Graphic Novels
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Elementary and Middle School APPIGNANESI, Richard, adapt. The Merchant of Venice. illus. by Faye Yong. ISBN 978-0-8109-9717-2. LC number unavailable. BAUM, L. Frank. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. adapt. by Roland Mann. illus. by K. L. Jones. 72p. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-51-4. BEAGLE, Peter S. The Last Unicorn. adapt. by Peter B. Gillis. illus. by Renae De Liz. 168p. IDW Pub. 2011. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-60010-851-8. LC number unavailable. CIENCIN, Scott. Hoop Rat. illus. by Aburtov. ISBN 978-1-4342-2223-7; ISBN 978-1-4342-3069-0. LC 2010032813. COOKE, Cameron & Emma Davis. Violet Roses. illus. by Brian Hess, et al. unpaged. Bluewater Comics. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-61623-942-8. LC number unavailable. DAVIS, Jim. The Curse of the Cat People. Vol. 2. ISBN 978-1-59707-267-0. DESHPANDE, Sanjay. In Defense of the Realm. illus. by Lalit Kumar Sharma. 104p. (Campfire Originals Series). map. glossary. Campfire. 2011. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-64-4. LC number unavailable. DICK, Philip K. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Vol. 3. illus. by Tony Parker. unpaged. Boom! 2010. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-1-60886-577-2. LC number unavailable. HAYES, Geoffrey. Patrick in a Teddy Bear’s Picnic and Other Stories. illus. by author. 32p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-09-2. LC 2010040209. HELFAND, Lewis. Photo Booth. illus. by Sachin Nagar. 80p. (Campfire Originals Series). Campfire. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-65-1. LC number unavailable. HOLM, Jennifer L. & Matthew Holm. Super Amoeba. Bk. 1. illus. by authors. 94p. (Squish Series). CIP. Random. 2011. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93783-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84389-1. LC 2010008004. JONES, Mark & Sidney Williams. The Dusk Society. illus. by Naresh Kumar. 88p. (Campfire Originals Series). Campfire. 2011. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-63-7. LC number unavailable. MCCRANIE, Stephen. The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever! illus. by author. 224p. (Mal and Chad Series). Philomel. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25221-1. LC number unavailable. SANTAT, Dan. Sidekicks. illus. by author. 224p. CIP. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. July 2011. Tr $24.99. ISBN 978-0-439-29811-7; pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-0-439-29819-3. LC 2010034704. SCOTT, Walter. Ivanhoe. Vol. 13. adapt. by Mark Wayne Harris. illus. by Ray Lago. unpaged. (Classics Illustrated Series). Papercutz. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-248-9. LC number unavailable. SHIIBASHI, Hiroshi. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan. Bk. 1. tr. from Japanese. illus. by author. unpaged. Viz Media. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3891-4. LC number unavailable. SMYTH, Fiona. The Never Weres. illus. by author. 255p. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2011. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-285-0; pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-55451-284-3. LC C2010-907478-5. SPANGLER, Bill. Tom Corbett: Space Cadet. illus. by John DaCosta. unpaged. photos. Bluewater Comics. 2010. pap. $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4507-0014-6. LC number unavailable. STANLEY, John. Melvin Monster. Vol. 3. illus. by author. unpaged. Drawn & Quarterly. 2011. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-77046-030-0. LC C2009-906029-9. STORRIE, Paul D. Made for Each Other. Bk. 2. illus. by Eldon Cowgur. 128p. (My Boyfriend Is a Monster Series). CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2011. PLB $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-5601-1; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7077-2; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7186-1. LC 2010028722. THOMPSON, Jill. Delirium’s Party: A Little Endless Storybook. illus. by author. unpaged. Vertigo. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-1-4012-2477-6. LC number unavailable. WIGHT, Eric. Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace. illus. by author. 96p. CIP. S & S. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-8972-1; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-1-4391-5584-4. LC 2010020801. HOSLER, Jay. Evolution: The Story of Life on Earth. illus. by Kevin Cannon & Zander Cannon. 151p. further reading. glossary. Web sites. CIP. Hill and Wang. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8090-9476-9. LC 2010005777. IINUMA, Yuuki. Itsuwaribito. Vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by John Werry. illus. by author. unpaged. (Shonen Sunday Series). Viz Media. 2010. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-3756-6. LC number unavailable. KATO, Kazue. Blue Exorcist. Bk. 1. tr. from Japanese by John Werry. illus. by author. unpaged. Viz Media. 2011. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-1-4215-4032-0. LC number unavailable. SHIGA, Jason. Empire State: A Love Story (or Not). illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams ComicArts. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9747-9. LC 2010934622. WARD, Chris, et al. Political Power: Presidents of the United States. illus. by Azim Akberali, et al. unpaged. Bluewater Comics. 2010. pap. $15.99. ISBN 978-1-61623-932-9. LC number unavailable.
In this Article
High School
–––– . Twelfth Night. illus. by Nana Li. CIP. ISBN 978-0-8109-9718-9. LC 2010024429.
ea vol: 208p. (Manga Shakespeare Series). Abrams/Amulet. 2011. pap. $10.95.
Gr 7 Up–These books follow a similar format: initial pages are in color and introduce the characters with a portrait and quote from the play, thus revealing their personalities. An introductory color page contains an image of the setting. Manga is in black and white. Beginning at the front, texts read from left to right. The drama is revealed through brief snippets of actual dialogue, with images supplying the additional information needed to appreciate the story. This format allows the play to unfold as a “performance” rather than relying on explanatory text to convey meaning. Both artists use careful panel placement and point of view, enhancing the pacing and drama. They also rely on the use of chibi to underscore emotions. Imaginative imagery reinforces the unique Shakespearean turns of phrase. Yong’s illustrations set The Merchant of Venice in a fairie world with fanciful creatures such as flying dragons. Faces are drawn with sharp-pointed noses and ears resembling Star Trek Vulcans. Readers familiar with Vulcan insistence on logic will appreciate this contrast with the logic used in the courtroom scene. Twelfth Night offers a more traditional manga style. The twins are drawn with large eyes. Emotions are conveyed through tears, sweat drops, reaction “close-up” shots, and other traditional manga techniques. This drama sports considerably more action, complemented by sound effects. The abrupt scene changes, with no advance visual cues, sometimes makes following the plot difficult. Back matter includes a plot summary and brief Shakespeare biography. Additional purchases.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
DUMAS, Alexandre. The 3 Musketeers. adapt. by Bruce Buchanan. illus. by Amit Tayal. 100p. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-57-6.
GRAHAME, Kenneth. The Wind in the Willows. adapt. by Arjun Gaind. illus. by Sankha Banerjee. 75p. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-93-80028-54-5.
ea vol: (Campfire Classics Series). Campfire. 2011. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Stout-hearted Dorothy, dashing but naive D’Artagnan, and feckless Toad are introduced to young graphic-novel enthusiasts. Each book is a serviceable representation of the original work, hitting all relevant plot points in a somewhat rigidly paced 70 to 100 pages. Occasional anachronisms are jarring (D’Artagnan asks, “Are you okay?”). Unfortunately, the pages in Oz suffer from serious overcrowding: detail-heavy panels are arranged in an overlapping layout with no gutters between panels, making the book visually dense. Colors glare and characters appear stiff. Eric Shanower’s graphic-novel edition of the same book (Marvel Classics) is easier on the eyes. Musketeers is drawn in a sharper-edged but still goofy style that emphasizes the humor in every scene. Willows is illustrated in an exaggerated cartoon style, with pop-eyed, loose-limbed characters that are a sharp contrast to depictions in other recent illustrated editions by artists such as Robert Ingpen, Luanne Rice, and Inga Moore. No library should be without these classics, but these adaptations may not be the best ones to choose.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 6 Up–A beloved story is now a graphic novel in this excellent adaptation. A unicorn leaves her forest home to find out if she is the last of her kind, befriending Schmendrick, a hapless magician, and Molly Grue, a bandit leader’s runaway wife. These are vivid and lovable characters, and the story is filled with action, romance, and humor. Much of the original novel’s lyrical language has been included, and readers will be eager to find out if the unicorn will give up her quest for love, or if any of Schmendrick’s spells will ever turn out right. The legendary creature resembles the one in the film, but De Liz’s artistic vision is original. This unicorn shimmers and glows, her mane framing her face with Art Nouveau-style tendrils. The illustrations are graceful and detailed, and inked in warm, glowing colors. This is a worthy successor to the classic novel and film.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY 
BROSGOL, Vera. Anya’s Ghost. illus. by author. 222p. First Second. 2011. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-713-5; pap. $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-552-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up–Anya is a Russian girl who wants to fit in with her American classmates. She falls down a well and meets a ghost named Emily, who was murdered. They become friends and promise to help one another. Emily helps Anya get closer Sean, a boy she likes. In return, Anya promises to help solve Emily’s 90-year-old murder. The story is rather dark and at times darkly humorous, especially when Anya fantasizes about Sean. It gets even darker when Anya realizes that Emily has been concealing a very dangerous truth about herself. Anya’s character is not always sympathetic–she cheats on tests, she is often rude to her friends, and she refuses to help another Russian student because he’s too “fobby” (Fresh Off the Boat). But her interactions with Emily and Sean change her and help her to evolve into a character whom readers can admire. The artwork is made up of clean, cartoony lines, reminiscent of that in Hope Larson’s Mercury (S & S, 2010). The mix of mystery, horror, and the coming-of-age theme combined with the appealing graphic style will make Anya’s Ghost an ideal choice for reluctant teen readers.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
TERRELL, Brandon. Quarterback Scramble. illus. by Gerardo Sandoval. ISBN 978-1-4342-2220-6; ISBN 978-1-4342-3070-6. LC 2010032920.
ea vol: 56p. (Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels Series). glossary. CIP. Stone Arch. 2011. PLB $25.32; pap. $6.95.
Gr 3-6–Standard sports clichés play out in both titles. In Hoop Rat, Griffin Henshaw, 14, joins the Spartans but doesn’t receive a warm welcome–he’s the former captain of the archrival Goliaths, and his new teammates wonder where his true allegiance lies. In Scramble, reluctant backup QB Ben Paulson, 14, must step into the big shoes of suspended golden boy Wes Blake. Both books build tension, leading to high-pressure games at their climaxes. Brisk pacing should keep readers interested, but the stories have fairly abrupt conclusions. Themes of self-confidence, loyalty, and friendship come across loud and clear. Characters are flat, with a minimum of development. Design plays a key role, as each book opens with an ESPN-style “special report” featuring main character bios and a “ticker” at the bottom of the page. The stylized, vaguely anime-inspired art employs bright colors and dramatic shifts in perspective to keep the excitement high. While both titles have generic plots, sports-loving reluctant readers will likely be sucked in.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
Gr 4-6–Violet Rose has the unusual ability to converse with inanimate objects, a gift that she uses to solve mysteries. With the ghost of her grandfather guiding her, the sixth grader tries to stop the nefarious plans of the Thorne family, a clan of dark witches, or “yagas.” The book seems to be printed at a resolution higher than the original files, as the linework–especially the lettering–shows signs of pixel artifacting and grainy coloring. The captions are plagued with a number of typographical errors, a spread is placed incorrectly, and the listed chapter credits don’t seem to correspond with the artwork. And most curiously, the book ends with a short introduction to a character that contradicts the previous four stories. The storytelling attempts to nod toward the tradition of hard-boiled detective work, while simultaneously appealing to a young, fantasy-loving crowd. It’s a difficult balancing act, and one made more difficult by the frequent shifts in illustrators who can’t seem to settle on a house style. There’s some potential in the story, but it’s buried beneath a series of questionable presentation issues.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
–––– . Fish to Fry. Vol. 1. ISBN 978-1-59707-266-3.
ea vol: illus. by author. 32p. (Garfield & Co. Series). Papercutz. 2011. Tr $7.99. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-5–Two books based on the comic strip and television cartoon character. Each title contains three stories that feature Garfield; his owner, Jon; Odie the dog; and Nermal, the kitten next door. As in the comic strip, the main jokes revolve around food, naps, and Jon’s attempts to woo his girlfriend Liz. A few delusions of grandeur are thrown in for good measure, including a turn as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh in The Curse of the Cat People. The stories are just long enough to captivate the interests of reluctant readers, especially those who are already big Garfield fans. The bright illustrations are reminiscent of cartoon television series and will also have great appeal.–Kathleen Meulen Ellison, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA
Gr 4-8–The Akkadians of Central Iraq, hungry for new lands to conquer, have set sail for the great cities of Sind, in what is now southern Pakistan. Prince Meluha and his teacher Chandrayaan are out hunting when the invaders launch their assault upon Meluha’s city, and so it becomes the prince’s responsibility to rally the other Indus Valley cities to stand together against them. There’s a treasonous minister, a poison ring, a beautiful princess, ambush, and even a dance number, all drawn in a heroic comic realist style, using glowing, brilliant colors–golds, olives, rich purples. Exotically costumed royals and courtiers are distinguished visually by their headgear, hairstyles, jewelry, and facial hair as well as their features and build, giving readers a fighting chance at keeping all the Rajas straight. The smartly paced story takes an occasional breather so that the travelers have a chance to check out their magnificent surroundings, including the gigantic public baths in Mohenjo Daro and a royal funeral in Harappa. Chandrayaan explains some of the region’s impressive administrative accomplishments to his princely student, injecting this fun story with a little educational content. An introduction and brief appendix make clear that while much is known about the Indus Valley civilization, much also remains tantalizingly undeciphered. In Defense of the Realm has all the drama and excitement of a Bollywood action film in graphic-novel form.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 8 Up–Dick’s science-fiction classic has been transformed into a full-color graphic novel. This volume collects issues 9 through 12 of the 24-issue maxi-series and reads like a detective novel. Unlike an adaptation, this series retains all of the original text. Often, the caption box repeats what is illustrated in the panel. Page layouts feature large panels, typically three per page, to accommodate the numerous caption boxes and dialogue balloons. Parker’s natural style shows a futuristic Northern California, done in muted tones, worn around the edges. The characters’ facial expressions and body language enhance the tense psychological and physical exchanges. While questioning a rogue android, Rick Deckard uncovers a phantom police agency that has no record of him, calling into question his own existence. Despite the bounty-hunter premise, the story does not glorify violence, and it offers age-appropriate images. Supplementary material includes a 20-plus-page essay, “Crazy Friend,” written by Jonathan Lethem, which includes two of his short stories and chronicles his journey as a Dick fan. Science-fiction fans may grouse that the artwork does not match their own vision of Dick’s futuristic world, which was also the complaint many had with Blade Runner, the movie inspired by the author’s novel. This is a welcome purchase for science-fiction or graphic-novel collections.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA GULLEDGE, Laura Lee. Page by Paige. illus. by author. unpaged. Abrams/Amulet. 2011. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9721-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-9722-6. LC 2010930150.
Gr 7 Up–When 16-year-old Paige is transplanted from Virginia to Brooklyn, her sketchbook is her only friend. She commits to draw a few pages each week, “No more excuses.” This is her vehicle for self-exploration as she finds her place in a new environment. Her sketchbook spans a period of eight months and is divided into a set of nine “rules,” and includes images of herself and her quest to answer the question, “Who am I?” The journal chronicles her developing friendships, a budding romance, her relationship with her mother, and her increasing ability to take risks and to explore new means of expressing herself. The book’s trim size allows for ample visual expression and development of concepts. Realistic black-and-white drawings and excellent use of panel size, placement, and pacing add to the book’s appeal. Gulledge is a master of both words and images. She brilliantly portrays poignant emotions: twisting ink falling from Paige’s head as she searches for ideas, carrying her heart through an expanse of banana peels, her sneakers in a crowd of Ugg boots, a mouth stitched shut, and her silhouette from the rooftop with the Big Dipper appearing to fall from her hand–all make her loneliness palpable. Gulledge’s turns of phrase are equally intriguing. Terms such as “agents of whimsy,” “clickage,” and “fluent in Paige” give equal weight to both imaginative text and image. The illustration for “I am a redhead island” is spot-on. This self-deprecating, humorous, and heartfelt story will resonate with readers.–Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
K-Gr 2–This graphic presentation has short sentences, repetition, minimal characters, and one to four panels per page. Colored-pencil and pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations provide a detailed look at the bears’ world–from the mirrored reflection in their tiny cottage to tiny creatures along garden paths. Figures and objects spill over cell borders without restriction onto the page. The title story follows Patrick and his mother as they plan and prepare for a picnic. The cub’s actions are typically those of a young child–he is curious, imaginative, easily pleased or disappointed, and adventurous. Emotions are clearly read on faces: readers can see Patrick as he is stubborn or joyful, but his mother’s face occasionally shows frustration and anger, not understanding. This collection also includes a bully, Big Bear, who pops Patrick’s balloon in one story and demands his cookies in another. Patrick finally stands up to him and calls forth his inner “dragon” for courage, but resorts to name-calling after the confrontation. Speech bubbles and easily followed illustration prompts remain good teaching tools for emerging readers, but this title also calls for discussion of how Patrick handles his own feelings and actions. A general purchase for most libraries.–Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX
Gr 7 Up–Interpol agent Praveer Rajani’s emotional baggage is having a serious impact on his life. His parents were killed in a car crash years earlier, and the driver responsible was never caught. He has difficulty controlling his temper, and only recently had his job reinstated. While working on a drug bust, he sees an old photo booth that brings back memories, but it is a while before readers understand this subplot. The story moves back and forth between different time periods and focuses on many characters including Praveer, his brother Jayendra, their sister Nisha, and Jayendra’s girlfriend Shalini. This is occasionally confusing, as readers at first expect that Praveer is the main character but then the story detours into Jayendra’s life for so long that he seems to be the focus instead. About halfway through the book, readers learn about the photo booth itself, and about how the pictures that the siblings had taken there changed their lives. Nagar’s illustrations are in color for the modern segments and in black-and-white for many of the flashbacks. Praveer’s temper tantrums are ridiculously portrayed (no one’s face should become that comically distorted unless he’s a manga character), and teens will have trouble identifying with him while thinking that he needs a psychiatric evaluation.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 2-4–The creators of “Babymouse” (Random) return with the more boy-centric Squish. He lives in a world that is a microscopic facsimile of our own. The only difference is that everyone is an amoeba, including his best friends, nerdy Pod and relentlessly chipper Peggy. Squish faces a dilemma when the school bully wants to copy off his science test. The menacing amoeba even threatens to eat Peggy if he doesn’t get his way. Squish fantasizes about dealing with the problem like Super Amoeba, the hero of his favorite comic book, who always has the “courage to do what’s right.” While the conclusion is a bit abrupt, it will likely generate laughs and leave readers ready for the next installment. Characters are mostly types, with a clear focus on laughs and moving the plot along. The loose, inky cartoon illustrations are bathed in shades of lime green. Panel layouts are simple and clear, ensuring first-time graphic-novel readers a smooth ride. Likable and entertaining, Super Amoeba will be super popular.–Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI
Gr 7 Up–A secret organization called The Dusk Society has been fighting evil for generations. More than half of the book is filled with the tale of how its newest recruits fight an army of monsters led by the evil Mr. Pierceblood in the small town of Pembleton. The mysterious and beautiful Miss Raven appears at the beginning and the end of the book as a kind of narrator ex machina. She addresses readers directly, explaining that they need to hear about the dangers of membership in The Dusk Society before signing a contract pledging their lives to the cause. She also appears as a teacher at Pembleton High and tells a group of students who show up for detention that they are the newest recruits. After they fend off an attack by Pierceblood’s minions (including Dracula and Dr. Frankenstein), Miss Raven then tells the teens about the history of the society, and they learn about some of its more famous members. Kumar’s colorful illustrations employ a creative use of frames, lines, and angles to give a unique perspective to the action. This stand-alone story will be most appreciated by teens who enjoy tales that are suspenseful but not terrifying.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 3-6–Fans of Calvin and Hobbes will gravitate to this graphic-novel chapter book featuring an inventive kid and his talking dog. Mal has typical social trouble at school, hiding his intelligence and struggling to make his feelings known to a cute girl while trying to avoid the class blowhard. His single mom doesn’t seem to be very supportive, sending him to bed without supper, threatening to ground him, and spanking him in the first three chapters, but these travails set him up as an underdog who will prevail in the end. Mal’s great ideas are augmented by his miraculous inventions (shrink ray, jet pack, time machine), which take him and his dog, Chad, on exciting adventures to exotic locales, all in service to the overall story line. The great buddy relationship and some sweet moments (look for the pals dancing to the elevator music in the time machine) keep readers emotionally connected.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 3-6–Middle-aged superhero Captain Amazing is looking for a new sidekick after his superpowered house pet and former cohort Static Cat runs away. His dog, Roscoe, is posing as superhero Metal Mutt in order to audition for his replacement, while his other pets–a hamster and a chameleon–train secretly with Static Cat as well. The artwork has an easily accessible style, and the characters display a distinctly identifiable design; they are rendered in such a way that makes them seem both solidly dimensional and appropriately cartoony. The story has a strong narrative continuity with a number of small details returning with dramatic importance later on, and each character has a particular arc of exploration and discovery. Full of inoffensive broad comedy, and providing a number of characters to relate to, Sidekicks is perfectly enjoyable, while still lacking the particular spark or inventiveness that would make it memorable. It should come as no surprise that Santat also created Disney’s The Replacements, as this story has the tightness and pacing of a cartoon feature.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 7 Up–This excellent adaptation of Scott’s epic novel compresses an immense amount of action, historical detail, politics, philosophy, drama, and romance. The measured pacing balances the quieter discourses among characters with the violent battles and jousting. In simple and clean layouts, the story flows nicely from panel to panel. The medieval language comes alive in lines such as: “Thou wouldst quench the light of chivalry which alone distinguishes the noble from the base.” Harris handles the large cast of characters well, especially Ivanhoe, King Richard, and Robin Hood, who are incognito for most of the story. Lago’s wonderful detailed watercolors feature expressive characters, a pastoral countryside, stately castles, and regal pageantry. The omission of sound effects, common in manga and comic books, prevents the story from becoming cartoonlike. The beauty of the artwork contrasts with the often crass, contemptuous behavior of the nobles. The well-written introduction links the themes and attitudes found in the historical novel to issues still being faced in the present, such as class and society, anti-Semitism, concepts of chivalry, and glory in battle. Isaac and Rebecca are portrayed sympathetically, and readers will rightfully be concerned about the intense prejudice against Jews. The striking illustrations and strong storytelling will win over many readers.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA
Gr 7 Up–Rikuo Nuro’s grandfather is the leader of a notorious clan of supernatural creatures, and he wants his grandson to take over for him when he retires. The demons that he’s been chosen to lead are called yokai, and they feed on the fears of humans. Rikuo has one-quarter yokai blood running through his veins. When this part of him awakens, he finds himself transforming into a powerful warrior and the future leader of the yokai, even though he’s torn between his humanity and his duty. In this first installment of the series, readers learn that not all yokai are happy about the teen’s possible rise to power, and an especially vicious yokai and his clan try to wipe Rikuo out. The story consists mainly of exposition and action, with a little story line in between. This is most likely to set up subsequent volumes in the series. The black-and-white artwork supports the battle sequences nicely, using bold strokes and large expressions of emotion throughout. Fans of fast-paced, action-based mangas will enjoy this one.–Kimberly Castle, Stark County District Library, Canton, OH
Gr 8 Up–Years into the next century, the human population is dwindling because of a virus that has resulted in no new births for a generation. Cloning may stave off extinction, but rumors of botched experiments, along with bias against clones, make it an uncertain option. The youngest humans left are teenagers, and three of them struggle to solve a mystery of a missing girl who may save the world. A perfect read-alike for Nancy Farmer’s The House of the Scorpion (S & S, 2002) and Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper (S & S, 2004), this comic has chaotic landscapes that resemble those in the film Blade Runner, replete with strange futuristic fashions and ads for 50-dollar bags of rice. Many pages are crammed with these interesting details, set in adventurous layouts that often spill outside of the panels. The illustrations, drawn in a bold, primitive, indie-comic style that resembles Lynda Barry’s work, contrast interestingly with the tech-heavy story. Though this science fiction mystery’s plot and layouts are a little too convoluted, its provocative ending is rewarding.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 6 Up–Cadets Tom, Astro, and Roger are conducting a routine check of a space station when they discover a robot that is somehow connected to an infamous disaster from decades before, the causes of which were mysteriously shrouded. Originating from a Heinlein novel, and then spun off into a full-fledged cross-media blitz in the early 1950s, Tom Corbett was notably popular in its day, but is almost unknown today. Featuring some brief archival material for context, the publisher attempts to make the case for updating and reviving this property. The story fulfills the traditional structure of a small, mundane event spiraling into circumstances that could affect civilization as we know it, and also drops entertaining hints as to the way culture has transformed by the 23rd century. Little of this potential is lived up to, however, as the characters regularly act in baffling ways, and gaps in the story are further muddled by the dizzying artwork. DaCosta has a lean, energetic line, which he lays on top of computer-generated sets and spacecraft. But his real gift is as a colorist, where he is able to create sculptural impressions out of the almost empty spacescapes that he’s provided himself. However, the artwork regularly looks rushed and unfinished, and the action sequences can defy interpretation. There’s much to like in both the story and the storytelling, but this book cries out for more time and clarity on the part of its contributors.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Gr 4 Up–In 1965, Stanley created Melvin Monster, following his success with Little Lulu and others. This volume covers the comics from issues seven to nine from 1967. Unlike monsters found in modern comics, graphic novels, and manga, Melvin is a monster in name only. His father, Baddy, is oversized. His mother, Mummy, is exactly that: a mummy who resembles Donna Reed and stands between Baddy and Melvin. His world is populated by other paranormal creatures, but Melvin is more human in his wishes. He wants to attend school but is foiled at every turn by the Little Black Schoolhouse’s teacher, Miss McGargoyle, a witch. The innocence of this collection will appeal to fans of the classic comics of the non-superhero variety, and may gain a few new fans of the genre, but will be a hard sell to manga fans. The pages have the quality of a reproduction and look almost antique, since they are printed on tan paper and look like original newsprint, aged. Consider this one for collections that include other volumes of classic comic series.–Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL
Gr 7 Up–Frankenstein’s Monster, aka Franklin Stone runs a funeral home where he harvests organs from bodies to create kinder, more humane versions of himself. Maria is thrilled with her new boyfriend, Tom B. Stone, who is Franklin’s heartthrob “son.” But can Tom explain the recent series of fatal accidents that have been giving the funeral home so much business? Written with humor and a fast pace, this book should have wide appeal, especially among fans of “Twilight” and other supernatural romances. The bold, black-and-white illustrations resemble classic comics such as “Archie” and reflect the story’s romantic but irreverent tone.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Gr 6 Up–Delirium, the youngest of the seven Endlesses, throws a party for her sister Despair after realizing that she has never smiled. The story is a spin-off from a “mature readers” comic book illustrated in semi-chibi style featuring a naked, depressed, obese character. The main character is the personification of addlepated whimsy, and the pages are filled with appropriately imaginative fancies and absurdities. The characters, despite their childish reductions, hew recognizably to their established grown-up personae. And the predominant narrative voice is one that chimes with the cheerful ease of a read-aloud. But the ultimate message is that some people are only happy when other people are unhappy. This is certainly character-appropriate, but one must question the audience. It seems clear that Vertigo thinks of the book as something that will appeal to both veteran readers of Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” as well as their nerd-indoctrinated offspring, but, despite Thompson’s excellent craftsmanship and well-honed tone, this enjoyable and clever story is more likely to inspire giggles than raise disturbing questions. It may be too insular to be truly accessible, and is likely more of a lark for adults.–Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH TSANG, Evonne. I Love Him to Pieces. Bk. 1. illus. by Janina Görrissen. 128p. (My Boyfriend Is a Monster Series). CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2011. PLB $29.27. ISBN 978-0-7613-6004-9; pap. $9.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7079-6; ebook $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-7185-4. LC 2010030774.
Gr 7 Up–This first book in a series of horror romances is a stellar stand-alone thriller. Florida teens Jack Chen and Dicey Bell are from different worlds: he is a super-geek who plays RPGs and reads research projects for fun while she is a star baseball player, the only girl on the team. When they’re paired together for the raise-an-egg project, neither of them expects to get romantically involved–or to end up sticking together to hold off a zombie plague. When Jack gets bitten, only an experimental drug developed by his scientist parents can keep him from turning–and he’ll only survive with Dicey’s help. More romance than horror, the story has delightful dialogue, engaging characters, and pitch-perfect flirting. Görrissen captures the personalities of the characters in body language and facial expressions, revealing far more about what they’re thinking and feeling than is provided in the dialogue alone. This is a strong beginning to a series of short teen romances that will later feature a vampire, faerie, and “monster” boyfriend. Readers of R. L. Stine’s “Goosebumps” graphic-novel series (Scholastic) will enjoy this more mature, character-driven horror story.–Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT VALENTINO, Jim & Kristen K. Simon, eds. Fractured Fables. 160p. Shadowline. 2010. Tr $29.99. ISBN 978-1-60706-269-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4 Up–Kids who like Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly’s “Little Lit” titles (HarperCollins) will cackle over this collection of familiar tales given an irreverent twist. Rapunzel thinks the prince’s request to “let down her hair” is “really random.” Gepetto injures his hand trying to spank his robot son after the Blue Fairy grants the wish that makes Pinocchio a real boy. Cinderella rejects the lovely blue ball gown provided by her fairy godmother–she was thinking more “Anne Hathaway at the Oscars.” The art comes in a diverting variety of styles, from cartoony to painterly, and in media from watercolor to full digital. Contributors include comics veterans who have worked on every major character in the industry; writers and artists who are well known for their kid-targeted graphic novels; and relative newcomers. The stories are short, colorful, funny, and sometimes a little rude–perfect catnip for a wide audience.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Gr 2-5–In his latest adventure, Frankie stumbles through a math quiz on a Friday afternoon, only to be given a second chance after school on Monday. He knows he has the weekend to study, but his family members distract him with fun things to do. Frankie doesn’t realize at first that the activities–shopping with coupons, baking muffins, playing with his Yugimon cards–all involve math. In the end, with added confidence, he aces the quiz and realizes that the answers were inside him the whole time. Part graphic novel and part beginning chapter book, this is a great read for reluctant and slow readers, who may identify with Frankie.–Nancy Mackenzie, Ithan Elementary School Library, Bryn Mawr, PA
Gr 10 Up–This book requires a solid background in evolution and cell biology to understand it. Set up as an explanation of life on Earth for an alien race, it is arranged by chapters, with an introduction, an epilogue, a suggested reading list, and a glossary. Hosler knows his subject, but his delivery is definitely academic. The black-and-white illustrations and lettering are easy to follow, but the Cannons seem to have only one set of characters. The same “aliens” that appeared in The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA (Hill and Wang, 2008) are in Evolution, even though this book is by a different author. It should be considered only in schools with strong advanced science programs.–Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL
Gr 9 Up–A young charlatan decides to tell lies in order to save people’s lives in this shonen manga. As a child, Utsuho told the truth to a group of bandits, leading to the deaths of his family members, and he has pledged never to speak honestly again. But when bandits take away his second home and kill the man who raised him, he decides that he can lie to protect people, and he pledges to become an itsuwaribito, or a master thief. After being joined by a super-cute tanuki (a racoonlike animal in Japanese folklore), Utsuho takes on other itsuwaribito, who destroy lives rather than saving them. The action and fast-talking are sure to be a hit, but the combination of graphic violence and the hyper-cute sidekick is somewhat off-putting. Manga readers who like adventure, especially through trickery, will enjoy the protagonist’s continual lies, and the cliff-hanger ending will bring fans back for volume two. It’s a solid beginning for a new series, but not a stand-out, and as such is only needed in libraries where readers can never get enough manga.–Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT
Gr 11 Up–Orphaned at birth, 15-year-old Rin Okumura and his twin brother, Yukio, were raised in a monastery by Father Fujimoto. Hot-tempered Rin has spent most of his academic career getting into fights, while Yukio has received a scholarship to the prestigious True Cross Academy. One fateful brawl changes Rin’s life as he learns that he is the son of Satan. Although demonic power runs through his veins, he vows to become an exorcist so that no one will die or suffer because of him. Taking the familiar premise of the powerful yet undisciplined novice seeking revenge, Kato crafts a highly entertaining story filled with exorcists, myriad demons, rituals, and other magical objects. The plot combines mystical elements with bursts of demon-fighting action. The quirky and likable characters act as humorous and intriguing guides to this strange world. Demons with burning flames, barbed tails, and long tongues and nails appear more creepy than horrific. The excellent artwork with its Victorian and Gothic touches offers detailed interiors and architecture. Attractive character designs showcase the exorcists-in-training, decked out in their fashionable school uniforms and even cooler demon-hunting accessories (skeleton keys, soul swords). This witty blend of mystery, melodrama, and action will appeal to fans of such supernatural manga as CLAMP’s xxxholic (Del Rey, 2004) or Katsura Hoshino’s “D.Gray-man” books (Viz Media). With its engrossing storytelling and detailed artwork, this atmospheric book will be appreciated by readers and aspiring artists.–June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA
Gr 9 Up–Jimmy, an Asian man, and Sara, a Jewish woman, are best friends. They live in Oakland, but Sara dreams of working in the publishing industry and moves to New York. They have a long-distance friendship at first, but when Sara sends him a tote bag from the Strand bookstore, Jimmy decides to travel across the country to see her again. He has romantic ideas about Sara, and about New York itself. He wants to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building at sunset, just like in Sleepless in Seattle. He takes a bus rather than a plane because he wants to see more of the country, but the trip and the destination don’t turn out to be what he expected. At first Jimmy is a young man who signs his paychecks over to his mother, who then gives him an allowance. He is happy with his library job, and happy in Oakland. But Sara inspires him to be brave, and to make choices he never would have made before. Shiga uses a simple, cartoon style to illustrate this book. The story is alternately saturated in red and blue tones that don’t make sense at first, but readers will soon realize that the colors of the pages indicate chronological shifts in the story. This is a semiautobiographical book that was inspired by a cross-country Greyhound bus trip, and it will be most appreciated by readers who are ready to savor this quietly emotional journey.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library
Gr 9 Up–Four different artists present the lives of four United States presidents. The first three biographies give clear overviews of the careers of Obama, Reagan, and Clinton. The Obama story is one of the volume’s highlights: the detailed painted illustrations are realistic and expressive, and the text is humorously irreverent. The narrator spends a day in present-day Springfield, IL, with Abraham Lincoln, discussing Obama’s political ascent. Lincoln’s reaction to a plate of horseshoes, a fried local delicacy, is that his “taste buds are being. . .emancipated or something!” The last selection, on George W. Bush, illustrates the text of his farewell speech with scenes from his administration. Though this is a clever way to depict this “controversial” president, readers requiring a straightforward introduction to his career should look elsewhere. The variety of art and writing styles should keep readers engaged, and the authors do not talk down to their audience, making references to people such as Abbie Hoffman and Mark Rothko, and plainly discussing Clinton’s extramarital affairs.–Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
