Reviews: Graphic Novels

Gr 7 Up—Jen Dik Seong, or Dixie, is having trouble getting her ki focused. Normally an outstanding hapkido student, she finds that her crush on classmate Adam is affecting her ability to fight. This is not good, as the national competition is fast approaching, and her parents expect her to do well. Spurred on by her hormones, Dixie makes a series of poor choices. She decides to spend the entry fee (which her parents have saved up to give her) on an elaborate birthday present for Adam, trusting that she will be able to win a free spot in the tournament instead. And when her best friend objects to this plan, Dixie hits her, nearly ruining their friendship. Dixie needs to figure out how to set things straight, and to see the people around her more clearly if she hopes to have any chance at the competition. This is a terrific read that features complex characters dealing with internal and external conflicts that make them believable and endearing. Lively black-and-white illustrations bring action and emotion to the story, which should appeal to martial-arts fans and anyone who has experienced the drama of high school relationships.—Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 5 Up—Adapted from the fantasy book of the same name, this graphic novel is beautifully illustrated and should prove an enjoyable read to fans and newbies alike. Diabolical 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl is troubled by his father's disappearance, his mother's descent into madness, and the depletion of the family wealth. Determined to solve at least one of these problems, he hatches a brilliant plan to crack the secrets of the fairy world. Excellent use of color and shading gives the panels a tremendous sense of light with enchanting effect. Characters are expressively brought to life with fun, exaggerated style. A great addition is the inclusion of "files" from the fairy police force, with mug shots of criminals/monsters.—Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 4 Up—With Bruce Wayne's psychotic breakdown and subsequent conversation with his alter ego in Batman: Ego (DC Comics, 2000), Cooke shows readers Batman at his weakest point, while stark black-and-white drawings of "The Monument" allow them to see that hero worship has its downside. The full-length graphic novel "Selina's Big Score" offers more insight into Catwoman's life of crime. The graphics in this compilation vary from the familiar comic-book style of "Date Night" to the bright whites and dreary blacks of "Here Be Monsters," and offer something for every Batman fan. If your collection is lacking either "Ego" or "Selina's Big Score," then Cooke's compilation is a wise purchase. Otherwise, with no plot and very little stylistic connection among the seven "tails," this one is a better fit for collectors than for libraries.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 9 Up—Donessa Cinzia Elena Marie Esperanza Diego-Luis Hidalgo's older brother is dead and her mother and younger brother have been taken hostage after pirates board the ship on which they are traveling. The year may be 1687, but Donessa is a fighter, and she quickly regains control of the ship. Dangling promises of riches before the crew to gain their loyalty, she becomes the pirate captain Lady Sin, renaming her ship El Cazador and going in search of the pirate Blackjack Tom, who holds her family hostage. Fans of Elizabeth Swan from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies will enjoy Lady Sin, who faces many obstacles, including an English privateer and mutineers. Dixon's writing includes phrases in Italian, Spanish, Dutch, French, Manx, and the King's English as he portrays the mélange of characters found on the high seas during the Golden Age of Piracy. While this mixture of language may frustrate some readers, it adds an air of authenticity to the compelling story. Epting brings the past to life with expressive characters and striking landscapes, as well as his ability to portray, with equal parts realism and taste, graphic sea battles and hungry cannibals. Sadly, while the volume ends with "to be continued," fans of the original run have been waiting for more than three years. It is to be hoped that, under Hyperion's able guidance, the series will be revived and captivated readers won't be left endlessly waiting for more.—Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 9 Up—Each volume includes the abridged story plus a generous amount of additional information, including an illustrated list of characters, an author biography, time lines, and an article about film adaptations. Students who are writing reports and readers who move on to the original novels will be well served by these extras. SAT vocabulary words are defined in footnotes, which also clarify plot details or offer historical context. Fortunately the font is small enough to be ignored easily, so these notes do not interrupt the flow of the story. The drawings are fluid and expressive, with skillful shading and dark tones that emphasize the stories' drama. The square, horizontal paneling is not especially inventive, but it makes the texts easy to follow. While these titles might not be as popular as superhero and manga comics, they are accessible introductions to the classics, and should make life easier for reluctant readers.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up—The effects of global warming can be difficult to comprehend, and even harder to cope with. In this concise but informational comic, Evans sheds light on the subject through a mix of humor and facts. Readers are presented with the history of global warming, likely outcomes of current pollution patterns, and what can be done if we hope to survive as a species. Cleverly, the narrative unfolds through the voices of three main characters: an outraged young idealist, a scientist fascinated by the challenges of the situation, and a greedy consumer who is only interested in himself. Accessible and entertaining, this book will be adored by science teachers. Students may be a bit confused by heavy referencing of British culture and the metric system, but should be able to get past it. While the black-and-white art is not exceptional, it does a fine job of conveying the importance and complexity of the message. Extensive footnotes, carbon calculators, and a metric conversion chart are included. Important reading for secondary students and adults.—Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 7 Up—This retelling of Stevenson's classic hits the high points of what was originally a densely written story, making it more palatable for reluctant readers or those who want to revisit the original. The text and dialogue retain the spirit of the novel, but the hard-to-read Scottish accents are softened and the passages in which characters speak to each other in Latin have been removed. On the whole this is an engaging adaptation, aided by Kennedy's vibrant illustrations in a palette dominated by blues, greens, and sepia tones. The action scenes are exciting, and readers will get a good feel for the dangers of the sea and the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. However, adapting some parts of the book and using other parts verbatim can be confusing. For example, the last sentence, about David Balfour finding the doors of the British Linen Company's bank, is quoted verbatim. Earlier mention of this bank is not included, which might leave readers wondering why it is significant. Quibbles aside, this book would make a good bridge to the novel for readers who want to delve deeper into the story, and will also prove to those readers who think they hate classics that some of them are actually kind of cool.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 3–5—Julia feels a ghostly presence on her 13th birthday, and discovers that her parents have a secret: she had a twin who died at birth. Her sister has now come back as a ghost "to be part of the family." When she saves her sibling's life, Julia happily declares her a "guardian angel." The characters are generic, the plot is simplistic and predictable, and the drawings are stiff and blandly colored. The story also includes dated technology that undermines any credibility it might have with today's readers: Julia receives a Walkman for her birthday, and her father films home videos on cassette. The book ends with discussion questions and writing prompts. Dull, didactic co-options of the graphic-novel format like this could drive reluctant readers away from comics as well as traditional prose.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 4 Up—Hurrying to pick up her brother, Emily and her parents have a tragic accident, and her father dies. After this dark beginning, the story skips forward two years to when the remaining family members are forced to move to an ancestral house in a small town. Rumored to be haunted, it is unkempt and forbidding. The first night there, Emily's mother goes down to the basement to investigate a noise and doesn't return. The kids search for her and discover a doorway into another world, where their mother has been swallowed by a monster and is being taken away. An amulet that Emily found in the house tells her that together they can save her, but her brother isn't so sure that this voice can be trusted. Still, what other choice do they have in this strange place? Gorgeous illustrations with great color bring light to this gloomy tale. Filled with excitement, monsters, robots, and mysteries, this fantasy adventure will appeal to many readers, but it does have some truly nightmarish elements.—Dawn Rutherford, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA

Gr 2–5—After a brief exchange with a parent about being careful, Eric and Cris take a canoe out in the Boundary Waters Canoe area in Minnesota and head down the wrong trail, encountering rocks, rapids, and a waterfall. At this point their fun day turns into a "bad dream," as the teens find themselves injured and lost. Cris breaks an ankle and must be left behind while Eric sets out to get help and insulin for his friend, a diabetic. Predictably, Cris does not stay put as Eric instructs, and both boys are soon wandering the woods alone looking for their camp. After some minor setbacks, they are eventually rescued. Although the title and cover suggest an exciting adventure, the narrative and artwork lack intensity. Readers may be left wishing that the protagonist encountered obstacles more thrilling than an upset stomach and scraped foot. Nevertheless, the book is likely to draw an audience based on format alone, and the subject matter is suitable for younger fans of the genre.—Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL

Gr 4 Up—Wonder Woman tackles a variety of silly, cartoonish villains (alien dinosaurs, amoeba men, and robot versions of herself) in the lighthearted stories published nearly 50 years ago (1958–1960). These playful selections were originally intended for tween girls and feature a charming combination of romance, light adventure, and whimsy. However, their allure may be lost on modern readers as Wonder Woman suffers from marriage anxiety and spends too much time concealing her secret identity from her fiancé, Steve Trevor. Highlights include Wonder Woman's new origin and the "Wonder Girl" stories (her adventures as a teen). These stories lack the sophistication and feminist perspective of early "Wonder Woman" stories and present a bland, palatable version of Amazon princesses that reflects the rigid gender roles of the late 1950s. Still, die-hard fans and Silver Age aficionados will welcome this economical, hefty collection that reprints more than 30 stories in black and white on newsprint.—Philip Charles Crawford, Essex High School, Essex Junction, VT

Gr 4 Up—In this stunning graphic novel, Beowulf comes to life for young readers. Against an appropriately dark palette, the plot begins to unfold as the evil offspring of Cain, Grendel, terrorizes the famous mead-hall, Heorot, feasting at night on humans for 12 years. Enter Beowulf from across the sea in the Land of the Geats, who owes a long-standing debt to King Hrothgar. In a gruesome battle, he defeats Grendel, which leads Beowulf into a deadly fight with his horrible mother, and finally a fierce dragon. The ancient story is infused with symbolism and references to "wyrd, the force of fate," and in this accessible retelling, readers will thrill to the exploits of "The world's first—and greatest—hero." The illustrations are detailed and energetic and convey the sinister nature of the evil Beowulf encounters. Young people will be drawn to this timeless tale of the battle between good and evil.—Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI

Gr 7 Up—Selina Kyle has been on hiatus from her role as Catwoman for the last year to deliver and care for her new baby. But now Holly, who has been substituting for her, has been captured by the police, so Selina rescues her. Adding to the chaos is the villain Film Freak, who is taking his love of classic cinema to new levels and incorporating film plots into his crimes. He releases a giant ape into the city à la King Kong and even forces a hostage to drive like Steve McQueen in Bullitt. It's when he learns to stop worrying and love the bomb, though, that his capacity to harm others increases exponentially. In this volume, Selina reveals the identity of her child's father and reflects on her killing of the Black Mask. Later she battles with the genetically upgraded villains Triple Threat, goes head-to-head with someone she thinks is Lex Luthor, and is told to get out of town by the Man of Steel. The artwork is glossy and action-packed, and Adam Hughes's covers are simply superb. It is not necessary to have read earlier Catwoman books to understand this one, but it might be helpful to avoid some confusion about earlier plot points and to understand the intertwined histories of the characters. The book ends with yet another cliff-hanger that will leave readers eager to find out what happens next to the Feline Fatale.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up—Schreiber's "Vampire Kisses" prose series gets a manga-style treatment and the new look fits it like a long black glove. Raven is a cute Goth girl who just happens to have a vampire for a boyfriend. And what a guy Alexander is; he's described as "handsome," "elusive," "kind," "gentle," "sensitive," "soulful," "hot," and "dreamy," not to mention "broodingly quiet and mysterious." That kind of over-the-top romanticism will turn off some, but will be devoured with relish, and maybe a little ketchup, by teens who like their horror more sweet than scary. The plot, such as it is, follows Raven's troubles when Alexander's evil cousin Claude and his gang of Goth fashion plates show up in town and start causing trouble. The rampant stereotypes may actually work in the story's favor, as its brief length and visual focus do not leave much time for character development. Despite the book's flaws, the stylized artwork is an excellent match for this vampire-lite romance.—Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 2–5—This slight graphic novel features kid-friendly cartoon drawings. It starts off on an "ordinary night in Widow's Peak, Nebraska," when Jeremy Kreep's little brother puts a tooth under his pillow for the tooth fairy. Instead of finding a dollar the next morning, he finds a puddle of green slime, and Jeremy and his friend Nessy set out to find the source of the mysterious substance. They can't get the police to take them seriously as the officers are too busy searching for the Horrible Hound from Heck (Heck, NE, that is). The adults in the story are a bit bumbling, but the kids save the day by finding out the truth behind the slime and the Horrible Hound. The back matter contains a useful glossary, "Some Tooth Truth" (interesting facts about teeth), discussion questions, writing prompts, and Internet sites.—Nancy Kunz, Tuckahoe Public Library, NY

Gr 4–8—Portia is a lonely, precocious child who reads Tom Stoppard while the rest of her class is giving book reports on Dr. Seuss. She finally finds a friend in the form of a lost, purple monster that she names Jellaby. When a classmate, Jason, finds out about her new friend, Portia grudgingly agrees to let him help her find the creature's home. This is a fun read, with numerous visual gags based on Jellaby's size and a humorous dynamic between bossy Portia and the rather priggish Jason. Silent, childlike Jellaby is incredibly endearing, and he and spirited Portia make a compelling pair. The color illustrations are drawn in an expressive, fluid cartoon style that resembles Craig Thompson's poignant art in Goodbye, Chunky Rice (Turtleback, 1999). While the layouts are clean and simple, the numerous points of view captured from panel to panel give the story a cinematic look and a dramatic pace. Sophisticated and thoughtful, this comic also has plenty of child appeal.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up—Satchel Paige, the great pitcher who flourished both in the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues, gets his own graphic novel. Told in flashback, the story takes place during the Jim Crow days where baseball was a genteel pastime, with the elderly seated under shady grandstands while black players abided the sickening and arbitrary restrictions placed on them. A period piece rather than a biography, the narrative captures the daily action of sporting contests against local racists and Paige's dignity and resilience. Baseball and small-town Southern life are both slow paced, and this title moves slowly too—frames depicting Paige tying his shoelace or pitches that go for balls may seem out of place, but they set the pace and mood for this affecting look into a near forgotten way of life. The stylized art is an absolute gem, resembling Chris Ware's work, with many repeated images and sequential frames that change only slightly across the page. Paige's mystique as a lifelong survivor in the brutal world of early- to mid-20th-century race relations and sport will attract readers. The depiction of what daily life was like during this period is the real subject of this title, and it should be a marvelous discovery for teens.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NYHigh School

Gr 10 Up—This very graphic graphic novel presents the war in Vietnam from the viewpoint of one soldier on each side. The art, action portrayed, and story are not pretty. The conflict is gritty, bloody, and, indeed, Hell. Each soldier has his loved ones, his reason for fighting, and his fears. One lives (and lives with his memories) and one dies, but neither is better or worse or more righteous than the other. The book comes with a mature-readers warning and contains nudity and graphic violence; however, it offers a moral, realistic view of war and the costs incurred by it.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Gr 10 Up—In a tour de force exhibiting both style and substance, a graphic artist recounts the creation, populating, daily life, and eventual planned destruction of a Canadian town. White Rapids came into being as part of a private power company's need for manpower at a site rich with potential hydroelectricity. Fifty years later, after the boom years immediately following World War II, that power source was no longer needed by the now-state-owned company. Blanchet's retro artwork depicts not only the town's emergence and eventual abandonment, but also the power of capitalism to create a social organism and then destroy it. The book includes facts and figures as well as views of daily life on the river during construction, habitation, recreation, and final human departure; a discography suggests auditory complements to the images for a truly dynamic realization. An excellent resource for social science research as well as inspiring to nascent artists and graphic novelists.—Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 10 Up—There is no denying that the rock-band lifestyle sounds enormously appealing to any adolescent. This story centers around an all-girl group called Led Salad, and these young women are depicted in the crudest, most overtly sexualized manner possible. Every scene has them only barely covered with a towel or half turned away while changing tops. The young men they encounter are mostly clueless, hormone-driven follower-types whose only interest in the band is to gawk. The action involves several violent episodes such as people being assaulted in the street, fighting, and exchanging insults. The artwork is black-and-white cartooning, but not in the Japanime style-all figures and faces are drawn more or less true to life. This flimsy title is a clear pass..—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—Most anyone knows the Friday the 13th films as one-note slasher movies. This comic of the same name borrows the conceit to provide the best computer-enhanced drawings of blood and gore imaginable. However, there is almost nothing to the story beyond the briefest of setups for each killing. A group of older teens, tasting liberty for the first time, conspires to have fun at Camp Crystal Lake. A horrible murderer, always presented in maximum spookiness, never rests until all of the visitors meet their fate. Every character introduced, more or less, dies; heads split apart, body cavities are vacated, etc. Considering that and the voluptuous nudes on nearly every other page, this book doesn't belong in schools, and it will never last in public libraries.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—A collection of comic strips that Jansson wrote during the 1950s for adults, based on the characters from her children's books. In this volume, the cute hippolike Moomins stay in their Scandinavian home and let the follies of the world—a self-glorifying athlete, snobbish new neighbors, or competing prophets—come to them. But folly can also be home-grown, as Moominpapa one winter decides that his family will eat pine needles and sleep on a pile of hay, because that is how their ancestors lived. Whatever the challenge, though, good sense always triumphs and all ends well. Jansson's gentle skewering of human foibles is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. Teens will readily identify modern-day incarnations of Jansson's characters and appreciate her message that the path to happiness lies in being true to who you are and trusting in the support of caring friends and family. The whimsical black-and-white artwork conveys both the characters' emotions and the informality of life in Moominvalley.—Sandy Schmitz, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 10 Up—This is a manga adaptation of the first book in the "Vampire Hunter D" series of novels (Dark Horse). Doris, a beautiful young woman bearing two bite marks on her neck, takes shelter with a man in a wide-brimmed black hat. He is D, a vampire hunter who might be able to stop her transformation. Although some street scenes make it appear as though the story is contemporary, the many time vortexes, other dimensions, and fanged vampires that constantly surface suggest otherwise. A touching subplot about two children is introduced much too briefly, and essentially the story is simply about beautiful Doris and her flirtation with the dark side. This is a lengthy book with black-and-white manga-style artwork—not meant for easy viewing or for much background detail. Its romance, Goth, and fantasy elements mark it as a niche-interest story, suitable for pubic libraries.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—"While belief in the supernatural is only superstition, the sense of the supernatural cannot be denied," says Thomas Ligotti in one of the four new introductions written for this book. It is comprised of four stories based on his writings, and each is adapted and illustrated by a different team of writers and artists. First up is "The Feast of Harlequin," in which Moore tells of a clown-loving anthropologist investigating a mysterious winter solstice festival that features clowns. In "Dream of a Mannikin," he chronicles the descent into madness of one of a pair of psychoanalyst lovers. Harris adapted the last two stories, "Dr. Locrian's Asylum," which deals with the supernatural manifestations of an insane asylum's horrors becoming loosed on the town that housed it, and "Teatro Grottesco," also the name of a hush-hush organization known only to the underground artists it preys on, robbing them of their artistic genius. The eerie tales are reminiscent of Lovecraft or Kafka; all have disquieting echoes of horror. The artwork is varied and compelling, and the writing is good and true to the source. Ligotti's introductions add to the understanding of the stories. Because of some nudity and (obviously) disturbing situations, this is best for mature teens.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Gr 10 Up—Among the organizations agitating for social change in the 1960s, Students for a Democratic Society concentrated its efforts on young people. This graphic history uses black-and-white art to effectively document the group's history, from its founding to its split and eventual end. The first section recounts the origins of SDS in great detail and profiles early leaders. However, it would have been strengthened by inclusion of the Port Huron Statement, mentioned several times. A glossary or explanation of some political terms and introduction of prominent activists of the time is also lacking. Recollections of SDS programs, actions, and initiatives in the second section illustrate the range of activities in which individual members participated. Remembered most for spearheading the anti-Vietnam War movement on college campuses, SDS also promoted community outreach. Independent chapters sent members to Kentucky in support of a miners' strike and into neighborhoods around urban campuses to help tenants fight university takeovers of their buildings. Several women trace the beginnings of what became the women's liberation movement to their involvement in SDS. Students looking for background and details of the tumultuous social changes that happened in the 1960s will find plenty to satisfy them here.—Ellie Goldstein-Erickson, Berkeley High School Library, CA

Gr 10 Up—The first edition of this book had one glaring omission: an adaptation of Stoker's Dracula. This edition corrects that error with a wonderful version written by SF author Rich Rainey and illustrated by Joe Ollman. While contemporary renditions of Dracula usually shoot for a balance between terror and gore, Rainey's narrative pulls faithfully from the original novel and works with Ollman's macabre art to create a tale that's both dark and subtle. The book reprints the strong pieces from the first edition, showcasing a wide variety of styles: from realistic (Gerry Alanguilan's The Judges House) to silly (Hunt Emerson's Vampire Hunter's Guide) to frighteningly surreal (J. B. Bonvert's Bridal of Death). While these selections are not as familiar as Dracula, readers will find a nice set of Gothic tales that will still set the spine tingling. This volume also includes one-page illustrations by well-known indie comics artists like Spain Rodriguez and Maxon Crumb, each putting a unique spin on Stoker's tales. A must-read for fans of horror comics, this collection also works as a good introduction to Stoker's contributions to the traditions of Gothic horror.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 11 Up—This volume collects the first 17 issues from the early '60s into one hefty paperback. At more than 500 pages, there are many adventures to follow along with the "World's Smallest Superhero." The difficulty comes, however, with the dated nature of the story lines and the simplicity of the artwork. Primitive computers, plots about safecracking, and atomic hysteria are more readable nowadays for their commentary on postwar America rather than as escapist fantasy for young readers. The artwork is solidly black-and-white-pen and ink minus the computer enhancements used today. Eyes are bugged out, faces show little emotion, all men are square-jawed, all women have hourglass figures. It's unlikely that contemporary readers will be able to jump into these stories, and, sadly, the image of the Atom is no longer as captivating as it was 40 years ago.—John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up—This is the first installment, containing volumes one and two, of an established, award-winning Japanese series newly translated into English. The book follows a young family coping with their son's autism and everything that that entails for the mental and physical health of all involved. They and their extended family become confident caregivers and advocates. One of the themes is that everyone has something to overcome. An explanation of how to read manga, a chart of Japanese honorifics, and cultural notes help those who may be unfamiliar with the format. Light succeeds in the best way; as educational and informative as it is, it also makes readers aware of its fine story and expressive artwork.—Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Burbank, CA

Gr 10 Up—Ben Tanaka is a Japanese American in his late 20s, living in Berkeley and working in a movie theater. His confusion and frustration with his girlfriend, Miko, are compounded when she moves to New York for a four-month internship at a film institute, leaving him to have some "time off" from their relationship. The women in his life now include his best friend, Alice, a Korean lesbian; a beautiful, white bisexual who chooses her ex-girlfriend over him; and a performance artist who delights in photographing her own urine and having sexually explicit musical stage shows, but finds kissing icky because of germs. When Ben goes to New York with Alice, he finds that Miko has hooked up with a photographer and isn't in the city for an internship at all. Tomine uses an understated drawing style that is simple yet effective, and fits well with characters who are intelligent, reflective, and honest. In addition to tackling modern relationships and racial politics, pop culture, art, and cinema are also discussed. Ben acts as an Everyman, standing in for all Americans of mixed ethnicity and the confusion that often surrounds a person divided between two worlds. The wordless final frames speak volumes for his quiet contemplation, and many readers will identify with his struggle.—Jennifer Waters, Red Deer Public Library, Alberta, Canada