Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin

A metal man in a wooden sea...

Flynn, Ian and Spaziante, Patrick. Mega Man (Volume 1): Let the Games Begin. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications ; London : Turnaround, 2011.

Plot: A re-telling of the first Mega Man game in comic form, the title consists of the first four books in the series. The story begins with the opening of Light Industries, a new robot development facility. While Dr. Light eagerly reveals his newest creations, the Robot Masters, his assistant and fellow roboticist, Dr. Wily, remains frustrated outside the limelight. Determined to make the world recognize his genius, he reprograms the Robot Masters and threatens to take over the planet. Rock, a small housekeeping robot offers to fight the evil doctor and restore the Robot Masters. With the help of a creative upgrade and supportive family, Rock becomes Mega Man, the fighting robot.

Genre: Comics, Video Games

Reading Level: Intended for younger readers, but the nostalgia will tempt older ones as well.

Similar Titles: Sonic comics, Super Mario Adventures comics

Personal Thoughts: Archie Comics, longtime producers of the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, branches out to an older video game. Working with games from the eight-bit era often presents problems, since most of the plots of such games displayed limited plots and loose, if any, characterization. As such, comics from such games often add a variety of details that do not always correspond to player experiences. This series, though, manages to effectively build on the basic story of Mega Man while branching out in a believable manner. The idea of Dr. Light and Dr. Wily's original relationship, for example, is explored, and explains why the doctor suddenly became a megalomaniac. Some additions to the original story are also given, such as characterizations for the Robot Masters and Rock's struggle with his new powers. Bright illustrations consistent with the original game designs also enhance the story. Some of the pacing seems unnecessarily quick, but for the first four books in a series, the collection manages to establish characters, plots, and settings for future titles.

This will be the last Mega Man title I will review.  

Robin Hood

Beware of falling mosasaur

Robin Hood presented by Disney.

Plot: The tales of Robin Hood remain some of the most popular in the English-speaking world. However, Disney offers a new view of classic folklore by telling the story with animals. The dashing fox, Robin Hood, with the support of the ursine Little John, robs from the rich to feed the poor. Eventually, the duo become bitter enemies with the false king, Prince John. Escaping the traitor prince's traps multiple times buys the two time, but they eventually must confront the evil lion in his own palace. Still, the adventurers manage to find assistance through the local clergy, innocent paupers, and pretty vixen.

Genre: Animals, Movies, Animation, Folklore

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: The Rescuers, The Aristocats

Personal Thoughts: This version of Robin Hood is one I, as well as many tweens, grew up with. It is considerably more light-hearted than many of the original tales, but still manages to capture the adventurous aspects of the first stories. However, I was surprised to learn the story was, originally, about another fox, Reynard. While Reynard was, understandably, not a suitable hero for a Disney film, his antics manage to sneak their way into this movie. The result is a colorful, nicely-made movie.

Mega Man: Robot Master Field Guide

 The charming tale of a robot boy and his robot dog

Udon. Mega Man: Robot Master Field Guide. Richmond Hill, Ont. : Udon Entertainment Corp., 2012.

Plot: The text offers a visual guide to the robots and humans involved in the Classic Mega Man franchise. Each entry includes the robot's creator, biography, and weakness. Additionally, the entries include artistic illustrations and in-game graphics.

Genre: Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 5-10

Similar Titles: Megaman Battle Network: The Complete Works, Mega Man: Official Complete Works

Personal Thoughts: This, surprisingly, is not a completely self-serving read. True, the franchise is over 30 years old, is no longer particularly aimed at tweens, and tends have a simplistic plot. However, Nintendo recently announced Classic Mega Man as a character in an upcoming Super Smash Bros. game, bringing the blue bomber back into the public eye.

Nature: An Original Duckumentary

 Waterfowl propaganda

Nature: An Original Duckumentary presented by PBS.

Plot: Hundreds of species of ducks exist. They live between the worlds of water, air, and land. However, survival in such varied environments requires special adaptations and behaviors. The documentary follows the yearly cycle of adult North American wood ducks while also reviewing the lifestyles of famous and not-so-famous ducks.

Genre: Animals, Documentary

Reading Level: I believe it is rated TV G

Similar Titles: The Life of Birds, Magic of the Snowy Owl

Personal Thoughts: The film tends to take itself a bit to seriously. To do so, the cinematography and audio are appropriately attractive and interesting. Many of the facts, particularly regarding duck adaptations, pleasantly surprise viewers. Still, ducks are, in my mind, innately funny, so a bit more levity may benefit the title.