Reviews: Graphic Novels

Gr 6 Up–“Tales from the Crypt” returns to comic-book format after almost 50 years. Not to be confused with the television show of the early ’90s, which was adult-oriented and far more gore-filled, this title is from the publishers of “The Hardy Boys” and “Nancy Drew” graphic novels, and is similarly oriented for a broader age range. The four tales of terror, or at least mild alarm, are introduced by the classic cast of Crypt-Keeper, Old Witch, and Vault-Keeper, and each one has a different author and illustrator and a distinctive style. Older readers and fans of horror should enjoy the gritty artwork of the two middle tales and the mature-themed “The Tenant!,” a tale about the mistreatment of, fittingly enough, tenants. Younger readers will enjoy the cartoonlike quality of the illustrations in the introduction and in the first and final installments. The collection ends with “Runway Roadkill,” which pays homage to The Devil Wears Prada with a self-centered designer who kills for fashion and is illustrated in a style reminiscent of Kim Possible. Each tale has a moralistic ending, and while the authors aren’t afraid to knock off characters, the visual horror is limited to zombies. Back matter includes a brief history of the original “Tales from the Crypt” series. A good choice for reluctant readers.–Cara von Wrangel Kinsey, New York Public Library

Gr 3-5–The graphic-novel format does nothing to bring these heroes to life or make them interesting to children. The books are certainly more accessible than most standard nonfiction titles, but the art is stiff, the colors are bland, and the fictionalized dialogue is stilted. Youngsters can eke out some facts for reports, but these titles won’t be picked up for fun.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up–This book takes place in that fragile phase “between war and peace.” The cease-fire in the war between the Empire and the Republic of Frost was called three years earlier. Now, instead of one big war, there are countless little battles for survival. Some former soldiers are living like warlords, terrorizing villages with their remaining ammunition. Other soldiers, like the mysterious Randel Oland, are just trying to lead normal lives again. When the Pumpkin Scissors “war relief and reconstruction” platoon arrives in a village being terrorized by a unit called the Grey Wolf, Randel helps it and reveals his secret strength. As a former member of an elite antitank unit, he carries a lantern that gives off an eerie blue light. Whenever the lantern is activated, he has supernatural abilities, making him invulnerable until his enemy is destroyed. After Randel joins Pumpkin Scissors, they go on other missions, including taking down a nobleman who hunts villagers for sport and rebuilding a collapsed tunnel with the help of the community. The black-and-white artwork is fairly standard for manga, but the battle scenes are especially well done. Pumpkin Scissors has already been adapted into an anime that was recently released on DVD in America, so the graphic novels are likely to have a built-in audience.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up–This original English-language manga starts off at a fast clip, introducing Sama, his teddy bear Eddie, and the fantasy world of Undertown. Worried that he has caused his father to have a heart attack, the 10-year-old takes the advice of a mysterious man he meets in the hospital and begins a quest to find the Sugar Stone. But Undertown is nothing like the mysterious man promised: instead of finding a peaceful city, Sama finds himself in the middle of a war between the insects and furmen, humanoid animals. Here, Eddie comes to life, filled with strange half-memories of this place and a quest of his own: finding the teddy bear bell. With the help of the rabbit B.W. and porcupine Joey P.P., Eddie and Sama begin their search, threatened at every turn by the evil leader of the insects, the Cloud. At times, the story has trouble keeping up with its action, and when parts of it are told from the Cloud’s perspective, the switch between locations can be jarring. But the art is excellent, and the storytelling style feels true to the manga format. It may be hard to find the right niche for this book, as the character is 10 and has a talking teddy bear, but the world of Undertown is violent and dangerous. Manga fans, however, will feel right at home inside the narrative, and Naruto fans may happily make the switch from ninjas to civil war.–Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT

Gr 7 Up–This book is true in spirit to Thoreau’s writings and to underground comics. It is fairly linear, using short quotes and simple line drawings to tell of the time the philosopher spent at Walden Pond. Porcellino chose many well-known sayings and events and placed them within a spare visual context–the woods are little more than gray shading, Thoreau himself a few smooth lines in the foreground. Despite its simple design, or more likely because of it, Thoreau’s sometimes-difficult philosophical statements are clearly articulated. Best known for his cry of “simplify, simplify, simplify,” the philosopher’s ideas are well served by Porcellino’s lean interpretation of the work of this seminal American icon.–Steev Baker, Kewaskum Public Library, WI

Gr 3-6–POW! Give this similarly designed companion to The Amazing Spiderman Pop-Up (Candlewick, 2007) high marks for visual impact. Depicted in saturated colors and aggressive poses, Wolverine, Banshee, Storm, Nightcrawler, and other X-Men rear up at each page turn to battle Magneto or another member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Each major mutant on either side comes with a sliding panel of background information (“Colossus: Weight: 250 lbs. or 500 lbs. [transformed]”) and–often behind a flap or slightly behind a raised figure to enhance the overall three-dimensionality of each tableau–several sequential panels of backstory or action. Trimmed to a trapezoidal shape, and featuring such unusual special effects as a red plastic “beam” that shoots out of Cyclops’s eye as one spread opens, this gallery of superheroes (and villains) will stand out on shelves or in displays. ZRRAAM!–John Peters, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up–After sustaining a brain injury in an auto accident, 17-year-old Nanaki finds himself in possession of psychic powers. Although initially blasé about his new abilities, mysterious fellow psychic Ao convinces him to join the Paranormal Task Force, a branch of the local police that uses psychics to investigate supernatural incidents. The brash Nanaki and standoffish Ao find themselves butting heads as they investigate a restless ghost at a local high school, and Nanaki’s overconfidence in his abilities puts Ao in serious danger. However, by the end of the volume, they’ve begun to use their contrasting powers as a team, and Nanaki has begun to take responsibility for his actions. Chock-full of well-rendered action scenes, the artwork is crisp, contemporary, and typical of most shonen (i.e., boy’s manga). “Pop-paranormal” themes aside, there’s a strong emphasis on learning teamwork, responsibility, and concern for others. The helpful notes on Japanese culture make the book user-friendly. Despite some mild gore and violence, this work is suitable for middle school students, and should appeal to readers who enjoy “Yu Yu Hakusho” (Viz Media) or the supernatural in general. Although not a “must-have,” this is still an enjoyable read that would make a good addition to a well-stocked manga collection.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 2-8–Apart from some explanatory material, this book is entirely wordless; dynamic and elegant pen-and-ink pictures bring the story to vibrant life. In the sylvan world of Korgi, Mollies are small fairy folk who work in concert with Korgis, who look very much like, well, corgis. One young Mollie named Ivy, along with her Korgi cub, Sprout, wander into adventure when Sprout follows a winged insect away from their village. What follows is a tale full of dangerous traps, hungry beasties (including some Tolkienesque giant spiders), daring escapes, and even some surprises from the main characters. Funny, thrilling, and scary in all the right places, Korgi is wide open for sequels and absolutely ripe for animated adaptation. Finding a middle ground between the slapstick fantasy of Jeff Smith’s beloved “Bone” series (Scholastic/Graphix) and Andy Runton’s sweet and wordless “Owly” books (Top Shelf), Korgi will draw in fans of graphic fiction, fantasy, fairies, dogs, and good old storytelling. Slade was a Disney animator and it shows in his spirited and expressive characters whose facial expressions and poses leave no need for words.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 7 Up-The creator of “Bone” (Scholastic/Graphix) has successfully remade a popular comic serial originally published in the 1940s. Young Billy Batson is a homeless orphan who is also a “host” for Captain Marvel. Unfortunately, the boy’s impulsive behavior almost leads to the destruction of the human race at the hands of Mr. Mind and the Monster Society of Evil. This comic’s bright colors and young protagonists will appeal to children, but the sophisticated themes should make it just as interesting to teens. A sly comment on contemporary politics comes in the form of Dr. Sivana, the U.S. Attorney General who is also a corrupt war profiteer. Billy also manipulates a mercenary media network called “SNN” to help him expose Dr. Sivana. Additionally, the situations of Billy and his sister are sobering: Billy lives in an abandoned building and is subject to regular attacks from adults, and Mary lives with a cruel foster parent. The excellent illustrations were drawn with confident, graceful lines, in rich colors. Striking full-page illustrations punctuate dramatic scenes, and each chapter begins with a title page styled after a vintage movie poster. Smith’s trademark humor, depth, and artistic talent shine through, making this a worthy companion to “Bone.”–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up–Wells’s simple stories are surefire hits. Is time travel possible? What would it be like to be invisible? These slim versions of the classics provide both the mind-bending plots–although slightly edited, such as a twist ending in The Time Machine–and also some discussion questions and writing prompts. The artwork and paneling are slightly oversize, hinting at a younger audience, but the coloring and lettering have that familiar computer-enhanced sleekness comic readers know well by now. Because of the simplified texts and the slimness of the volumes, these titles are great choices for boosting the reading interests and skills of reluctant readers.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 2-5–A group of dinosaurs traverses the country learning about the states, which are arranged alphabetically. The descriptions are laid out in panel format by twos, so when the book is open four states are shown on the spreads. Much of the text has repetitive dialogue such as one dinosaur mistaking the biggest city in the state or some landmark for the capital. This is a recurring theme, so that in a cartoon panel presenting facts, half of the dialogue is inaccurate. Moreover, it’s not very entertaining. Most other comments are so generic (“This state has manufacturing”) as to be totally useless. The pen-and-ink cartoon artwork is competent, but there’s nothing here that a good color atlas won’t provide.–John Leighton, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up–Citizens of the 23rd century spend most of their time with virtual-reality goggles on, exploring their digital “lairs.” Telly has received a suicide note from her friend Kimmie66, whom she’s only met in their lair, Elysium. However, Kimmie is still seen “netside”: Is she really dead? Telly uncovers the truth, and also learns to “stop to smell the unvirtualated roses” once in a while. This is an imaginative, relevant science-fiction story that should interest fans of books such as M. T. Anderson’s Feed (Candlewick, 2002). The author plays with words effectively to create a whole new, futuristic world: at one point Telly’s friend Nekokat refers to a Patrick Swayze “flattie,” which is a “non-holographic movie.” The artwork and layouts are inventive and should appeal to manga fans. Characters are drawn with spiky hair and large eyes, and the drawings often spill out of the panels, which are drawn with jagged, uneven edges. The black-and-white drawings are occasionally a little murky and details can be hard to make out, but this may just add to the dark appeal of this edgy, sophisticated graphic novel.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up–Z-list characters from the vaults of DC Comics come together in a metafiction collection that may entertain longtime comics fans but will leave others scratching their heads. Originally created as supporting stories within the “Tales of the Unexpected” series, Doctor 13 is a disjointed, lunatic trip through the hidden corners of the DC Universe. The title character is a skeptical investigator of the paranormal who, along with his too-cool teenage daughter Traci, teams up with a vampire, a French-speaking caveman, a time-traveling alien superheroine, the ghosts of both a pirate and a Civil War-era Southern general, talking Nazi apes, and a boy who will answer any question for a dime. They come together to defeat the Architects, a shadowy and powerful group who want to remove these figures from existence. Who are the Architects? While never explicitly stated, a reasonable guess would be that they are none other than the powers-that-be at DC Comics. As the publisher has recently revamped its universe, it appears that the creators of this comic are translating the potential elimination of these dusty old characters into a narrative where they are fighting for their very existence against mysterious and world-shaping forces. This idea, while clever, isn’t really enough to sustain an entire book. Solid art, comic-book in-jokes, pop-culture references, and puns give the book a certain amount of appeal, but the primary audience for it is hardcore comics geeks.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 10 Up–Freddy Kruger is one of the more inventive icons of horror flicks from the ’80s; with fingers tipped with razor-sharp knives, his disfigured spirit enters the dreams of his victims and, after having some good blood-splattering fun, kills them in their sleep. Dixon, best known for his “Nightwing” series (DC), manages to stay true to the original feel of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” movies and breathe new life into this classic character of terror. “Freddy’s War” focuses on Jade, a teenager who recently moved to the town of Springwood. Kruger starts haunting her dreams, and she must unravel the secrets of both Kruger’s past and how to fight the monster to survive. While the story seems like a movie script that never made it, “Demon of Sleep” feels more contemporary. Here, Freddy’s targeting a group of nerds at the local high school. But this time the kids band together and decide to fight back by summoning Nuhuaquez, an ancient demon of dreams, to defend them. The twist: Nuhuaquez requires a human sacrifice, which forces the teens to consider how far they are willing to go to survive. West’s art is pretty straightforward in the real world, but he really lets loose in portraying the nightmares. Freddy chases these kids through darkened corridors and across surreal landscapes that enhance the creepiness of Dixon’s stories. Horror fans will eat up all the good, gory fun.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–This comprehensive, highly detailed account is captivating. Hoover, director of the FBI for nearly 50 years, has been elevated to iconic status in the annals of U.S. history and pop culture. His story is well represented by this master illustrator’s old-fashioned, highly stylized, black-and-white line art and high-crime drama-superhero comic-book format. Geary has done his homework: the cover and splash page distinctly mimic 1930s advertisements for the popular Warner Brothers’ film G-Men, showcasing a machine-gun-toting, dapper Hoover looking much like James Cagney, who played him in the movie. The author provides a fascinating look at how pop culture (films, radio, pulp magazines, comic strips, etc.) worked to aggrandize the status of Hoover, who craftily used entertainment for propagandistic and self-promotional purposes. He befriended the likes of Jack Warner, who glamorized the FBI in his film. An interesting point that Geary reiterates is Hoover’s strategy to remain nonpartisan while wooing presidential supporters from both parties. He maintains an unbiased, objective point of view, but still dishes up some dirt. This excellent graphic biography makes the life of Hoover and the history of the FBI both accessible and engaging.–Jodi Mitchell, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 10 Up–In this dark collection of graphic tales, Hakase explores the daily lives of some seriously depressed teenagers. “The Town Where Snow Falls” follows the events after Kaji, a high school student, and Maria, an older boy who actually has a married lover, have a one-night stand. Kaji hopes that Maria can save her from her twisted, and sometimes violent, relationship with her stepmother, while Maria knows that he will always return to his lover. In “Asian Beat,” Mushi turns to selling the drugs that his friend Yuki, the son of a Yakuza boss and his mistress, supplies for him; he has to support himself and his 14-year-old sister, Jam, after their father, a famous but violently alcoholic artist, leaves their family. “The Gray Town” delves deeper into Jam’s experience as she makes friends with Kiku, Yuki’s younger half brother, and fends off bullies who steal her beloved stuffed rabbit. The black-and-white illustrations capture the dank, overcast existence in Sapporo, and the characters are long and lean with sharp features, not the softer, rounded edges of manga for younger teens. With sensual sex scenes, drug sales, and in-depth discussions of suicide and other mature themes, this graphic novel is a better fit for older teens.–Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 10 Up–This bleak but incredibly compelling and fast-paced historical graphic novel reads like a classic film noir. Beginning with some voice-over narration from our hero, Zane Pinchbeck, the book transports readers to the Deep South of the early 20th century, where they become witness to a lynching. The protagonist is a light-skinned African-American newsman who poses as white to infiltrate pockets of the racist South. Known as Incognegro, he reports for a Harlem newspaper about the events he witnesses. After a close call with the Ku Klux Klan, he decides to retire his alter ego, until he is given an offer he can’t refuse. The ensuing story involves mistaken identity, bizarre love affairs, kidnapping, the frighteningly sad demise of a supporting character, and a thoroughly satisfying end panel. The extreme black-and-white illustrations (there is no gray) add to the noir feel. Both the depictions of violence and the use of racist language can be harsh, but honest, all in keeping with the plot and tone of the story and the time period. However, the book is not without touches of humor, particularly in Zane’s tagalong playboy friend. Johnson and Pleece have combined their considerable talents to create this cinematic portrayal of one of America’s most shameful time periods.–Jamie Watson, Harford County Public Library, MD

Gr 10 Up–Dark sitting rooms, bleak urban settings, cobblestone streets, and train rides through a desolate countryside are the illustrative details that Kindt winningly uses to accentuate these 37 noirlike World War II spy stories. Resigned loneliness, unrequited love, self-sacrifice, flashbacks to childhood memories, and loss and betrayal humanize the otherwise ruthless agents as they murder, double-cross, and sabotage their way across Europe while carrying out their missions in the name of patriotic duty. Kindt uses ink washes in grays and sepia tones and solid black shadowing to emphasize the dark, moody circumstances and ever-lurking dangers. The stained and yellowed pages are an effective design element, adding to a pulpy, newsprint effect. Kindt’s choice of a nonlinear chapter format may confuse some teens as it muddles the story line, leaving readers to wonder if the stories are actually chapters of a novel or meant to stand alone. Adding to the confusion is his sketchbooklike drawing style; with their simple facial features, the characters tend to resemble one another. Yet those with a penchant for hard-boiled Chandler-esque superspies, tough femme fatales, double agents and double-crossers, secret codes, and messages hidden in body cavities, combined with clever graphic elements and product design, will enjoy this worthy effort.–Jodi Mitchell, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 9 Up–This flower-frantic manga focuses on the lives and loves of several blossom-loving teens. Attending a boarding school in order to be close to his cousin (and secret crush) Markia, Takaaki “Taiyou” Asukura has to labor to win the friendship of his cold and distant roommate, Sonoh Kirihara, the disowned heir of a famous ikebana family. Taiyou also finds himself juggling a rowdy friend’s longtime crush on female classmate Mei, as well as dealing with his own growing attraction to Mei’s friend. The complex, melodramatic plot focuses on Taiyou’s androgyny and the embarrassing mix-ups that sometimes result, Sonoh’s family struggles, and Taiyou and Sonoh’s growing friendship, along with the “who likes whom” drama so typical of teen life. With plenty of elegant and graceful young men and comely (or ethereally beautiful) young women, the art is appealing, and the book’s creator has a particular ability to create finely detailed clothing for the characters–as well as the numerous flowers that constitute the focus of the book. This title is sure to appeal to teens who enjoy Yoko Kamio’s “Boys over Flowers” (Viz, 2003) and Miwa Ueda’s “Peach Girl” (Tokyopop) manga series. Although it’s an optional purchase for most libraries, it would especially suit a library trying to increase its collection of female-friendly graphic novels.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up–Josephine, who calls herself Posy, is a former rich girl who ends up working in a sweatshop called House of Cotton. While there, she befriends a mute girl named Edith and an elderly woman who sees in Josephine a younger version of herself. The story is emotionally affecting and sometimes confusing; it is realistic fiction, but its “reality” sometimes has a dreamlike quality. For example, a small dog guides Josephine to the old lady, who then tells Josephine that she calls the sweatshop House of Clay instead of House of Cotton because it reminds her of the underworld. Nowak’s skill as a painter shines in the ethereal hair and expressive eyes of her characters. The artwork seems to exert control over the story itself; even word and thought balloons pulsate and melt before our eyes. The art transcends what readers would normally expect to find in a graphic novel; any page of this book would not be out of place in a frame on the wall of an art gallery. This is a unique book for thoughtful, mature readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up–This second edition of the out-of-print eighth volume in the series was revised to include stories omitted earlier, such as “Advice for Little Girls”: “If your mother tells you to do a thing….It is…better…to intimate that you will do as she bids you, and then afterward act quietly in the matter according to the dictates of your best judgment.” This gem, illustrated by Shary Flenniken, shows a cheerful young girl quite successfully selling beer at the lemonade stand her mother set up for her. Each piece is illustrated by a different artist, ensuring eight original takes on the material. “Is He Living Or Is He Dead?,” adapted and illustrated by Simon Gane, explores and manipulates the idea of society finding value in artists and poets only after they have labored in obscurity and died starving. The story seems fresh here, with period art used to good advantage. “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” adapted and illustrated by Kevin Atkinson, and the comics premiere of Tom Sawyer Abroad are also included. The latter is adapted by Pomplun and illustrated by George Sellas in a style well suited to the story. The book’s colorful, kinetic covers (the interior art is black and white) are irresistible. The literature is accessible to readers of all abilities, leaving them wanting more.–Dana Cobern-Kullman, Luther Burbank Middle School, Bur-bank, CA

Gr 10 Up–Heuet’s project to reconceive Proust’s masterpiece as a multivolume graphic novel continues as a successful venture. The narrative that unfolds in the first part of “Swann in Love” is self-contained enough that readers new to the series or even to Proust’s original story will be able to embark on a tale with a compelling cast of characters and a satisfying beginning, middle, and end within these covers. The part of the story told here–in Proustian phrasings and with glowing watercolor details of 19th-century Combray society–takes place during Swann’s younger days, before his meeting with the narrator. The role of the inveterate hostess in the personal and social lives of those whom she repeatedly invites to dinner; Swann’s infidelities and eventual disappointment; petty interactions among men and women jockeying for social pre-eminence–these actions carry readers along and will intrigue teens who have a taste for exploring literary enactments of the Belle Epoque.–Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA

Gr 11 Up–This satirical story takes place during a U.S.-led war in Afghanistan in “the not too distant future.” Colonel Healey, a former high-ranking corporate executive at a top cola company, is charged with heading the new “Motivation and Morale” department. Using his background in the “deep-psyche consumer profiling” of young people, he creates a horrible and ingenious way to retain and recruit new soldiers in a long, unsuccessful war: make it “an adrenaline junkie’s dream.” That is, fill it with enough sex, power, drugs, money, and technology to create a violent Dionysian frenzy to rival any hyperrealistic video game or MTV spring break. Given this overarching plot, the action is fast paced and the nudity is frequent. There are, however, enough interesting (albeit untrustworthy) characters, puzzling twists, and enticing relationships to keep the story grounded. Frames are playful as well as dynamic, and Erskine’s inking is vibrant. Veitch posits some interesting critiques that provide an invitation to mature teens to examine consumer, moral, and political culture in the United States. While the promise of titillation may draw them in, this future is a dark and schizophrenic place, and thought-provoking discussion will surely follow.–Shannon Peterson, Kitsap Regional Library, WA

Gr 10 Up–This volume collects issues 6-11 of the ongoing “Jack of Fables” series. As in the parent series, “Fables,” this universe contains a mix of realistic characters and legendary and/or fictional characters...at least, it does for now. Mr. Revise seeks to free the world of magic by hunting down “Fables” and draining their power. Jack is the biggest prize because he has had so many incarnations from the killer of giants to the guy with the beanstalk. In this volume, Jack has just escaped from Mr. Revise’s prison, the Golden Boughs, and is on the run with Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Alice (yes, the one from Wonderland). To pass the time, he tells his companions about his long-ago love affair with Lumi, the Snow Queen, which led to his ill-fated stint as Jack Frost. Next, Jack heads to Las Vegas, marries a beautiful heiress, and tangles with Lady Luck, “a crazy fable broad” who stays lucky by eating the brains of successful gamblers. And all the while, Mr. Revise and his three sexy librarian assistants are watching Jack very closely. This entertaining rollercoaster of a story is illustrated with comic-book frames that vividly depict the characters and the action. The colors are eye-catching and bright, and pop out of the pages. This book has strong language and sex, making it most appropriate for older teens.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up–This well-crafted magic-realist graphic novel set in modern Cairo delivers one of the more impressive debuts in comics in recent years. Shaheed, a young and confused Lebanese American, travels to Cairo both to shun his American side and to seek out his Muslim roots. He meets Ashraf, a drug smuggler who sells him a hookah stolen from Nara, Cairo’s local crime boss. But it is more than simple drug paraphernalia; it’s also the home for Shams, a powerful djinn with a philosophical outlook on life. Shaheed finds himself wrapped inside a dangerous plot as Nara scours the city looking for Shams, hoping to use the djinn’s magic to further his own greed. This fantasy brings a surprisingly touching message to the action-driven plot. A large part of the tale focuses on Shaheed and how Shams pushes him to see a side of Islam that rejoices in compassion over violence. Wilson uses her experiences as a journalist in Egypt to portray a city filled with well-rounded and realistic characters. Secondary plots that involve an Egyptian journalist, an American tourist, and an Israeli agent broaden the story, but do occasionally distract from the heart of this otherwise tight tale. Perker’s black-and-white art uses thin lines and light shading to create pristine, realistic drawings that fill the characters with life and personality. Living in a world that mixes the realistic with the fantastic, these characters will draw in fans of Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” (DC Comics) and Bill Willingham’s “Fables” (Vertigo), while Wilson’s pulling from non-Western sources gives a unique take on modern fantasy.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 11 Up–The first two volumes of Wood’s politically charged, near-future thriller pushed Matty Roth into the role of an accidental photojournalist covering a violent revolution as Free State armies took over New York City. This one asks him to broaden both his professional skills and personal ideals as he goes undercover to report on a terrorist cell from the inside. With their resources stretched too thin across the globe, both the U.S. and the UN give up the fight to a security company. But Roth quickly learns that Trustwell may not be motivated so much by maintaining the peace as by making money, and that it may even be manipulating terrorist groups to keep profits rolling in. To maintain his cover, Roth is asked to lie, steal, and even send a woman he’s fallen in love with to her death. Hence, this third volume is less about explosive action and more about Roth’s character and his ethical dilemma. The grungy, gritty look of Burchielli’s art seems even more appropriate here than in the earlier books; as Roth loses trust in everyone, the darkness and grime of the city press around him and threaten to swallow him whole. Readers looking for straight action probably won’t like DMZ much, but fans of Brian K. Vaughan’s “Ex Machina” (TAG) or Aaron Jason’s “Scalped” (Vertigo), which mix in political questions, will love what Wood is creating. If the mark of a great story is to be both entertaining and thoughtful, this title more than reaches that height.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA