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The Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Lightning Thief
by Jose Villarrubia
128p. 978-1-42311-696-7.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4 Up—Riordan's highly popular "Olympians" series (Hyperion/Disney) is now a graphic novel. Half-Blood Percy Jackson is the son of a mortal mother and the Greek god Poseidon, which explains why he has always felt out of place among his schoolmates. After learning of his paternity, he is charged with the dangerous mission of locating his Uncle Zeus's missing lightning bolt and returning this symbol of power to its rightful owner. Expert editing keeps the salient parts of the story intact while showcasing the additional storytelling capabilities that the graphic format allows. Excellent panel layout makes the story line easy to follow. The use of angled panels in highly dramatic action scenes is particularly effective. As readers follow Percy's adventures, they are also keenly aware of his personal struggles, as facial expressions help readers to relate to this boy "who doesn't fit in." Illustrations brilliantly illuminate the story, portraying seamless world-blending, from typical school drama and well-known U.S. landmarks to mythological elements. A man seated in one panel casually stands to reveal his true identity as a centaur, the eerie woman seated in the attic is an Oracle, and the Nereid of the undersea kingdom seems a natural part of Percy's world. This blend of mythology and magic with realistic action and adventure brings an added dimension and delightful nuances to this adaptation of the well-known novel. Both ardent followers of Riordan's books and those new to the series will not be disappointed.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY
Color by Jose Villarrubia. This graphic novel introduces Percy, half-human son of Poseidon, and Camp Half-Blood, a haven for young demi-gods. Jackson devotees may lament the absence of some scenes, but the spirit of the novel holds up well. The precise timing of panels lends extra oomph to punch lines and action scenes, while settings spanning multiple panels or full pages suggest the epic scale of Percy's quest.
A faithful adaptation of the wildly popular first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians adventure series. Percy’s story is both exciting and moving as he attempts to fulfill his quest, save his mother, and answer fundamental questions about his identity. Attila Futaki’s kinetic drawings and José Villarubia’s bright coloring vividly depict the story’s fast-paced action. The art also realistically portrays the magical Camp Half-Blood and the mythical creatures therein. The ways that the Greek gods appear in familiar places such as a bus station, a New York City skyscraper, and the offices of a Los Angeles record company, are fun and inventive.

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