Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily

Comics, comics, commmiiiiicccccsssssss

Flynn, Ian. Mega Man: Volume Three: Return of Dr. Wily. Mamaroneck, N.Y. : Archie Comic Publications, 2012.

Plot: Following the triumphant capture of Dr. Wily, Mega Man and company feel ready to return to a life of peace. Unfortunately, the evil doctor is not easy to stop. He gives the heroic robot five hours to prevent his latest plan, or he will destroy the city and everyone in it. Mega Man takes the challenge, but he may be playing into a much larger plan.

Genre: Comic Books, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Worlds Collide, The Shadow Saga, Astro Boy

Personal Thoughts: Like its predecessor, the comic explores and expands on the original game. However, at this point in the series, the artists and writers seem to have a better grip on the comic and make it more into their own story. Old allies intervene unifying the series, new technology advances the plot, and modern humor adds much needed relevance to the game's bare original story. As such, the comics suit the interests and needs of modern readers.

Lego: Legends of Chima

I am a little sad tonight, so I will watch my cartoons with my toy.

Lego: Legends of Chima presented by the Cartoon Network.

Plot: For centuries, the land of Chima enjoyed set order revolving around the power of Chi. To support and maintain the peace, various tribes of animals work together. When a series of mistakes, rebellions, and lies escalates to a war between the tribes, two former friends, Larval the lion and Cragger the crocodile, find themselves on opposite sides. The war may reveal larger problems within the land, some of which may lead to a reunification of the shattered peace.

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

Reading Level: I think most of the episodes are rated TV-Y.

Similar Titles: Ninjago, Lego: Star Wars

Personal Thoughts: Lego has begun to make a name for itself in the animation world. While most of the animation is fairly simplistic (all of the characters have the same body structure with different "skins"), the plot contains really complicated concepts. True, the series dose occasionally indulge in groan-worthy, juvenile humor. However, it also focuses on difficult topics such as forgiveness, blame, responsibility, rivalry, and fairness. The result is a deceptively and pleasantly complicated cartoon.

Ultimate Spider-Man

I want to climb, too!

Ultimate Spider-Man produced by Disney.

Plot: After some disastrous attempts to act as a solo hero, Peter Parker accepts Nick Fury's offer to join S.H.I.E.L.D. and become the Ultimate Spider-Man. To reach this point, Spider-Man will work with a team fellow superheroes. He also must conquer super-powerful villains, unexpected conflicts, questionable allies, and family issues. Still, some things can only be gained through working together. Some of the harder aspects of teamwork will forever test the budding hero, though.

Genre: Cartoon, Animation, Adventure

Reading Level: I believe most episodes are rated TV-Y7.

Similar Titles: Avengers Assemble, Batman Brave and the Bold

Personal Thoughts. I...honestly hate the first season. A lot of the team and Fury's actions toward Spider-Man just seem so hostile and mean-spirited. The second season amends this greatly. While his allies still tease Parker mercilessly, they also regularly defend and support him. They act less like a plot device and more like a united cast.

The series itself balances the drama and comedic aspects of the original comics. Spider-Man constantly riffs and quips his foes, and a few members of his team gladly join him. Additionally, Spider-Man often slips into "imagine spots" highlighted by anime-influenced animation, adding further comedy and variation to the episodes' pacing. However, injuries, arrests, and losses still have realistic effects, particularly when they are caused by the heroes' short-sighted or rebellious actions. As a result, the cartoon enjoys seriousness and silliness in a comprehensive and entertaining manner.

 

The Miniature World of Marvin and James

 ...& Jerome

Broach, Elise. The Minature World of Marvin and James. New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2014.

Plot: Marvin the beetle loves playing with James the human. James is going away on vacation, though. While Marvin manages to enjoy his time with his energetic and dramatic cousin, he misses James. He also worries when he discovers James has made new friend while visiting the beach. The beetle wonders if James will forget all about Marvin.

Genre: Friendship, Animals

Reading Level: Kindergarten - 3 Grade

Similar Titles: Mermaids in the Backyard, Masterpiece

Personal Thoughts: A light-hearted text discussing common childhood fears surrounding friendship. When a friend makes more friends, children (and some adults) often wonder if they still matter to their older relationships. The texts addresses such concerns naturally and cleverly.

This is the first text in the Masterpiece series. 

Smile

I am smiling

Telgemeier, Raina. Smile. New York : Graphix, 2010.

Plot: Raina's life takes a turn for the worst after she falls and damages her two front teeth. Instead of merely getting braces, she now has to have her entire mouth re-arranged over a series of several years. While undergoing braces, extractions, headgear, and root canals, she also grows up. Her interests, companions, and expectations change. As a result, some of the things she used to count on prove unreliable, as do some of the people she knows.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Growing Up, Family, Friends, Autobiography

Reading Level: Grades 9-12

Similar Titles: Drama, Big Nate

Personal Thoughts: Telgemeier's autobiographic struck a lot of nostalgia and realization. She and I grew up around the same time and witnessed many of the same events, such as the Northridge Earthquake and Disney's The Little Mermaid. Both of us also experienced tooth trouble due to a fall. However, one event in the text struck a nerve.

Toward the end of the book, Raina confronts her friends about their poor treatment of her. Much like her, I needed to learn the difference between someone who would hang out with me and someone who was a friend. Unfortunately, not all companions are beneficial. Some are actually cruel, but students (and even adults) often fail to recognize this. Many put up with mean or abusive behavior rather than risk being alone. Raina's confrontation is one I wished I participated in. Instead, I dealt with poor relations until I joined college. Texts willing to discuss the pressure of fitting in while acknowledging the need to break off bad relationships seem rare, so one that discusses it in an accessible, believable manner offers an amazing example and good story.