Graphic Novels

Gr 7 Up–Osada has populated his version of Othello with a bestiary of part-animal, part-monster characters with third eyes; second sets of arms, wings, and tattoos; and sadomasochistic or infernal overtones. Sometimes the design choices seem to be thematic–Cassio looks quite young, Othello is vaguely angelic–to reinforce an individual aspect of a given character or to provide a small irony. But overall, the effect is mystifying and distracting, and the characters are chimeric aggregations with no sense of purpose or place. The opening of the play focuses on the fact that the marriage between Othello and Desdemona should be stopped because of his Moorish origins–but how can this be an issue when the challenge is being put forth by an anthropomorphic fox? One finds oneself asking why these design decisions were made, and the lack of evidence of any thoughtful intent makes the adaptation unintentionally comic and bizarre. Coupled with a lackluster use of tone and shade, and a series of monologues that lacks narrative form, this volume would seem unlikely to convert manga readers to Shakespeare, nor to lead literature readers to comics.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

PreS-Gr 2–Bliss has created an ideal graphic novel for emerging readers. While his dad is engaged in “boring talk” with a friend, Luke notices a flock of pigeons and chases after them. The birds lead him out of Central Park through Manhattan and across the Brooklyn Bridge to a quiet rooftop. The cartoon panels are so successful at engaging readers that young children do not have to be able to read the text to enjoy the story. Each drawing is filled with humorous details. In one scene children see a man proposing to his girlfriend before Luke leaps over his café table. Though he creates havoc wherever he goes, he remains oblivious to everything but the pigeons he is chasing. Children will enjoy his rambunctious adventure as he takes them on a spirited tour of New York City. In Benny and Penny, the children are suspicious that their new neighbor has stolen Benny’s pail, so they sneak into her yard even though they know it’s a “big no-no!” Through many misunderstandings, they learn to apologize and make a new friend. The simple text uses basic vocabulary and repetition, making it accessible to emerging readers. Young children will love the graphic-novel format and the sweet, charming illustrations will draw them into the narrative. Fans of Geoffrey Hayes’s popular Benny and Penny: Just Pretend (Toon Bks., 2008) won’t be disappointed with this sequel.–Mari Pongkhamsing, St. Perpetua School, Lafayette, CA

Gr 5 Up–This is an admirable attempt at adapting a classic into a graphic novel, but it works better as a supplemental or introductory piece. Baker tries to remain true to the original work by leaving the dialogue mainly intact, though the transitional writing that he removes tends to cause confusion, especially in Carroll’s world of fancy, imagination, and nonsense. Baker also has made a stylistic choice to eschew word bubbles; dialogue is instead placed under panels and directly under images of characters to which they belong. This takes some getting used to, even for seasoned graphic-novel readers. Baker’s loose art style reflects the mood of this world, and his characters are drawn with great expression. However, small panel size and crowded layouts detract from appreciation of the art and comprehension of the story. A note at the end directs readers to borrow the original work from their school or public library, which is a valid suggestion in order to understand and appreciate Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass fully.–Kim T. Ha, Elkridge Branch Library, MD

Gr 9 Up–In this final installment, four young people from a parallel world of swords-and-sorcery travel to contemporary Earth to locate seven lost books and prevent a demonic catastrophe in both worlds. The high point of the book is the dramatic artwork, whether depicting vistas or the villainous bat-creature Alucard (that’s Dracula backwards). Apart from that, several factors limit the volume’s overall appeal. The story does not stand well on its own, relying heavily on backstory and exposition. There are some amusing fish-out-of-water moments when the heroes find themselves in our strange new world, but the plot is derivative and overly reliant on stock characters and deus ex machina.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 9 Up–Young warrior Billos is sucked from his “swords-and-sorcery” world into an alternate reality–ours. Tempted by the evil Marsuvees Black to hunt for books of powerful magic, he accepts and begins heartlessly attacking the small town of Paradise, CO, with his newly granted superpowers. Meanwhile, his lover, Darsal, and her friends make a deal with the monstrous Alucard in order to rescue him, but when they arrive in our world, they find that the now-cruel Billos is convinced that they should join him in his quest for power. Complexly plotted, this work seems to require knowledge of the YA novel series it is derived from; for new readers, it can be bit of a challenge to understand some of the story line. Although this book has some light Christian themes, the overall tone is not evangelical. It may be best for libraries that have a strong demand for Dekker’s work or for Christian-themed works in general; for general collections, it is best as a supplemental purchase.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 6-10–Awakening to find himself on a crude raft paddled by Keisha, an attractive but incomprehensible Stone Age girl, Darian soon realizes that he is trapped in a weird alternate world with no explanation as to how he got there. Arriving on an island populated by weird animals, the teen soon runs afoul of Mezteck, a superpowered villain who claims that Keisha is his betrothed. Darian bests Mezteck in battle and must then find the secret to returning to Earth. Although the work occasionally suffers from poor pacing, there is still enough in this offbeat and imaginative story to keep readers turning pages right up to the cliff-hanger ending. Likewise, the manga-style artwork is somewhat amateurish at times, but it still retains a uniquely homespun charm that may inspire budding cartoonists to try their hands at creating their own works. This is a decent selection for libraries interested in building up their Original English Language manga collections.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 3-6–Kiki Kittie and her friends experience a fashion emergency when their school principal forces them to wear uniforms, and Kiki’s alter ego, the superhero Fashion Kitty, must come to the rescue. In the meantime Kiki has to deal with sibling rivalry and conflict with close friends. Girls will love the fun cartoon-style art, the graphic-novel format, and the soft color palette. The activities at the end, including paper dolls to cut out and dress, are an extra treat but might be a problem in libraries. Fashion Kitty will likely appeal to fans of Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm’s “Babymouse” series (Random).–Mari Pongkhamsing, St. Perpetua School, Lafayette, CA

Gr 3-5–Perseus fares considerably better than Jason here, with a solid awareness of how to balance visual depiction and expository captions, evident right from the striking prologue. While the artwork is cartoony and the dialogue deliberately casual and modern, the style doesn’t prevent the artist from providing heroic vistas, or the author from slipping in a couple of humorous moments, and the action is sufficiently thrilling. Jason’s story is told in a loose, sketchy style that has an amiable energy and a blocky representationalism that holds a degree of charm. Unfortunately, the artwork and narration exhibit some seriously clunky storytelling that seems unable to muster a sense of either heroic spectacle or simple narrative transitions. A particularly bizarre circumstance has Jason go from having stubble to a full beard over a period that may be as short as a day. The fact that this happens right after a sequence in which Jason tells Cupid-struck Medea that he loves her for reasons that are never expressed through words or pictures seems to indicate a marked absence of a clear plan as to how to reinterpret this myth and make it accessible or even consistent. Each volume closes with a brief glossary, discussion questions, and Web links to a set of preselected Web sites. None of these features really elevates these titles to an academic level, but Perseus, at least, is sufficiently entertaining not to need overt curricular justification.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

Gr 9 Up–This is the story of how Hal Jordan became the Green Lantern; or rather, how Hal Jordan became Hal Jordan. Stemming from a childhood trauma, he shuts off his family and his emotions. His only focus is using his airplane to push the limits. He’s cocky, reckless, and fearless. A second tragedy drives him to sabotage his job and return home where he works as a lowly mechanic. When an alien spaceship crash-lands on the airfield, Jordan is set up to meet his fate. He’s summoned, against his will, to be a Green Lantern. The plot moves quickly, but enough time is given to revealing character motivations and flaws. Although the protagonist is not always likable, he is honorable and ultimately realizes what he must overcome. The best part of “Green Lantern” comics, the color, is on full display. The alien powers literally light up the page. The human beings are the main players, but there are plenty of strange aliens to gawk at–even a chipmunk Green Lantern. This story sets up future story lines, but no prior knowledge of the Green Lantern mythology is needed to enjoy it. Unfortunately, there’s no answer to the burning question: What’s with the yellow immunity?–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 9 Up–Marvel Comics’ popular antihero gets a dramatic manga treatment in this, the first volume in a projected series. Johnston gives Logan’s backstory, presenting him as a contemporary teen living in a martial-arts retreat for troubled youth. Having been found on the school’s doorstep, the young and amnesiac Wolverine grows to be a formidable warrior while living in the relative isolation of the Canadian wilderness. Feeling unchallenged by his fellow students and confused by his secret mutant abilities, he asks his sensei for a true test of skill. After completing it with trademark style, Logan’s reward is his first trip to a city, and not just any city, but the Big Bad Apple itself. Once there, Wolverine finds a conspiracy involving mutants, a disgraced childhood rival, and a mysterious doctor, leading to one big showdown and setting up several more. The narrative, combining standard coming-of-age material with high-voltage action, works to satisfactory effect. However, it is the hyperkinetic artwork that really makes the book shine; Tortosa imbues every spinning, leaping, skewering move with action and drama. Recommended more for fans of action-packed manga than for fans of Wolverine himself.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 4-6–When Graystripe and Millie find the Thunderclan’s old territory, they discover that everything has been destroyed. The two cats then set out on a journey to find the scattered clans. The black-and-white cartoon artwork captures the cats’ expressive faces, action-packed battle scenes, and familiar surroundings as these animals travel through the realm of the “Twolegs.” This is a great choice for reluctant readers, manga fans, or “Warriors” enthusiasts.–Mari Pongkhamsing, St. Perpetua School, Lafayette, CA

Gr 6 Up–Using the traditional yonkoma (four-panel) style of Japanese comic strips, Kiyuduki weaves an offbeat yarn of a girl in search of–something. Accompanied by her bat Sen and her “catgirl” sidekicks Nikuju and Sanju, tomboyish Kuro rambles across a gothic, turn-of-the-century European landscape meeting other outcasts and eccentrics. However, it slowly becomes clear that her journey is no lighthearted stroll; a chance encounter with another young girl in an abandoned village has irrevocably altered Kuro’s fate–and the coffin she shoulders will likely be her own unless she can somehow remove the curse she now carries. Despite its dark and ominous undertone, the book is humorous, and the narrative is loosely plotted and moves at a leisurely comic-strip pace. Much like the plot, the attractive artwork succeeds in being both cute and eerie at the same time. The book is sure to please both horror readers and fans of dark comedy.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 7 Up–These titles, while remaining faithful to the original screenplays, bring these classic stories to a newer and younger audience who might never have seen the black-and-white television programs. Also, a unique advantage to using Serling’s screenplays is that readers will also see glimpses of his vision that were never captured on camera. Deaths-Head Revisited tells the story of a former Nazi commander who returns to his old concentration camp, while The Midnight Sun tells the story of how society falls apart after Earth moves closer to the sun. It includes a scene that was never filmed for budget reasons. The illustrators adeptly capture many of the scenes immortalized on film and translate them into full-color graphic-novel format. Worthwhile purchases.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up–In 1973, Trans-Ocean Flight 33 destined for New York departs from London. The pilot initiates what seems to be a routine flight when a sudden shift in acceleration is noticed by crew members. Breaking barriers of time, the flight travels to the projected destination, but approaches New York in the year 1939. When the pilot attempts to correct this error, the flight is sent back in time to a prehistoric era of dinosaurs. The passenger list includes a parachute performance artist, an older woman who prattles incessantly, and a tightly wound young man recently discharged from the Air Force who is instantly branded by the flight attendants as a troublemaker. The story follows these travelers during this unexpected and startling odyssey, hurtling back and forth through countless millennia as they search for New York in 1973. The opening narration from the original television series and flight-attendant references to Valhalla add to the futuristic feel of impending doom. Text in boxes announces a voice-over of Rod Serling informing readers that they have entered the Twilight Zone. His original TV story has been re-created from an original uncut script for this full-color graphic adaptation. For those who are familiar with the old series, the sound effects as well as Serling’s signature voice-over are sadly missing. For those who have not experienced the bizarre and unexpected world of the original, this volume provides an introduction to a “fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man.”–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

K-Gr 2–This sequel to The Best Little Ghost in the World (Top Shelf, 2008) isn’t as fully realized and compelling as its predecessor, but it retains the same charm and humor. Johnny Boo, a little ghost, has an ability to scare called “boo power,” while his pet ghost uses his “squiggle power” to swoop and swirl through the air. When Squiggle flies upward to find out how stars get their “twinkle power,” Johnny Boo runs into their old friend Ice Cream Monster, who wants to learn about Johnny’s special talent. When Squiggle returns, the three friends invent an entirely new skill that sends people running: wiggle power. Johnny Boo’s hair, however, performs the best trick of all: a flop to the side that leaves Squiggle (and, likely, readers) in stitches. Characters have genuine feelings–they get scared, upset, and jealous. They can be friendly and self-centered. Young readers will relate to the honest interactions among them. The vividly colored cartoon illustrations are basic, yet pack an expressive punch. Likable characters, humor, and attractive art make this title appropriate for general purchase.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Gr 4 Up–Ever wonder what happened in Wonderland after Alice left? Follow the quirky tale of Mary Ann, the meticulous and dutiful housekeeper for the White Rabbit, as she continues the tale. Her boss is now wanted for treason by the Queen of Hearts for allowing the Alice Monster to enter the kingdom–off with his head! On the run and fearing for their lives, Mary Ann and White Rabbit encounter the meddlesome Cheshire Cat, the ever-contentious troublemaker, sending the White Rabbit straight into the clutches of the queen and poor Mary Ann tumbling into the Treacle Well. When she discovers the Queen of Spades, an escape plan is hatched along with a meeting between the two queens. Chaos ensues, as it should in Wonderland, complete with a regime change and a happy ending for Mary Ann and her furry friends. This is a terrific look at a great classic. The energetic, action-packed illustrations complement the story in Disney-cartoon style, making for a great read for all ages.–Ann Bailey, Wilde Lake High School, Columbia, MD

Gr 4-6–In this installment, Quest (a bodyguard) must continue to protect Prince Nestor as they search for the mysterious Dagger of the Way, whatever that is. They attempt to enter the dark forest Edj in order to talk to some rocks about their situation and they get separated. Nestor orders, or rather begs, a griffin for help as Lord Spite sends killer Snarls their way. With a mixture of sass and silliness, the paring of Quest and Nestor will have kids laughing in the stacks. The full-color panels look a lot like the old Sunday funnies but feel fresh and new. There are some jokes about unions at the beginning but they shouldn’t interfere with children’s enjoyment. A delightful read.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 6 Up-The Obama Story could have been a satisfactory manhwa biography of the president, but it lacks certain qualities that would make it a first purchase. The full-color, computer-augmented art is bold and does an adequate job of illuminating the story of Obama’s childhood, adolescence, and rise to power. For the most part, the text is also fair. Unfortunately, there are no sources listed for the basic facts presented, and many unsupported statements are made in the guise of young Obama’s internal thoughts. The translation is also spotty, resulting in strange or even nonsensical phrasing such as, “racial discrimination has been steadily improving in America,” “there is invaluable work ahead of him to start a new era,” and “A memoir of hope about Barack Obama, the 'black gust of wind’ that has shaken the world!” These unfortunate lapses limit the usefulness and appeal of the book.–Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada

Gr 7 Up–This simplified retelling of the classic novella is clearly meant for students. There are quotes from the original throughout, but the majority of the text consists of paraphrased summaries of Stevenson’s story. Vocabulary words and potentially confusing plot points are footnoted and explained. Sometimes this addition is well executed, but there are several instances in which words that are fairly self-explanatory are defined anyway, giving the book an overly educational feel. The story itself fills just 33 pages of a 48-page book. The rest of the space is filled with biographical information on Stevenson, a science/medicine/crime time line from 1765 to 1850, and a history of performances based on the novel. Gelev’s artwork is skilled and realistic, and he does wonderful things with glowing lights from candles and lanterns. Unfortunately the art does not get a chance to shine because the layout isolates each (too-small) image from the others on the page. The only place where readers can really appreciate Gelev’s talents is on the front cover, which shows Jekyll mixing the potion, drinking it, and turning into Hyde. Which, if you think about it, will spoil the biggest surprise in the story for anyone unfamiliar with it. This is a serviceable book for larger collections where classics in graphic novel form are needed.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 7 Up–Momoka is, unwillingly, a member of Mitsurugi house, a group representing an ancient Earth Dragon who split his soul into eight swords after being conquered by an enemy. The members of the house fight against the Susami, a group attempting to release an evil god from his bondage, and the Shichijou Group, another band of sword-wielding teens on the side of evil. In this installment in the series, Momoka begins to feel stronger about her own magical abilities. She must call her sword, Suzukaze, out from the ether because the swords of the other members of Mitsurugi house have become trapped in an alternate world and she has to rescue them. The tale is complicated and epic, not unlike Yeo Beop-Ryong’s “Chronicles of the Cursed Sword” series (Tokyopop), and the fantastical elements in a human world may remind readers of Mark Crilley’s “Miki Falls” series (HarperTeen). To help those new to Kaze’s complicated structure, the author provides a glossary, a list of characters with pictures, and a story synopsis. The artwork is rich and detailed, and each character has unique, defining characteristics. Most libraries should consider this engaging shonen manga.–Sarah Krygier, Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

Gr 4-8–Upon the death of a neighborhood recluse, Max, Theo, and Noah meet the man’s adopted granddaughter, Bec. In her grandfather’s effects, they find the means to travel to another world that’s filled with strange plants and peoples and deadly shadow creatures. Unable to return the way they came, they must fight their way to other gateways. The three volumes comprise one story arc, introducing the characters and the world, and ending with the dangling promise of future adventures. And while there are fun and beautiful moments, the primary story objective is survival, and there is a continual sense of peril. The action sequences are clear and suspenseful, providing an interesting contrast to the charming figure work. There are frequent cute touches, which occasionally prevent the young heroes from expressing some of the tension and depth required in the more intense sequences, but overall the books effectively grab readers and create a compelling emotional landscape to complement the alien one. It’s therefore a pity that the third volume feels rushed as it arrives at its conclusion. Due to the open-ended final panel, it makes sense to retain some dangling threads, but the key antagonist is never fully realized, and the sacrifice of a major character happens without sufficient explanation.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH

Gr 4-6–Like Encyclopedia Brown, Max Finder is a kid detective. His adventures can be found online at OWL magazine’s Web site and now in three collected volumes. Each one contains 10 mysteries as well as extra puzzles and character descriptions. Unfortunately, the latter are in the back of the book instead of the front. The graphic format allows readers to search for visual as well as contextual clues. While the pages can get cluttered with text and word balloons, the artwork fits in nicely. Max and his friend Alison will take on any case, from a missing basketball card to a lobster on the lam. The cases are all solvable but not so easy that younger readers won’t enjoy a challenge. Good additions to graphic-novel collections.–Sadie Mattox, DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, GA

Gr 2-4–Tech-savvy superhero Billy Blaster travels the world and the universe with his ninja sidekick, Wu Hoo. In Ice Caves, he rescues his alien friends from the bitter cold of Pluto. In Mind Thief, he battles a villain photographer who steals minds by taking pictures. The bold, manga-style illustrations pop with vivid colors, and there is minimal text: almost every page is a single panel with only a few lines of dialogue. This format results in brief stories accessible to beginning or reluctant readers, but it leaves room for substantial plots. Each title ends with a glossary, discussion questions, writing prompts, a link to Facthound for Web sites, and a list of related facts. These additions make the books suitable for classroom use, while the irreverent humor and terrific art give them plenty of kid appeal.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up–Yagate has helped Yoshitaka move closer toward winning Ju-Jin, the girl of his dreams, and now he wants help with his own love life. He has a crush on Ju-Jin’s older brother, but so does his friend Chana. Will the pursuit of love destroy friendship? Contained in only one volume, this is an enjoyable story with some positive messages about the importance of friendship and being true to oneself, and should circulate among shojo fans. Characters’ eyes are large and limpid, and the love triangles are angst-filled but eventually, and humorously, resolved. Though rated for “older teens,” there is no graphic content in this story, except for a couple of Yoshitaka’s adolescent daydreams which mention “sex” and “pornos,” and the girls’ gratuitously skimpy school uniforms.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 8 Up–Hiding out in the wilderness of Colorado, Max Ride, 14, and her ragtag family of mutant kids think they’re safe from the clutches of “The School,” a secret government lab that has erased their memories and turned them into human/bird creations. When Angel, the youngest of them, is kidnapped by the “Erasers”–cruel half-man/half-wolf enforcers for “The School”–Max and several of the kids set off in search of her. Despite outwitting them in several instances, the Erasers are able to intercept them. But all is not as it seems when Max is released from her confinement only to be told the secret of her origin–that she was created to save the world. The story is based on Patterson’s popular “Maximum Ride” series (Little, Brown), and Lee does a superb job of translating his text into attractive manga-style illustrations. Although the narrative is a bit slow at first, the action quickly picks up and is bound to keep readers turning the pages. Bridging the gap between contemporary YA fiction and manga/manhwa, Maximum Ride is a fine first choice for sci-fi/thriller-heavy collections.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 3-6–These books seek to win over a tough crowd: reluctant readers with a phobia for history. Providing a jumping-off point for further exploration, these brief, comic-book-size graphic histories should have some appeal to that audience. However, occasionally awkward texts and illustrations hold these titles back. Rarely shifting perspective or zooming in, the large panels often lack visual interest. Movement and expression are subdued, often giving the characters a stiff appearance. Most of the texts are in the form of narrative caption boxes that are attached to panels, limiting the interaction between the words and images. Dialogue, appearing in word bubbles, is spare and used to help clue readers in to characters’ emotions. For most collections, these are additional purchases.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

Gr 3-8–This addition to Marvel’s reintroduction of classic superheroes brings the story of the Incredible Hulk to a new generation. Selected panels from the original comic-book series appear in large-scale, pop-up artwork, informative pull-out cards, and foldout pages. While the fragility of the paper sculptures might pose a concern for librarians, this is an excellent title for one-on-one sharing or school visits. After exploring the details of the Hulk’s origin, early days, and encounters with villains, new fans will be hungry for the classic Marvel comics.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, Panorama City

Gr 4-6–Hardboiled insect detective Joey Fly and his assistant, a young scorpion named Sammy Stingtail, search for a missing diamond pencil box belonging to Delilah, a femme fatale swallowtail butterfly. Simple, whimsical drawings and humorous dialogue give the book child appeal. The illustrations’ gray and sepia tones reference film noir, but this may be lost on younger readers, many of whom probably prefer more color in their comics. The clever writing doesn’t keep the story from lagging at times: the case of a missing pencil box, in the end, can’t sustain the most gripping narrative. Unique and witty, but not essential.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 5-8–Joey Johnson has always moved too quickly and been too impatient for his own good. But on the first day of school after summer vacation, his metabolism speeds up to superhuman proportions, and that’s when things really get crazy. On the plus side, Joey learns the advantages of having everyone else frozen in time, especially during a brutal game of dodgeball when he gets the opportunity to turn the tables on the class bullies. But on the minus side, different types of shifty people show up at his house trying to capitalize on his amazing speed. This is a fast and fluffy book with bright, colorful, and zany artwork in the style of “Ren & Stimpy” cartoons. The good guys are likable, especially Joey’s friend Freddy, who gets a unique opportunity to save the day. The bad guys are evil but hilarious, especially Mr. Seymour Haliburton Itchez (of Burnz and Itchez Pharmaceuticals) and his inept henchmen, who need to spend some quality time with a family therapist.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 8 Up–It is 1701 and Catfish Crogan is making his living working as a sailor. Unfortunately, the ship he has recently boarded is captained by a merciless pirate who is out for vengeance on Crogan for “political” differences he had with Crogan’s grandfather during Cromwell’s War. The captain’s bullying and mistreatment, however, are not solely aimed at Crogan. He is nasty to all his sailors. Caring little about their welfare, he deprives them of food and works them to the bone. Although Crogan desires to be an honest sailor, he finds himself caught in a moral dilemma, and he eventually becomes a pirate, too. Filled with mutiny, ferocious storms, shark-infested waters, commandeering of ships, and–of course–swashbuckling sword fights, this book has high teen appeal. The black-and-white art decreases potential goriness, keeping this story accessible to younger teens. Schweizer’s cartoon-style characters are minimalist in nature, and quite delightful. Detailed illustrations of scenery appear in some panels, showing Schweizer’s versatility as an artist. The one drawback is that the large lettering used throughout at times overwhelms the drawings. This story would be a great addition to any teen collection. This series will feature various Crogan ancestors throughout history.–Lara McAllister, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Gr 7 Up–While remaining true to the spirit of Shelley’s famous work, this adaptation allows readers to have it their way, savoring this horror classic with either the “Original Text,” or the “Quick Text,” a simplified abridgement. More than a straightforward retelling, this edition invites readers to explore important social issues such as alienation, the consequences and ethics of scientific studies, as well as the nature of creation and destruction. Rich and lustrous artwork remains the same in both versions. Bucolic mountainsides and charming villages are rendered in a classical European painting style. In stark contrast, horrific elements are depicted with grotesque angular figures in monochromatic tones. Excellent lettering enhances the narrative without distracting from the images. An especially nice feature is the use of boldface to highlight key words and phrases. A table of contents, based on the original three-volume edition, helps readers follow the story’s progression. Back matter includes a biography of Shelley, a description of the novel’s origin and history, and a clear description of comic-page creation for this remarkable edition. Reluctant readers who start with the “Quick Text” will probably be enticed to try the “Original Text” and continue to explore this exquisite rendition of a gothic classic.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 7 Up–In the first book, Tsuyoshi is sent from Japan to Korea by his strict grandfather. Here, his friend Be-Ri finds herself in a number of love triangles. First, there’s Mi-Hyuk, her longtime friend who suddenly wants more now that Be-Ri is spending so much time with Tsuyoshi–but she doesn’t have romantic feelings for either boy. Or does she? As she spends more time helping Tsuyoshi learn to navigate the city, she learns more about the kindhearted boy she thought would be just a friend. Then, his distraught ex-girlfriend arrives unexpectedly from Japan and forces herself back into his life, and Be-Ri is riddled with jealousy. Though a typical manhwa romance, the fact that Tsuyoshi speaks very little Korean adds a unique dimension to his character–he struggles for the right words but is willing to embarrass himself if it means defending Be-Ri. Tsuyoshi is drawn to look typically Japanese (great hair, slim build, unique sense of style, etc.). Be-Ri has the Korean school-girl look down pat, while Tsuyoshi’s ex-girlfriend would blend well with the girls over at Sailor Moon. Overall, the black-and-white artwork is average and fits with other mainstream manhwa, but the mix of Japanese and Korean characters makes Sweet different. Young readers will appreciate the tame, slower-paced romance, while older readers may find Be-Ri’s indecision about boys and obsession with cats somewhat frustrating. Overall, Sweet does not stand out from the pack and should be considered as an additional purchase.–Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 10 Up–On the orders of the Galactic Emperor, Imperial Inquisitor Alastor arrives on the desolate planet Magnum Christi to investigate the appearance of two ancient and gargantuan robots beneath the planet’s surface. A surprise attack by a psychically controlled monster puts Alastor on the trail of two wealthy merchant siblings who claim that a pair of bandit brothers is to blame. But all is not as it appears, as a visit to the cutthroats’ lair results in a fearsome attack by mercenaries hired by the merchants. It’s up to Alastor to repel the attack and bring the villains to justice any way he can. Based on the popular Warhammer 40,000 RPG, this title has a high level of detail that may make it hard to follow for readers who don’t have basic knowledge of the game’s universe. Nevertheless, it’s definitely a rip-roaring read, blending hardcore sci-fi action with a unique crime/investigation slant and lots of violence and gore. A solid second purchase for action/sci-fi collections serving older teens and gamers.–Dave Inabnitt, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

Gr 10 Up–After years of being hired by jealous or vengeful lovers, Private Investigator Fernandez Britten (aka “The Heartbreaker”) is burnt out and feeling culpable for the broken lives his “research” has left behind. When Charlotte Maughan, convinced that her fiancé’s apparent suicide was actually murder, contacts Britten to investigate, he grudgingly takes on the case, with the assistance of his very-out-of-the-ordinary partner. What follows is a complex murder mystery brilliantly executed as the events and circumstances leading up to the man’s death are revealed. Berry has deftly set the time, place, and mood for this novel with her skillful combination of text and image. Well-crafted dialogue and first-person narrative are balanced, and the character development of Britten masterfully done. Although the story is serious in nature, humor is infused throughout, resulting in some laugh-out-loud moments. Berry’s artwork is perfect for the story. The muted colors used in the gorgeous illustrations enhance the tone, helping to set a film noir mood. This is a remarkable debut graphic novel that continues to surprise right to the end.–Lara McAllister, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Gr 10 Up–Simple black-and-white drawings explore the author’s life after the childhood death of his younger brother. Through short installments, Girard explores his process of grieving from his own childhood through his young adult years. While some of the stories are powerful with profound words, others offer a welcome and credible laugh when humorous episodes are recounted. This book is a pearl for teenagers who are dealing with the death of a loved one. Its brevity will appeal to reluctant readers, but it is fully developed and will engage more sophisticated readers as well.–Gregory Lum, Jesuit High School, Portland, OR

Gr 10 Up–Nice girl Molly gets the opportunity to try out for the cheerleading squad after one of the girls dies. Dead bodies continue to pile up, and they have only one connection: they knew Molly. The identity of the killer is obvious to readers from the beginning, but Molly has no clue and even fears that she is doing it in her sleep. In a plot reminiscent of an ’80s horror version of Phantom of the Opera, Wrighty, the Phantom of the Mall, dreams of Molly being his girlfriend. To this end he gets rid of anything that makes her unhappy, with the hope that when she meets him, she will fall in love with him. His plan to win her over all culminates at the prom. Fans of horror films will know how the story turns out, but these are also the same people who will devour this story. Scream Queen is drawn in a realistic style but with the vivid colors, strong lines, and shading of superhero graphics, helping it evoke the atmosphere of a teen slasher film, which will engage the target audience.–Valerie Davis, Campbell County Public Library, Newport, KY

Gr 10 Up–Harris and Moore, along with a variety of artists, offer graphic adaptations of four of Ligotti’s short stories. Harris’s “The Gas Station Carnivals” is an evocative tale about a man looking for validation of childhood visits to bizarre carnivals, where he first encountered a nightmarish man whose hidden face could be his undoing. But does this man really exist or is he a result of “hideous magic”? In “The Clown,” also by Harris, the storyteller is haunted by “nonsense” that fills his head. Most terrifying is a lifeless marionette that appears before him with “dead eyes” and a “perverse expression,” and is “deemed to be capable of anything.” In Moore’s “The Chymist,” a mad scientist performs sinister experiments on live human subjects, while a man in “The Sect of the Idiot” has visions of hooded beings not of this world, followed by a horrifying realization that they are not just dreams. Ligotti has been described as a master of contemporary horror, and the tales in this volume live up to expectation–sophisticated, horrific, and unpredictable. The artists’ full-color illustrations bring a different style and flavor to the book, and none disappoint. A new introduction by Ligotti prefaces each tale.–Lara McAllister, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Gr 10 Up–Nelson and various teams inject a sophisticated artistic sensibility and a literary pedigree to the pulp-horror comic genre. This book collects issues 6 to 10 of the series, where the contemporary tales are set in the universe created by H. P. Lovecraft in his best-known stories. Each part covers the emergence or addition of a powerfully evil entity to serve under the leadership of Mr. Arkham, the human form of the god Nyarlathotep. While not awash in blood, guts, and gore, there are a fair number of decapitations, demons, and murderous children. The artwork effectively promotes a growing sense of menace, from the palatable isolation of Arctic explorers to the surreal journey of a mute masked girl to a hellish dream world. As a whole, the narrative structure is not as strong, mostly because the apocalypse seems inevitable. Even the insubordination of Arkham’s previously unquestioning minion comes off as anticlimatic. Though this volume can stand alone, fans of Lovecraft and the series will definitely get more out of it than first-time readers.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 10 Up–Private-eye Coogan wakes up one morning battered, bruised, shot, and, yes, dead. Fully zombified, he no longer feels pain but suffers from the normal deterioration and rot every dead body goes through. He quickly sets out on the most bizarre case of his career as he tries to uncover who killed him and why. What starts as a slightly twisted noir story soon lurches into H.P. Lovecraft territory when he discovers a mad scientist creating giant insects and reassembling dead humans into monstrosities in a crazed plot to take over the world. Niles does a fair job of tossing this Sam Spade-esque character into a world of fantastically over-the-top horror. Packed with plenty of dark twists and violent turns, the story also has some darkly comic moments, such as when Coogan embalms himself in an effort to slow down his body’s decomposition. Wrightson flaunts his pedigree as a horror illustrator with grisly, macabre images that are not for the faint of heart. The volume includes a wonderful set of bonus artwork showcasing his range and skill over the last 35 years. Dead, She Said develops into a fine twist on a classic horror tale that genre fans will love.–Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA

Gr 10 Up–In early-19th-century Germany, a young man, perhaps in his teens, was discovered living in a tomblike cellar. Kaspar Hauser had known no other existence: light, walking, the horizon, and human contact were all alien to his experience. Rescued and humanely studied by scientists of the day, he demonstrated remarkable intelligence and learned not only to speak and write, but also to express himself through poetry and art. Supported for a decade through the emotional and material generosity of a variety of gentry and public funds until the time of his equally mysterious death, by murder, Hauser remains an enigma with a touching and compelling legacy. Obomsawin’s simple, flat black-and-white drawings are a perfect medium for his story, which the author tells from his viewpoint, basing the narrative on his own writings. Like the subject’s known life, the brevity of this book solidifies the wonder of its unknown details. One of Hauser’s still-life paintings and a couple of his poems are included. A wide array of readers will appreciate this introduction to a historical mystery with ramifications that speak to a variety of circumstances and across time.–Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Gr 10 Up–In volume 1, Keiichi moved to a new village and learned that someone has died on the night of the Cotton Drifting Festival for the past four years. Here, he discovers that each of his new friends is connected in some way to the previous victims, and that they may be more dangerous than Keiichi could have imagined. He spends a lot of time worrying, trembling, and talking to himself. Meanwhile, his new friends continue to act sweet and wonderful one minute and darkly terrifying the next–but is that their fault, or are they being controlled by the village curse? Keiichi alternates between being a sympathetic and an annoying protagonist. Sometimes it takes him several pages to worry out loud about whether or not his life is in danger, when the same effect could be achieved more efficiently in a couple of panels. Suzuragi’s artwork sets a fantastic mood, especially during the scenes in which the girls appear to be possessed and their eyes look like those of a cat reflecting a flashlight in the dark. The cute/scary ratio of the book remains fairly consistent until the ending, which is far more grisly than many readers might expect.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Gr 10 Up-Monstres retells tales of minor characters in “Dungeon,” a 15-volume (so far) comic series. This book offers two perspectives on the same end-of-world scenario. In “The Great Map,” Marvin the Red, a rabbit with an Iron Man-like suit, has been instructed to transport the women of his land to a safe location. An explosion turns the world into a series of floating islands, however, and Marvin has a new task: find the new map of the world and deliver it to the Dust King. After some mishaps and a fight with the Grand Khan, Marvin finds himself enamored with the Khan’s daughter. An encounter with monks desperate to give up their vows of celibacy lends this chapter a Monty Python quality. “The Dark Lord” takes the perspective of the Grand Khan, a duck anxious to rid himself of the evil spirit that, along with nine objects of destiny, keeps the planet from blowing to bits. Without the spirit, the Khan can neither hold the planet together nor keep his enemies from trying to kill him. Khan flees his castle in search of the same map Marvin was tasked with finding in the first story. At first glance, the Grand Khan’s appearance brings up memories of the 1990s “Darkwing Duck” cartoon series, and the color artwork is similar to that in Sfar’s Vampire Loves (Roaring Brook, 2006). Dungeon pokes fun at Dungeons & Dragons, as well as any number of “hero worship” comic titles.–Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA

Gr 10 Up–Rui is introduced to “statistics with heart-pounding excitement” when she develops a crush on Igarashi, her father’s market-research business associate. In an attempt to impress him, the teen asks her father for a personal tutor and is devastated when he enlists Yamamoto, a bespectacled geek, as her instructor. As Rui gamely struggles through some basic lessons, readers learn about distribution tables and deviation scores. Naturally, love finally blossoms. In a moment of frustration, Rui knocks off Yamamoto’s glasses and sees his eyes for the first time, and hers fill with hearts. This manga textbook is written for those interested in understanding principles of statistics. Each of the seven chapters is organized into four sections: a cartoon, a text explanation to supplement the cartoon, an exercise that includes the answer, and a summary. Readers can learn much about the subject by just reading the cartoon, but they will gain a more thorough understanding by working through the other three sections in each chapter. Yamamoto provides Rui with easy-to-understand examples and graphic illustrations, making the subject less intimidating. The book progresses in difficulty, beginning with data types and advancing to “tests of independence.” Clearly, readers need a solid understanding of mathematics to grasp these concepts. The art is charming and the humor engaging. Readers will enjoy following Rui as she struggles with math concepts while showing off her new school uniform and realizing her romantic feelings for her tutor. A fun and fairly painless lesson on what many consider to be a less-than-thrilling subject.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Gr 9 Up–Yang and Kim are expert storytellers and work well together here to present three tales with fablelike takeaways. “Duncan” seems to be a hero story set in a lush medieval Europe, with the titular character embarking on an iconic quest to win the hand of the fair lady–except for odd visual details that crop up, such as the frumpy and definitely modern woman holding her bespectacled head in her hands and the apparently magic Snappy Cola bottle. The turn from fantasy to Duncan’s reality is made smoothly and doesn’t ask readers to appreciate its cleverness so much as to recognize how fantasy can, indeed, aid real healing. The volume’s title story starts off as a riff on capitalism and religious gullibility involving talking frogs and then makes a hairpin turn with the revelation that a broadcast tycoon has blended America’s tastes for Saturday morning cartoons and reality shows. In “Urgent Request,” a contemporary cubicle inhabitant allows herself to fall for the fraudulent Nigerian royalty email plea for cash, but thereby gains the strength she needs to confront her abusive boss. Artwork in each of the stories is stylistically different and wholly appropriate to the theme of the specific tale. Smart teens will enjoy this thoroughly and will push it into friends’–and hopefully even adults’–hands for discussions around topics ranging from political insights to how narrative creates personal identity.–Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Gr 10 Up–As the new boy at the Jyoshioka School, Azusa becomes the focus of the largely female population. He soon learns from another male student that the girls have sexual expectations of every boy in the school. (“We’re surrounded by a pack of females in heat. We’re completely powerless.) When he intercepts a note and realizes what they expect from him, he bolts from the classroom, chased by screaming girls. He hides in a room and meets quiet Okitsu. Thinking quickly, he unbuttons his shirt and his pants and pulls her out with him into the hallway, saying, “I’m her guy now,” thus declaring himself off limits to all of the other girls. The fact that Okitsu’s glasses fall off and she accidentally steps on them will come as no surprise to readers anticipating her ugly-to-beautiful transformation. For a predominantly comedic book, this story raises serious questions, like who is really running this school? The girls chase Azusa down the hallway wielding tasers and later force him to drink a “love potion” without fear of reprisal. The only apparent authorities are student members of the disciplinary committee, and they only reveal themselves when they think that things have gone “too far,” which means that things are pretty rough even by Lord of the Flies standards of self-rule. The artwork is filled with energy and makes excellent use of dramatic shading. This one is for mature readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library