Graphic Novels
RSS
BANKS, Carl, et al. Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse Classics: Mouse Tails. illus. by author, et al. unpaged. Boom! 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-60886-539-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 5-A selection of vintage comics reprinted, recolored, and anthologized provides a view back to some of the origins and traditions of the famous rodent. Sometimes considered to be the straight man to a series of more overtly humorous foils, Mickey Mouse has long been the hero of crime and mystery stories, which are gently referenced here. The central stories involve a forgery scheme and some fanciful sci-fi, as well as an homage to The Hound of the Baskervilles. Of interest is a mistaken-identity story by Carl Barks, whose work on Donald Duck is legendary in comics circles, but who rarely worked with Mickey. The best tale is a 1931 reprint from the daily comic strip by Floyd Gottfredson, which begins the collection and introduces Mickey as a rough-and-tumble, brash Popeye-esque character, full of vim, vinegar, and conflict. This is an interesting curiosity that most younger kids will be able to read and enjoy, even if they unintentionally bypass the alterations to the character over time, and the historical survey this volume provides.?Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 5-9?Yusuf Porter, a headstrong black teen interested in little besides his image and having a good time, is visited by four future versions of himself: as an overweight, unhealthy underachiever; as an overaged hipster clinging to his outdated youthful style; as a distracted, uncaring family man; and as an illiterate ex-con. Each visitation is accompanied by a variety of strips that illustrate points about self-esteem and respect for others while gently poking fun at some of the conventions of black culture and the pressures a young man like Yusuf might feel, ranging from baggy pants to sibling rivalry to the potential iconography of President Obama. The book is permeated with a gentle, chiding tone, and the punch lines rarely inspire a raucous reaction. It?s hard not to like something so good-natured, and younger readers may enjoy the insouciant charm of the wastrel main character who never seems like he?s actually 16 years old, but older readers may find the consistent focus on a message of self-improvement to be patronizing, and the author?s running commentary underneath the strips may strike some as condescending. The messages are sound, though, and those looking for a mild moral delivery system that?s coupled with some brief inspirational bits about cartooning will find it here.?Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 8 Up-A telegram arrives, informing Salem Brownstone of the death of the father he never knew. The loss leaves him holding the key to his father?s mansion and its strange contents. There he meets a mysterious contortionist in possession of a scrying ball and, as Jedediah Brownstone forewarned his friends, the deathly Shadow Boys have come for it. Like Alice going down the rabbit hole, Salem descends into Dr. Kinoshita?s Circus of Unearthly Delights, and the eerie adventures take off from there. Singh's artwork in this oversize book is similar to Edward Gorey?s surrealistic pen-and-ink illustrations. It lends itself perfectly to Dunning?s dark tale. Fans of H. P. Lovecraft, Lewis Carroll, and Edgar Allan Poe will enjoy this eerie graphic novel.?Lisa Gieskes, CA Johnson Preparatory Academy, Columbia, SC
Gr 3-6-This up-to-date action mystery resembles a Saturday-morning cartoon. Four slender teens, each with a specialty (martial arts, computers, etc.), sleuth their way through a plot that cuts corners on its way to a predictable conclusion. Lots of kids love TV cartoons, and this one comes with discussion questions, writing prompts, and a few vocabulary words (e.g., terrain, sabotage). The richly colored digital art starts off fine?characters have big manga-esque eyes but are not overly stylized, action is convincingly rendered, and panels are drawn using a variety of points of view. However, the drawing is of uneven quality, and by the end of the book, it is poorly rendered, with many panels appearing pixilated and rough. Bright, appealing colors and the promise of action give this book a lot of shelf appeal, but readers looking for suspense will quickly lose interest.?Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 8 Up-In this installment, Luke is asked by the federal government to monitor the historic Oklahoma land grab with the help of the cavalry. Major events in the book parallel history?the lineup on the territory line (as well as attempts by ?sooners? to get in early), disputes over land, and the springing up of boomtowns?peppered with the usual jokes and physical humor characteristic of the series. There is quite a lot of text; that, plus references to actual events, makes Lucky Luke?s adventures appropriate tie-ins to social-studies units as well as for leisure reading. New converts to the series will find plenty of volumes to keep themselves busy. The Oklahoma Land Rush was one of Goscinny?s earlier entries in a run with artist Morris that would last nearly 30 years. Morris?s art is distinctive?his use of solid colors to draw attention to various features of a given panel is frequent and effective. Lucky Luke (and other characters) smokes cigarettes and cigars, and alcohol is used on occasion, and they blend in naturally in the stereotypical Old West environment. Fans of character-driven series like ?Tintin? and ?Asterix? will find much to like in Lucky Luke.?Jason M. Poole, Webster Public Library, NY LC number unavailable.
----- . Defying Death in the Desert. PLB ISBN 978-1-4358-3528-3. LC 2009038649.
-----. Defying Death in the Jungle. ISBN 978-1-4358-3529-0. LC 2009037673.
ea vol: illus. by Terry Riley. 48p. (Graphic Survival Stories Series). maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2010. PLB $29.25.
Gr 4-7-These compilations feature three comic-book retellings of notable tales of survival?one classic and two modern?and a quick trio of prose accounts. Each book opens with a summary of the hazardous environment that is the focus of the title, with a handy checklist of what will aid in conserving resources and staying alive. These introductions look like excerpts from flashy, modern textbooks, but come across as formal when contrasted with the subsequent content. While these are survival stories, and the outcome therefore isn?t in doubt, the details are gruesome enough to attract readers who enjoy the extreme?for example, many of the protagonists in the comic-book-style tales satisfy their need for water by drinking fresh animal blood. The only instance of cannibalism (in Sea) is given a much lighter touch. More visceral thrills than how-to references, these grisly depictions of harrowing experiences will entertain.?Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 4 Up-This installment in the trilogy finds best friends Ravenpaw and Barley seeking help from the Thunderclan after being driven off their farm by rogue cats. Before getting involved, the clan has to deal with a group of raiders (one of them a familiar face from Barley?s past) encroaching on their borders and stealing food. Jolley does a fine job of capturing the essence of Erin Hunter?s ?Warriors? series (HarperCollins) and integrating the numerous clans with their differing codes and loyalties into a tightly paced plot. Readers unfamiliar with the earlier books can easily become immersed in the story, save for the slight confusion of Barley being the main focal point of the cover when Ravenclaw is the narrator. Otherwise, sharply drawn feral and ferocious expressions heighten tension whenever there is a standoff and add a proper dose of frenzy to the action scenes. The black-and-white drawings may have some children lamenting the chance to see the colors of the gloriously described cat fur, but ultimately it won?t matter with ?Warriors? fans clamoring for anything related to the series.?Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library
Gr 7 Up-A quick and quirky graphic novel with a bit of an identity crisis. Two misfits, Jenna and Lucas, are sent to a summer-camp-of-last-resort by their respective, exasperated parents. Despite some hate-at-first-sight, the pair, in a predictable fashion, soon start up a friendship and eventually fall for one another. Unfortunately, something funny is going on at Camp Fielding: some kids disappear while others become suspiciously more intelligent. This is a fun story, one that moves well and is illustrated with excellent full-color artwork. But there is one issue that prevents the book from receiving top marks. Brain Camp appears to be targeted to a tween audience; the majority of it would be perfectly at place in a ?Goosebumps? novel, complete with snappy banter, suspicious goings-on, and a handful of kids who save the day. Similarly, the book?s artwork would also appeal to younger children. However, a few scenes, including one wet dream sequence complete with stained underwear, place it in the teen section.?Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 2-5-Fun and funny. Brave Lunch Lady; her reliable sidekick, Betty; and those inquisitive kids Hector, Dee, and Terrence move the mystery and adventure to the road as they take on the slimy swamp monster that?s been terrifying Camp Fun Times. There are plenty of suspects as the kids get to know their counselors, but Lunch Lady and Betty are ready for anything with new gadgets like an Underwater Bendy-Straw Breathing Apparatus and an Underwater Mixer-Propulsion Backpack. The two-color art is loopy and energetic, with varied, easy-to-follow page layouts. Jokes and puns are sprinkled throughout to keep the energy high until the exciting finale.?Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 5 Up-Colonial America isn?t your usual locale for superheroes, but such is the case here. Graham and Brody are runaway slaves, fleeing a cruel master and his slave hunter. Before they left, they were instructed to find the abolitionist Benjamin Lay, but first they encounter none other than Benjamin Franklin. Unfortunately, his son, William, has been using his father?s discoveries in electricity to play Dr. Frankenstein and subjects the two boys to electrical experiments. After they recover, they find out that they have gained an inexplicable and ill-defined set of superpowers. Under the tutelage of the Yodalike Benjamin Lay, the boys learn about their heritage, their abilities, and the African martial art dambe, of which Lay is a master. While this unique story certainly has possibilities, its flaws far outweigh its successes. Not only does the plot verge on the nonsensical, but it also meanders, changing direction and tone, and characters come and go without resolution. The colorful computer-aided artwork is at times dramatic, but it is also often clumsy and lacking any real emotional import. Other problems include the font chosen for Benjamin Franklin?s writing, which is illegible at times. Poor execution makes this a secondary purchase at best.?Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 7 Up-What appears to be a demon vs. boy story turns out to be a tame tale rich in Japanese folklore. Natsume has always been able to see the supernatural, but now the Yokai spirits and demons have been pestering him because his grandmother has trapped the creatures in ?the book of friends? and they want to be released. Natsume makes a deal with Nyanko, a demon trapped in a Beckoning Cat sculpture, and agrees to help release the ?Friends.? If Natsume dies during the course of the venture, Nyanko will gain control of the book. Stand-alone chapters allow for the development of several supernatural beings. Natsume does not make friends easily at his new school but eventually meets Tanuma, who also has paranormal ability. This friendship, along with wondering who will gain control of the book, will keep readers interested in the series. The pace is slow at times, but the introduction of new characters will hold readers? interest. The black-and-white artwork has light lines that will cause readers to look carefully and pay attention to the action and drama of the story. Endnotes and short chapter summaries help them understand it.?Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Gr 6 Up-It is nearly impossible to condense such an enormous story into 123 pages, but Mucci manages to hit all of the action-packed highlights. These include many of the adventures that Odysseus had on his long voyage back home from the Trojan War, such as his dangerous encounters with Circe, Calypso, the lotus-eaters, the Cyclops, and the sirens, as well as his detour into Hades. The colorful artwork skillfully captures the dynamic action, and artistic touches like making the gods translucent in the world of men are especially eye-catching. With its fast pace and cartoony yet cinematic artwork, this adaptation will entice reluctant readers. In a bit of savvy marketing, the last page directs readers to the Action Cartooning website to learn more about the story of Odysseus and to see additional artwork, which should generate interest in the other books in the series.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 7 Up-An over-the-top valentine to pulps and B-movies, this comic is intended to be a gruesome romp through a number of classic horror and action tropes. Originally published as two 48-page issues, it is rounded out with a reproduction of the script for the first half of the story. Astronaut Don Maggart is infected with a mysterious substance on his reentry to Earth and transforms into a hungry monstrosity, increasing in size and strength as he consumes first rescuers, then his wife, then civilians by the handful. A retired Nazi scientist reveals his Super-Attack-Bot project to stop Maggart?s rampage, and massive carnage ensues. The artwork has a lumpy, organic quality that lends itself to the blood-and-guts violence that becomes the prime focus of the comic as it largely abandons story and even suspense over time. It can?t quite abandon the characters, though, as they were never properly established in the first place, instead filling roles with functional efficiency. Still, the book provides a quick, wicked dose of pulpy ultra-violence with just enough self-awareness for those looking for a veneer of higher-order thinking or critical commentary.?Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
TULIEN, Sean, retel. Pecos Bill, Colossal Cowboy. illus. by Lisa Weber. ISBN 978-1-4342-1896-4. LC 2009029100.
ea vol: 36p. (Graphic Spin: American Tall Tales Series). glossary. CIP. Stone Arch. 2010. PLB $22.65.
K-Gr 3-Classic American tales are retold with energetic, cartoon depictions meant to emphasize the outrageous entertainment elements. Both books are summary compilations of many storiess, stripped to their essence, and they feel a little short because of it, with Pecos Bill feeling the most choppy and episodic. By replacing the traditional purple, shaggy-dog prose with over-the-top illustrations, each volume does successfully recapture the bombastic scope of the original stories, but the content remains slim. And while both books end with a glossary, discussion questions, and other educational filler, children might have simply wanted more or fuller tales. Of particular note is that in addition to the frenetic artwork in Paul Bunyan, the book is complemented by excellent design work that mixes advertising tropes with frontier photographic elements to help reinforce the legendary quality of the myth.?Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 5 Up-Most children can remember losing a favorite toy, but what happens when a group of favorite toys lose their boy? The Colonel and his hastily assembled team of rescuers enter ?the Dark??the mysterious world inside a closet, embarking on a mission to save the child. Once inside, they are up against the nearly unstoppable Boogeyman, a creature made from nightmares who has his own designs on the boy. After a trip to the city of Hopscotch, where life is nothing but a game, the toys are branded ?rule breakers? and forced into a game they may not be able to win. This eerie graphic novel, set in a quiet Brooklyn home in 1944, uses muted sepia tones and realistic artwork to present the unimaginable world the protagonists are thrust into. From the insane Jester?s murderous glee to Max the Bear?s raging ferocity, readers can see every emotion on the characters? faces. It almost feels like a children?s story gone horribly wrong in the most wonderful way. The images of battles and violence are definitely not for the timid.?Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 3-6-Based on the Sega arcade card game of the same name, this fast-paced manga has little narration and plenty of action scenes. Max discovers a magical tablet that takes him back into the Mesozoic Era. There he finds a baby triceratops he names King, but before he has the chance to adjust to his surroundings, he is asked by Dr. Z to join the ?Alpha Gang? in its mission to take over the world using mind-controlled dinosaurs. Max refuses, and a battle ensues with Max and King?s mom facing Dr. Z and his Tyrannosaurus rex. The story has a ?to be continued? ending. Dialogue is translated from Japanese and reads like a television animation. This comes as no surprise since Dinosaur King is also an anime. The illustrations reflect this aesthetic with the frequent use of motion lines and exaggerated facial expressions and angles. Plot points are at times contrived and cheesy. Though this manga contains little depth, it will work well for reluctant readers and fans of the card game and anime (it contains a collectible game card). It will also appeal to Pok?on fans as Max and King resemble Ash and Pikachu both in appearance and relationship.?Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD
Gr 6 Up-Sheinkin combines dry wit and subtle humor with sepia-toned cartoons to tell the story of an unusual hero. Rabbi Harvey uses no other weapon than his intellect, but it serves him well when he faces a competing rabbi who believes that the town isn?t big enough for both of them. In one scene, Rabbi Ruben (aka ?The Wisdom Kid?) sets up a competing ?Stump the Rabbi? booth at the Elk Spring Fair. In another, Sheinkin incorporates both verbal and visual humor as the two men face off in the middle of the street in a scene reminiscent of a classic Western. People of all faiths will be able to appreciate this smart and thought-provoking story, but Jewish readers will be able to understand more of the references to the religion and Talmudic teachings. Translation footnotes are included when necessary, as is an overview of the author?s story sources.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 4-8-This installment introduces Big Johnson Bone, the explorer who founded Boneville. A fearless Davey Crockett-like character, he defeats a cave bear when just a baby and grows up to best all manner of beasts, including a pack of ratlike creatures intent on taking over the forest. Big Johnson?s recklessness in the face of danger results in much humor, as does the commentary of his terrified, sarcastic monkey companion. Smith?s quick wit shines through in the exchanges between Johnson and his companions. The colorful art is jam-packed with action, and the characters are enhanced with exaggerated features and movements. The story moves quickly as Big Johnson falls into one predicament after another. This addition to the ?Bone? saga will keep readers of the series happy and create new fans.?Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT
K-Gr 2-Another gem from Toon. In this one, aliens Zig and Wikki set out to catch a specimen for their homework assignment. Zig is the somewhat sensible, one-eyed one and Wikki is a fearless computer-screen being. They land on planet Earth and encounter all sorts of creatures: flies, dragonflies, frogs, and raccoons. When they encounter each rarity, Wikki?s computer-screen body pops up with a different science fact, effortlessly weaving educational information into the narrative. The story and pictures remain comedic and the paneling keeps the plot moving. Kids will love this one.?Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT
TENNAPEL, Doug. Ghostopolis. illus. by author. 288p. Scholastic/Graphix. July 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-545-21027-0; pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-0-545-21028-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up-When readers first meet Garth Hale, he is about to receive the fifth diagnosis that his disease is incurable. How fitting, then, that a boy who thinks about death more than other kids his age should be accidentally zapped into the afterlife. When washed-up ghost wrangler Frank Gallows realizes that he accidentally sent Garth through to the other side, he does everything in his power to rescue him. Meanwhile, Garth explores the spirit world with a skeleton horse, a variety of terrifying and fantastic creatures, and some family members whom he never expected to meet. TenNapel mixes emotional epiphanies with humor in a way that will appeal to a broad audience. Characters experience personal growth and learn lessons about themselves throughout the course of this book, but these lessons feel integral to the plot rather than forced down readers? throats. TenNapel?s colorful illustrations are filled with energy and life, and they use shade and silhouettes to great advantage. The planned film adaptation made by Disney and starring Hugh Jackman means that this book is bound to have an extra surge in popularity, so it?s probably a good idea to buy it now and get in on the ground floor.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 4-7-Longtime Franco-Belgian comic characters Spirou and Fantasio, globe-trotting journalists forever finding themselves in hot water, journey to Australia in their U.S. debut. Page layouts are traditional and easy to follow?Janry?s old-school cartoon style highlights the exaggerated slapstick action. Aboriginal Australians are treated respectfully?at least as respectfully as any of the other characters, who include shady opal prospectors, a daffy French count, and his beleaguered scientific assistant. The humor can be extra-broad: an Aboriginal shaman (shown on the cover) is frequently pictured meditating in midair with both middle fingers upraised. Adventure Down Under was published in France in the 1980s, but shows little signs of age. Tintin and Asterix fans will be drawn to this colorful, fast-paced adventure, and manga fans may go for it, too.?Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 7 Up-Two young men named Arata are in different kinds of trouble. Arata of the Hime clan lives in what appears to be a medieval fantasy world, and he learns that he needs to disguise himself as a girl in order to fulfill an ancient ritual. Years ago his grandmother registered him as female on his birth certificate, and now he has to maintain the ruse and step up to succeed the ruling princess. Meanwhile, in modern-day Japan, Arata Hinohara has just transferred schools and is trying to get a fresh start in life. It is only when another transfer student joins the class that readers learn what he was trying to escape, as Masado Kadowaki is revealed to be one of the boys who mercilessly bullied him at his last school. After both Aratas try to run away from their problems?medieval Arata is falsely accused of murder, while modern-day Arata becomes a pariah all over again?they exchange places. While at first their situations seem worse than before, it appears that each boy has traits that will help him to fight through the problems of the other. Watase?s artwork complements his story well, with lots of dramatic close-ups enhancing the action. While the cover art and description will certainly entice fantasy readers, what really makes this book stand out is the realistic description of modern-day Arata?s problems with bullies, which will make his character instantly recognizable and empathetic to modern teens.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 10 Up-Legend and oral history have been brought to life through a familiar tale, now set in Mississippi during the 1920s. If readers thought it was the three little pigs who were the victims, they need to think again. These ruthless pigs are business- and landowners, and they?re determined to get BB Wolf?s land. BB Wolf, a farmer and blues musician, finds this intolerable and unleashes his wrath against them. However, he can?t help but sing the blues as he is discriminated against (?Funny thing. Can?t sit where the pigs sit, can?t eat in the same restaurants....Hell, can?t nearly find a decent bar that?ll serve us wolves.? The detail in the black-and-white drawings allows the anger and violence to emanate from the pages and will draw readers into the story. A lengthy afterword tells about the life and times of the real BB Wolf (Barnabus Benjamin Wolf), his influence on the American Blues movement, and his execution for murder. History and Blues fans will be intrigued by the parallels between his story and this one.?Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Gr 10 Up-Ex-CIA agent David Sacker is putting the world of intrigue and secret missions behind him in order to start a new life with his young bride, Sarah. This decision is tested when he is injured in a domestic terrorist attack and Sarah becomes a person of interest in the government investigation. Complicating the situation are two mysterious, perhaps even supernatural, groups. One seeks to protect Sarah and David while the other wants to kill them. After surviving an attack by the latter, Sarah and thousands of others disappear from the face of the Earth, convincing David to return to his role as an operative and to solve the many mysteries left unanswered. The Remnant combines the espionage and action of 24, the epic mystery of Lost, and the mass disappearances of Left Behind, cramming a lot of plot elements into a brief amount of space. This graphic novel will appeal to fans of sci-fi action, and the cliff-hanger ending will have readers itching to know what happens next. The artwork, reminiscent of that in the ?Ex Machina? graphic novels, is solid and cinematic.?Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 9 Up-In a postapocalyptic America that has reverted to a kind of feudalism, benevolent and brave Lord Darius protects his people from the monstrous mutants of the ?wastes??the dangerous and radioactive lands that the evil Sinclairian Empire controls. When he resists the Empire?s demand for human captives and his only son is killed, Darius must journey to the ?Land of Kings??a ruined city rumored to be the home of the land?s ancient leaders?to learn the secrets of his powerful suit of armor. But time is running out, and Darius must end his fellow Lords? disputes, teach them the secrets of their own enchanted armor, and lead them against the Empire before it?s too late. Somewhat hamstrung by corny dialogue, cardboard characters, and a shopworn plot, Last Reign is definitely enjoyable in a pulpy, macho, ?Golden Age of Comics? sort of way. The art is bold, fight scenes are well-rendered and thrilling, and the blend of fantasy and sci-fi gives this somewhat clich? work a unique twist. Suitable for collections in need of brawny, he-man action.?Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 9 Up-Meet Sun Green. She's the latest in the familial line of ?Green Women??environmentally conscious girls who are intent on saving the planet. The only problem is, all the other women in her family mysteriously disappeared when they reached her age. Fearful about what she may become and where she might end up, Sun seeks answers from her remaining extended family. When a mysterious stranger comes to town and threatens her brother and her new boyfriend, she may have to figure out a way to tap into her power and defeat him sooner rather than later. Set in 2003 during both the debate surrounding the Iraq conflict and the question of drilling for oil in Alaska, this tale manages to be both politically conscious and massively entertaining. The art is stunning. Sun is beautifully drawn and is just as radiant as her namesake. The unnamed mysterious stranger is depicted as gritty and sinister, just as a villain should be. This graphic novel is a great source for teenagers trying to understand the environment and how an individual can make a difference. ?Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up-New York Detective Adam Kamen is having a rough time. After his wife unexpectedly loses their baby, she divorces him. His new case, following the decapitating serial killer nicknamed ?Henry the Eighth,? isn?t helping his stress level. When he leaps into action one fateful afternoon to stop an apparently insane man from sticking a screwdriver into a baby?s skull, it?s Kamen who ends up with the hole in his head. He survives, but starts seeing some really weird things. Sometimes people look older, sometimes younger. Sometimes he sees things happen before they actually do. He confides in Dr. Avery, the beautiful woman responsible for his initial recovery. As Kamen draws closer and closer to the killer, everyone around him begins to suspect that he might not be as fully recovered as they first thought. Set in a noir-inspired art style, the black-and-white illustrations first highlight the characters on the page with deceptively detailed backgrounds. Each panel will draw teens into the action while the mysterious story unfolds. It?s almost as if each panel is slightly out of focus, mirroring the idea that Kamen cannot rely on what his eyes are really telling him.?Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up-Ando is not popular enough to have a lot of friends, but not weak enough to be a frequent target of bullies. Instead he watches other kids get attacked and rationalizes not helping them because he does not want to become another victim. It turns out that Ando has a long-suppressed and long-forgotten ability, a kind of ?mental ventriloquism? whereby he can make other people speak his thoughts out loud. First he uses this ability to help a girl who was groped by a man on the train but was too embarrassed to admit it. Soon Ando realizes that he might have to use this ability again, against a local hero, Inukai, who leads a vigilante group that seems to have ulterior motives. Both Ando and Inukai are highly unusual characters. Ando is an unlikely hero and will repeatedly lose the sympathy of readers every time he chooses not to help a victim. And while Inukai fits the visual stereotype of many manga characters (he is androgynously beautiful), he also has a remarkable charisma that inspires bullying victims to exact a horrifying revenge on their tormentors. Osuga?s artwork is dynamic and powerful, with plenty of dramatic close-ups. In the end, Ando comes to some alarming conclusions about the beautiful and enigmatic Inukai, and these conclusions will leave readers waiting impatiently for the next volume in this series.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library LC number unavailable.
Gr 11-After Bastien, a cantankerous deaf-mute, nearly blows his chance to be an intern at the Louvre, a mysterious museum guard offers him a unique opportunity. Also hearing impaired, Fu Zhi Ha takes Bastien into his confidence and reveals the nature of his employment?he must use a special set of drums to periodically free the ?souls of the artwork? lest they become frustrated and flee the Louvre for good. Bastien?s disbelief turns to wonder when he sees that Fu Zhi?s drumming causes characters from famous paintings to become animated and move about the museum. When Fu Zhi disappears, Bastien finds himself drawn further and further into the museum?s strange ?odd hours.? With excellent artwork, particularly sensuous, swirling watercolors, and compelling subject matter, On the Odd Hours is a creative and likable work; Liberge?s depiction of sign-language dialogue is particularly original. That said, the overly long and convoluted plot makes the story hard to follow at times and detracts from the book?s uniqueness. Still, it?s a fine supplemental purchase for artsy/adult-oriented collections.?Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 9 Up-Solomon?s Thieves focuses on the rank-and-file knights who found themselves persecuted when the Pope abandoned the Knights Templar for the political rulers of the day. Martin, who was in love with now-married Isabelle before taking his vows, holds tightly to the ideals of the order, despite being tortured by the soldiers of the king of France. Bernard has largely given up his Templar vows for life as a bandit, and Dominic, a priest, hides behind his robes in denial of his former role in the order. Then the three find themselves in possession of a secret: the whereabouts of the hidden Templar riches, sought after by the king to fill his coffers. This book ends just as the action is beginning, and a great heist is about to occur as they plan to steal the treasure that rightfully belongs to their order. Pham and Puvilland have created a believably harsh medieval world, and though the violence is not graphic, they do not shy away from suggesting brutal torture and death. Their action sequences feel particularly cinematic, and the sword fights are full of swashbuckling action. Certain to appeal to comic-book readers with a taste for adventure, the first volume of this trilogy sets up likable heroes, dastardly villains, and a vigilante plot that should interest readers in the history of the period as much as the adventure itself.?Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT LC number unavailable.
Gr 9 Up-Following the fledgling success of his first book, Martin Keane is now suffering from writer?s block. His wife, Erin, encourages him to explore his family?s rich Irish heritage for a source of inspiration. This puts him back in contact with his estranged father, a policeman, further complicating their relationship. He eventually decides to take a four-month sabbatical to Ireland in order to research his new book. When he gets back, all appears well?until Erin disappears. Where did she go? Is she alive? As Martin races to find the truth, he uncovers family secrets long buried in a place called ?the Bronx Kill.? This title attempts to integrate a few pages of prose interspersed within a mostly graphic-novel format; unfortunately, it doesn?t work. The art has an almost dirty quality to it, appearing to be made up of mostly incomplete sketches. The characters, especially Martin, often have exaggerated facial expressions that make the horror of the story seem almost cartoonish in nature. The prose, which serves as a story-within-a-story, ultimately makes the tale more confusing since the graphic-novel portion already contains haphazard flashbacks of Martin?s ancestors. The book?s unfinished and scattered elements ultimately make it hard for readers to enjoy.?Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 11 Up-Swamp Thing, a sentient mass of vegetation with the memories of a dead scientist, dwells peacefully in the Louisiana bayou, but he must come to the aid of his human friend Abby when they find out that her alcoholic husband has been possessed by the spirit of Arcane, an evil magician. Unfortunately, Swamp Thing is too late to stop Arcane from consigning Abby?s soul to the underworld, forcing him to enter the afterlife in order to rescue her. With the help of Etrigan, a sympathetic demon, Swamp Thing is able to recover his friend from a squiggling, Boschlike version of hell. The accompanying stories in this volume cover Swamp Thing?s origins, a visit from a band of Walt Kelly-like aliens, and the main characters? burgeoning relationship. They?re all fine in their own way, but not nearly as good as the main story line. An early work of noted comic writer Moore, Saga of the Swamp Thing is an eerie, imaginative, and unique work that blends classic horror-comic themes with dense, nearly Shakespearean dialogue and a macabre version of Orpheus?s trip to underworld. Although the art is a bit dated, it?s still quite expressive?especially its excellent use of color. The sinister and violent story line makes it appropriate for older teens and adults. This fine work is sure to appeal to fans of Moore, Neil Gaiman, etc., and deserves to be a first purchase.?Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 10 Up-Based on the popular series of zombie horror/action films, this book follows the subsequent adventures of Selena, one of the few survivors of the zombie plague infecting the UK. When a team of American journalists interested in reporting on the devastation in London attempts to hire her as a guide, she agrees, against her better judgment. Their plan to sneak into the quarantined British Isles goes awry, and soon they find themselves running from both hostile U.S. military forces and ravenous zombies. Although the artwork is excellent and the action well depicted (quite gruesomely so), this volume suffers from an occasionally predictable plot. Likewise, the characters are so broad and obvious (the journalists are depicted as amazingly smug and deluded, and Selena is hard-boiled to the point of being obnoxious) that it?s difficult to connect with them. At one point, readers are nearly ready to root for the zombies. Still, there are enough cliff-hangers and spine-chilling moments that one can overlook the dearth of character development. This title is best suited as a supplemental purchase for a general graphic-novel collection in need of a solid horror work. The tie-in with the popular movie series is bound to find interested teens.?Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up-Lucifer is many things: she is a thief, she has supernatural abilities, she is fiercely loyal, and she has a strong sense of right and wrong. She is also an attractive young woman with luminous amber eyes. Her real name is Luci Jennifer Inacio Das Neves. For the most part she steals wondrous items for money and for the thrill of the chase, but sometimes she finds herself working for other motives. When an evil man named Dietrich wants her to steal a powerful object called the carasinth for him, he threatens to kill her employer and friend Val if she does not comply. What follows is a fast-paced and astounding story with plenty of fight scenes, gunplay, explosions, otherworldly adventures, and blood. LOTS of blood. The creativity of the story is matched by Rios?s breathtaking art and the astounding colors. For example, in order to find the carasinth, Lucifer has to go to the morgue, cut open the dead body of a 300-pound man, and enter Quandrin?s lair through the door created by his corpse. The strange liquid world she enters is jaw-droppingly detailed, realized in amazing technicolor hues. Nelson created the character of Lucifer for his ?Fall of Cthulhu? graphic-novel series (Boom!), but this is Lucifer?s first stand-alone collection, and it isn?t necessary to have read the other series to enjoy it. Hexed is sure to generate a whole new legion of fans for this amazing thief.?Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up-Created by H. P. Lovecraft in 1926, the creature Cthulhu is the focus for most of the stories in this anthology. Each selection is by a different writer and artist, so styles vary. Most are illustrated in muddy, muted, or sepia tones as befits the darkness of the tales, with only one being brightly colored in classic comic-book style, which complements the daylight-above-ground setting of the story. Several of the selections have a classic Twilight Zone feel to them, and a couple are quite humorous?a Law & Order parody, ?Arkham SVU? (Spectral Victims? Unit) and a spread entitled ?Selections from Lovecraft?s Brief Tenure as a...Chocolate Sampler Copywriter,? which has some of the author?s most wicked prose-style humor in the volume. Older teens and Lovecraft fans will enjoy this collection.?Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL LC number unavailable.
Gr 10 Up-A combination of few words and washed colors creates a surreal tale of overprotection and hermitlike behavior. When Edmund is a baby, his mother promises to protect him from any woman who might hurt him the way she hurt his father. Years pass and she and Edmund continue to live reclusively and catch the interest of a newspaper reporter, Erik, who visits with a girl named Sasha posing as a photographer. While there, Sasha steals a book. In order to get it back, Edmund searches for her. The confusion begins when there seems to be a semiconscious relationship with her going on in his head. His mother picks up on this and keeps her promise by summoning her spirits to keep her son safe while endangering Sasha?s life. While the artwork adds to the mysteriousness of the story and characters, the lack of explanation will leave readers wanting more. The artwork is eye-catching, but the muddled story line makes this graphic novel an additional selection.?Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Gr 9 Up-The scene is rural Ireland in 1967. Two young lovers are becoming intimate when Arlana inadvertently does something to her boyfriend, Martin Cleary. She nearly kills him. When she runs to her father for help, he savagely beats her and ominously says, ?Your time has come!? Fast forward to present-day New York City. Young men keep meeting the woman of their dreams, only to be savagely murdered when they start to get lucky. An older Martin Cleary figures out that Arlana and her father have traveled to the New World to spread their Druidic nightmare overseas. How can an old man stop such powerful magic? This graphic novel, set in a noir-type world, lacks a coherent story and solid plot. Arlana, the one female character, is depicted as both victim and seductress in equal measure. Readers will feel little sympathy for her situation because it?s never really clear why she?s following her father?s evil wishes. The overall story is scrapped for gratuitous sex, violence, and seemingly every character swearing for no reason other than shock value. The spooky twist at the end will leave most readers underwhelmed.?Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up-Stan Lee makes the jump to manga, and, yes, he has a cameo. His concept, brought to life by manga-ka Takei, pits Ultimate Good and Ultimate Evil in a battle to the death. Ultimo, representing good, and Vice, representing evil, are Karakuri Doji, or doll-like robots built to answer the age-old question, ?Which is stronger?? The dolls need masters to learn their roles, and Ultimo chooses a 12th-century Kyoto bandit. The story jumps from past to present as Ultimo?s master, Yamato, lives his lives. It?s a shaky plot device and is strongest when the characters are in the past. However, the point of the manga isn?t the plot or the characters but the battles. The Karakuri Doji fight fiercely. Their battle scenes are surprisingly violent but well executed. Unfortunately, after the battles die down, the artwork is a confusing mix of cute characters and lean, tall ones. Yamato looks ages older than his peers. Not only is that confusing, but it is also a little bit creepy. Still, with the action and Lee?s name, this will be a popular yet nonessential choice.?Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA
Gr 10 Up-This collection offers more adventures of Sherman, a lazy but lovable great white shark, and fellow lagoon inhabitants Fillmore, an intellectual, perpetually single sea turtle; and Hawthorne, the conniving hermit-crab mayor of the lagoon. The simple and humorous illustrations, presented in full color every few pages, will appeal to younger readers, but the dry, cynical humor is most suited for older teens and adults. Sherman and his wife bicker like any old married couple, but also wonder if eco-tourists taste better than regular tourists. Meanwhile, Fillmore travels to Ascension Island to find a mate through turtle speed dating, and Hawthorne struggles to attain total control of the lagoon, fueling himself with decaf double espressos. Teen fans of sophisticated strips such as Aaron McGruder?s ?The Boondocks? and Bill Watterson?s ?Calvin and Hobbes? should enjoy this.?Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 10 Up-In the small town of Rosario, alongside the crumbling cathedral and the dusty walls, are cryptic messages painted by Mr. Mendoza, self-proclaimed ?graffiti king of all Mexico.? A teen tells fantastic legends of the town, connecting them with the man?s words. Mendoza himself is a legend; is he real or imagined? Immortal or human? There?s nothing his paintbrush hasn?t touched, from a dead monk to a peeping Tom. He paints the town?s ugly truths, angering and intriguing residents. The richly colored artwork captures the town and its citizens in bold black lines filled with the heat and magic of Mexico. The quiet, lyrical text tells of urban legends and teenage lust tempered by guilt, and it?s beautifully woven into the graphics. This slim book can fit into any collection serving older teens.?Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA</
