Graphic Novels

-- School Library Journal, 11/1/2005

Elementary & Middle School

AZUMA, Kiyohiko. Yotsuba&! vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by Javier Lopez. illus. by author. 224p. ADV Manga. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-4139-0317-7. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5 Up–This sometimes silly graphic novel is like a Japanese version of Dennis the Menace. Yotsuba, an energetic, green-haired little girl, drives her neighbors crazy with her goofy adventures. Parents might have some concern about the single father who, at times, walks around in nothing except a T-shirt and boxers in front of teenage girls, but it's used as a comedic device with no innuendo implied. Throughout the book, there are clues as to the nature of where this wild girl comes from; at the end, readers are set up perfectly for what will happen in future series entries. The story is more like a series of episodic anecdotes with virtually no character development. While it is fun, the plot is thin, and some readers are likely to find it boring. The art focuses on the humor, and while it not very detailed or interesting, it is warm and goes well with the lighthearted plot.–Scott La Counte, Anaheim Public Library, CA

BAUM, Frank L. The Wizard of Oz. adapt. by Michael Cavallero. 152p. (Puffin Graphics Series). Puffin. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 0-14-240471-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3-5–In this reinterpreted, graphic version, the classic plot stays the same. The dialogue is true to the original, and sometimes clashes with the more updated look. Almost everything in the story has been modernized. The Good Witch of the North wears sunglasses. Dorothy wears jeans. The Tin Woodman sports a buzz saw. The Wicked Witch of the West is both humorous and evil. The black-and-white illustrations are action packed, and the characters, with their Bazooka Joe eyes, combine classic comic touches with the popular manga style. Reluctant readers will gravitate toward the cartoon cover. Any library with a graphic-novel collection (or any library about to start one) will want to include this title.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

CAMMUSO, Frank. Max Hamm: Fairy Tale Detective. vol. 1. illus. by author. 208p. Nite Owl. 2005. pap. $14.95. ISBN 0-9720061-4-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–In this throwback to the pulp-novels and film-noir era, porcine detective Max Hamm is a combination of Sam Spade and Porky Pig. In the first story, "The Big Sheep," he unearths scandal and deceit involving the murder of his partner, Humpty Dumpty. "The Long Ever After" is a carefully woven tale of intrigue surrounding Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. The characters communicate in pun-filled dialogue that works well with the story, and is not overdone. Typical graphic-novel panels alternate with a layout more typically found in picture books, a convention Cammuso employs to bring a solid juxtaposition of text and illustration to the book. Many fairy tales are referenced, and the concept of combining them with this setting results in a truly enjoyable plot. Readers of both comics and graphic novels will relish this volume.–Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY

DIGGLE, Andy. Adam Strange: Planet Heist. illus. by Pascal Ferry & Dave McCaig. unpaged. DC Comics. 2005. pap. $19.99. ISBN 1-4012-0727-8. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–The DC Universe calls Adam Strange a superhero, but he languishes in a tenement, trying unsuccessfully to convince the police that he's allied with the Justice League and one of the good guys. Even a visit from Superman does nothing to help. When Adam learns that his home planet is missing, he is terrified that his wife and child are gone forever. Traveling to find them, he is captured by an armada that treats him suspiciously well. When he discovers the planet has been teleported away in an attempt to fool him, the scheme is revealed and Adam and a group of mercenary aliens fight in intergalactic space. The armada and its leader, Valkyr, turn out to be the villains. Only a passable science-fiction story, the novel has few standout moments. Adam comes across as more of a dull workman, never doing any of the delectable grandiose pontificating that great heroes do. The human element of the missing wife and daughter is rather weak, and the nonstop flow of characters stepping in from the sidelines obscure the plot, which seems contrived enough as it is. Even Adam Strange collectors may give up on this one.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

DIXON, Chuck. Nightwing: On the Razor's Edge. illus. by Greg Land & Drew Geraci. 182p. DC Comics. 2005. pap. $14.99. ISBN 1-4012-0437-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Nightwing, a second-tier character in the DC universe, gets in-depth treatment in this title. Dick Grayson, formerly Robin, Batman's sidekick, has grown up to assume Nightwing as his new alter ego. The book begins with short biographies of Catwoman, Batgirl, and other past and present friends and foes. Various villains want Nightwing eliminated and vie for the right to kill him. Shrike, the most bloodthirsty, is winner of the fight-off. Meanwhile, Dick spends his nights pursuing criminals and resisting the seductive wiles of the untrustworthy Catwoman. His true love, Barbara Gordon (formerly Batgirl, now known as Oracle), provides computer tracking from her wheelchair. As the battle between Shrike and Nightwing rages, the elevation of the sometimes puerile Nightwing to first-class hero is completed. Except for a tacked-on extra chapter featuring a new artist, this title is of high quality.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

HARPER, Charise Mericle. Fashion Kitty. illus. by author. 89p. Hyperion. 2005. RTE $8.99. ISBN 0-7868-5134-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-7–On her birthday, as Kiki Kittie is making her wish, a pile of fashion magazines tumble on her head and voila! Fashion Kitty is born. As such, she helps other kittens with their wardrobe dilemmas and with their interactions with their peers. The story, though seemingly simplistic, touches upon a variety of themes including bullying, self-esteem, and family relationships. Fashion Kitty is a sassy, smart animal who, though concerned with haute couture, still has substance. Primarily illustrated through a variety of pinks and grays in a cartoon style, the pictures are artistically appealing and visually spectacular. The book should have wide appeal to upper elementary and middle school girls. It can be read aloud due to the enlarged panels (one to four on a page) and is an exceptionally fun and lively choice.–Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY

IKEZAWA, Satomi. Guru Guru Pon-Chan. vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by Douglas Varenas. illus. by author. 171p. Del Rey. 2005. pap. $10.95. ISBN 0-345-48095-3. LC 2005924891.

Gr 5 Up–Lovable dog Ponta has become human after swallowing a new invention, "The Chit-Chat Bone." Transformed into an attractive young woman, she nevertheless continues to act like a dog, enthusiastically jumping on her friends and eating greedily from her lunchmates' bowls. Ponta's transformation is not permanent, though, and she constantly switches between her canine and human states. Melodrama kicks in as she agonizes over her human crush, Mirai, sadly realizing that "love between dogs and humans can never be." Goofy asides and sound effects fill the frames, and characters' features and emotional reactions are comically exaggerated. This exuberant, untidy style reflects Ponta's giddy and confused mood swings, and readers will find it hard not to root for such an endearing heroine.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

IKUMI, Mia. Tokyo Mew Mew a la Mode. vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by Yoohae Yang. illus. by author. 197p. Tokyopop. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-59532-789-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-8–Berry Shirayuki, 12, wakes up overjoyed to be starting junior high at a school she has chosen for its superior uniform design. She knows that something amazing will happen to her, and it sure does. First, her boy-next-door friend sneaks into her room to tease her for leaving him behind at the drab local institution. Then, she realizes that her new school is a bastion of ultra-rich preppies. But it is also the headquarters of the Mew Mews, four girls with animal powers who shout girly battle cries and save the world. One of the omnipresent tall, rail-thin boys injects Berry with an experimental serum that turns her into the fifth Mew Mew. A group of blood-drinking fellow students conspires to eliminate her, and she continues to worship from afar each lanky, long-haired boy who periodically speaks to her. The ominous secret group is pushed aside for the school scenes, centered on Berry being cute, eating cake, or learning about her powers. If your patrons love manga, get this title to balance the superhero yarns crowding your shelves.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

JOHNS, Geoff. JSA: Black Reign. illus. by Rags Morales, et al. unpaged. DC Comics. 2005. pap. $12.99. ISBN 1-4012-0480-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7 Up–A densely packed, well-written superhero comic of epic proportions. The story itself is set in a place that will remind most readers of current-day Iraq. Characters (hero and villain alike) face serious moral questions like "What is justice?" "Is a hero really a hero if he fights to stop people who are liberating their country?" "Is it ever right to kill?" Often, readers must stop to ask themselves who the heroes really are–and there are no concrete answers. Very few comics have created superheroes with such realistic issues. The illustrations are reminiscent of those from the DC Comics' heyday; they are dark, action packed, and full of energy (even if they do have bustier women who show a little bit more skin).–Scott La Counte, Anaheim Public Library, CA

KELLY, Joe. Justice League Elite. vol. 1. illus. by Doug Mahnke, John Byrne, & Tom Nguyen. unpaged. DC Comics. 2005. pap. $19.99. ISBN 1-4012-0481-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Truth, justice, and the American way? Not for the Justice League Elite, a band of rogue allies who believe that villains should be permanently eradicated, rather than simply punished. The ideology of the JLE sharply contrasts with that of the Justice League of America, whose members include Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. When calamity strikes, the rival groups clash on how to deal with the conflict. This novel explores the notion of "justice" and applies it to a contemporary setting riddled with sly social and political commentary. The art is impressive, with meticulous detail to the characters' facial expressions and emotions. The story, while fast-paced, is somewhat confusing and offers little previous history for new readers. Despite this flaw, it is still a thought-provoking and highly enjoyable read.–Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY

KELLY, Joe. Space Ghost. illus. by Ariel Olivetti. unpaged. DC Comics. 2005. pap. $14.99. ISBN 1-4012-0721-9. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7 Up–Teens are more likely to recognize Space Ghost from his 10-year stint (1994 to 2004) on the Cartoon Network than from the '60s cartoon from which he originated. For this reason, many readers might be a bit disappointed to discover that their cartoon hero is not funny. This book divulges, for the first time, his real origins and how he came to be a superhero. The comic is dark and exciting in places, but the plot lacks imagination. In a typical superhero conversion, Thaddeus is murdered along with his wife and unborn child, is resurrected from the Planet of the Dead, returns to Earth as Space Ghost to avenge the crime, and finally learns what he can do for others. He must also deal with moral issues that he never faced on the TV show; unfortunately, he handles them in a dull way, and shows very little personality. The illustrations will not disappoint hardcore fans of the show; they are bright and similar to the original '60s cartoon.–Scott La Counte, Anaheim Public Library, CA

LOVE, Courtney, D. J. Milky, & Misaho Kujiradou. Princess Ai: Lumination. vol. 2. tr. from Japanese by Kimiko Fujikawa & Yuki N. Johnson. illus. by Misaho Kujiradou. 185p. Tokyopop. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-59182-670-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7 Up–For anyone who missed the first volume, a synopsis prefaces this story. Angelic Princess Ai, budding rock star, acknowledges the grave danger facing her and her love interest, Kent, a librarian. She decides that the safest place to be is under the protection of a major record company. Signing on with Hayabusa Talent Agency, she is set up in a hotel with a few "handlers" who are more like prison guards and Ai strains against the restrictions placed upon her. Despite these problems, singing makes her feel peaceful and the songs seem to make her small wings grow. Her debut CD rockets up the charts and her strange winged look becomes all the rage with her fans. During a concert, she is attacked by a creature from her own world but with Kent's help she escapes again. The story moves quickly and the art is always interesting. Ai is very rock star princesslike in her demanding behavior but still manages to come off as likable, and her budding romance is sure to appeal to fans of the shojo genre.–Melissa T. Jenvey, New York Public Library

MOORE, Richard. Boneyard. vol. 1. illus. by author. unpaged. NBM. 2005. pap. $10.95. ISBN 1-56163-427-1. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–In this comic horror series, a young man inherits a graveyard (aka The Boneyard) from his grandfather and finds that its inhabitants are anything but rotting corpses. In this first volume, reissued in full, faultless color, the protagonist battles the local townspeople to save the Boneyard (and its ghoulish residents) from being razed. Moore's illustrations and text are expertly interlaced into an amusing tale that pokes gentle fun at the genre and never fails to entertain.–Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY

PINI, Wendy & Richard Pini. ElfQuest: Archives. vol. 2. 221p. DC Comics. 2005. Tr $49.95. ISBN 1-4012-0129-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 7 Up–Elfquest has always been the "Comic That Could." Starting from the underground, the series has won legions of fans who revel in its purest of pure fantasy setting and delight in its sassy and indomitable main characters. And all this without being part of any big-budget Hollywood movies, toy tie-ins, or TV shows. This volume reprints five early issues, in color. The story continued from volume one has Cutter, the elf leader, and his sidekick, Skywise, roaming their planet and getting into various misadventures. Some are comic, such as when they are captured and must drink with a group of engaged trolls in the troll bar. Others are darker, as when they meet up with a group of humans who are more like aboriginals. Someone loses a thumb, and the two races exchange swordplay. Cutter's love interest, Leetah, and most of the female cast, have the look of belly dancers, and the men's flowing locks and athletic appearances make Elfquest definitely a "beautiful people" comic. Older teens will find the fantasy not dark enough, but it will be popular with middle schoolers or those who already love Elfquest (such as adults who want to rediscover their youthful reading).–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

POMPLUN, Tom, ed. Graphic Classics: Arthur Conan Doyle. vol 2. 2nd ed. illus. by Rick Geary, et al. 144p. Eureka. 2005. pap. $11.95. ISBN 0-9746648-5-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Doyle's prose and poetry are brought to life in this exciting volume. It has some overlap from the first volume (Eureka, 2002), but also includes some truly outstanding new tales. In "The Ghosts of Goresthorpe Grange," a man believes that his house is occupied by spirits and seeks out the help of a medium. Ultimately, he is drugged and swindled, and the dreamlike style of the art reinforces this mood. In "Two Great Brown-Pericord Motor," two men create an invention and become fiercely jealous and protective of it, until disaster erupts. This volume also contains two Sherlock Holmes stories and thrilling tales of sea adventures. Though each one is illustrated by a different artist, the writing ties the collection together nicely. Unlike the earlier volume, this one utilizes a consistent comic format throughout. The artists have deftly captured the themes and moods of each piece in the black-and-white illustrations done in a wide range of styles and techniques. This assortment of tales may attract new readers to Doyle's work.–Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY

STEVENSON, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. illus. & adapted by Tim Hamilton. 176p. (Puffin Graphics Series). photos. Puffin. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 0-14-240470-5. LC number unavailable.

Gr 5-9–Jim Hawkins, Billy Bones, Ben Gunn, and Long John Silver come alive again in this faithful adaptation of the classic novel, which retains much of the original language. Billy Bones is still "struck dead by apoplexy" and the parrot still cries "pieces of eight," for example. The stark visuals are often gripping, most notably in the scene in which Billy Bones first appears and later when Jim Hawkins fights for his life against Israel Hands aboard the Hispaniola. The section entitled "The Making of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island" includes concept sketches, photos of Hamilton's friends that he used as models for his characters, and information on his artistic techniques. Readers will also learn that the author approaches storytelling "in a cinematic way," which may explain why there are so many images of characters' faces hidden dramatically in shadows. Older children and teens will find this to be a compelling read, and it can help to bridge the gap in your library between graphic novels and the classics.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

SUGISAKI, Yukiro. Rizelmine. tr. from Japanese by Alethea Nibley & Athena Nibley. illus. by author. 136p. Tokyopop. 2005. pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-59532-901-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 8 Up–Girl sees boy. Girl falls in love at first sight. Girl wants to marry boy, but he wants nothing to do with her. Factor in that the girl is a one-of-a-kind being made entirely of nano-machines (or so the story goes) and things start to get out of control. Now add in that other countries are making copies of this girl, and they're all in love with the same boy, and all bets are off. Iwaki Tomonori spends most of the book trying to escape Rizel's overly affectionate clutches, to no avail. Of course, when the government has already issued their marriage certificate, there's only so much that he can do. Part of the problem is that the government is trying to appease Rizel because she has superhuman qualities: her tears are powerful enough to blow up buildings and she can change her appearance at will. One of the funniest scenes is one in which Rizel has a fight with Lux (one of her knockoffs) while wearing teddy bear underwear. Watching these girls throw one another into buildings moves a bystander to exclaim, "Aaahh!! They're so cute, but they possess such awesome powers of destruction!" A funny, fluffy, and unusual romance/fantasy.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

WELLS, H. G. War of the Worlds. adapt. by Stephen Stern. illus. by Arne Starr. 185p. Best Sellers Illustrated. 2005. pap. $13.99. ISBN 0-9764755-0-2. LC 2004195272.

Gr 6 Up–Teens who pick up this book and think that they are getting Wells's original classic will be sorely mistaken. While this adaptation gives nods to both that novel and the panic-inducing radio drama, it is clearly set in the present with references to the "face on Mars" (photographed in 1976), the Hubble Telescope, and 9/11. For readers who are coming in with no preconceived notions, it could be an enjoyable story. A science reporter is covering the story of the Martian invasion while his pregnant wife and his brother try to escape imminent danger. Some characters are introduced so quickly that readers won't feel connected enough to care about what happens to them. Others are introduced mysteriously, including a group of people who have been living underground for more than a decade, and then dropped. Some of the dialogue is clunky and awkward, especially when characters are providing exposition. The black-and-white illustrations vary from good to innovative (the backgrounds derived from photographs are often striking). Anyone who goes to the movies, of course, can accept the idea of a modern retelling. More disappointing, however, is the watering down of the original story to the extent that it loses its power and its ability to entrance its readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library