Graphic Novels
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CASTELLAN, Andrea “Casty” & Alberto Savini. Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse and the World to Come. tr. by David Gerstein, et al. illus. by Andrea “Casty” Castellan & Abramo Leghziel. ISBN 978-1-60886-562-8. CHILMAN-BLAIR, Kim & John Taddeo. Medikidz Explain Autism. ISBN 978-1-4358-9460-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-1835-8. LC 2010008830. CONWAY, Gerry. Crawling with Zombies. Bk. 1. illus. by Paulo Henrique. unpaged. (The Hardy Boys: The New Case Files Series). Papercutz. 2010. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-220-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-219-9. LC number unavailable. CORZINE, Amy, adapt. Jane Eyre: The Graphic Novel. chron. ISBN 978-1-4205-0375-3. LC 2010924004. COSENTINO, Ralph. Wonder Woman: The Story of the Amazon Princess. illus. by author. unpaged. Viking. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06256-0. LC number unavailable. FOLEY, Ryan. Stolen Hearts: The Love of Eros and Psyche. illus. by Sankha Banerjee. 84p. (Campfire Mythology Series). Campfire. 2011. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-93-80741-32-1. LC number unavailable. HOENA, Blake. Carly’s Angels: Swamp Sting! illus. by Sebastian Facio. 40p. (Graphic Sparks: TV Academy Series). glossary. Stone Arch. 2011. PLB $22.65. ISBN 978-1-4342-2960-1; pap. $4.95. ISBN 978-1-4342-3065-2. LC number unavailable. KREISBERG, Andrew & J. T. Krul. Green Arrow and Black Canary: Five Stages. illus. by Mike Norton, et al. unpaged. DC Comics. 2010. pap. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4012-2898-9. LC number unavailable. LEE, Tony. Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur. illus. by Sam Hart. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. RTE $21.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4644-8; pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4643-1. LC number unavailable. MAKURA, Sho. Panda Man and the Treasure Hunt. Bk. 2. tr. from Japanese by Katherine Schilling. illus. by Haruhi Kato. 95p. Viz Media. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3521-0. LC number unavailable. MAKURA, Sho. Panda Man vs. Chiwanda. Bk. 3. tr. from Japanese by Katherine Schilling. illus. by Haruhi Kato. 95p. Viz Media. May 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3522-7. LC number unavailable. MOONEY, Carla. The Forest Surprise. ISBN 978-1-4342-2520-7; ISBN 978-1-4342-3064-5. MOORE, Richard. Boneyard. Vol. 7. illus. by author. unpaged. NBM. 2010. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-56163-583-2. LC number unavailable. MORIMOTO, Sango. Taro and the Terror of Eats Street. tr. from Japanese by Katherine Schilling. illus. by author. 95p. Viz Media. 2011. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3525-8. LC number unavailable. O’DONNELL, Liam. Power Play: A Graphic Guide Adventure. illus. by Mike Deas. unpaged. Orca. 2011. pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-1-55469-069-5. LC number unavailable. PATTERSON, James. The Murder of King Tut. illus. by Ron Randall & Christopher Mitten. 112p. IDW Pub. 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-60010-780-1. LC number unavailable. PETRUCHA, Stefan. Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring. Bk. 1. illus. by Rick Parker. unpaged. Papercutz. 2010. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-218-2; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-217-5. LC number unavailable. PETRUCHA, Stefan & Sarah Kinney. Vampire Slayer: Part One. illus. by Sho Murase. unpaged. (Nancy Drew: The New Case Files Series). Papercutz. 2010. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-214-4; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-213-7. LC number unavailable. PORTER, Alan J. Cars: Route 66 Dash. illus. by Allen Gladfelter. ISBN 978-1-60886-585-7. RAFTER, Dan. Atlas. illus. by Adam Ellis, et al. unpaged. Bluewater Comics. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-61623-931-2. LC number unavailable. ROBBINS, Trina. The Maltese Mummy. Bk. 2. illus. by Tyler Page. 64p. (Chicagoland Detective Agency Series). CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2011. PLB $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-4615-9; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5636-3; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7177-9. LC 2010028273. ROMAN, Dave. Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity. illus. by author. 187p. First Second. June 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-620-6. LC number unavailable. ROSENSTIEHL, Agnès. Silly Lilly in What Will I Be Today? illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-08-5. LC 2010005308. SNIDER, Jesse Blaze & Jake Black. Toy Story: Some Assembly Required. illus. by Tanya Roberts, et al. ISBN 978-1-60886-570-3. STRACZYNSKI, J. Michael & Eric S. Trautmann. The Shield: Kicking Down the Door. Vol. 1. illus. by Marco Rudy, et al. unpaged. DC Comics. 2010. pap. $19.99. ISBN 978-1-4012-2769-2. LC number unavailable. VENABLE, Colleen AF. The Ferret’s a Foot. Bk. 3. illus. by Stephanie Yue. 48p. (Guinea PIG, Pet Shop Private Eye Series). glossary. CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2011. PLB $27.93. ISBN 978-0-7613-5223-5; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5629-5; ebook $20.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7178-6. LC 2010028272. WILSON, Tom. Ziggy Goes for Broke. illus. by author. 128p. Andrews McMeel. 2010. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7407-9153-6. LC 2009939466. BLACK, Holly. Kind. Bk. 3. illus. by Ted Naifeh. unpaged. (The Good Neighbors Series). Scholastic/Graphix. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-439-85564-8. LC number unavailable. DE CRÉCY, Nicolas. Salvatore: Transports of Love. Vol. 1. tr. from French by Joe Johnson. illus. by author. unpaged. NBM. 2011. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-56163-593-1. LC 2010936928. DYSART, Joshua. Dry Season. Vol. 3. illus. by Alberto Ponticelli. unpaged. (Unknown Soldier Series). Vertigo. 2010. pap. $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4012-2855-2. LC number unavailable. HUIZENGA, Kevin. The Wild Kingdom. illus. by author. unpaged. bibliog. index. CIP. Drawn & Quarterly. 2010. Tr $19.95. ISBN 978-1-77046-000-3. LC C2009-906027-2. ORLAN, Pierre Mac. The Littlest Pirate King. tr. from French by Kim Thompson. illus. by David B. 44p. Fantagraphics. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-60699-403-0. LC number unavailable. RAFTER, Dan. Gearz. illus. by Thiago Afonso Silva, et al. unpaged. Bluewater Comics. 2010. pap. $17.99. ISBN 978-1-61623-929-9. LC number unavailable. WOOD, Brian. The Plague Widow. Bk. 4. illus. by Leandro Fernandez. 189p. (Northlanders Series). Vertigo. 2010. pap. $16.99. ISBN 978-1-4012-2850-7. LC number unavailable.
In this Article
Elementary and Middle School
High School
DI IF STAFF. Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge: Around the World in 80 Bucks. tr. by Stefania Bronzoni. illus. by Francesc Bargadà Studio. ISBN 978-1-60886-566-6.
FERRARI, Alessandro & Giorgio Salati, et al. Disney’s Hero Squad: Ultraheroes Vol. 2: Race for the Ultrapods. tr. by Saida Temofonte & Stefania Bronzoni. illus. by Roberta Migheli, et al. ISBN 978-1-60886-560-4.
ea vol: unpaged. Boom Kids! 2010. pap. $9.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–In the first book, Mickey and his pal Eega Beeva fight The Rhyming Man to rescue Minnie Mouse and to save the country of Illusitania and the world. Mickey’s universe has been brought up-to-date with laptops and cell-phone text messaging. However, the people of Illusitania speak with a foreign accent, which seems to suggest a bygone era. In Uncle Scrooge, Scrooge McDuck and his nephew Donald Duck accept a dare from Scrooge’s rival John D. Rockerduck. In Hero Squad, the Disney Ultraheroes, organized by Mickey Mouse and Eega Beeva, fight their enemies Emil Eagle and the Sinister 7 to stop them from building the catastrophic Ultramachine. Short stories on how two of the Disney characters became Ultraheroes are appended. Each of the books has previews of Disney, Pixar, and Muppets graphic novels published by BOOM Kids! Disney fans, both children and adults, will enjoy these graphic novels.–Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
–––– . Medikidz Explain Depression. ISBN 978-1-4358-9455-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-1837-2. LC 2010008833.
–––– . Medikidz Explain HIV. ISBN 978-1-4358-9458-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-1839-6. LC 2010001333.
–––– . Medikidz Explain Swine Flu. ISBN 978-1-4358-9457-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-1843-3. LC 2010003236.
ea vol: 40p. (Superheroes on a Medical Mission Series). illus. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2010. PLB $29.25; pap. $11.75.
Gr 3-6–A team of superheroes rides around on a medi-jet and whisks ill children, or their siblings, off to Mediland, a giant replica of the human body, to teach them about their particular health problem. The superheroes, who are somewhat generic, are responsible for explaining how different body parts function. For example, plump, ever-hungry Gastro is in charge of, “your bum, your tum and all the tubes in between” while curvaceous, blond Skinderella’s expertise is skin and bones. The comic panels are visually exciting with eye-popping colors. Inside Mediland, the science behind various conditions is expertly simplified and explained with a sometimes tongue-in-cheek repartee among the characters as well as with very basic analogies reminiscent of video games (invading viruses versus the defending T-cell commanders, for example). This approach makes the health issues accessible and much less scary for readers wanting to learn more for personal or academic reasons. Autism and HIV are particularly effective.–Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY
Gr 5-7–This mix of the Hardy Boys with zombies is not, in fact, a sign of the apocalypse, but rather a fast-paced story that should entice reluctant readers. Frank and Joe race motorcycles, communicate with ATAC (American Teens Against Crime), and try to solve the mystery of why teenagers who’ve been participating in flash mob stunts called “zombie crawls” (because they dress and act like zombies) have started losing control of themselves in a decidedly zombielike way. The book is a simple page-turner, with a level of suspense on par with a “Goosebumps” book or an episode of Scooby-Doo. Henrique’s artwork is colorful, shiny, and bright, a pleasing mix of traditional American cartoon and Japanese manga styles (yet another plus for attracting reluctant readers). While this book will probably attract Hardy Boys fans, it is not necessary to have read the earlier books in order to understand and appreciate this one.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
VINEY, Brigit, adapt. Henry V: The Graphic Novel. script by John McDonald. ISBN 978-1-4205-0371-5. LC 2010924003.
–––– . Macbeth: The Graphic Novel. script by John McDonald. ISBN 978-1-4205-0373-9. LC 2010924000.
ea vol: 144p. (Classic Graphic Novel Collection Series). illus. glossary. Gale/Lucent. 2010. PLB $32.45.
Gr 7 Up–These graphic interpretations of literary classics have been republished as “English Language Teaching Readers.” These extensively edited versions remain true to the originals to the extent possible, both in terms of using actual snippets from the author’s original texts as well as preserving the overarching themes. The entire stories are told through speech balloons rather than through a running narration. Particularly with Shakespeare’s plays, this format offers readers an experience closer to a theatrical performance than a prose condensation of the plot. Most acts and scenes are included, although heavily edited. The same care and attention to detail that was evident in the original series is presented here. Excellent graphics bring the stories to life and set the mood. Lush art in jewel tones heightens interest. All of the titles are replete with support materials beginning with an illustrated cast of characters and an introduction or plot summary and concluding with back matter such as an author biography and historical background. Macbeth in particular includes a wealth of additional resources such as a main-character summary, family tree, link map of characters, and a listing of famous quotations. Most useful in a classroom setting, these volumes could serve as introductions to literary classics as well as companion volumes for students benefiting from a modified text.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
Gr 2-4–Similar to Cosentino’s Batman (2008) and Superman (2010, both Viking), this title serves as an overview of the Wonder Woman universe. The first half is an origin story, showing how the heroine was formed of clay and grew to have superpowers and an alter ego. The second half introduces the cast of Wonder Woman villains. The conclusion, explaining the Amazon princess’s mission to show the world how to live in harmony with nature, seems out of place with the rest of the book. The format is a combination of comic- and picture-book elements. The comic influence comes in the form of caption boxes and the intermittent use of panels. The absence of word bubbles and large-scale spreads provides a picture-book feel. The bold retro artwork has vivid colors and thick black outlines. It’s a mix that will work well for the intended audience. Wonder Woman serves its purpose of presenting a classic comics character in a format suitable for younger readers.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
Gr 6 Up–Foley retells one of the most famous love stories of all time, and it is certainly beautiful to behold. Banerjee’s lovely, jewel-toned paintings will keep readers’ eyes glued to the page as they follow the suspenseful twists and turns of this classic tale. This adaptation begins and ends with the framing device of a teacher telling the story to her lovelorn student. This is a good narrative choice for sharing this story with young readers–they “hear” the teacher explain the story and respond to her student’s questions and exclamations along the way. The story of Eros and Psyche has more ups and downs than a roller coaster, as love, jealousy, and trust are all stretched to their breaking points. Ultimately (*spoiler alert*) true love prevails, even though it is challenged by family obligations and by death itself. This is a good adaptation of an old story, and one that will entice today’s readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 2-4–With a nod to the 1970s television show Charlie’s Angels, Hoena features three girls, known collectively as Carly’s Angels, who interview, write, and take photos for their school newspaper. The mysterious Carly, who is only seen in silhouette but is really the editor-in-chief, gives them news scoops. In this story, the three investigate the sudden arrival of super-sized bees and discover that the science club has dumped their failed toxic slushie formula into the school pond. Profiles of Carly, the three girls, the author, and the illustrator, as well as discussion questions, writing prompts, and a glossary, are appended. Carly’s Angels reads like a television script with cartoon-style illustrations. While the environmental theme is commendable, the story is not memorable.–Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 7 Up–Oliver Queen, a spoiled rich playboy who eventually becomes the heroic Green Arrow, has recently married his longtime girlfriend Dinah Lance, the Black Canary. The emerald archer’s latest adventure pits him against the murderous Cupid, a female soldier twisted to darkness during an experimental drug trial. Paired with the villainous Everyman, Cupid is on a path of destruction that can only be stopped by every arrow in our hero’s quiver. It’s easy to follow this action-packed thrill ride without having an extensive knowledge of the Green Arrow’s history. The gritty, urban artwork includes muted colors that add to the militaristic and ultimately sadistic feel of the antagonist Cupid, whose origin story is revealed in this volume. Perfect for readers looking to break into superhero comics.–Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
Gr 8 Up–A dramatic retelling of King Arthur’s life, death, and beyond. With centuries of divergent, often contradictory, story lines to pull from, Lee was able to pick and choose those aspects of Arthurian legend that would best suit his vision. The final product emphasizes the magical elements of the tale, placing Arthur within a grand scheme of warring fairy factions. The artwork is certainly up to the task of recounting these events. In particular, the artist’s use of color does a fantastic job of creating different moods. The work isn’t perfect, however. The dialogue is written in a faux archaic style that lapses occasionally into anachronism; whatever your take on Arthur’s historicity, it’s doubtful that Lancelot would reply to a question with a Keanu Reeves-esque “Totally.” The many characters and plotlines are often crammed together, giving short shrift to some elements. Still, this is a solid work, and one that will attract new readers to a classic story.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 1-3–Rotund, hungry hero Panda Man finds a pair of golden shears that will cause a money tree to grow and bestow untold riches upon him. This nonsensical plot is a device to have the character journey through a series of puzzles and brain teasers with koala swordsman Ko Mando and cub reporter Hutch. Panda Man is greedy, flatulent, and proud, endearing himself to the young, gross-out crowd, and is supposed to be more of a comic hero than a genuine one. In fact, classification of this effort is difficult as it employs more prose description than word balloons, and the story serves largely as a bridge between activities rather than as a narrative in its own right. The artwork is flat and functional, but the character design and situations are reasonably goofy and should provide some entertainment. However, because of the skeletal story, it seems unlikely that the book will offer much in the way of re-read value.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 1-3–The very hungry (and stinky) Panda man is back to thwart the masked Chiwanda from stealing the jewels in Big Town. This volume is scattered with potty humor and little asides from a cynical bird that will keep the pages turning. Panda Man also has several interactive games that will probably tempt children to scribble in the library copies. Computer-designed cartoon art pops off the page with plenty of “splats,” “bzzts,” and “smashes” dotted throughout. The story does not teach profound lessons or many new words, but it will entertain the youngest readers, especially boys. Purchase if other titles in the series are popular or you need some lighthearted humor in your juvenile graphic novels section.–Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT
YASUDA, Anita. Big City Sights. ISBN 978-1-4342-2515-3; ISBN 978-1-4342-3060-7.
ea vol: illus. by Steve Harpster. 32p. (My 1st Graphic Novel Series). glossary. Stone Arch. 2011. PLB $22.65; pap. $4.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-2–In The Forest Surprise, Jake goes for a hike with his parents and siblings. He breaks his compass, falls into a mud puddle, and loses his sandwich to a chipmunk. His dog encounters a skunk. Despite these mishaps, he has a great day. In Big City Sights, Ty, his parents, and sister go sightseeing in a big city. On their way, Ty talks about his plans to visit a dinosaur exhibit, Chinatown, and an observation tower. When they arrive, however, the museum is closed, and it starts to rain. Ty’s parents make new plans, and everyone has a wonderful time. Both stories, illustrated with cartoon-style art, feature similar characters, most of whom remain unnamed, and similar plots. Both titles include a guide on “How to Read a Graphic Novel,” a glossary with pronunciations and definitions, and discussion questions and writing prompts. These titles suffer from generic characters and settings and a lack of action.–Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 6-9–Michael Paris has inherited a cemetery filled with monsters, many of which have since become his friends. Nessie the swamp monster and Abbey the vampiress are especially enamored of him. In this final volume, Michael’s childhood friend Lita, a faerie, flees to his world to escape an arranged marriage. Michael and Abbey’s relationship is tested as they follow her to Faerie to fight an epic battle. There is plenty of action, with dynamic fight scenes drawn crisply in black and white. Young teen boys will most likely enjoy the action, humor, and the heroines’ fashion sense: Abbey wears low-cut jeans and a midriff-baring top, while Nessie goes topless. Regrettably, these female characters resemble Bratz dolls. Gratuitous crude jokes and bare torsos keep this from being of the highest quality, but it will not disappoint fans of the series.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 1-3–Taro and his magical pencil are back in a high-speed adventure in Doodledum, where King Crossout is terrorizing the inhabitants of Eats Street, a miles-long strip of delectable restaurants. Taro has to save the street from the wicked king and his dangerous super fish, the Coelacanth, using only his magical pencil. With gross-out humor and bonus interactive games inside, this book is sure to be on many boys’ wish lists. The exaggerated cartoon art is done in pen-and-ink with a few pages in color. This offering just might inspire some children to use their own “magic pencils” to create some imaginative characters.–Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT
Gr 4-6–Siblings Nadia and Devin are attending a world-leaders’ summit with their friend Marcus, whose dad is there to give a speech in support of a water-rights accord. When one of Dr. Ashmore’s assistants ends up dead and an old enemy resurfaces, the kids are on the case. They discover that a water-bottling company is behind the foul play, and this corporation is working with someone these young heroes never expected. Good explanations of some rather complex political concepts are woven into the story line, informing readers on topics such as the origins of democracy, the political spectrum, and civil disobedience. It’s a slim book, but there is a lot packed into each page. The cartoon artwork is detailed yet clear, with colorful panels that nicely break up the text and action. While the political setting and plotline might not appeal to all readers, Power Play is a welcome counter to the superhero and fantasy tales that dominate the genre.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
Gr 8 Up–Two stories are told in this hardcover edition of the five-issue comic book based on the print novel by James Patterson and Martin Dugard: that of the boy king Tutankhamen and that of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered Tut’s tomb. Two different artists, each employing a distinct style, illustrate the book. Carter’s early-20th-century story is drawn in smooth lines and muted colors, while ancient Egypt looks harsher and bolder. Unfortunately, this drawing style makes characters difficult to distinguish, and the scarcity of proper names in the dialogue doesn’t help. Even readers familiar with Egypt’s New Kingdom period may have trouble keeping track. In addition, one character’s name is variously spelled “Aye” and “Ay” throughout. Carter’s tale has its own problems. Chiefly a story about a man digging in the desert and finding nothing, it is talky and uneventful, especially contrasted with the wars and murders of dynastic Egypt. Twice, readers suddenly become privy to Carter’s thoughts, as internal monologue takes on narrative duties. And the novel closes with an appearance by Patterson himself, who suggests that both Carter and King Tutankhamen may rest somewhat easier now that he has solved the mystery of the Boy King’s death. Money would be better spent on a less-fictionalized nonfiction title, such as Zahi Hawass’s Tutankhamun (National Geographic, 2005).–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 7 Up–While creative, this graphic novel is convoluted and chaotic and will most likely offend avid fans of the popular series while leaving readers unfamiliar with it wondering why it is supposed to be funny. Whatever story line supposedly exists is completely lost in the plethora of twisted references to the Rowling novels. Harry Potty, Whiny Stranger, and Don Measley charge through the pages with no clue as to where they are going. While the dialogue occasionally elicits a laugh (or at least a smirk), the text is just too nonsensical to be amusing. The art is reminiscent of Mad Magazine and is fun in its own right. Numerous details exist to draw readers in even if they have given up on the plot.–Carol Hirsche, Provo City Library, UT
Gr 5 Up–Nancy Drew and her best friends, Bess and George, are caught up in the Dielite mania sweeping River Heights. Reluctantly, Nancy joins them at the theater to watch the movie (again) only to get drawn into yet another mystery. Much to Ned’s dismay, Gregor, the tall, dark and handsome stranger in town, seems to be the center of it. The muted pastels of the manga-style people are a little too flat, and the unimaginative panel layout is too boring for an action-packed mystery. The mood is slightly improved with dark and murky backgrounds, more appropriate for a vampire tale. The text tends to be slightly goofy and bland at times; overall, this is a mediocre tale. Still, Nancy Drew fans as well as vampire fanatics might be drawn to it, and those who stick around for the cliff-hanger ending will most likely be impatient to get their hands on part two.–Carol Hirsche, Provo City Library, UT
SNIDER, Jesse Blaze. Muppet Snow White. with Patrick Storck. illus. by Shelli Paroline. ISBN 978-1-60886-574-1.
ea vol: unpaged. Boom Kids! 2010. pap. $9.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-6–Lightning and Mater enter a cross-country race from Radiator Springs to Chi-Car-Go, competing against duos from town and from their pasts. The script is clearly inspired by classic road adventure films like It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World and Cannonball Run, where the pleasure is in the character combinations and the scrapes they get into. Similarly, the journey mimics the themes of the films, with some characters more interested in the journey than the destination. But this structure makes the narrative a bit scattered, and some character arcs are much less realized than others. There’s never any real peril, but this is due to the fact that the bad guys have their redemptive qualities and humorous bits. The full-color art provides both atmosphere and depth. Unfortunately, both illustrations and story collapse in the final moments, as everything feels a bit rushed in the dissatisfying conclusion. Reprising their roles as joint-narrators from Muppet Christmas Carol, Gonzo and Rizzo tell the story of how evil stepmother Miss Piggy was so jealous of Spamela Hamderson that she tried to have her killed. The book is charming and witty and departs from the traditional narrative in clever ways. The artwork is pleasingly chaotic, giving the slightly off-model interpretations of the puppets a stretchy liveliness. Prior knowledge of the characters helps the set-ups and jokes immensely, but new readers should also find the book whimsically compelling.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 5 Up–Atlas is a typical square-jawed superhero; in fact, he’s pretty angular and blocky all over. His other primary characteristics are that he’s always hungry and that he’s kind of a dim bulb. As the story begins, his long-suffering partner, Wonder Boy, has to drag him away from yet another Chicago-style hot dog to fight some villains who are threatening the city. Atlas and Wonder Boy fight a number of quirky characters, like a strange little man who calls himself The Glutton and a deadly robot who spends much of his existence waiting for his self-destruct mechanism to go off. The references to other Greek gods are scattered intermittently through flashbacks. Even Atlas confesses his ignorance of mythological history, so this book definitely uses mythology as a background element rather than a teaching tool. The artwork is well suited to this witty story. The images are eye-catching and filled with life and humor. One minor criticism would be of the cover art showing Atlas sailing over the heads of the other Greek gods instead of some of the characters who played major roles in the story–like Wonder Boy, The Glutton, or the giant indestructible metal carrot. Atlas will have crossover appeal to older kids and teens, and even adults will find the humor in this book entertaining. –Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 4-8–If Rob Reger’s Emily the Strange accessorized, swept her bangs to the side, and got an extra-strength dose of perkiness, she would be very much like Megan Yamamura, one of the partners in the Chicagoland Detective Agency. Megan’s adventures with Raf and his talking dog, Bradley, continue in this installment when a teen rock idol has a suspicious connection to a mummy at the museum’s ancient Egyptian exhibition. While the characters are in high school and the black-and-white artwork at first glance seems to lean toward edgier fare, the Goth look is actually cheerful and supports the juvenile humor quite well. Examples of tween-centric touches include Bradley collapsing a dinosaur skeleton because he cannot resist a bone, riffs on Humphrey Bogart-inspired film noir, obvious red herrings, and an easily recognizable villain from the previous book. Those who want plots that are more Scooby Doo than Nancy Drew will enjoy this silly romp of a mystery.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library
Gr 3 Up–This charming graphic adventure follows the exploits of child space hero Hakata Soy. Enrolled in an intergalactic boarding school, he navigates his way through the over-the-top personalities of many of his melodramatic classmates. An element of danger is added when fellow hero Gadget creates a new best friend–a robotic duplicate of Hakata Soy that includes one of his “broken hearts.” This robot is co-opted by villainous bird people that set him upon the academy to kill his flesh-and-blood doppelganger. While this title is obviously geared for and can be enjoyed by school-age children, there is also tongue-and-cheek humor that older readers are sure to enjoy. Each supporting character is highlighted in mini-chapters, which gives the book a kind of newspaper comic-strip feel. The black-and-white pencil illustrations invoke the artistic style of a manga, but many of Roman’s unique theatrical elements, including boys concerned with “cool hair” and wheeled dinosaurs used for moon racing, create a universe unto its own.–Ryan Donovan, New York Public Library
K-Gr 1–This concept book meets comic is an excellent addition for beginning readers. A follow-up to Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons (Toon Bks., 2008), it is arranged around the days of the week. Lilly sets the course on the first spread, announcing, “Every day is a new day to play.” What follows is a series of seven-panel vignettes full of gentle humor and familiar situations, one for each day. A subtle theme of empowerment runs throughout as the girl confidently enacts a variety of roles, from the decidedly grown-up city planner and teacher to the less-serious candy taster and vampire. Almost all of the text appears in word bubbles written at a very basic vocabulary level in simple sentences. The India ink and watercolor cartoon illustrations are clear, with white backgrounds to keep the scenes uncluttered. The panel layouts are as basic as they come–two per page–resulting in a comic-book reading experience that works for very young children. A fine example of a book that knows its audience, Silly Lilly is bound to tickle readers.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
WALKER, Landry. The Incredibles: Secrets & Lies. illus. by Marcio Takara. ISBN 978-1-60886-583-3.
ea vol: unpaged. Boom Kids! 2010. pap. $9.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-8–In the first book, the toys are afraid that Andy will be bringing home some new (and possibly better) toys from the dinosaur museum so they decide to tag along on the trip. The story is a little choppy in places, and the fourth chapter is more of an unrelated short story than a conclusion; the resolution of the first three chapters really never comes. However, the book does carry the lighthearted earnestness that this franchise is known for. The characters are true to the animated adventures, which will make loyal fans happy. The colors are vibrant and help to convey the mood of each illustration. The pages get darker when the toys are in danger and brighten whenever Andy is included, making it easy for readers to follow the action without reading the minimal text. The inclusion of onomatopoeia on almost every page helps bring the action to life. The great illustrations and popular characters will make this a solid addition. The Incredibles is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Mrs. Incredible has lied to her family and gone off on a secret mission involving the bombing of the Eiffel Tower. Meanwhile Mr. Incredible is at home trying to fit in some secret superhero training without his wife finding out and dealing with his teenage daughter. The illustrations are true to the popular movies. The cliff-hanger ending prevents any moral about lying from being learned, but readers do walk away with the feeling that young Dash knows that it is leading the family somewhere bad. This fast-paced story with well-known characters will engage readers.–Catherine Brenner, Bethlehem Public Library, Delmar, NY
Gr 8 Up–After an ambush in Afghanistan that kills everyone in his squadron but him, Joe Higgins is kept alive via a computerized battle suit that enables him to be a one-man recon and offensive unit, comparable to a combination of Iron Man and Captain America. Originally created for Archie Comics in 1940–before the publication of either of those heroes– The Shield has a storied history of on-again, off-again publication, and this is a reboot to modernize the character for integration into the mainstream DC Comics universe. This means that significant guest stars from DC’s C-list show up in supporting roles and as villains–characters sufficiently unknown to most readers, but the lack of prior familiarity doesn’t hinder the narrative. The prologue and introduction, masterminded by Straczynski, are hampered by seemingly hurried art and generic plotting, but the main book is both written and drawn with a much surer hand. Trautmann’s introduction of thematic elements about the role of a soldier in contrast to that of a superhero give the book a relatively unique and certainly clever perspective, and the pages are artfully designed with a kinetic energy and frequent uses of technologically influenced framing to reinforce awareness of the hero’s power-source. This is a dynamic volume that’s easy to enjoy, and therefore it’s a pity that the series has been canceled and no second volume is likely to be forthcoming. –Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 2-4–This makes an amiable addition to the series. Guinea pig detective Sasspants and his manic hamster assistant, Hamisher, are among the animals living in absent-minded Mr. Venezi’s pet shop. When Mr. V seeks help to run his business better, the animals get nervous–they don’t want to be sold. While Pants and Hamisher try to keep the status quo, a vandal begins changing the signs on the animals’ cages, making it more likely that Mr. V will hire someone. The guinea-pig detective and his partner are soon on the case, eventually discovering that not every animal is content with the pet shop as a permanent home. The mystery, while uncomplicated and dotted with humorous moments, still allows for some basic deductive reasoning as readers search for the culprit. Back matter includes more information on ferrets and a glossary of mystery terms. The soft-hued illustrations are crisp, giving off an animation look that’s easy on the eyes. The panel layout is clear, but the repeated use of “talking head” close-ups does get a bit monotonous. It’s unfortunate that the artist didn’t break free of the grid for more wide-angle views to provide visual context. Kids who have a thing for pets (which is a sizable group) and a hankering for humor will likely take to this title.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
Gr 7 Up–Ziggy brings to life both the simplicities and complexities of daily life. His struggles with lost luggage, insurance, finances, dating, and customer service are sure to hit home with many adults. Teens will find humor in his interactions with his pets and the pigeons in the park. Ziggy’s experiences can evoke a contemplative mood or an inspiring and uplifting change of heart. The humor in the one-liners goes hand-in-hand with Wilson’s simple yet effective rendering of the little bald man who rarely wears pants. A daily dose of Ziggy is good for the heart, mind, and soul.–Carol Hirsche, Provo City Library, UT
Gr 9 Up–This final volume in the trilogy benefits from improved pacing and clarity over the first two volumes. Rue, a teenage human/faerie hybrid, must work to control the chaos that has resulted from the emergence of the faerie world into her home town. Her unique biology places her in the middle of the conflict between the two worlds and their respective leaders: Rue’s faerie mother and her father’s human lover. Rue herself must choose which side to join, a decision that will also determine her choice of paramour. The gray-tone art is evocative, and the occasional spreads add weight and drama to the events. Unfortunately, as with the first two books, characters are rendered inconsistently, and it is often difficult to tell them apart; Rue and her love interest, Tam, are practically indistinguishable. The characters also lack depth, and their actions are low on the believability scale, but these factors will not likely deter Black’s many fans, or those who appreciate contemporary fantasy, in particular, readers who love supernatural romance and drama. A satisfactory end to the trilogy.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 9 Up–The subtitle has several meanings in this unusual, surreal, and poignant story. Salvatore is a canine mechanic who dreams of reuniting with Julie, a beautiful white dog. In order to travel to South America to be with her, he salvages and steals car parts to create a unique vehicle that will transport him. Along the way, Salvatore’s life intersects with those of several others, and readers follow each of their stories for a time. There’s a pregnant pig named Amandine who brings her car in to be serviced and one of its parts is stolen. She soon gives birth to 13 piglets; one of them goes missing and has some dangerous and bewildering adventures of its own. Salvatore also tries to get his hands on a Bentley that belongs to a bull, but the bull’s jealous wife (a heifer) leaves him and takes the vehicle with her. While the illustrations look simple and cute, using a beautiful muted palette of sepia-toned watercolors, Transports of Love is definitely intended for older teens and adults as evidenced by its mature language and themes. There are several major plot threads that are left unresolved, so readers who enjoy the book will have to read volume two to find out what happens next.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 10 Up–There is no doubt that this series will raise awareness of the situation facing those living in northern Uganda in 2002. Even though the story is fiction, the facts behind it are real. In this volume, Dr. Moses Lwanga is trying to help those in an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp. He escaped the country as a boy and has returned to help. These camps are full of disease due to poor sanitation. He is ready to settle in until there is a murder, and he is sent out among the refugees where the war is raging. The harsh language and violent full-color pictures are an honest depiction of what happens daily in this war-torn country. Teens may need to read the afterword in order to fully understand the message that is conveyed. This is more than just a graphic novel for mature readers. It is clear through the story that Dysart has visited this part of the world and researched the situation well. This is an intense read and an honest depiction of a real problem. Older fans of the series will impatiently wait for more.–Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Gr 9 Up–This strange, abstract graphic novel defies easy categorization. Through the day-to-day life of a vaguely disaffected young man, Glenn Ganges, readers witness the uneasy relationship between humanity and the broader world of nature. For example, in the opening sections, the smear of a crushed insect takes on the form of the Nike “swoosh” while a pigeon, disoriented from eating fast food, wanders fatally into the path of a car. In the final scene, an eagle crashes into a power line and creates a domino effect that results in a worldwide apocalypse. The middle chapters are more opaque; scenes of contemporary angst and ennui overlap with snippets from bizarre advertisements and nonsensical animal facts. Beautifully packaged and intriguing, this book is unlikely to find a broad audience among high school students, but it will appeal most to those looking for a thought-provoking, modern, and unusual take on the human condition.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Gr 10 Up–A ship manned by dead pirates exists in a torturous purgatory. The men repeatedly attempt to die “a real death” to escape their unending journey “with no port of call.” A baby, the lone survivor of a looted vessel, could be their salvation. David B.’s colorful, quirky illustrations resemble those of fellow French comics creator Joann Sfar. Each dead pirate’s skull somehow displays vivid expressions, and the sea monsters and marine life are drawn with great detail. While these illustrations may appeal to children, the sophisticated language and ideas make this more suitable for teens and adults.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 9 Up–Karen Chugg is unpopular, to say the least. She sits at a separate table in the cafeteria because she is allergic to peanuts and a multitude of other foods. She isn’t stylish like the popular girls. She gets straight A’s. And she’s a fan of The Brady Bunch. Because the teen wants a dog (but is allergic to them), she decides to get a robotic dog called a Roodle. Meanwhile, the President of the United States, in an effort to protect himself from assassination attempts and raise his deplorable approval rating, decides to get robotic bodyguards. The Robo-National company gets the orders mixed up, and hilarity ensues. Karen’s robot bodyguards are programmed to protect her at all costs, so they disguise themselves as ordinary (but metallic) teenagers and follow her to school. Karen does her best to get along with them and nicknames her companions Marcia, Jan, and Cindy. Meanwhile, the president tries to get his bodyguards back using increasingly over-the-top methods. The artwork is cartoony and colorful, if sometimes a little dark. The female bodyguards are rather impractically designed to be very shapely in all the right places, and the sexualized image chosen for the cover might turn off a lot of female readers who would otherwise be the ideal audience for this book.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up–This offering is being promoted as “The most brutal Northlanders story to date,” and that’s saying something, since the previous titles were filled with swearing, violence, and bloodshed, as well as some remarkable writing about a period rarely covered in graphic novels. The Plague Widow, set in 1020 in Russia, takes place in a remote Viking settlement near the Volga River that closes itself off from the rest of the world to try to protect its people from a plague outbreak. But before they lock their gates, they force all of the infected people outside of the settlement and proceed to kill them. The book then follows the intertwining stories of several memorable and well-drawn characters whose lives are changed or destroyed by the plague. Fernandez’s illustrations are exceptionally well done, his brown-and-green pages frequently stained with red. Each book in the series can stand on its own, but readers who are captivated by this one will definitely want to get the earlier titles.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
