The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth

Title: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents: Macbeth
Author: Ian Lendler
Illustrator:  Zack Giallongo ; Colors by Alisa Harris
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1596439153
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Have you ever wondered what the zoo animals do at night after everyone has left? At the Stratford Zoo, the animals break from their cages and put on a play for each other. On this particular night, readers witness Shakespeare's Macbeth, adapted for a zoo setting, including comments from the audience.
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Recommended Audience: Upper elementary
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Things to be aware of: cartoon violence
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Further Thoughts: Let me just start off that I am not familiar with Macbeth, the play, so I have no idea how close this is to the actual play.

But, let me say that I did enjoy this adaption.

The Lion is Macbeth  He is hungry for something more than a very large hot dog. What he learns is that he's hungry for POWER. Following the prophecy by the three witches, Macbeth spirals downward until finally he is dethroned. The elements of the play are here: key phrases, key characters, key plot points, but there's so much more! Lady Macbeth is a cheetah, a fact lost on her until late in the story and ends up adding to her demise in a swath of bubbles and soap (it's almost comedic). The man who brings down Macbeth is a stork and of the "hard boiled" detective type. There are audience members (mostly two kid monkeys) making comments throughout the story and lots and lots of ketchup.


Overall feeling: A great adaption with comedic timing for a Shakespearean tragedy. A great introduction to Shakespeare's great work Macbeth. I really hope this team adapts more (the last page hints that the next night is Romeo & Juliet).

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Source: Library/Review

Ares: Bringer of War (Olympians)

 
Title:  Ares: Bringer of War
Author: George O'Connor
Illustrator:  George O'Connor
Publisher:  First Second (:01)
Copyright:  2015
Price: $
ISBN: 9781626720138 (paperback)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ares. God of War. It is time for his story and instead of using a traditional myth, O'Connor highlights the Trojan War. Ares and Athena go head-to-head, using the humans to act out their battle to determine which side should win.
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Recommended Audience: middle/high school
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Things to be aware of: Violence
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Further Thoughts: If you don't have these books already, what are you waiting for? This is by far one of THE most popular graphic novels in my library. I actually debated writing a review, except I skipped a volume or two and I wanted to point out, this is a popular series.

It's Ares turn now to tell his tale and instead of a myth, O'Connor continues the Trojan War story line he introduced in Aphrodite (how cool is that?). Athena and Ares have it out, arguing and deciding which side should really win. Both try the patience of the other Gods and Goddess. There is a fantastic set of panels where you see them wandering away from the map and Zeus getting agitated over it. Ultimately, a side has to win, but which side?

As usual, the colors and illustrations are strong. That's partially the appeal. I think the other part is probably Percy Jackson-related. My favorite part of this series though is that O'Connor introduces the Greek Gods and Goddesses in a new light, for a new audience, and introduces kids to The Trojan War. This in my mind, opens the doors for connections down the line, like remembering they already read about it when they actually begin studying it or reading something like the Iliad. O'Connor includes a great discussion at the end (as usual) and it is eye opening.

Overall feeling: Do you have this? NO? Go get the hardcovers/library-bound now. They last. The kids love them and the people I've given this to as reader's advisory want more.
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Source: Netgalley

The Glorkian Warrior Delievers a Pizza!

Not the coloring my copy had

Title:  The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza
Author: James Kochalka
Illustrator:  James Kochalka
Publisher:  First Second (:01)
Copyright:  2014
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1596439177
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Super Backpack wants to go on an adventure! Glorkian Warrior wants  an adventure...on the couch...napping. The phone rings and, after The Glorkian Warrior realizes he has a phone, he answers the call...to deliver a pizza. It must be destiny! But wait...he doesn't have a pizza, or does he? Yes, the pizza in his fridge will do. Despite adventures like crashing his Glorkian Super Car to meeting with Gork to an alien abduction attempt, The Glorkian Warrior will deliver the pizza to...wait...
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Recommended Audience: Elementary kids
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Things to be aware of: ?
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Further Thoughts:  If you find the summary odd, that's how I found this book: odd. It's not quite on par with A.L.I.E.E.E.N (which has a different author, is very strange, and not a kids book). The Glorkian Warrior Pizza book is slapstick, cartoonish humor. The Glorkian Warrior never gets a name and he just wants to deliver the pizza from the mysterious phone call. I, personally, would not want some random guy's pizza.

It's a strange book. For kids, it's a story involving a mundane task which becomes an epic adventure. The Warrior makes friends and avoids danger. He pretty much bumbles his way into saving the day. Normally, I like the bumbling hero, but I'm not so sure about this guy.

Basically, it has what kids would like (I think?). There's bad grammar, bad jokes, and cartoon illustrations. Silly humor and silly adventure.

My issue was that it was hard to get into. Everything that could go wrong, did. The Glorkian Warrior is pretty oblivious. What I did enjoy was the cyclic story and the adorable alien that adopts him. But, I'm still left with this feeling that something is off. Honestly, I can't figure out what I find off about this book.

Overall feeling: Hard to say. It seems like kids would love this. If you need more random humor graphic novels, go for it.
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Source: Library/Review

Andre the Giant: Life and Legend

 

Title: Andre The Giant: Life and Legend
Author: Box Brown
Illustrator:  Box Brown
Publisher:  First Second (:01)
Copyright:  2014
Price: $17.99
ISBN: 978-1596438514
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Andre the Giant was a wrestling legend in his time. Due to a condition, Andre grew and grew over time, which made him world-famous and the loveable giant in The Princess Bride. It also gave him constant pain. Box Brown writes a graphic novel biography that showcases Andre the Giant's Career and life.
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Recommended Audience: high school/adults
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Things to be aware of: drinking, wrestling
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Further Thoughts:  My first exposure to the name "Andre the Giant" was when I watched The Princess Bride with a relative. It was after 7th grade, the movie was awesome and I watched it a few times. When the giant came on, the relative said "Isn't that Andre the Giant?" I was like "I don't know."

Wrestling for me has always been on the fringes. I knew Hulk Hogan simply by name. Some friends were into it. I wasn't sure I could get into it, but I think it was one of the things we weren't allowed to watch. When my husband saw this on my review pile, he was like "read it!" Why? 1.) It's Andre the Giant. 2.) Box Brown is local to us.

So imagine my surprised when I enjoyed this book. I'm not a sports fan (except baseball), but Box Brown tells this story with humor, emotion, and insight all with the use of black and white and shadows. Brown also did his research. There is a huge bibliography and a great introduction to the wrestling scene. He took artistic liberties as needed, but I don't think it detracts from the history (I say this not knowing anything on Andre the Giant).

By the end of the book, I wanted to know more about Andre the Giant. I was surprised at who he was. In some ways, he lived up to the Giant in The Princess Bride. In other areas, he was a jerk, but overall, Brown shows that Andre was human, which is what I come away with after reading this biography.

Overall feeling: Have it for Princess Bride movie fans. Have it for wrestling fans. As far as non-fiction/biography graphic novels go, this is a strong one. I'd get it for my library and personal collection.

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Source: Library/Review

Nick Bertozzi's Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey

Title: Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey
Author: Nick Bertozzi
Illustrator:  Nick Bertozzi
Publisher:  First Second (:01)
Copyright:  2014
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1596434516
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: This is Ernest Shackleton's last great expedition across the Antarctic in the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration." Shackleton's great idea was to cross the South Pole with his crew and explorers and finish out on the other side. Like all great plans, this did not exactly happen. The ship become entrenched in ice and eventually sank. Men lost beloved items and supplies ran low. This is the story of Shackleton, his crew, and the miraculous story of how all the men survived.
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Recommended Audience: Middle & high School
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Things to be aware of: minor vulgarity; animals are eaten
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Further Thoughts:  First, I was disappointed this was not the expedition that involved the mummies I was partially obsessed over in 4th grade. That was the Terra Nova Expedition, I think. Either way, Bertozzi includes in the opening of the story a very detailed listing of all the expeditions to get to the true South Pole.

Next, I'm still really confused by this book. This is another graphic novel where I started to read it, but it took me until a quarter to about half of the way through to realize how the author paced it. Instead of an overall "novel" it's more like vignettes where it's a page to two pages and a snippet of the story. Until I realized that was going on, the story itself didn't mesh well for me. After I realized it, bam!, I could read it, but still, I'm left with this overall feeling, "I don't get this story."

Mind you, it wouldn't normally be my first pick for a graphic novel for me to read. I can easily see Philosopher Musician (aka my husband) getting more out of this than me. I can see how educators would go for this and recommend it as part of a unit on Shackleton.

The art was interesting. Bertozzi uses his panels well, breaking out of the frame and twisting the frames around. For example, when the ship sinks, the panels shift, fall, and twist like the ship. My favorite panel might have been on page 75 where Shackleton is dreaming that the noise on the ice is all the various sea monsters under the water.

But, this book lost me, quite a bit. When they ate the dogs because rations were low, I was uncomfortable. I get that it happened, but alas, anything that happens to animals like that leaves me feeling sad. It was a rough journey. It was a tale of survival.

It was one I just could not get into, despite all the accolades it is getting (Junior Library Guild, Kirkus Star).

Overall feeling: Great from an educational perspective. Great for history buffs. Not for me.
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Source: Library/review copy

The Undertaking of Lily Chen

Title: The Undertaking of Lily Chen
Author: Danica Novgorodoff
Illustrator:  Danica Novgorodoff
Publisher:  First Second (:01)
Copyright:  2014
Price: $29.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-586-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Deshi's brother Wei has died and it was partially Deshi's fault. The biggest problem with Wei's death? He died unmarried. To make up for the death, his parents send him out to find Wei a wife to be buried with. Thus begins Deshi's quest to find a body.

On the flip side. Lily needs to get out of town. She's stuck on her father's farm and they need money. Lily needs an out and a ride to Beijing. A chance encounter at night has Lily following Deshi, unaware that he sees her as a potential wife...for Wei. The only problem is, she's alive.
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Recommended Audience: Adults.
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Things to be aware of: sex, some violence
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Further Thoughts:  Ok. Here's a weird one. If you or your patrons like weird, off the wall stories, take a look at this one. It's a bit unnerving.

Deshi is weak as a person. Lily is strong but naive and innocent. It is by her hand that they travel together and for Deshi, it's a small chance at soul searching for him. Most of the story is "will he or won't he" and "why did he make that choice?" For Lily, the story is what lies beyond her small world?

The art is interesting. I liked the interspersing of water colors, but occasionally, I couldn't figure out who the ghost faces were or what I was looking at. The cover is a great example of what you'll find in the story: images overlapping into other images, watercolor. I'm not so sure about how the characters are drawn though. Lily is pretty (it's an obvious sort of thing when you look at the art). Deshi is awkward. Everyone else is a caricature of something. It works but in some ways rubs the wrong way. I can't put my finger on it.

The basis of the story is interesting. The idea of "ghost marriages" where two dead bodies are married is at once creepy and interesting. It is or was actually a thing and thanks to Wikipedia, here's the full article quoted in the beginning of the story. It's interesting how you know that this is what Deshi is up to, but Lily has no idea.

Overall feeling: Not a must have, but one that is certainly different and worth adding if you have the extra funds.

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Source: Review/Library Copy

In Real Life by Cory Doctorow & Jen Wang

Title: In Real Life
Author: Cory Doctorow
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $17.99
ISBN:  978-1596436589
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: The story opens with new-ish to town Anda, still getting used to Arizona. Yes, she misses San Diego, but seems to be settling into Arizona ok. She has friends, plays games, and takes a computer class/club. It is in this computer class/club, Anda is introduced to Coarsegold Online: an MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game...think Minecraft or World of Warcraft or the oldie Runescape*). Anda joins and is sucked into a world of fun until she meets a "gold farmer" who is a low level avatar that collects cool stuff to sell to players. It's a rule breaking issue but when Anda "meets" the boy behind the farmer, she begins to question what she knows.
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Recommended Audience: YA. Middle School and up.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing out of the ordinary.
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Further Thoughts: I want to like this. I really, really do, but all it reminds me of is some "after school special" thing or The Tale of One Bad Rat. Basically, it's a nicely done graphic novel with a message or two.

I felt that the message is beaten over your head quite a bit before you even read the story. First there's the giveaway in the book jacket. Follow that with the intro by Cory Doctorow, which should have come as an afterward if it was needed at all, and at this point, my teen self is whining "stop! I get it. Life isn't fair and blah, blah, blah! I played Runescape. I watch Steam's trading cards during the sales." (Although, funny thing, I don't exactly remember the message except something about exploitation like this happens in all kinds of settings). Either way, I read all this text and thought "teachers will have a field day with this."


I started to read the story. The art is pleasant. Anda is interesting. She's a nerd of sorts and she knows her computer stuff. Then comes the special commercial from Liza McCombs who is from Australia (confusing point later) and "has a special deal for you! Girl gamers, buy the game, pay the monthly fee, and you can be in the special clan that Lizanator has in the game! Since I'm the game's creator, I can do this and we need more girls in this game!"

Ok, how'd she get into the classroom to advertise this and how did the boys feel? Yeah, we need more girl gamers, but how is this even cool in the classroom? Am I just out of touch with what happens in the classroom? And Anda's mom just kinda goes along with it as long as Anda talks to girls her own age? We really need an explanation about how looks are deceiving here. At least Anda is like every teen and just wants on the game.

She gets on, starts playing, and then meets a gold farmer. This is when she starts to realize things are not right in the world. As the story progresses, Anda talks to the gold farmer and finds out he's from China and works in sweatshop-like conditions with little pay. This angers her, so she starts to try to find ways to fix this. In the meantime, her dad's company is having trouble and the factory workers strike. This gives Anda an idea, but just makes the situation a thousand times worse and leads to Anda's banning from the game by Liza who hasn't returned to Australia. Will Anda figure out how to help her new friend in China? Will Liza do something to stop this in her game? Read on to find out.

If you take away all the contextual text, it really makes for a nice story with a few unbelievable parts (to me) like Anda meeting a gold farmer who is a boy from China, not a bot, or how Liza's "deal" for girl gamers is "ok" with everyone**. I also really feel if the foreword was actually an afterword, it'd have a bigger impact. Instead, teen me is freaking out before the story and educator/librarian me is noticing how this can be used as a book discussion book. On the flip side, teens might skip all that text and go straight for the story.

Overall feeling: It was ok. Loved the art.
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*I played Runescape and it was cool for a while. I don't play there any more.

**Granted, this was written before the video gaming drama going on right now, but even then, I'd think at least one guy in the story would be like "wait a minute..."
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Source: Netgalley

Hidden by Loic Dauvillier

Title: Hidden
Author: Loic Dauvillier (Translation by Alexis Siegel)
Illustrator: Marc Lizano & Greg Salsedo (colorist)
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2014
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1596438736
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Little Elsa wakes up in the middle of the night. Just before she returns back to bed, she realizes someone is up. In the room, she finds her grandmother, Dounia Cohen looking through old photos and thinking of a different time. Innocent Elsa asks her grandmother to tell her what's wrong because maybe talking about it will help. Dounia is hesitant, but decides to tell Elsa the truth of her childhood, starting with the yellow star sewn onto her jacket.
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Recommended Audience: Upper elementary and up.
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Things to be aware of: N/A

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Further Thoughts: When this first came out to my shelves (through the Junior Library Guild selection program), I thought "no way this was a children's title. Anything about that time is definitely for older kids."

I was wrong. Dauvillier gets it. The pacing of the story is appropriate for that of a younger child who might not understand everything being told to her. Elsa, is a realistic child from her giggling at grandmother's childhood crush to gently prompting Dounia to continue. Dounia tells the story to her grandchild appropriately for Elsa's age using age-appropriate terms (i.e. "wee-wee") and explaining her feelings gently (with Elsa not understanding but knowing it was bad). The text alone is lovely.

The people with big heads and tiny bodies are perfect for this story. It makes the story real, but distant. It provides great opportunities to zoom in for full face panels. The best time this style for the characters work is the full page of Dounia's mother when she returns from the camp. It's haunting, scary, but not in a "I can't continue this it's too gross" way. More like a "wow...I can't believe that happened." Here is a story that the art just enhances the text and paints a bittersweet story of a girl having to grow up and recognize the world of the time.

What we have here is a wonderfully done tale of the 1940s about a child in France who had to wear the Yellow Star, whose parents were arrested, and who escaped to grow up and have children of her own. It is easily appropriate for children and even a classroom. It probably would even be useful in middle or high school classrooms.There is a very brief afterword that helps put context to the story and reminds readers that this happened and that we should continue to fight injustices.

Overall feeling: I definitely have this on my library shelf. It is a story that needs told and a different perspective.

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Source: Library

Odd Duck

Title: Odd Duck
Author: Cecil Castellucci
Illustrator: Sara Varon
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2013
Price: $18.50
ISBN:  978-1596435575
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Theodora is a very particular duck. She wakes up, exercises in the pond with an object on her head (generally a tea cup), and goes about her errands. She does everything a good duck is supposed to do from eating the right food and reading the right book. She does add a little something odd to her errands though, but she doesn’t think this makes her strange. Her life is perfect and she hopes it remains that way.

Enter a new neighbor. Chad is almost the complete opposite of Theodora. He has ruffled feathers, swims crazily, and considers himself an artist. At first, she rebels at the idea of getting to know him, but one night, she finds him stargazing like her and they immediately hit it off. A friendship blossoms and they do a lot together. One day someone exclaims how odd the new duck is. Who is it though and will Chad and Theodora’s friendship survive this comment?

A colorful tale of friendship is told in this hybrid (part comic, part book). Ultimately, this book sends the message of being true to yourself and the importance of friendship in a simple work that goes sweetly with the perfect cup of tea (or not when it comes to kids).
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Recommended Audience: elementary and up.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing. Kid friendly
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Further Thoughts: Adorable! Sweet! Cute! All of these words describe this simple hybrid book. Theodora is very particular and you know that something is going to upend her perfect world. Chat couldn’t be farther from her style, but they hit it off becoming close friends (although, it looks like more than friends in this kid tale). It is a great friendship tale, even if it is a very familiar tale.

The art is probably what helps this stand out and ducks. It’s about ducks who are similar to humans, but they still eat bland duck pellets. Theodora and Chad and the other ducks come to life in the art. There is lots of color and each duck seems different from the next. I also enjoy their curving, cartoony arms. It’s perfect for kids.

I suspect there will probably be more. I could see a story involving Chad teaching Theodora how to fly (or to overcome her fear only hinted at in this work), but maybe not. Maybe, they are just going to have this tale and be done (but I doubt it).

My only quibble with this book is a small thing. Theodora and Chad are friends, but they are awfully touchy-feely. They hug a lot and for the errands portion of the story they are linked, which, considering preschoolers having boyfriends and girlfriends, kids will latch onto it and believe there is more to this than the story lets on. On the other hand, I do enjoy the idea that you can be anything as long as you have a friend who cares about you. Theodora was so sure of herself at the beginning of the story and continued to stay that way. Chad came after and neither wanted to change the other. These are positive role models of friendships, and possibly romantic relationships geared perfectly for children.

Make room for this one on your children’s graphic novel shelf. So cute.
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Source: Netgalley Request

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong

Title: Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong
Author: Prudence Shen
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2013
Price: $18.99
ISBN: 978-1596436596
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nerds versus jocks. Who will win in securing the student body president victory in the name of their own goals? Or will they come together and work toward a compromise? When the school has extra money to allocate, it is the Cheerleaders versus the Robot Team. The Cheerleaders want new outfits. The Robotics Team wants an opportunity to compete. The only way they can get that money is to become friends with the new student body president.

Nate, the Nerd, and Charlie, the Jock, are friends. Neither of them knows exactly why they are friends, but somehow, they keep coming to each other for their problems. Their friendship is tested when Holly, ex-girlfriend to Charlie and head cheerleader, sets Charlie up to run against Nate, who is running for his own team. Can they overcome this issue in their friendship? Is it even worth it for Charlie? He’s not exactly running anyway.

A wrench is thrown into everyone’s plan when politics goes just a little too far and it is up to The Robotics Team and the Cheerleaders to consider a plan of action that will benefit them both. Will it though?
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Recommended Audience: high school
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Things to be aware of: crude humor; mild violence; robot violence; challenge to authority; mild swearing
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Further Thoughts: The eternal struggle between Nerds and Jocks is highlighted in this story as the Robotics Team and Cheerleaders fight for their goals. The strength in this one is that it highlights the idea that sometimes, you need to work together.

The Nerd group is a diverse group of people but none of them ever exactly fit the “stereotype.” They are all aspects of the stereotype but are their own person. It is a fun group to watch interact, even as some characters take a backseat to others (which is highlighted in a surprise twist ending). They are willing to fight for what they believe in and they are pretty level headed. Except Nate. Nate is a bit narrow minded, which helps the story as he only wants a certain end goal and will do anything to achieve it.

The Cheerleaders are everything you think of when it comes to cheerleaders, but again, we’ve got a diverse group of characters. The humor in their characters comes from the fact that they are so regimented and so stuck up. They are also a pretty smart group. Not “nerd smart” but enough that they do have their part in the story.

And then there is Charlie. He straddles the line with his friendship to Nate and his participation in sports (and at one point “dating” Holly). It is his character that is probably the center of this story and the common thread. He’s got his own problems outside of the high school drama that Nate and the Cheerleaders are making with him. He’s mad at his parents and would prefer not to get on anyone’s bad side. In the beginning, he’s still willing to do what he needs to do to not challenge the status quo. By the end though, he’s challenged it and finally found his voice for his problems at home.

Black and white illustrations tell this story in Faith Erin Hicks’s style. If you haven’t read her other work, you’ll recognize this as her style. Ironically, I kept forgetting I wasn’t reading a work by Bryan Lee O'Malley (Scott Pilgrim). Her own style is very close. You could probably say it is part Hope Larson and part O’Malley. It’s definitely great art. The only downside is that the robot actions get a bit confusing, but that’s for only two panels.

Highly recommended and I’ll be picking up a copy.
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Bonus: Did you see my post about the Interesting Marketing Strategy for this one? Faith Erin Hicks was/is a webcomic artist (according to Wikipedia).

Source: Netgalley Request. (Pub date: May 7, 2013)

Nursery Rhyme Comics

Title: Nursery Rhyme Comics
Author: Editor Chris Duffy

Illustrator: Various
Publisher: First Second (:01)

Copyright: 2011

Price: $18.99

ISBN: 978-1-59643-600-8
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Nursery Rhyme Comics is a collection of 50 artist renditions of popular and unknown nursery rhymes for kids. The introduction discusses the collection and why it was done for parents. The afterward discusses a little more about nursery rhymes. Each spread is about 1 page to 3 pages long, perfect for those who are interested in bite sized readings.

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Recommended Audience: all ages

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Things to be aware of: None.
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Further Thoughts: This title got a lot of buzz before it was released. I remember it being mentioned in a webinar or an article. Kids were getting copies of pages and were getting really excited for the book to come out. It got great ratings and it is easy to see why.

Take your favorite nursery rhyme and think about it. What images does it conjure for you? For the sake of this, I’m going to think about “Hickory Dickory Dock.” When I was a kid, I had a toy of sorts for the rhyme. It was a basic clock with a mouse running up the side, then down. In this collection, “Hickory Dickory Dock” is illustrated with a little mouse whose duty is to ring the bell. That is certainly different than what you may have pictured. That is exactly how Nursery Rhyme Comics goes.

I can’t pick a favorite. I won’t pick a favorite. Each spread has something to love in it from the hint of a recurring rhyme to a completely reimagining of Little Bo Peep (who looks older and smarter than she is typically portrayed). Each comic has something to it from being in the real world, to being in space, to covering different races of children. All walks of life are represented here and I think that really helps this collection. The artists also represented in this work are the best of the best from Craig Thompson of Blankets to Kate Beaton of the web comic “Hark! A Vagrant” to children’s illustrators David Macaulay (those gorgeous building books) and Nick Bruel (of Bad Kitty fame).

Nursery Rhyme Comics has something for everyone and is a winner in the library, especially for those looking to round out their children’s graphic novel sections.

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Source: Library copy.

An Interesting Marketing Thing

In the age of webcomics, to have a book that is going to be published all ready, but is uploaded like a webcomic is pretty neat. Basically, for some reason I was Googling Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, the graphic novel, which I'm currently reading the ARC of. The first result was this: Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, the website. Basically, until the book is published, a page will be updated weekly. It is kinda, sorta, similar to Erstwhile and Red String and some other webcomics I read with an overarching plot, but updated weekly. Erstwhile was all ready published in the beginning (and generally, I get the impression the stories are done when they start uploading them) and Red String is an online manga that the author is working on all along.

The only downside to this is that the free version will probably disappear eventually (as what happened to Friends With Boys), which is a shame. I like my webcomics and until I can get my hands on the book, rereading it online will have to do (and I don't get many of those because I do not have extra cash for books).

Debate anyone? Thoughts? Either way, if you want to preview it, there it is.

Baby's In Black

Title: Baby’s In Black
Author: Arne Bellstorf

Illustrator: Arne Bellstorf
Publisher: First Second (:01)

Copyright: [May 8] 2012

Price: $24.99

ISBN: 978-1596437715
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Before The Beatles made it big, they were performing in Germany. Instead of four band members, there were five and this was before Ringo. Paul, George, John, Pete, and Stu were performing a crazy amount of time in a club in a not so great part of town. This is not that story though. This is the story of Klaus, who discovers The Beatles and brings in his friends, including Astrid Kirchherr, whose eyes meet Stuart Sutcliff’s and the rest follows their tragic love story.

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Recommended Audience: adults

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Things to be aware of: smoking…in every panel
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Further Thoughts: I’m not a Beatles Nerd. I’m not necessarily a lover of The Beatles, but don’t mind when The Philosopher Musician puts their music on (probably one of the few things we can agree to in his car). I adored the movie Across the Universe (my intro to most of The Beatles music). I read the YA book that borrows from the song Across the Universe, but like A Million Suns, I had to be filled in by The Philosopher Musician regarding The Beatles and how the songs tied into this book and the YA books.

So, that explains my reaction to this book: lukewarm, excepting the last chapter, which almost made me cry.

The Philosopher Musician should really do this review. Instead, he’s busy with school work.

Baby’s in Black is the love story of Astrid Kirchherr and Stuart Sutcliff, the “fifth Beatle.” He’s really a trapped artist along for the ride because he likes John. Throughout the story, we watch as Astrid works on her English, Stuart works on his German, and they fall sweetly in love. He moves in, discovers his passion for art, watches his friends get deported, watches them come back, and so on and so forth. Then his health starts to deteriorate. He has “episodes” until finally he succumbs in a simply wordless (ellipses-filled) final chapter that pulls on your heart strings.

The last chapter is beautiful. I cannot express how the scenes, at first confusing, express emotions and words not said. You’ll want to cry reading the story, especially if you don’t know how the love story ends.

Sadly, I can’t say I liked the art much. Half the time I was thinking “which Beatle is that?” I couldn’t tell who was who, but after a while, I knew who Astrid was, I knew who Klaus was, and I knew who Stu was. Any “Beatle” that spoke was just “A Beatle” in my mind and for scenes where I couldn’t tell anyone apart, I just decided “dialogue.”

Overall, to sum it up, Baby’s in Black is a reference to a title of a Beatles song, which I did not know and wish I had known earlier. This book could have benefited from an intro instead of the small epilogue we got. Get it for the Beatles Lovers, but pass if you don’t have the budget.

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Bonus:

Source: NetGalley

Prime Baby by Gene Luen Yang

Title: Prime Baby
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Gene Luen Yang (Colored by Derek Kirk Kim)
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-612-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Thaddeus K. Fong is not happy with the fact he has a baby sister. In fact, he tells his parents exactly how he feels, landing him in the corner, but he’ll show his parents. One day, he plans to rule the world, so the prime numbers he’s learning about in class? Useless. That is until he learns prime numbers might be a way to communicate with aliens. His sister has been talking oddly with her “ga-gas.” Soon, he discovers that his sister could be an alien and suddenly, she’s throwing up slug alien space ships. What can he do?
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Will Teens Like It? This is a title more enjoyed by adults.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: It is clear that Thaddeus can see connections in things that other people do not. It is also clear that he has some issues he needs to work through before anyone will believe him.

I’m not sure what it is about this title, but it rubs me the wrong way. While a co-worker was laughing out loud, I could only read this, think “Heh, the aliens are kinda cute” and not laugh. I like Yang’s art work and I enjoy his stories, but I’m not exactly impressed by this title and like his other works, fear it will have a short lived shelf life. The issue of the story, for the most part, is the need for Thaddeus to accept he is no longer an only child, but this is not a child’s story. Thaddeus, at 8 can use YouTube, purchase an island, and create a ray gun. Then, there are the peaceful aliens who just want to make the world a better place.

Overall, I like the art style (Yang’s style usually doesn’t bother me), but find the story neither appealing nor memorable. Adults will probably find this a more enjoyable read, especially since it ran in the NY Times Magazine. I’d pass on this for children’s collections for Thaddeus’s higher level thinking and I’d pass on this one for teens for sure. Adults seem to be the audience for this one.
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011

Source: Library copy.

Cat Burgler Black by Richard Sala

Title: Cat Burgler Black
Author: Richard Sala
Illustrator: Richard Sala
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-144-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Katherine “K.” Westree may finally have a home and some family. As an orphan, she grew up in an orphanage where she was trained to be a cat burglar, but she hopes to leave that all behind. Unfortunately, her aunt is ill, leaving her to do the deeds of the questionable head mistress. Readers will follow “K” as she performs to the task only to see demons from her past. Sala presents a book with more telling than showing with average artwork, plot holes, and yet a compelling story about K.
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Will Teens Like It? Questionable. Teens may be turned off by the huge amounts of text
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Things to be aware of: Nothing. This is clean except for the topic of burglary and even that is frowned upon.
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Longer Thoughts: Cat Burglar Black made it to my desk because the children’s department did not think it was appropriate for their area (at my previous gig). I have to agree, yet it does work for a middle school crowd. More or less, this is the story about K, who just wants to leave burglary behind and enjoy life. She is forced into stealing again, but does what she’s told because she believes it is what her Aunt wants.

Richard Sala’s art is simplistic and a few times I questioned why he used certain perspectives, which jarred me out of the story. In panels where characters were running, I often thought they were just walking quickly. The art, as delightful and different as it is, does not convey the actions he wants to convey. There is also too much text in places. Some panels are just a person’s head and shoulders and the rest is text. To me, the point of a graphic novel is to show, not tell, and feel more like a movie in my head than a book in my hands. Lastly, there are a lot of open plot points involving the characters from the aunt (where was she throughout the story?) to the groundskeeper (I know he’s important, but how?). The ending neatly ties up the story, but hints at the possibility for more.

Cat Burglar Black can be a compelling read, but only for those not familiar with graphic novels and who possibly want to see what the genre is. Unfortunately, it is not really a good representation of the genre.

One last thing: the review on the back by Lemony Snicket is not helpful in the least. It is an alphabetical listing of one to three word phrases that supposedly describe the book. When I realized it was an alphabet, it became clear that it really did not give a review of the book.
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Bonus:  ALA 2010 Great Graphic Novel
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Source: Library copy

Zeus: King of the Gods - Olympians - Vol. 1

Title: Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians Vol. 1)
Author: George O’Connor
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-625-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Zeus, the youngest child of Kronos, escaped being eaten alive by his father and has grown into a man bent on righting the wrongs done to Mother Earth. With the help of some friends and his siblings, Zeus embarks on a mighty war against his father and the other titans to help shape the world that the Greeks knew.
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Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: When I first saw this title, I thought that it would be dull, uninteresting, and have a short shelf life. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this title and find it seems to have a slight popularity. The tone of the story is that of typical myths mixed a little with a storyteller, for example, the storyteller hints at future stories to be told, but “that is for another day.” The pacing of the text is well timed to give the right suspense when needed to its soft mellow tone as the story builds up.

O’Connor’s art style is similar to that of the superhero comics and maybe even a little of the historic comics’ style. O’Connor says in his afterward that he grew up reading those comics, so his artwork pays tribute to the style seen in the past, but adds a modern flair that strikes the right balance for the story of Zeus.

An added bonus to this particular book is the extra stuff in the back of the book. Movie style posters give quick facts on particular characters as they strike an action pose. There are notes explaining Greek names and future stories. Lastly, the book rounds out with mediocre discussion questions and recommended reads.

Overall, I found this to be a refreshing read in the “adaptation” department. The author/illustrator struck the right balance between showing and telling as well as modern art and classic, that I was not bored with the book. In fact, I was determined to finish the book once I started it. I’d highly recommend this for a school library looking to round out their graphic novel collection with interesting, yet appealing graphic novels.
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
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Source: Library copy.

Brain Camp by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan; Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Title: Brain Camp
Author: Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-366-3
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: First a commercial:

Do you have a child who is “underachieving”? Or maybe your child is a “juvenile delinquent”? If you do, you may want to send your child to the exclusive “Camp Fielding: A Summer of Learning and Fun!” Here, your child will not only mature, he or she will shine and make you proud. Act quickly though as this is an invite-only camp. If your child is chosen, Mr. Oswald will visit you, and please be prepared to make your decision then.

Lucas and Jenna are seen as outsiders, underachievers, and failures in their parents’ eyes. Lucas’s mother suspects he’ll just end up in jail like his father. Jenna hasn’t seemed to mature, study, or prepare for an early entry into Yale. When the mysterious Mr. Oswald visits these families on the same night, Lucas and Jenna learn that their lives are about to change.

Once at Camp Fielding, Lucas and Jenna spy each other. They immediately dislike each other, but quickly learn to be allies at this bizarre camp. Something fowl (pun intended) is afoot at Camp Fielding. Lucas and Jenna are replacements for the two campers (who the reader met at the beginning) that left due to “family emergencies.” But, that is not what throws them off. First it is the camp activities, given without instruction. Then, there is the horrible, mushy food.  After that, their friends quickly turn into smart zombies. What is even stranger to Lucas and Jenna is what happens at night when students are in a deep slumber and the camp counselors sneak in. Not to mention, the building Lucas and Jenna discover on a trip to sneak out for “real” food. Jenna and Lucas must solve the mystery of Camp Fielding, before it is too late for them.
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Will Teens Like It? It’s most definitely a good teen title. Some teens may find this a good read because of previous camp experiences or the feelings of disappointed parents.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing really.
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Further Thoughts: Lucas and Jenna are both run-of-the-mill fourteen year olds. Lucas is getting into trouble and his mother just doesn’t know what to do any more (although, they live in a poor situation it seems). Jenna is a dreamer, which saddens her PHD parents who want her to be going to Yale already, like their friends’ children. So when Lucas and Jenna are thrown together, it is a surprise, I suspect, to the two characters that they are the only ones who can figure out the mystery. This just adds to how well rounded they are and where they need to grow. Of course, I don’t see how Jenna needs to fill the particular role her parents have given her, but at the same time, the rigors of education and hobbies (as illustrated early in the book) show that she should be living up to it (somehow this sounds familiar…).

The camp is much more than education. For these two teens it is also when they begin puberty as well as learning. To me, this makes the title a perfect fit to teens. The mystery story will appeal to mystery readers and the “Brain Camp” title with creepy smiling faces will appeal to the zombie crowd (seriously, it is just a different kind of zombie).

In a good graphic novel, the story is shown rather than told through the voices. In Brain Camp, the story is told in just the right amount of text and shown with the perfect panels and art. For a mystery, readers can easily pick up the clues that will fit in later and the astute reader will instantly see how everything builds up.

My only qualm is how quickly Jenna gets tricked later in the book. On one hand, I thought how sad, but on the other, at fourteen and lost as to what to do as adults won’t listen to her, I could easily see how she was tricked. This made me realize that, yes, she is only fourteen. It’s a perfect way for the writers to show it.

Overall, a fun title I couldn’t put down until I was finished. It was definitely worth the little bit of hype that I’ve seen for it.
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Bonus: ALA 2011 Great Graphic Novel

Source:  Library.

The Color of Heaven by Kim Dong Hwa (Book 3 of 3: Conclusion of the Color Trilogy)

Title: The Color of Heaven
Author: Kim Dong Hwa

Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)

Copyright: 2009

Price: $16.99

ISBN: 978-1-59643-460-8
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa and her mother are pining for their respective men to return. Ehwa is waiting for Duksam to return. Her mother is waiting for The Picture Man to see if he’ll stay or go again. When Ehwa’s mother finally understands her daughter is pining, she decides it is time for Ehwa to learn how to keep house, for if she is to wait, she might as well stay busy. Ehwa doesn’t enjoy this, but what else is there to do? This volume concludes the story and does so in a soft, bittersweet, yet hopeful way. The Color Trilogy is a must have for any graphic novel collection as it is a lovely trilogy.

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Will Teens Like It? This is a mature title. It is advertised to teens by ALA, but is really an adult title.

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Things to be aware of: Sexual situations, nudity
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Further Thoughts: As I closed the last book, I couldn’t help but feel sad and hopeful as this was the end of the book, but it was only the beginning for Ehwa. One of the best parts is that she revisits everything in the last two titles and closes doors so that she may face her future happily. Again, I cannot stop saying how wonderful the art was to evoke such strong emotions and again, I picked up this title as long as I had it from the library and just browsed the pictures, reflecting on the story, the scenes, and more. The only downside is the Reader’s Guide in the back, as great as it is to include, is almost exactly the same as the last. I would have liked the guides to be more focused on the book that was in hand. Overall, this is a series every library should have.

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Bonus: ALA’s Great Graphic Novel List 2010

Source: Library copy.

The Color of Water by Kim Dong Hwa (book 2 of 3)

Title: The Color of Water
Author: Kim Dong Hwa
Illustrator: Kim Dong Hwa
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-59643-459-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Ehwa’s story continues in this second book of The Color Trilogy. Readers follow Ehwa as she ages from about 13 to 17 and falls in love for a third time. Duksam, a young servant from another village, has stopped by Ehwa and her mother’s house looking for someone to repair his broken belt. After Ehwa is frightened by his forward comments, she fixes his belt and throws it back at him. His admiration of the stitching leads to comments about his admiration. With her gaze, Duksam feels he is able to win the wrestling match in town and thus begins the courtship of Ehwa and Duksam.

The parallels in this story of the mother and daughter continue as Ehwa continues to grow into more of a woman. The simple art still makes the story feel timeless and even have a fairy tale quality as you watch Ehwa grow from a teenager to a woman. This book includes a detailed reader’s guide that can be used for novice readers or more advanced readers.
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Will Teens Like It? This is still more of an adult title, especially with the content.
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Things to be aware of: Masturbation, sexual situations
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Further Thoughts: How can I explain what I love about this series? The illustrations, although line and in black and white evoke love, spring time, hope, and dreams. I cannot stop picking these titles up (at least while I have them) and looking over pages and scenes and smiling at how simple lines portray the strong man Ehwa loves. Issues of romance and marriage are brought up from arranged marriages to marriage for love. Lastly, it is the little details in this story that I enjoy. In prepping for this review, I picked up the book only to realize that somewhere in the story, Ehwa begins letting her hair grow, which I believe is a signal that she has become a woman in the villagers eyes.
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Bonus: First Second (:01)'s blog this week has a fantastic picture from San Diego ComiCon that features this title! Do visit the link and see what I mean. :)

An ALA Great Graphic Novel 2010


Source: Library copy.