Graphic Novels

Gr 4-6–Both of these engaging and well-organized accounts will be useful for assignments. Panels cut cinematically between the Union and Confederate armies as each side's soldiers strategize and fight. In Gettysburg, speech balloons in blue type indicate dialogue that was actually spoken, making the past immediate: “It's murder, but it's the order,” says a Union colonel before leading his last charge. While neither book's illustrations are especially graphic, the art in Gettysburg is more detailed and expressive than that in Antietam, which is slightly stiff. An introduction and an “Aftermath” bookend the stories with historical background, photographs, and a map of troop movements. A table of contents, an introduction to each battle's key commanders, a list of related organizations and books, and a link to a list of Web sites that is updated regularly are appended. Comics fans may not seek out these books, but students using them for research should be pleasantly surprised to find them so interesting.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 3 Up–The first in a series spotlighting Marvel superheroes, this trapezoid-shaped offering combines comic-book excerpts with action-packed pop-ups to introduce the web-slinging wonder. Four foldout comic-strip sections spread throughout the book relate Peter Parker's story: the bookish teen's fateful encounter with a radioactive spider; his testing of his new powers at a wrestling match and donning of the familiar costume; the murder of his beloved Uncle Ben; and his capture of the perpetrator and transformation from self-absorbed media star to justice-serving hero. Colorful 3-D sculptures leap out at readers with every turn of the page as they meet seven of Spider-Man's most ferocious foes, including the Green Goblin, Doc Ock, and the Vulture. These spreads feature a storyboard retelling of how each villain gained his superhuman abilities; a slide-out tab listing his vital statistics, skills, weapons, and cool gadgets; and, in most cases, an encounter between the bad guy and Spidey. Additional pull-out files highlight other key characters. The pop-up images, many embellished with bright metallic paper, retain the nostalgic appeal of the retro comic-book art while injecting an element of movement and excitement. After browsing this title, youngsters will be fully initiated into Spider-Man lore and ready to take on the Marvel classics.–Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Gr 3-5–The strength of this book lies in its eye-catching artwork. DeMolay provides a brief, but clear introduction to the mystery of the lost city, breaking up information into accessible bits. Beginning with a few of the many questions surrounding Atlantis, he then shows Plato telling his students its story, citing two of the philosopher's works as the origin of the first tales about it. Readers are given a glimpse of the technologically advanced city and of the mythology surrounding it, but much of this slim volume focuses on the question of where it may have been located. DeMolay discusses several possibilities, including the Azores Islands, Crete, and Cuba. Given the book's brevity and design, the table of contents hardly seems necessary, and the glossary and index also have little utility. No bibliography is provided, and the single Web site listed is unimpressive. Readers may, however, find the random collection of facts in the “Did You Know?” section interesting. While this book may appeal to reluctant readers and help to pique an interest in Atlantis, readers are likely to find Holly Wallace's The Mystery of Atlantis (Heinemann Library, 1999) more satisfying.–Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

Gr 4-6–Three episodes from American history get graphic makeovers. In Samuel Adams, a young patriot begins to question British rule. The biography follows him from his early days resisting taxation without representation to his final days as governor of Massachusetts. Lewis and Clark highlights the monumental trek, including the contributions of Sacagawea. The events before and after the mysterious disappearance of an entire colony are the focus of Roanoke Colony. While the artwork and dialogue are not outstanding, the three volumes do offer interesting glimpses into the past. The pacing and full-color illustrations bring the emotional aspect of these topics to life. Each book includes a follow-up section on the topic. Useful supplements or introductions.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 1-3–The first book is a retelling of the story of Hades's kidnapping of Persephone into the Underworld and Demeter's plea to the Olympians to bring her back. It's written at a very introductory level, and the creators try a little too hard to allude to other myths and bring additional Olympians into the text, which makes the otherwise dynamic narrative somewhat stilted. The artwork is excellent throughout, and the glossary will aid readers with unfamiliar words. The second book introduces elements of Chinese mythology. The introduction clarifies that while Yu was real, the story is legendary. Unfortunately, the art doesn't match the flow of the narrative, and often the characters look more European or Native American than Chinese. These titles will do well in libraries where comics or mythology books circulate, and especially where the “Jr. Graphic Mythologies” series (Rosen) is popular.–Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 8 Up–Fourteen-year-old Naka, an aspiring model, has a perfect body and beautiful, silken hair, but when she gets nervous, her face takes on a horrible expression reminiscent of a criminal. Never landing a job, she is dubbed Longshot. On the other hand, Umi is a top model who is awarded all the best jobs and earns the admiration of all those around her. When Naka finds one of Umi's personal appointment cards, she discovers a startling secret–Umi is really a boy. To protect his secret, he gets Naka modeling jobs and the two form a unique relationship. This gender-bending shojo tale relies heavily on slapstick and light romance to drive the plot. The art, typical manga fare, offers its readers many chibi (or deformed) characters to convey the overall mood. There is a decent amount of angst between Naka and Umi, and a “will they or won't they” sense of wonder about their relationship. Teen girls may be interested in this silly, bubbly title and its take on fashion and gender roles, even if it is somewhat lacking in substance. It will most likely fare well in libraries with a strong demand for shojo manga.–Jennifer Feigelman, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, NY

Gr 8 Up–Guiliano's father lends the boy and his friends the use of a garage for band practice, on the condition that they stay out of trouble. Each teen has a difficult family situation–his parents are variously sick, missing, or emotionally absent–and uses the band to find a degree of freedom, both in the abandonment of performance, and in the cathartic process of songwriting. When an amplifier necessary for a demo recording is irreparable, Alex suggests liberating equipment from a church basement, and the four protagonists find themselves having to decide how much this band really means to them. The art is marvelously atmospheric, with finely chosen watercolors accentuating the loose, cartoony inks. Almost every page has a silent or an establishing panel that gives the sequences a sense of space and place and allows readers to find the emotional subtlety behind the rendered characters. This is an interestingly quiet and spacious work for a book that is ostensibly about making lots of noise in a small space. It is also quite moving, and quietly funny, although some may find the jokes about Nazism in bad taste. A charming and understated work, with careful craftsmanship that belies its scratchy figures and cartoon faces.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

Gr 5 Up–Quick paced and dramatic, these two volumes retain a sense of the originals in a highly appealing visual format. The use of color sets the tone for each novel, while the detailed illustrations bring the stories to life, capturing action and emotion and making these classics accessible and attractive. The exciting artwork and particularly expressive faces of Captain Ahab, Esmeralda, and Quasimodo draw readers into their stories. A series of two-page vignettes make up each novel, capturing some of the most dramatic moments, and the cleverly titled vignettes–“Angels and Devils,” “A Lucky Escape,” “A Jealous Rage”–are sure to grab readers' attention. Footnotes are provided as needed, and most frames have a sentence or two of narrative for expansion and clarification. Though the print is small, the books are well designed and have ample white space. Each volume includes an informative article about the author, a chronology, and essays providing context for the stories and a description of how the books have been received over time. These titles would be useful for introducing students to Hugo and Melville or as an alternative for reluctant/struggling readers.–Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN

Gr 9 Up–Sixteen-year-old June, a fiery, stubborn student, is a contender to be the Queen of Light in her magical world. Her topmost opponent is shy, soft-spoken Lucia, and the two girls also vie for the attention of handsome Sejuru, June's longtime childhood friend. When the rivalry between the girls intensifies, hijinks ensue. This first volume (of a forecasted series of eight) is typical manhwa fare, showcasing beautiful characters with large, expressive eyes and long swirling tendrils of hair. The plot offers high action and stops often to poke fun at itself and other popular manga series (such as “Sailor Moon”), making for a decidedly light story. June, Lucia, and Sejuru's characters are not particularly well developed and are somewhat flat in this volume. Their world is also not clearly defined for readers with no definitive understanding of an overall schema besides the mundane assignment of “light” and “dark” for good and evil. Teens will most likely enjoy the book without a hitch, though, especially in its moments of parody and the frothy romantic setup. An additional purchase for most libraries.–Jennifer Feigelman, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, NY

Gr 5-8–This series revolves around high school student Mary Jane, back in the days when she first meets Spider-Man and is harboring a crush on him. The setting is the present day, or at least the pretty-recent day, since characters are watching Shrek on TV at one point. Spider-Man himself doesn't actually appear in either of these volumes, except in a picture of him on the side of a bus shelter that Mary Jane looks at longingly while she's on a date with another boy. Instead, he is the elephant (well, maybe the spider) in the room…the empty seat at the table…the presence that is always felt even when he's not there. This series is not directed at fans of Spider-Man or other superheroes. Instead, it's geared more toward the younger sisters of comic-book fans. The funny and romantic elements will entertain readers, who will want to read the entire series of four books to find out what happens to Mary Jane and her friends, including the very shy Peter Parker. The glossy color pictures and attractive covers will attract reluctant readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 4 Up–In the late 1980s, DC Comics revamped many superheroes but realized that Batman should remain true to his 1939 history. According to the introduction, the editors also decided that the public needed to know more about Batman's early life as a vigilante, and Miller and Mazzucchelli came together to produce Batman: Year One. Originally released in 1988 in four parts, the stories have been combined into one book. Opening with the arrival of Lieutenant James Gordon in Gotham's police force, the story goes on to inform readers about the level of corruption permeating the force. They also witness Bruce Wayne's first encounter with the prostitute named Selina, who will become Catwoman. Wayne speaks to his dead father, asking for guidance, and is answered with a bat on the windowsill, and Batman is born. The remaining chapters highlight Gordon's continuing difficulties with the corrupt police force, Batman's early difficulties in protecting and using his arsenal of weapons, and the first villains he chooses to pursue. At the end of the book, readers are treated to some background on Mazzucchelli's art, the production of Year One, and details on Richmond Lewis's coloring techniques. Both beginning and devoted Batman fans will enjoy this edition.–Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 5-8–In this sugary sweet shojo treat, readers are introduced to a cute and stylish, yet aloof, fourth grader. Due to her shyness, the other kids think that Amu is cool and secretive. She has a crush on the most popular boy in her class. One night, she makes a heartfelt wish that her personality will change and voilà–when she wakes up the next morning, she discovers three eggs next to her bed. When they hatch, little figures emerge who try to help her be “you–the way you want to be.” Soon, Amu's secret is out, and she is pulled into the mystery of the eggs and the power they truly wield. While a fairly typical magic girl shojo, Shugo Chara employs a formula that works. Readers should revel in the lightly romantic and comedic plot and delight in the adorably stylized characters, from brooding mysterious cat-eared boys to small, sweet doll-like girls. Fans of CLAMP's Cardcaptor Sakura (Tokyopop) will enjoy these adventures of another plucky fourth grader uncovering magical secrets and learning of her wondrous fantasy world. Sheer bubblegum fun.–Jennifer Feigelman, Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, NY

Gr 3-6–These stories provide entertainment and solid information. In Crocodile, Methen and Madja foil a grave robber in ancient Egypt. Instruments features a boy in ancient China who saves the emperor's life. Victory takes place in ancient Greece, where Pylades's brother might be murdered before he competes in the Olympics. In Terror Trail, Sabina and Publius, slaves in Rome, must rescue their father, who has been sentenced to death. There is no graphic violence, but the stories vividly portray the periods' brutality. At one point, for example, the pharaoh threatens Methen and Madja with execution. The illustrations in all four books are a little wooden, but overlapping panels and dramatic close-ups give some energy to the layout. The bottom of every page includes a “Did You Know?” quick fact that is printed in a small black typeface in a narrow blue line. Illustrated glossaries define words in their historical context. With no more than 10 brief sentences per page, these rather frightening stories should hold the interest of reluctant readers, and they are more useful as accessible introductions to ancient history than as sources for assignments.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up–In the collected issues #76-85, the women of Gotham track down vigilantes. Oracle (formally Batgirl) has been confined to a wheelchair, so she sends Black Canary, Huntress, and Lady Blackhawk into the field. In the first story, they take down a witch with a split personality. Next, a particularly creepy spirit, Harvest, avenges the dead by killing their unpunished murderers. Finally, Black Canary heads to Singapore to stop a drug shipment. The characters' personal relationships are strained by Oracle's attempt at controlling the team. Of course, all have troubled pasts. The fact that the Birds are themselves vigilantes is pointed out but not explored. Despite some incredible scenes with Oracle floating in virtual reality, the artwork is disappointing. If it weren't for hair color and eyewear, the well-endowed ladies would be indistinguishable. It's the villains, not the heroes, who make this collection worth reading. It's a good sign for the series that Harvest appears to escape. Purchase only where fan demand calls for it.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 3 Up–Three more tales from Stine's “Goosebumps” series (Scholastic) have made their way into graphic-novel format. Like the previous adaptations, the selections are well suited to the genre, and the three artists adapted tales well suited to their styles. Thompson relates the story of a family trip to an amusement park gone wrong in “One Day at Horrorland.” Tolagson's giant insects and robotic terrors lead to an end twist in “A Shocker on Shock Street.” In “Deep Trouble,” Ganter uses her sweeter style on mermaids as well as sea monsters. Concluding pages show the process that each artist went through to adapt Stine's novels to comic format. Though readers already familiar with all the “Goosebumps” titles may not be surprised by the endings, the change of format brings something new and fresh to the familiar tales. Horror fans and comics readers alike will find something to enjoy here.–Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 8 Up-Dead High Yearbook puts the “graphic” back into graphic novel in true splatter horror-movie form. This group of grisly stories is connected by an overarching tale of two zombie yearbook editors putting together this year's annual. The deaths range from in-your-face gruesome to only suggested. Even without every corpse pictured, there are plenty of splashes of blood and bloody fingerprints on the pages to satisfy even the most ghoulish readers. The book goes so far as to include pre- and post-death “photos” on the endpapers. Several artists contribute to the book, so readers see a variety of styles from superhero physiques to mangalike faces to scratchy indy-artistry. The stories of death are also varied, ranging from the truly weird (an exploding boy) to the supernatural (zombies and vampires, anyone?) to the mundane (car accident, love triangle gone sour), and are generally well done. There are some attempts at humor, which don't work so well, even as black humor. Overall, this is a book for readers with strong stomachs for these sorts of visuals.–Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Gr 5 Up–Originally published in 2002, The Castaways makes its debut in a beautiful hardcover edition with a new epilogue. Set during the Great Depression, it tells the story of Tucker Freeman, 13, who is forced to follow in his father's footsteps and brave the life of a hobo. His first attempt at jumping a train is successful but terrifying, and when he arrives at the train yard, he puts his faith in Elijah Hopkins, an African-American professional 'bo who serves as Tucker's mentor. Through him, Tucker finds the strength to carve his own path in life. Vollmar and Callejo vividly create a world of travelers searching for work, parents who can't afford to feed their children, and prejudice that is only overlooked by kindred spirits of the road. The struggles of so many families become relevant when seen through Tucker's eyes, and the story of his own growth is poignant. The art, done in black, white, and blue, places the story solidly in its period and setting while truthfully portraying a wide range of human emotions. Fans of historical fiction, or classic novels by writers like Mark Twain and John Steinbeck, will find much to love in The Castaways, and graphic-novel buffs who like a little more depth in their comics will be extremely pleased.–Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 6 Up–Bruce Wayne is in love, but trouble in Gotham gets in the way of his burgeoning relationship with Julie Madison, aspiring attorney and daughter of magnate Norman Madison. Batman's duties have multiplied in recent weeks as a series of unusually gruesome attacks have left at least one mutilated body floating in the sewer and have kept Julie waiting impatiently for Bruce. And of course, loan shark and mob boss Sal Maroni continues to wreak havoc among his clients. In cooperation with Captain Jim Gordon at Gotham PD, Batman gets the evidence he needs to discover the source of the vicious attacks–genetically mutated monsters created by renegade Professor Hugo Strange, a man with a Napoleon complex and money on loan from Sal Maroni. When Julie's father becomes entangled with Maroni, Bruce's emotional investment rises, and Batman must do everything in his power to bring down Maroni. The graphics are high quality, giving the appropriate darkness to the masked man and excellent detail to the mutated monsters. Both longtime readers and new fans of Batman will appreciate this chapter in the story.–Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 10 Up–Melanie suddenly has the power of the mysterious Wraithborn and must fend off the spirits, demons, and gods that she now has the ability to destroy. Her allies are schoolmate Zoe, whose grandmother runs an occult shop, and Valin, a masked rescuer who saves her life more than once. A character makes a reference to the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and fans of that show, as well as teens interested in the paranormal, may enjoy this title. However, where Buffy successfully promoted female empowerment, this comic's efforts seem less sincere: female characters wear skintight, skimpy clothing, and there are more than a few gratuitous cleavage shots. Language and graphic violence make this most appropriate for older YAs.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up–The inhabitants of Elk's Ridge, WV, have set themselves apart from the rest of society in order to live in their particular version of paradise, but their dream is shattered in short order. Led by a Vietnam vet with a strongly imbedded hunter mentality, the adults have prepared themselves for an onslaught from without. In an old mine shaft, once the town's reason for being and sole source of income, they have stashed guns, ammo, napalm, and all the provisions and plans for self-protection. The town's inevitable downfall, however, comes not from the authorities on the “outside,” but from its teenagers. The adults neglected to foresee that their own dream would not necessarily become their children's. When the violence starts, prompted by a tragic accident that leads to an ugly scene of mob justice, the young people immediately begin to question their parents' motives. And when the violence escalates, the questioning turns to rebellion. This is not a particularly new story, but it is precisely and cleverly rendered with believable dialogue, expressive facial and body language, and captivating childhood flashbacks drawn in an innocent cartoon style, in contrast to the main story's angular imagery. While the outcome may appear obvious to some readers, Fialkov provides intriguing twists and turns as he adds to the mounting suspense.–Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–This brief novelization opens with a dramatic image of Malcolm posing with a rifle, highlighting the conflict that defined his short life. The story begins shortly before his death, and the sense of tension established by his looming assassination is maintained throughout the book. Those already familiar with Malcolm X's autobiography will find a compelling retelling of his life, and those new to the subject will be introduced to a whirlwind tour of mid-20th-century history through the eyes of an influential figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The defining moments of Malcolm's life are presented here in a condensed format–his upbringing in the Midwest, his rowdy teenage years as a hustler in Boston and Harlem, and his time in prison, leading ultimately to his public life as a member of the Nation of Islam and the Black Muslim movement in the 1960s. The black-and-white illustrations give shape to the figures depicted through the use of shadows and high-contrast silhouettes. Many of the drawings have the quality of photographs that have been repeatedly photocopied until fine details disappear, lending a documentary feel to the imagery.–Heidi Dolamore, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–Most of the stories in this beautifully designed eighth volume in the series focus on the enduring character triangle of a Kat deep in love with a spiteful mouse named Ignatz who returns the affection by tossing a brick, and Offisa Pup, the staunch defender of Krazy Kat who constantly seeks to catch Ignatz in the act. Despite the repetitive nature of the stories, Herriman makes them work by giving Ignatz a delightfully crafty mind for creating wild schemes. Here, Ignatz dons bizarre disguises, hides the brick in boxes, and even creates Rube Goldberg-style machines to sharply deliver that brick to Krazy Kat's head. The vaudevillian slapstick will entertain younger readers, while the cleverness of the characters and fun wordplay in the dialogue will grab older readers looking for more depth. Endnotes help those new to the series orient themselves, while an introduction by journalist Jeet Heer places Herriman's work within a cultural context. This particular volume shines with large-scale color pages of comic-strip masterpieces. Herriman even experiments a bit with layouts, breaking away from the block design common to comics by shaping things around a circle and even using a single image on a page. This is Herriman at his best, and it's easy to see why he was such a favorite of literary giants and children alike.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–This epic tale is exceptionally well suited to the episodic telling necessary for a successful graphic novel, as the warrior-hero fights Grendel, Grendel's mother, and, ultimately, the dragon that claims his life, and (in true comic-book fashion) each challenge is significantly more difficult and violent than the one before. Although greatly abridged and edited, the text maintains a consistent rhythm and overall feel appropriate for the poetic nature of the story. Dialogue and narration are presented in identical text boxes, but astute readers will be able to decipher from the images which character is speaking. Each specific event is complemented by illustrations that effectively convey the atmosphere–historical details are paired with sketchy, ethereal drawings, the violent battle scenes are darkly tinted with red, and the end of Beowulf's life is indicated by gray, colorless imagery. Hinds's version will make this epic story available to a whole new group of readers. This book is likely to be especially popular when the Beowulf movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is released in November 2007.–Heather M. Campbell, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO

Gr 10 Up–Shinhae likes to spend as much time dreaming under the stars as she does playing volleyball for her high school. Her life dramatically changes when the Korean government asks her family to host Sarah, a young American girl with telekinetic powers, and Sarah's enigmatic male escort, Redion, in their home. Meanwhile, reports of UFOs increase from across the globe, with each one connected to the disappearance of a girl with psychic powers. It becomes obvious that someone, or something, is hunting for Sarah, and Shinhae works to uncover the plot and help her new friend. The artwork is uneven at times, particularly in the confusing action scenes, but Kang possesses a flair for depicting her characters' emotions. Helpful footnotes explain aspects of Korean culture like food and table customs. With a sci-fi storyline, strong character development, and hints of romance, this series is off to a promising start.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–This semiautobiographical work exposes the awkward adolescence of Melissa, a bright girl who is trying to fit in at school and to cope with her family. She finds reading difficult and is placed in a “special” class, yet her sense of alienation does not diminish when she begins to excel academically. Lasko-Gross's strength lies in her illustrations. Rendered in blacks, whites, and smoky grays, the expressive artwork uses dusky tones to accompany the dark humor of the narrative. Readers familiar with Lynda Barry's work will find that Lasko-Gross covers similar territory. The author collects brief stories, some no more than a page, that together form a loose portrait of Melissa's childhood and teenage years. The dialogue is candid and without flourish. Some embarrassing memories are shared in a tone that is self-mocking, while other episodes, such as a mishap at the local swimming pool in which Melissa endangers her little sister, are recalled with anguish and self-loathing. Melissa struggles to express herself in encounters with racist relatives and insincere friends, and she begins to draw cartoons as a coping mechanism. The situations depicted are a mixture of the mundane and the surreal, blending together family vacations, summer camp, therapy sessions, and school-yard bullying.–Heidi Dolamore, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–This first graphic novel from an award-winning Israeli illustrator tells the story of Koby Franco, a 20-something cab driver working in Tel Aviv. Franco's everyday life screeches to a halt when he receives a phone call from a soldier claiming his estranged father was killed by a suicide bomber at a train station. He and the young woman enter into a journey that takes them through cemeteries, train stations, and Franco's father's disheveled apartment to determine whether the man is dead or alive. The black-and-white artwork, with its thin lines accented by simple watercolor brushstrokes, combines with precise dialogue to convey subtle and powerful emotions throughout the story. Limited depictions of sex, nudity, and violence both in the story and the pictures make this a work that confronts mature themes in an emotionally complex manner. Franco's journey draws a portrait of modern Israel, showing how people cope with the violence around them as they go about their day-to-day lives. Modan doesn't shy away from criticizing some of the attitudes the state of Israel holds, hinting that these exacerbate some of the problems with the Palestinians. But the core of the story rests on Franco dealing with not only all the anger he feels toward his father, but also with the realization that he still loves him and has much to learn from him. An accomplished and moving book.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–This sometimes humorous and often ridiculous romantic adventure tells of a wealthy family who is threatened to be torn apart by secrets and corruption. Eldest son Zesty is a flamboyant gay young man who pretends to have little interest in his father's crooked business dealings, but is secretly trying to undermine him at every turn. He and his younger siblings form an organization called Magpie, which works to sabotage their father's corporation as it greedily takes down rain forests and attempts to cash in on other nefarious projects. In order to secure the family fortune, Zesty's father tries to arrange a marriage between his daughter Melon and Prince, the son of another tycoon, who is also a part of a ninja clan that will go after Magpie. Because this is yaoi (manga about boy-boy love), Zesty of course falls for Prince and crazy high jinks ensue. The artwork has a slightly amateur feel, with excessive use of computer-generated backgrounds and shading, but it is well framed and easy to follow. Fans of this genre will enjoy the romantic obsession and tension between the leads, though in this issue it leads to nothing more than the occasional kiss. A secondary purchase for libraries that collect manga, or for those looking for a fairly innocent yaoi in response to patron requests.–Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 10 Up–With her sharp wit, dark clothing, and even darker attitude, Emily Strange is a Wednesday Addams for the goth-punk generation. This volume collects three issues–“The Boring Issue,” “The Lost Issue,” and “The Dark Issue”–of the comic book series published in 2005 and 2006. Not so much a graphic novel but a series of short strips and vignettes, it chronicles the brooding teen's constant battles against boredom. Whether it's through magic spells, macabre science experiments, or directing a movie about the birth of the world starring–who else–herself, her fight is a ghoulishly entertaining romp of imagination and wordplay. Most of the stories are entirely original, while some of the tales are clever parodies of classic fantasy stories like Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, and the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Done by four different people across all the various story lines, the artwork runs the full range of techniques from hand-drawn to painted to computer illustration. Despite the differences, all achieve the same feel with a limited color palette of black and white–and the occasional red for things like blood or lipstick. The quality is a bit uneven from story to story, with some of the tales falling prey to cheap gags or one-liners that aren't as funny as they should be. But when it works, it works in a biting, pithy way that smart kids will appreciate.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–Judy, a young woman with a foul temper and a mouth to match, leaves home precipitously and finds herself in the nightmare of Obadiah's Glen. This tiny town used to attract travelers with its carnival, but the new freeway rerouted traffic and the carnival closed. Judy's first impressions of the hamlet confuse her: no one except for aggressive teenagers, threatening clowns, and a grim little girl seems to be in evidence. Nellie Kelly, the grim little grave robber's daughter, however, turns out to have more power than the unsuspecting passerby might suppose. Fortunately, Judy is not prone to going through life without suspecting every oddity or nuance. Sala's black-and-white drawings are suitably rough and include creepy expressions and arched teenage eyebrows that fill out the narrative's characterizations. Judy's tendency to swear fulsomely is introduced in the first panel, so no one will be surprised later when the going gets tough and her brawn turns out to be as sharp as her vocabulary. This is a tidy little tale of vengeance, corruption, and the scary side of clowns.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–In this manhwa, two apparent bounty hunters happen upon the kidnapping of a wealthy merchant's daughter. They fight off the attackers using a powerful and magical form of martial arts, and then head off to collect a reward from the girl's father. Little do they know, they have now attracted the attention of a dangerous group of men–possibly the very ones who drove them out of the paradise they once inhabited. Well drawn and packed with action, the art in this novel is intricate but occasionally confusing in the rapidly moving battle scenes. An eye-catching blend of science fiction and fantasy, the book will appeal to teen boys who like video games, martial arts, and fantasy quests. The mix of elaborate monsters, swordplay, and high-tech accessories such as floating motorbikes and digital cameras makes for a strange setting, but it's one that readers may enjoy.–Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 10 Up–This novel follows the tumultuous courtship of a pair of Victorian lovers, one of whom happens to be an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Lillian, daughter of an eminent Egyptologist, and the mummified Imhotep IV turn more than a few heads when they venture out in public, and their affair is complicated when she accidentally poisons two police officers. After turning herself in, she is thrown in jail and tried for murder. When Imhotep is caught trying to rescue her, he, too, must face a judge and jury. Both Lillian's and Imhotep's fathers attempt to save their children and set things right. Imhotep's father takes an extreme approach, abducting Queen Victoria and tossing her into the Thames. The narrative plunges into action with the story already in progress, leaving readers to piece together a backstory as events quickly continue to unfold. The story tumbles forward in surprising directions, and narrative ambiguities are handled deftly so as to spur curiosity and draw readers in. Lush watercolors lend fullness and detail to the characters, and the colorful palette evokes a sense of drama that is tongue-in-cheek. The translucent texture of Guibert's art lightens the narrative, adding to the undercurrent of whimsy that is apparent throughout this enjoyable melodrama.–Heidi Dolamore, San Mateo County Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–Sturm presents three vignettes set in distinct places and times in U.S. history. “The Revival” showcases the desperation and despair felt by settlers on the frontier. The promise of second chances and the hope for a better life are offered not only by the religious spirit of the revival, but also by the opportunity to begin again someplace new. In “Hundreds of Feet below Daylight,” gold is a powerful lure that also offers hope of a better life. Sturm illuminates the wishes, antipathies, and fears of a mining town, punctuated by many acts of violence. “The Golem's Mighty Swing,” previously published as a stand-alone book, rounds out the collection. Hucksterism and prejudice collide when a down-and-out Jewish baseball team allows an unscrupulous promoter to costume a player from the Negro Leagues as the golem to draw crowds. A potential riot ends up washed out–miraculous or just good luck? The black-and-white art varies, from smooth lines and gray shading in “Golem” to a rougher look reminiscent of woodblock printing in “Revival.” Sturm ably captures his characters' emotions and reveals motivation with telling details. These stories will be best appreciated by readers familiar with–or curious about–the American past.–Susan Salpini, formerly at TASIS–The American School in England