickly develops feelings for her assistant vice-captain, Soji. But romance takes a backseat to action in Volume 4, with Soji agreeing to kill the Mibu-Roshi captain. Sei is shocked to discover that he follows through on his promise, and after the new captain institutes a strict policy where seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment) is the punishment for even minor offenses, Sei begins to question her morals and loyalty. The historical aspect is well researched, but readers without a basic knowledge of Japanese history will be lost (e.g., some may miss the significance of Sei's shaved head). However, the history is also the novel's greatest strength: Sei lives under an interesting code, very different from modern ideals. The series will appeal to fans who followed its run in Shojo Beat, and, where demand warrants, this series is a solid addition to teen collections.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Watsuki, Nobuhiro. Buso Renkin. Vol. 4. Viz Media. 2007. 216p. tr. from Japanese by Toshifumi Yoshida. ISBN 1-4215-0840-0 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0840-5]. pap. $7.99. F
Plagued by bad dreams, Kazuki Matu sneaks out of his dorm room and gives his life to save a schoolgirl in monster trouble. He wakes up to discover the schoolgirl, Tokiko, is actually an Alchemist Warrior and his life has been replaced by a kakugane as his heart. In battle, the kakugane becomes a powerful weapon, a buso renkin. Together, he and Tokiko battle flesh-hungry homunculi, but a man he fails to save becomes the flamboyant and outrageous homunculus Papillon, complete with skin-tight costume and mask. Kazuki also battles a league of unusual villains including Moonface and Dr. Butterfly, while the human but deadly Hayasaka twins lurk at school. The creator of Rouroni Kenshin does not disappoint with this series filled with battles and lots of humor. The numerous flashback scenes may confuse but won't deter novice readers. In Volume 4, the series picks up as old characters become more defined and new characters are introduced: Kazuki struggles with his decision to become a full-fledged warrior under the tutelage of the warrior chief, Captain Bravo; Tokiko fights her instincts; and Dr. Butterfly plans his attack. The series is rated OT (older teen) for violence, though compared with others it is quite mild. The language is censored, but sexual innuendo is not uncommon. In one memorable scene, the boys do compare sizes (the part in question is never shown)! Overall, this is a fun series with high appeal that starts off slow but shows great promise.—Sadie Mattox, DeKalb Cty. P.L., Decatur, GA
Wight, Eric. My Dead Girlfriend. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 192p. ISBN 978-1-59816-996-6. pap. $9.99. F
Members of the Bleak family are not remembered for their illustrious lives but for their infamously gruesome deaths. Until his assuredly spectacular final encounter with the Reaper, Finney Bleak is serving time as an underling to the zombies, golems, witches, and vampires that fill the upper echelons of Mephisto Prep. Finney receives a brief reprieve from his lonely, outcast existence when he visits a traveling fair and meets Jenny, who shares his taste for irony and the bizarre. After experiencing the best day of his life, Finney must return to his dreary existence in Purgatory Falls after Jenny misses their appointment to meet. However, he may yet glimpse paradise when Jenny returns in an unexpected form. As a loner placed in a fantastic graveyard of conformity, Finney is a likable and admirable hero about to experience the ironies of true love. Wight has worked on several well-known cartoons, including Batman Beyond, in graphic novels (The Escapist), and as the "ghost" artist for the O.C. This cartoonish style, with definitive thick inks and occasionally ethereal brushes of gray, will surely capture the attention of knowledgeable readers. Tokyopop has also identified this OEL manga as number one on a top ten list of anticipated titles for early 2007. Based on the first volume, this series is strongly recommended for young adult collections.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Won, Sooyeon. Let Dai. Vol. 5. Netcomics. 2007. 183p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Park. ISBN 978-1-60009-009-7. pap. $9.99. F
High school honor student Jaehee first meets charismatic gang leader Dai when Jaehee attempts to save Yooneun from being attacked by Dai's gang, the Furies. Dai retaliates by brutally beating Jaehee then forcing him to join the gang. But Jaehee finds himself captivated by Dai, and as Dai's own obsession with Jaehee grows, Jaehee is unable to break free as their relationship impacts the lives of everyone around them. In this volume, Yooneun begs Jaehee to help Eunhyung deal with the effects of being raped by the Furies, while Eunhyung finds a home with a girl gang whose members encourage her to trust them enough to help her. Dai and Jaehee admit their love for each other while Yooneun turns to Dai's brother for protection from Dai's gang. Won's story is dark, twisted, and hard, and the violence forces the reader to examine the characters' actions and motives in an uncomfortable way. As the manwha progresses, the change in the boys, their relationship, and the supporting characters is fascinating. The beautiful artwork clashes with the story and makes the events and emotions expressed seem even more extreme. While the translation of the first book is sloppy, it steadily improves with each new volume. Violence and strong language recommend this for older teen or adult collections. [Volume 1 was reviewed in the Graphic Novels column, LJ 5/15/06.—Ed.]—Eva Volin, Stockton–San Joaquin Cyt. Lib., CA
Yoshinaga, Fumi. Flower of Life. Vol. 1. Digital Manga. 2007. 174p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-874-6 [ISBN 978-1-56970-874-3]. pap. $12.95. F
Harutaro Hanazono explains himself to his new high school with surprising frankness: he is a year behind and a month late because he has been sick with leukemia. Despite his obstacles, Harutaro is open-hearted and optimistic. He immediately befriends Shota, a shy, kind, overweight boy of a sort rarely seen in manga—or in YA literature—and earns the affection of his classmates. Harutaro's friendship with Shota, his more tempestuous relationship with Shota's friend Kai, and the tidbits about minor characters that sprinkle the story all bring the series fully to life. Yoshinaga rarely falls back on the melodramas or extremes that comprise many high school manga, and her characters are honest and unusually believable. Not that there is no drama to be found: homeroom teacher Shigeru and math teacher Koyanagi are having an extramarital affair, the difficult Kai is the president of the manga club (of which Harutaro becomes a member), and the issue of Shota's obesity comes up publicly during swim class. But the drama here is genuine, and the main force of the story is in the truth of its characters—funny, selfish, kind, and complicated. Sexual references recommend it for older teens. The only drawback is Digital Manga's treatment; manga/anime references and tricky translations should have been accompanied by translation notes, and there are several egregious typos. However, this sincere and delightful story is still worth it.—Rebecca Schaffner, Saline Dist. Lib., MI
Yoshinaga, Fumi. The Moon and the Sandals. Vol. 1. Juné: Digital Manga. 2007. 216p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-824-X [ISBN 978-1-56970-824-8]. pap. $12.95. F
High school sophomore Kobayashi has a crush on his world history teacher, Mr. Ida. But Mr. Ida is in love with Hashizume, his high school sweetheart, and is trying to make that relationship work. Classmate Naru-chan is sweet on Kobayashi, who still has feelings for Mr. Ida—until, that is, Naru introduces Kobayashi to her brother. Through each character's story, Yoshinaga, author of the Kodansha Award–winning Antique Bakery (see Graphic Novels, LJ 11/15/06), convincingly shows how love can turn the strong into quivering balls of insecurity and how hard it is to maintain dignity while watching the person you love fall in love with someone else. Employing spare lines and minimal backgrounds, Yoshinaga deftly uses closeups and two-shots to let facial expressions and body language tell much of the story. Her dialog rings true, and she is able to convey, with only a few words and pictures, the heartbreak of unrequited love or the honest joy when one's feelings are unexpectedly reciprocated. Although the sexual content in this volume is not explicit, it is also not hidden, earning the book its Mature rating. Highly recommended for libraries collecting yaoi manga.—Eva Volin, Stockton–San Joaquin County P.L., CA
Week of March 6
Nonfiction | Graphic Novels
Nonfiction
Allenby-Jaffé, Margaret. National Dance. Crowood, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2007. 192p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-86126-781-9 [ISBN 978-1-86126-781-8]. pap. $29.95. DANCE
Dance teacher Allenby-Jaffé acknowledges that the title of her book—assigned by the publishers—means different things to different people. To her, "national dance" encompasses traditional dance, folk dance, ritual, and character, although it is best understood when examined in the context of the culture from which it springs. Part 1 provides an overview in chapters on the history and development of national dance, the importance of style, the language of music, the development of the costume, and folk dance in education and its teaching. The majority of the book is made up of descriptions of dances, country by country. These chapters, rich in history and interpretation, reveal the author's broad knowledge of her subject. The numerous photographs, most in color and contemporary, are a definite strength. Given the shortage of popular survey books on national dance, this one will be welcome in public libraries.—Joan Stahl, Univ. of Maryland Lib., College Park
Gerstenzang, Sarah. Another Mother: Co-Parenting with the Foster Care System. Vanderbilt Univ. Mar. 2007. 256p. index. ISBN 0-8265-1548-7 [ISBN 978-0-8265-1548-3]. $59.95; pap. ISBN 0-8265-1549-5 [ISBN 978-0-8265-1549-0]. $27.95. PSYCH
In the 19th century, Charles Loring Brace pioneered foster care with the belief that children (mostly born of immigrant parents) should be raised in families rather than in institutions. Today, the foster care system involves more complicated relationships and focuses on minority children and their biological parents. A social worker and married mother of two, Gerstenzang (assistant project director, Adoption Exchange Assn.) recounts her real-life experience as a foster parent to a young African American child. She discusses important topics—e.g., attachment behavior, interracial concerns—as well as such practical issues as stipend amounts and shared parenting dilemmas. She also voices strong opinions on the middle-class preference for international adoption and the often adversarial nature of relationships in the foster care system. This intensely personal and anecdotal book successfully integrates relevant research and policy statements into its very readable text, concluding with useful references. Ultimately, it is a well-told story of one family who courageously ventured outside its comfort zone (and could afford to do so). There's even a surprise ending. Highly recommended for child welfare collections and large public libraries.—Antoinette Brinkman, M.L.S., Evansville, IN
Johnson, Chalmers. Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic. Metropolitan: Holt. 2007. 320p. index. ISBN 0-8050-7911-4. $26. POL SCI
In the final book of an inadvertent trilogy, historian Johnson (The Sorrows of Empire) again critiques American foreign policy, this time purporting to chronicle "the decline and fall of the American empire" in the wake of the Iraq war. He draws parallels with the Roman Republic and the British empires, attempting to show how militarism and imperialism led to the breakdown of the former and how Britain dismantled its empire, thereby changing direction before it was too late. He examines the role of the CIA, condemns its excesses, deeply criticizes its ties to President Bush, and bemoans the lack of congressional control over its activities. In the historical analysis, to support his thesis of how America has become an empire builder, he ranges all over the globe—to Chile, Japan, and Egypt, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan—and even discusses how American exploration of outer space is tied to this theme. Johnson believes America is on the path to a "military dictatorship" because our needs in maintaining our new empire can only be attained through "an imperial presidency." Essentially an update of The Sorrows of Empire, this provides new information and deserves to be read for its pointed critique of American foreign policy, but its pessimistic predictions are supported neither by its arguments nor the results of the last election. An optional purchase. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/06.]—Jack Forman, San Diego Mesa Coll. Lib.
Prashad, Vijay. The Darker Nations: A People's History of the Third World. New Pr., dist. by Norton. 2007. c.384p. photogs. index. ISBN 1-56584-785-7. $25.95. POL SCI
Prashad (international studies, Trinity Coll., CT; The Karma of Brown Folk) here surveys the Third World both as a concept and a global movement after World War II across 18 countries. As a movement, the Third World was able to act as a force of economic empowerment for the world's poor during the tension of the Cold War. Prashad notes that more recent movements, such as the Group of 15, have been impotent and suggests that the poor countries of the world will be unable to overcome the usury of the United States without debt forgiveness and favorable trade agreements. This accessible and thorough survey serves as an excellent, if left-leaning, introduction to Third World Cold War politics. Students and political science buffs will find it an engaging springboard for further inquiry. A good fit for academic libraries owing to its textbook feel.—Robert Perret, Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie
Shabsigh, Ridwan, M.D. Sensational Sex in 7 Easy Steps: The Proven Plan for Lasting Health and Intimacy. Rodale. Mar. 2007. c.384p. illus. index. ISBN 1-59486-421-7 [ISBN 978-1-59486-421-6]. pap. $15.95. HEALTH
Ninety percent of erectile disorders result from health rather than psychological conditions, says Shabsigh, a urologist specializing in male sexual disorders at New York Presbyterian Hospital's New York Center for Human Sexuality. Decline in a man's sexual performance can be an early indicator of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other disorders. His step-by-step approach to improving both physical and sexual health begins with a basic wellness program—health checkups, weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management. The book details the causes and available treatments for common male sexual complaints (physical and psychological), with individual chapters for men with chronic conditions (heart disease, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis) and a comparison male and female sexual response. Lapses into medical jargon and detailed scientific explanations often get in the way of Shabsigh's solid, practical information; the scanty resource list includes books and web sites. An alternative to Harvey B. Simon's The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health or Richard F. Spark's Sexual Health for Men: The Complete Guide, this is recommended for comprehensive health and men's health collections.—Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Inst. Lib., Cleveland
Shook, Robert L. Miracle Medicines: Seven Lifesaving Drugs and the People Who Created Them. Portfolio: Penguin Group (USA). Mar. 2007. index. ISBN 1-59184-157-7 [ISBN 978-1-59184-157-9]. $26.95. BUS
Despite prolific nonfiction writer Shook's (coauthor, Longaberger: An American Success Story) title, this is really a business book, a homage to the largest pharmaceutical companies and the people who created them. Shook devotes a chapter each to seven high-profile contemporary drugs (e.g., Advair, Humalog, Norvir). He starts with a profile of the manufacturing company, then describes the development and marketing of the medication. This is one of our society's favorite topics, and the book has a can't-lose formula—a skilled writer describing rags-to-riches stories of powerful people, high-stakes products, and huge amounts of money. But be warned: Shook makes no pretense of presenting a balanced picture of pharmaceutical companies. In the afterword, he concludes that the people in the pharmaceutical companies "are driven by their strong desire to do the right thing for humankind. This is what motivates them to go to their jobs each morning and spend long hours doing tedious work." For the other side of the story, see Ray Moynihan and Alan Cassels's Selling Sickness: How the World's Biggest Pharmaceutical Companies Are Turning Us All into Patients. Recommended for public libraries.—Fran Mentch, Cleveland State Univ. Lib.
Tobias, Michael & Jane Gray Morrison. Donkey: The Mystique of Equus Asinus. Council Oak. 2007. c.244p. illus. ISBN 1-57178-202-8 [ISBN 978-1-57178-202-1].$19.95. NAT HIST
Burro. Hinny. Ass. Donkey. This unusual, charming book is a tribute to the Equus asinus, a utilitarian, often misunderstood animal. The well-qualified authors Tobias (president of a nonprofit organization devoted to conservation, environmental education, and animal protection) and Morrison (an ecologist and filmmaker) have shared their lives with donkeys, getting to know them, interacting with them, and gaining insight into their world. The book focuses on the donkey as a social creature, and anecdotes throughout the text illustrate donkeys' interactions with each other and with humans. There is also a thorough discussion of the history of the donkey and its place in art and literature, acompanied by color and black-and-white photographs and paintings depicting the donkey in its natural habitat and as an art form. There is legitimate concern about the future of this humble creature, and the authors support the creation of donkey sanctuaries to protect the animals. A quick search of Amazon.com reveals there are not many books about donkeys, and the only recent comparable selection would be Janet Baker-Carr's An Extravagance of Donkeys. Recommended, where interest warrants.—Deborah Emerson, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, Fairport, NY
Aoyama, Gosho. Case Closed. Vol. 15. Viz Media. 2007. 184p. tr. from Japanese by Naoko Amemiya. ISBN 1-4215-0445-6 [ISBN 978-1-4215-0445-2]. pap. $9.99. F
Sixteen-year-old ace detective Jimmy Kudo runs afoul of gangsters Gin and Vodka and ends up shrunken into a kid by an experimental poison that was supposed to kill him. He hides as Conan Edogawa, living with his friend Rachel and her P.I. dad, Richard. Conan can't help working on cases, and he uses a voice changer and sleep darts to make it look like Richard solved them. Volume 15 starts with the resolution to the ski lodge murders from Volume 14, then moves into the kidnapping of real pop band Two Mix, with frequent jokes about how much singer Minami sounds like Conan (she does his voice in the anime). The third case is another locked room mystery, and the fourth brings back fellow teen detective Harley and ends on the usual cliffhanger. Most cases in the series are single shots with little cumulative effect; Gin and Vodka reappear occasionally to advance the background plot, but very little changes over the 15 volumes. Trying to figure out the odd and complex murders before Conan is fun, if repetitive, but Aoyama is creative in his murders. The Americanization of some character names to match the Cartoon Network broadcast is incongruous with the modern Japanese setting and distracting from the story. Typical murder mystery violence and gore recommend this to older teens.—Teresa Copeland, Yuma Cty. Lib. Dist., AZ
Brubaker, Ed (text) & Trevor Hairsine & Scott Hanna (illus.). X-Men: Deadly Genesis. Marvel. 2007. 200p. ISBN 0-7851-1830-6 [ISBN 978-0-7851-1830-5]. pap. $19.99. F
After the House of M story line, the Marvel Universe is in chaos: many mutants have lost their powers, Professor X is missing, and the government's giant robotic Sentinels are policing. This collection celebrates the 30th anniversary of Giant Sized X-Men #1, a one-time issue jump-starting X-Men after a ten-year hiatus in 1975, and revisits a story line about the original X-Men escaping the living island of Krakoa. A powerful new enemy kidnaps Cyclops and Marvel Girl, and hidden memories about Krakoa begin to resurface, threatening the foundation of the team. As Nightcrawler and Havok are haunted by painful past visions, Wolverine, Beast, and Emma Frost investigate a mysterious shuttle crash and work to rescue their friends. This story line has definite repercussions: an established character dies, another side of Professor X is revealed, and fans learn a secret about the Summers family hinted at for 15 years. Backup stories in each issue introduce vital characters, which creates suspense and helps pacing. The artwork is solid, with clean lines and layouts and detailed covers by crowd pleaser Marc Silvestri. Fans will appreciate this homage to X-Men history, and new readers will enjoy a well-told superhero story. This volume is rated T+ (ages 9+), but it's more appropriate for ages 13+ because of violence. Recommended.—Emily Williams, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma City
Dixon, Chuck (text) & Sergio Cariello & Flint Henry (illus.). The Iron Ghost. Image Comics. 2007. 152p. ISBN 1-58240-727-4 [ISBN 978-1-58240-727-2]. pap. $15.99. F
At the end of World War II, two detectives are investigating a series of strange murders: a vigilante masked man, Iron Ghost, is offing SS officers for their crimes—even leaving notes of their sins. Because the officers have high Nazi connections, the detectives are ordered to find this killer somewhere in Berlin's sea of death, dodging bomber raids as they go. They are endearingly dedicated to their craft, sometimes getting so engrossed they forget to take cover. The writing is excellent and explores many themes of war, e.g., needless torture, civilian casualties, introspective soldiers. Good guys are forced to catch a good guy ridding a bad world of bad guys, which gives the story a realistic grit. Dixon strikes a nice balance: the powerful Nazi officials are craven, immoral villains, but there are humane characters, too. The artists reinforce the narrative's strengths with carefully composed scenes that use rough lines and aptly muddy color schemes. The best part is the mystery itself, with the plot rhythm reaching a crescendo as the killer gets more brazen and all characters—noble, craven, and homicidal alike—seem plausible as the Ghost. The answer to the whodunit may just spark a reread. Violence is moderate, but young readers will likely have trouble following the many interlocking characters. This historically focused book is recommended for all collections for 13+.—Erika Bennett, Inst. of Production and Recording Lib., Minneapolis, MN
Hamme, J. Van & Ben Avery (text) & W. Vance (illus.). XIII. Vol. 1: The Day of the Black Sun. Dabel Brothers: Marvel. 2007. 144p. ISBN 0-7851-2653-8 [ISBN 978-0-7851-2653-9]. pap. $14.99. F
This collection's intricate, twisting plot will appeal to fans of espionage fiction and adventure thrillers. With setup elements reminiscent of Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Identity, it opens with a gunshot victim washing up on a beach. He is rescued by an elderly couple and a matronly town doctor—all killed when assassins come looking for "Alan." Clues lead readers and "Alan"—who suffers from amnesia—to believe that he is Capt. Steve Rowland, a military officer deceased two years prior and who may be the rifleman in a recent assassination of the U.S. president. Or could Rowland be Ross Tanner, a military officer and engineer specially trained for intelligence missions? Readers, and Rowland, are left wondering about his true identity at the end of this first arc. This volume collects six issues of this long-running, popular series by Belgian creators, which was originally published in French beginning in 1984. While the dialog and narration feel a bit stilted at times (possibly from translation) and the clothing and technology are definitely 1980s vintage, the plot, action, and suspense are first-rate. Realistic art, great coloring, and high-quality production are evident. An "Explicit Content" advisory warns of mature subject matter—mostly violence. Readers will eagerly anticipate further installments. Recommended for large collections and older teens and up.—Jeff Hunter, Royal Oak, MI
Kaishaku. Key Princess Story: Eternal Alice Rondo. Vol. 1. DrMaster Publns. 2006. 196p. tr. from Japanese by Gretchen Kern. ISBN 1-59796-112-4 [978-1-59796-112-4]. pap. $9.95. F
While obsessively scribbling his story about his favorite character, Alice, Aruto Kirihara happens to see a bunny girl leaping across the night sky. Is this fantastic girl his Alice? When he meets her the next day, he follows her into a mysterious library—a library that exists in Merveilleux Space, a dimension that appears for girls so they can fight and defeat each other. The prize? Additional chapters in Eternal Alice, Aruto's beloved story. Once Aruto becomes a witness to these battles, he discovers that real girls—his pretty classmates, the new girl Arisu who resembles his Alice, and his sister—are fighting to recover pages of the Alice book. The art and character designs are shojo sweet but disturbingly sexual. Fan-service buxom bunny girls armed with phallic keys clash and unlock the hearts of fearfully orgasmic girls. Aruto's inappropriate relationship with his pubescent sister, whose attempts at bathing with him lead to "inadvertent" gropings, is creepy. This series is for harem manga/fan-service personal collections; definitely not recommended for school libraries or for young adult collections.—Christine Gertz, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton
Kawai, Toko. Loveholic. Vol. 1. Juné: Digital Manga. 2007. 224p. tr. fom Japanese by Issei Shimizu. ISBN 1-56970-847-9 [ISBN 978-1-56970-847-7]. pap. $12.95. F
In the first of this two-volume yaoi manga, upstart fashion photographer Kentaro Nishioka is talented and temperamental. Despite his difficult reputation, all the top models are clamoring to be photographed by him. Daisuke Matsukawa, also 27 years old, is a successful manager at a major advertising agency, but coworkers insinuate that his rapid ascension is from his rich father's connections. Nevertheless, whenever Nishioka and Matsukawa work together, the results are stellar even though they mix like oil and water. When business associates conspire to steal a big account, Matsukawa asks Nishioka for help. Meanwhile, a rival photographer is trying to blacklist Nishioka. As they help save each other's careers, they begin to acknowledge their hidden feelings. Kawai (Our Everlasting; the upcoming In the Walnut) draws with an airy, light, confident manner. The stylized artwork featuring lanky physiques, pointy chins, and large expressive eyes complements the world of high fashion. The strength is in the story, told with emotion and humor as the drama unfolds at a leisurely and satisfying pace. The multifaceted characters are flawed and (mis)guided by their pasts. Rated ages 16+; content includes moderate sexuality and sexual themes—with scenes of kissing, shirtless males reclining in bed, and implied sexual scenes. Recommended for libraries purchasing yaoi.—June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA
Lasko-Gross, Miss. Escape from "Special." Fantagraphics. Mar. 2007. 120p. ISBN 1-56097-804-X [ISBN 978-1-56097-804-6]. pap. $16.95. F
Lasko-Gross's work has appeared in numerous publications and galleries, but her combined storytelling/illustration talent makes its debut here in graphic novel form. In this true-to-life, semiautobiographical story, Melissa is a sarcastic adolescent whose world is centered in uncertainty. A disturbing early memory of her mother suffering from toxoplasmosis and dreams of being kidnapped as a young child set the stage for this coming-of-age narrative steeped in existential concerns. Her personality is only revealed to us as she discovers it herself, which leaves the reader in constant flux as Melissa moves from joy of discovery to loss of clear identity. Her anxieties of fitting in with her friends and her perceptions of the world are expressed authentically and without the demand for critical judgment. However, the story line is anecdotal, and many of the incidents are never expanded upon despite their apparent significance—although this does happen to add to the sense of insecurity Melissa suffers. Any lack of continuity is forgiven by Lasko-Gross's gloomy and highly expressionistic black-and-white illustrations awash in a sea of grays in which Melissa's moods are conveyed flawlessly and her dark humor finds a home. Melissa's adolescent experience, complete with gross-out humor and language, is very relatable and should appeal to teens. Recommended.—David Garza, AWBERC Lib. U.S. EPA, Cincinnati
Lee, Jae. Hellshock. Image Comics. 2006. 144p. ISBN 1-58240-504-2 [ISBN 978-1-58240-504-9]. pap. $19.99. F
Ten years after its abrupt cessation, Lee's unfinished masterpiece has been rereleased with a new final chapter and a bonus alternate opening. This deeply personal, genre-defying story follows Christina as she begins her internship at County General psychiatric hospital. Fresh from graduate study and full of enthusiasm, Christina is quickly worn down by her unresponsive patients, the homeless who look to her for an escape from their wretched lives, and the jaded behavior of her colleagues. Enter Daniel, a patient who questions the sad reality around him and believes that there is a magical, heavenlike life waiting for him outside the hospital. Desperate to shake her own feelings of isolation and failure, Christina wants to believe in his vision, and she slowly loses touch with her own reality, with consequences both disastrous and revelatory. Lee's compelling artwork vividly captures the alternating claustrophobia of the psychiatric world, drawn in a cramped nine-panel Watchmen-style format with a dark, muted color palette, and Daniel's wide-open world of hope, revealed through full-page spreads and lush, saturated colors. The new concluding chapter is particularly beautiful: cascading, dreamlike images both frame and juxtapose the conflicting elements of Christina's fractured psyche. Highly recommended for older teen and adult collections owing to mature themes and some violence and drug use.—David Ward, Univ. of Illinois Undergraduate Lib., Urbana
Moore, B. Clay (text) & Steven Griffin & Nick Derington (illus.). Hawaiian Dick. Vol. 2: The Last Resort. Image Comics. 2006. 152p. ISBN 1-58240-664-2 [ISBN 978-1-58240-664-0]. pap. $14.99. F
In 1953 Hawaii, the gangsters are tough, and haole ex-cop–turned–gumshoe Byrd and his cop friend Mo are even tougher. Kahami plays the dame, a waitress friend of Mo's at the Outrigger bar who takes on the role of Byrd's executive assistant by the second volume. In the first volume, we followed Byrd's quest to find a stolen car with supposed valuable contents. Here, he steps into the middle of a truce going sour between two rival hotel-owning mobs. Going beyond what you might expect of a series that styles itself as "tropical noir," the story boasts spirits and other island mojo playing a supporting role. There's an angularity to the artwork that is especially effective on faces—Mo's mug is unforgettable. The art uses a subdued color palette that bridges the gap between black-and-white films and the dazzling hues of Hawaii. Also, each volume features bonus material including a text story of Byrd and Mo's first meeting, a drink menu from the Outrigger in Vol. 1, and finger puppets of the main characters from Vol. 2 (note that Mo's puppet has three finger holes, two for the legs and a third for the "Hawaiian dick"). With a 1950s feel, no serious swearing, little blood (although there is a shootout in Vol. 2), and no sex or nudity, these two outstanding books belong in every graphic novel collection, teen and up.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Lib., Wisconsin Rapids
Murakami, Maki. Gravitation EX. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Satsuki Yamashita. ISBN 978-1-4278-0240-8. pap. $9.99. F
The phrase "wacky hijinks ensue" can be used to sum up any Gravitation volume, and this sequel to the original 12-volume series has all of the mayhem fans have come to expect—gun fights, explosions, crazed mobs, death-defying stunts, silly costumes, spurting bloody noses, and (thankfully) tender moments between singer Shuichi and romance author Yuki. Shuichi and Yuki are in New York to visit Kitazawa's grave for some well-deserved closure. Waiting at the gravesite, however, is Yoshiki, Kitazawa's transsexual sibling, and a child who turns out to be Kitazawa's son Riku. Despite protests, the pair ends up taking Riku back to Japan for a week, during which their relationship suffers a meltdown made worse by the appearance of Ryuichi, who has decided to claim Shuichi for his own. Of course, this relationship drama plays out in the public eye, as Shuichi's personal life is at the center of the "boy's love" craze. Fans of the series will be delighted, but though Murakami deftly summarizes previous volumes, the history among the large cast of characters and the lunatic pace may make this a difficult entry point. The sense of humor and comic timing are as strong as ever, and Murakami's artwork is excellent even in the convoluted action sequences. There isn't any sex here, but as with the rest of the series, its content is appropriate for ages 16+.—Krista Hutley, Lakeside Sch., Seattle
Oh! Great. Air Gear. Vol. 3. Del Rey: Ballantine. 2007. 224p. tr. from Japanese by Makoto Yukon. ISBN 978-0-345-49280-7. pap. $10.95. F
Rival gangs soar through the sky on Air Trecks, antigravity rollerblades. Itsuki Minami is known as the "Babyface" of the Eastside, but he's the toughest kid in his school; he's also an orphan living with the Noyamano sisters, who hone his fighting skills by beating him up. He finally gets the Air Trecks that he's longed for, but his skating skills are lacking. In the third volume, Itsuki has to fight Bucca, a tanklike skater who can eat an impressive amount of ramen. Bucca beat up two of Itsuki's best friends, so Itsuki challenges him to a "parts war," where they have to wager their skate components on a contest. They race through an obstacle course, and although Itsuki is still a weak skater, he may be able to beat his new rival with some help from his friends and his innovative fighting tactics. Oh!Great has a gift for drawing dynamic and innovative action scenes, but his manga also contains plenty of panty shots, nudity, strong language, and sexual situations. Although rated ages 16+, libraries considering this title may wish to shelve it in an adult manga collection because of the sexual content. Recommended for libraries wishing to build a shonen collection for mature readers.—Anna Neatrour, Salt Lake City, UT
Park, Jin-Hwan. Archlord. Vol. 1. Tokyopop. 2007. 232p. tr. from Korean by Jennifer Hahm. ISBN 978-1-59816-967-6. pap. $9.99. F
In this series based on a video game of the same name, a chivalric king is killed by the knight Ernan, who seeks to become lord of Chantra by seizing the dead king's mythical sword and murdering his infant son Zian. But Ernan's plan backfires—the sword is magically sealed in its scabbard, and Zian is spirited away to a secret hiding place. Sixteen years later, these two characters are on parallel paths to discover the secrets of the sword. Ernan leads a band of men toward a mountaintop castle to find a way to unsheathe the sword; Zian, secretly raised by a powerful hermit in a goblin- and orc-infested forest, begins to learn about the sword. The stage is then set for Zian's quest to help the people of Chantra resist Ernan by recapturing the sword. The plot elements are solid but basic, and there is little innovation. The only twist is Zain's personality, which shifts from courageous and confident to comedic and cowardly and, as a result, disrupts the serious tone rather than provide comic relief. Despite the failings in plot, the artwork is amazing—clean and polished action sequences, clearly drawn backgrounds, and excellent character art that features detailed dragons, orcs, trolls, and goblins. While not one of the better books in its genre, this is definitely a manwha worth picking up for those in search of a beautifully drawn fantasy epic. Recommended for grades 9 and up; contains some graphic violence.—Raphael E. Rogers, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst
Sala, Richard. The Grave Robber's Daughter. Fantagraphics. 2007. 96p. ISBN 978-1-56097-773-5. pap. $9.95. F
Imagine that Little Lulu spent her early adolescence in the basement of the library, reading Nancy Drew and Miss Marple novels. When she emerged, one might see a creature very like Sala's Judy Drood—tightly wound, brooking no nonsense, and a little on the angry side. Judy's ancient Datsun breaks down in the middle of nowhere, and the only "help" she gets is from a creepy child who is afraid to sleep. It seems that clowns came through town one day and lured everyone but Nellie Kelly away, and she is scared that they will come back for her. This work has everything a horror fan might want: an incredulous heroine, a creepy child, evil clowns, an abandoned carnival, ghosts, witches, black magic, and the triumph of the underdog over the bully. The story is not complicated, and Judy doesn't have to do much detection. However, Nellie Kelly proves herself a worthy companion—perhaps she will reappear in future Judy Drood tales. Sala's black-and-white art is thorough and atmospheric. There is no lack of gore or grotesqueries, which is sure to delight fans of the genre. A recommended addition for adult collections with a strong horror component.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.
Tenzen, Momoko. Seven. Juné: Digital Manga. 2007. 200p. tr. from Japanese by Issei Shimizu. ISBN 1-56970-849-5 [ISBN 978-1-56970-849-1]. pap. $12.95. F
Nana, a young man with no past, meets Mitsuha, a man whose past haunts him. For a few brief moments, Mitsuha thinks Nana could be his long-lost younger brother, Nanao. Though Nana is not Mitsuha's brother, their mutual longings quickly make them more than friends. Mitsuha leads Nana out of the sameness of his blank existence as he brings him along to search for Nanao. Their story is told in two parts, separated in this volume by what might be considered an extra—a tale starring Mitsuha's missing brother and his adoptive family, in which Nanao has fallen in love with his adoptive brother, Hiromu, who secretly requites his love; the revelation of Nanao's adoption allows them to declare finally their feelings for each other. Tenzen's artwork is full of space; each frame is composed of light, thin lines that barely seem to hold to the page. The result is an ethereal, almost otherworldly manga that is almost insubstantial—Mitsuha does not find his brother, Nana's past is never uncovered, and there is no indication that there will be any subsequent volumes. Rated ages 16+; however, one instance of sexual activity probably makes it more appropriate for adult collections. Though an enjoyable read, it's an optional purchase.—Ruthanne Price, Vaughan P.L.s, Ont.
Trondheim, Lewis. Mister i. Nantier Beall Minoustchine. Mar. 2007. 32p. ISBN 1-56163-486-7 [ISBN 978-1-56163-486-6]. $13.95. F
A pie cools on a window sill—a recurring and typically simple premise for these cheerfully bleak little tales. The style is purposefully primitive: Mr. i is little more than a stick figure, the setting is often a single horizon line, and the colors are flat and strong. The stories unfold in a strict, 60-box grid, with one story to a page. At the beginning of each, Mr. i wants something—a pie, an apple, a chance to catch a big fish. At the end, he's dead. In between is a stark, slapstick parable of greed, mendacity, and futility that in its measured pace and absence of dialog recalls a Buster Keaton comedy (and the tiny panels look like film frames). But here the little guy never triumphs; Mr. i is continually undone by a world that trumps his amorality, sometimes with its own brutishness and sometimes with absurdly bad luck. That's the joke, accented in the last panel of each strip by a bright red seepage of blood. Part of the humor lies in Trondheim's (sometimes strained) ingenuity in conjuring predicaments and in the marvelous expressiveness of his simple figures. Not everyone will get it, but those who do will love it. For larger collections, especially YA.—Andrew Moore, Wayland P.L., MA
Vinton, Will & Andrew Wiese (text) & Fabio Laguna (illus.). Jack Hightower. Dark Horse. 2007. 112p. ISBN 1-59307-392-5 [ISBN 978-1-59307-392-3]. pap. $14.95. F
While on assignment, super-secret agent and international ladies' man Jack Hightower falls victim to his nemesis Dr. Flagitious Savant's shrink ray in this adventure by Vinton (best known as creator of The California Raisins) and Wiese. Now reduced to the size of an action figure, Hightower continues his adventures, encountering villains and femme fatales in a variety of exotic locations. Looking at first glace like an odd, "Ultimate" style update of the Saturday morning cartoon Inch, High Private Eye, the story chugs along, punctuating sequences of predictable visual humor with occasional ribald one-liners. Repetitive and cheeky plays on Hightower being "ten inches" are the extent of the script's wit, and the premise somehow manages to feel tired even though one might be hard-pressed to find its exact double (Austin Powers meets Stuart Little? Benny Hill's take on Small Soldiers?). The mediocre comic art employed in this volume reinforces the feeling that the intent was to create and copyright a pre-storyboarded script pitch for an animated adult sitcom or movie rather than an original graphic novel. Contains mature themes and partial nudity. Not recommended.—Ben Lathrop, Fairfield Lane Lib., OH
Yoshinaga, Fumi. Solfege. Juné: Digital Manga. Mar. 2007. 178p. tr. from Japanese by Sachiko Sato. ISBN 1-56970-841-X [ISBN 978-1-56970-841-5]. pap. $12.95. F
This is a manga of extremes: on one hand, it is a touching, multilayered story with an unexpected ending; on the other, the content in parts is highly sexual, at times crossing into the inappropriate. Azuma Tanaka is a junior high school student who is physically mature beyond his years yet emotionally naïve and unworldly. Azuma, coming from a dysfunctional home, strives to pass the entrance exam to a good music high school. His music teacher, Kugayama, takes Azuma into his home when Azuma's mother is hospitalized. Unfortunately, Kugayama crosses that forbidden line and seduces Azuma. Rescued by his voice coach, Gotoh, Azuma is sent to study opera in Italy, where he becomes an accomplished and much feted tenor. Both Kugayama and Azuma are forever changed by their brief love affair: Kugayama searches for a replacement, instead finding pain and humiliation, and it is only in Azuma's return that he is redeemed. Owing to the explicit sexual relationship between a teacher and his young student, this manga would be better rated 18+ than 16+. It is not appropriate for school libraries or young adult collections. However, because of the depth of treatment of this taboo subject, it is recommend for adult collections.—Diane Gallagher-Hayashi, Stelly's Sch., Saanich Sch. Dist., Saanichton, B.C.
See the March 1st Xpress Reviews.
