The Minish Cap

Where is this guy?

Himekawa, Akira. The Minish Cap. San Francisco, CA : Viz Media, 2009.

Plot: After being snubbed for a yearly swordsmanship competition, Link meets a bizarre but strong man. The character, later known as Vaati, releases a casket full of monsters by destroying a sacred sword and turning Princess Zelda to stone. Link must seek out the legendary Minish, tiny, helpful folk capable of reforging the sword. Early in his journey, Link rescues Ezlo, a talking, bird-like cap capable of wielding magic. Link finds himself on a journey through the entire land, discovering more about Ezlo, Zelda, and Vaati in the process.

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Video Games

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Majora's Mask, Kingdom Hearts, Pokemon Adventures

Personal Thoughts: The title offers rapid action, creative illustrations, and believable diction. However, it falls a bit flat. As previously mentioned, a lot of video-game based graphic novels expand on the story offered by the original media. However, instead of making the world more comprehensible and believable, the title chooses to fall on clichés such as the misunderstood teacher, transformed guardian, and sympathetic villain. While none of these are bad by themselves, they effectively smudge much of the game's original charm. Most of the changes seem to occur merely to add drama instead of expansion. For example, a helper character in the game becomes a hostile one in the manga to add more conflict. Unfortunately, he still looks and speaks like a helper, so the behavior does not match the portrayal. Yet, several "boss" characters are excluded, even though they could supply the necessary situations. As a result, while the title is beautiful to read, it lacks many of the actions and characterizations of the original title, leaving the reader bewildered by the missing characters and conflicting characters.

Mal and Chad: Volume 1 - The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever!

Now in 3-D Action*

McCranie, Stephen. Mal and Chad: Volume I - The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever!. New York : Philomel Books, 2011.

Plot: Mal, a fourth-grade super-genius, refuses to reveal his intellect to anyone except his talking dog, Chad. While the two enjoy everyday adventures of trying dog food, going to school, and testing jetpacks, Mal still needs to take care of school business. His teacher wants him to write about what he wants to be when he grows up. With Chad in tow, Mal tries to be a scuba diver and a paleontologist. However, the time machine he uses to study dinosaurs goes awry, sending Chad's crush back in time. Mal needs to rescue her before the tear in the space-time continuum closes on them forever.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adventure

Reading Level: Grades 2-6

Similar Titles: Copper, Casebook: The Bermuda Triangle

Personal Thoughts: A well-written, nicely illustrated book, the title manages to offer a balance between the extraordinary and everyday. Chad makes rockets, jetpacks, and time machines, but he still deals with bullies, homework, and chores. His responses to such challenges reveal his positive qualities. Often, misunderstood genius characters rely on their social awkwardness to appeal to their audiences. Chad plays the stereotype, but then he overcomes it. He uses his genius to make Mal's dog food taste better. Despite his intellect, Mal still respects his teacher. He observes his classmates without belittling them. However, his greatest virtue is his display of what growing up means.

Like a lot of tweens, he starts the "what will I do when I grow up" assignment by focusing on a career. By the end of the title, though, he concentrates on what kind of person he intends on becoming. This change hit a nerve. Like a lot of graduates, I tend to spend a lot of time working towards a particular job. One of the hardest things I have learned is to focus on who I will be, instead of what I will do. This is a great lesson to learn early on, and the title offers it in a meaningful and entertaining manner.

*Not really in 3-D action.

Ozma of Oz

She wants the Nome King to win

Baum, L. Frank, Shanower, Eric, and Young, Skottie. Ozma of Oz. New York : Marvel Worldwide, Inc., 2011.

Plot: Dorothy unexpectedly finds herself in in Oz again. This time, she joins the Princess of Oz, Ozma, in her quest to free the Queen, Princesses, and Princes of Ev, a neighboring kingdom. The royal family is now in the power of the Nome King, who proves not to be as amicable as he appears. Still, with the strength of a princess, Kansas girls, yellow hen, lion, tiger, tin man, scarecrow, and the army of Oz, the heroes are bound to succeed. Right?

Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Marvelous Land of Oz, Delicate Creatures

Personal Thoughts:  A graphic novel interpretation of Dorothy's second adventure in Oz, the text captures the original spectacle of the book. Bright colors and loose lines give the cartoonish character designs a funky, Nightmare Before Christmas appeal. However, the text also stays true to the original tale, without adding or subtracting from Baum's story.

Monster High: Hopes and Screams: An Original Graphic Novel

Pay no attention to the Nutella in the background

Nuhfer, Heather and Howard, Josh. Monster High: Hopes and Screams: An Original Graphic Novel. New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2014.

Plot: The Gory Gazzette, Monster High's online newsletter, needs a  new editor. Frankie Stien rises to the occasion with the help of her best friends. Creating a good newsletter will require everyone's talents in creativity, consideration, and organization. Other obligations continue, though. The monsters must maintain their grades, friendships, and work habits to create a truly horrific product.

Genre: Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Monster High: My Monster Life, Monster High: Fearbook

Personal Thoughts: The title is based on a popular toy line, so fans of the dolls will most likely appreciate the graphic novel. Compared to some of the other products of the toyline, though, the graphic novel seem a bit lackluster. For example, the online videos (accessible via YouTube) balance the characters, the action, and the morals a bit better. While they certainly venture into "cheesy" territory, particularly when subjects such as acceptance and tolerance are involved, they have enough humor and characterization to maintain interest. Much of the "lessons" in the graphic novel are the sole focus of the stories, making the plot feel forced and stiff. Still, the images are appealing and the characterizations are consistent, so the title may still be worthy of a review.

Hades: Lord of the Dead

O'Connor, George. Hades: Lord of the Dead. New York : First Second, 2012.

Plot: A retelling of the classic story of Hades and Persephone. However, the text uses an unusually modern format for the ancient tale. It comes in the form of a graphic novel.

Genre: Folklore, Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Zeus: King of the Gods, Perseus and Medusa

Personal Thoughts: The title combines the visual appeal of manga with the readability of American comics, making the story visually appealing and easily read. However, none of the characters appear remotely sympathetic, with the possible exception of Hades. Even then, he seems highly apathetic to his duties, subjects, and family. Still, the title may make normally intimidating Greek culture a bit more accessible to the modern reader.

Babymouse: Queen of the World

Holm, Jennifer L. and Holm, Matthew. Babymouse: Queen of the World. New York : Random House Children's Books, 2005.

Plot: The imaginative Babymouse longs for the life of a queen. However, she lives with chores, messy whiskers, math, and evil lockers. Felicia Furrypaws, the most popular girl in school, definitely enjoys the royal lifestyle, and her slumber party offers a peek into a regal world. Babymouse must convince the school queen to let her join the party. However, the high life may not offer the pleasures or acceptance she expects.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Grades 1-6

Similar Titles: Junie B. Jones series, Babymouse: Rockstar

Personal Thoughts: The titular character presents an unusually balanced view of a junior higher. While Babymouse suffers from bullies, school, and failures, she also enjoys friends, hobbies, and successes through trial, error, and an overactive imagination. Many novels tend to portray the world of tweens as chronically terrible (the Star Wars prequel model) or constantly ending happily ever after (the Brady Bunch method). Babymouse offers a view of someone with creativity, sarcasm, and hopes. Sometimes she wins, sometimes she looses, but she always survives the situations. As a result, the series is positive without becoming preachy.

The series recently published its 17th book.
 

Marvel Comics Database

Marvel Database at http://marvel.wikia.com/Main_Page

Plot: Marvel fans unite to create this comprehensive site describing the franchise's characters, worlds, storylines, and volumes. The character pages include histories, powers, relationships, and trivia, as well as links to alternate reality characters (note to new readers, nearly every Marvel hero/villain/anti-hero has a counterpart in another universe/dimension with similar costumes, different backstories, and occasional zombification). Major comics, such as The Avengers, also enjoy pages following arcs with links to specific characters and volume synopses. The site includes extensive information in an easily-accessible manner.

Genre: Websites, Comics, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Some of the more recent comics address "mature" themes, such as violence, rape, and death, so warn sensitive viewers.

Similar Titles: Marvel Universe Wiki, Marvel.com

Personal Thoughts: While I normal caution against unofficial wikis, the fan-based site offers some of the most accessible and comprehensive information about Marvel Comics. The site acknowledges the confusing multiverse of the comics without becoming irritating or dismissive. As a result, new readers can quickly navigate the site to gain an understanding of complex storylines or characters.

Anya's Ghost

Brosgol, Vera. Anya's Ghost. New York : First Second, 2011.

Plot: Life could not be more frustrating for Anya if it tried. Her family does not understand her, her friends use her, her body mocks her, and her crush ignores her. A walk in the park, however, ends when she falls down a well. The well is not unoccupied. A ninety-year-old ghost greets her. Then follows her home. Initially, the ghost, named Emily, seems helpful. She gives Anya answers in class and gets  to a party with her crush. After the party, Emily begins to act strangely controlling. Anya, claims the ghost, needs her, and Emily will do anything to make sure Anya knows it.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Reading Level: Grades 7-12

Similar Titles: Zombies Calling!, Habibi,

Personal Thoughts: In some ways, the novel reminds me of Baron: The Cat Returns. A very believable, far from perfect girl is suddenly confronted with the extraordinary. Unlike Haru's klutzy-sweet nature, Anya appears to serve as the stereotypical "bad girl." She smokes, cuts class, and fights with her mother. Yet, she also has very understandable characteristics. Her weight worries her. Her family, infuriating as it is, remains important to her. She wonders about how her peers view her immigrant status. As such, she is a character the reader sympathizes while disagreeing with, much like the reader would if she were an actual person.

Anya also responds like a real teen, most notably at the end of the story. Too many stories imply a revolution in character for their bad boy/girl protagonist into the epitome of virtue through supernatural adventures. Anya, however, still dislikes school, worries about her figure, and tries to avoid too much attention from her teachers. However, she does change as well. She decides to stop smoking and does not appear as troubled by her long, Russian name. Anya grows without destroying her initial personality, which, while tricky to show, is actually realistic, making the story a enjoyable read.

Side Note: Jerome likes Anya.

All New Tenchi Muyo!: Pet Peeves (vol 6)

 

Okuda, Hitoshi Okuda and Burke, Fred. All New Tenchi Muyo! Pet Peeves (vol 6). San Fransisco : Viz, LLC, 2005.

 

Plot: The classic story of rivalry and love between a boy...and three aliens. While the concept is interesting in itself, this volume introduces a new twist. After foiling the plans of a poacher, Tenchi and company find themselves caring for a cute, wide-eyed, dragon-like creature known as a miitsu. The little blue miitsu quickly gains the favor of the household. However, she also contains the capacity to become a threat, not only to the protagonists, but the entire alien civilization. Two brief additional stories parody the common manga themes of the daily life of a schoolgirl and the similar-different future.

 

Genre: Science Ficition, Romance, Humor, Manga, Graphic Novel

 

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Ah! My Goddess, Ranma 1/2, Case Closed

 

Personal Thoughts: A solid, goofy science fiction manga. The series is a bit like a Japanese version of Scooby Doo, lasting several generations in many different incarnations and spin-offs. Like Scooby, though, the basic premises remains the same despite the recreations: focusing on the bizarre love triangle Tenchi finds himself almost constantly in.

Mighty, Mighty Monsters: Hide and Shriek!

O'Reilly, Sean Patrick. Mighy, Mighty Monsters: Hide and Shriek!. Mankato, MN : Stone Arch Books, 2011.


Plot: Late at night, the child monsters of Transylvania meet at their club. They decide to spend their night playing hide and seek. However, some very important rules need establishing. No magic, no sniffing, and no changing into a bat!

Genre: Monsters, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Ages 7-9

Similar Titles: The rest of the Mighty, Mighty Monsters series

Personal Thoughts: A good example of the comedic monster. Instead of being scary, the monsters play the role of the protagonists and wrestle with fitting in, struggling in school, and goofing off with atypical friends.

At the end of the novels, a brief section discusses the "original" source of the monsters. For example, this novel focused on cinematic Dracula, some of the legends and books participating in his creation, and the role of his film in modern cinema.

Goosebumps Graphix: Creepy Creatures

Stine, R.L. Goosebumps Graphix: Creepy Creatures. New York : Graphix, 2006.

Plot: A comic-book style retelling of three of Stine's original Goosebumps. "The Werewolf of Fever Swamp" follows the story of a boy who insists his dog is not the culprit behind attacks on local wildlife. His search for the truth leads him into greater trouble than he could ever anticipate. By contrast, "The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight" sets two city dwellers against disturbingly animated inanimate objects. A moral lesson in the dangers of practical jokes and casual wishes haunts the protagonist of "The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena." A trio of creative and visually pleasing stories.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Stonekeeper, Skeleton Key: The Graphic Novel, Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel

Personal Thoughts: The series is one of many novels transitioning into graphic form. Other examples include the Warriors, Artemis Fowl, and Redwall series. The change may prove valuable, particularly in the traditionally non-reading group of male tweens. Some tweens find graphic novels more popular or acceptable than typical reading materials. Since original novels provide the source of inspiration, curious tweens may try one of the original novels if the graphic novel is interesting. Graphic novels may prove to be the "gateway drug" necessary to encourage more reading.

Pokemon: Rise of Darkrai

Takamisaki, Ryo. Pokemon: Raise of Darkrai. San Francisco : Viz Media, 2008.

Plot: Ash, Dawn, and Brock find there way to a new town. However, the town's Pokemon garden seems under assault. Most of the town's occupants believe Darkrai, a shadowy and powerful pokemon, is responsible for the damage. As the city's strongest trainers challenge the dark creature, the disturbances town expand, affecting people and pokemon alike. A pair of citizens, however, suspect Darkrai may be innocent of the accusations. Their suspicions are confirmed at the arrival of two dueling monsters. The fight between the two threaten to break the town into the realm beyond time and space. Ash and friends must find a way to stop the two creatures, but they have an unexpected ally.

Genre: Movies, Graphic Novels, Manga, Video Games

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Personal Thoughts: The novel is a manga version of a film released in English in 2008. As a rule, novelizations are tricky to review, since they rely on a completely different medium than the original source. Also, the original plot determines the value of the story determines much of the novelization's capacity, limits, and direction. That said, this manga presents the plot rather well. The style, while more simplistic than the anime, fits the medium well while following the story accurately. Fans of the Pokemon anime will probably enjoy it, although it will not convert any anti-Pokemon players/watchers/readers.

Side Note: Tee hee. I took a picture of a Pokemon reading Pokemon.

Peach Fuzz (Vol 1)

Cibos, Lindsay and Hodges, Jared. Peach Fuzz (Vol 1). Los Angeles : Tokyopop, 2005.

Plot: Nine-year-old Amanda gets the opportunity to have her own pet. Determined to find the most exotic pet available. She finds a ferret, which seems to meet her standards, despite its tendency to nip. However, her pet, Peach, quickly reveals she has an agenda of her own. The ferret, convinced she is royalty, immediately escapes and claims the household as her own. Eventually, the ferret's demands overwhelm her owner. Amanda must face her own fears and responsibilities if she wants to become friends with Peach.

Genre: Animals, Manga, Coming of Age

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Van Von Helsing, Hamtaro, Tama and Friends

Personal Thoughts: The novel is an example of an English-Language manga. English-Language mangas tend to be absolutely loved or absolutely hated by manga fans. Simply described, this variation of manga is written in English, but presented in the Japanese manga style. Personally, I think the saga of Peach and Amanda would not work in another medium. Text-based formats would shatter the story completely. Even traditional comic books would not convey the over-the-top emotions and situations quite as well as asymmetrical format and emoticon-based art in manga. So, while the genre will always have its critics, it also seems to have its place in storytelling.

The manga began as a 17-page winner of Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga competition. The comic also appeared briefly in North American newspapers in 2005.

Dragon Ball Z

Toriyama, Akira. Dragon Ball Z (Vol 1).San Francisco : Viz Comics, 2002.

Plot: Following the events of Dragon Ball, Goku reunites with his friends and teacher. Much to their surprise, the young man arrives with his son, the four-year-old Gohan. The meeting is cut short by the arrival of an aggressive, flying foe. The man claims to be Goku's older brother, and alerts his younger brother of his mission to destroy all life on Earth. To force Goku to participate, the stranger kidnaps his son and hold him for a ransom of one hundred dead humans. Furious at the alien's demands and determined to rescue his son, Goku finds an unlikely ally. The two manage to defeat the foe, but two more, stronger, opponents promise to come in a year's time...

Genre: Manga, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Science Fiction

Reading Level: Rated Teen for violence and sexual innuendo

Similar Titles: Lum, Naruto, One Piece 

Personal Titles: The novel is one of the most famous manga worldwide. It, as well as its sequels and prequel, instigated a number of movies, video games, and television shows and led to the recognition of manga as a genre. That said, it does not age particularly well, in my opinion. The plot seems much slower than it needs to be due to the frequent action sequences, which seem to distract from the story rather than add to it. The characters are broad stereotypes, such as the determined fighter, arrogant prince, smart but flakey girl, and goofball friend. Some critics also argue it becomes too formulaic, particularly in its later volumes.

It should be noted the original translation was aimed at adults, not tweens. As such, some of the imagery and humor is not intended for younger audiences, so use caution before recommending the novels.

Side Note: Dreamworks dragon disapproves of lack of dragons in Dragon Ball.

Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue

I forgot to update again...this week, we're looking at graphic novels.

Runton, Andy. Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue.  Marietta, GA : Top Shelf, 2005.

Plot: Owly, and his new friend Wormy, enjoy the luxury of their garden. As they enjoy the growth and harvest of the apple trees, a peculiar bird snubs their feeder. Eager to make amends, the two friends go to buy more birdseed. At the garden store, they find an advertisement displaying the strange birds. Apparently, the birds, known as bluebirds, have lost much of their habitat. To help the birds, Owly and Wormy sacrifice their wagon to build a birdhouse. Yet, Owly's predatory appearance keeps the birds from using the house. While it seems the work was for nothing, a recent storm may change the opinions of the bluebird pair.

Genre: Graphic Novel, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 9-12, but the lack of text may appeal to younger audiences while the graphics may easily appeal to older readers.

Similar Titles: Circle of Friends, Owly & Wormy: Friends All Aflutter

Personal Thoughts: As I mentioned once, writing a book with minimal text is a challenge that, when accomplished well, can appeal to multiple generations. Also, the simplicity of the character design allows the author to focus on the expressions of the drawings to convey the story, which manages to reveals a comprehensible textless plot. In addition, the story offers an important, but subtle, environmental message regarding local wildlife. Usually, any attempt to introduce concepts such as habitat loss and environmental responsibility becomes preachy. Yet, the novel introduces it simply without undermining the message. An impressive feat, indeed.  

Side Note: Do you like how the one plushie with a bit of blue is reading Owly (Vol 2): Just a Little Blue? Let me think I'm clever.

Indiana Jones Omnibus: Volume 1

Richardson, Mike. Indiana Jones Omnibus: Volume 1. Milwaukie, OR : Dark Horse Books, 2008.

Plot: World-renowned archaeologist Indiana Jones travels the world in search of treasure and trouble in the first three stories of the omnibus. As he seeks his quarry, he discovers action and supernatural artifacts. His journeys inevitably bring him in contact with World War II superpowers, crooked leaders, deadly hitman, and, unfailingly, femme fatales. 

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novel

Reading Level: Aimed at teens, but younger and older readers may enjoy it, too.

Similar Titles: Star Wars Omnibus, Indiana Jones movies

Personal Thoughts: The book is good, but not remarkable. Most of the stories are exciting, but predictable. The graphics echo the stylized realism typical of superhero comics in a manner which displays the story, but not in an exceptional way. The plots seem slightly rushed and the characters, with the exception of Jones, suffered from underdevelopment. Still the humor and dialog remineces the movies quite effectively. Overall, the book is good, but has room for improvement.

As a side note, it bugs me a bit when an omnibus has multiple volumes. I'm not sure why.

Owly: Volume 1

Ruton, Andy. Owly: Volume 1. Marietta GA : Top Shelf, 2004.

Plot: Owly is a lonely owl living in a forest. Despite his good intentions and generous nature, he remains widely distrusted among other birds. His life begins to change after he finds and assists a drowning worm. As he breaks from his routine to assist the worm, he gradually finds acceptance and adventure. Ruton clearly spent considerable time producing a book with a cute story, lovable characters, and attractive graphics. Yet, he also adds an additional challenge. Most of his work is done in pantomime, with little or no written dialog. The lack of written words do not inhibit the story. If anything, Ruton manages to use the lack of diction to draw more attention to the emotions portrayed by the characters.

Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Aimed at ages 9-11, but younger children and adults will enjoy it as well

Similar Titles: Yotsuba&

Personal Thoughts: It always annoys me when people treat comics as a lesser or inferior writing style. A good comic often takes as much effort as a good novel. Yet, like novels, everyone thinks they can make a comic.

Personal rant aside, the novel manages to produce a likable story reflecting on the glory of the everyday.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152

Petersen, David. Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. New York: Villard, 2007.

Plot: The Mouse Guard, no longer needed for war following a battle with weasels, continues to serve the mouse country as guides, guards, and pathfinders. However, a map in a missing merchant's cart reveals a plot to betray the mice and their order. Lady Gwendolyn dispatches three mice, Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon, to seek the traitor. Yet, the betrayal seeps much deeper than the mice originally anticipated, striking through several towns, ancient legends, and a mysterious hermit.

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level: None noted, but suitable for tweens and older readers

Similar Titles: Mouse Guard series, Owley, The Saga of Rex, Bone

Personal Thoughts: Apparently, the series enjoys increasing popularity. Other books are already in print while other merchandise, from figurines to a role-playing game, stem from the series. However, while the graphics are exceedingly well-done, the story seems underwhelming. The visuals do not always assist with character development and, as a result, the personalities of the mice seem a bit flat. In addition, the motivation for the characters, especially the betrayer, find little reference or explanation. However, perhaps this view is limited, since I did not read any additional books. With graphic novels, characters only really develop over time, so my view may be limited.

P.S. More talking mice. Nothing against mice, but why do talking animal books always include talking mice?

Transformers: Movie Prequel

Rall, Chris. Transformers: Movie Prequel. San Diego: IDW Publishing, 2007.

Plot: While Cybertron enjoyed eons of peace and prosparity due to the presence of the enigmatic Allspark, the planet rapidly dissolved into chaos following the betrayal of Megatron, a powerful robot. Calling his army of rebels "Decepticons" he waged war on the Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime. Fearing the loss of the Allspark, Optimus orders Bumblebee, a small Autobot, to launch the Allspark into deep space. The Autobot succeeds, but Megatron follows the power source towards an unassuming planet, later called Earth. Through a twist of fate, the histories of the Decepticons, Autobots, and humans rush towards a crux leading to the 2007 movie...

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level: All Ages

Similar Titles: The Transformers series by IDW Publishing

Personal Thoughts: Okay, confession time. I really liked the first Transformers movie. Librarians are supposed to be all about information and intellect, but I just like the occasional, over-the-top summer blockbuster. I could not bring myself to watch the sequel due to the negative reviews, but I still think the first is entertaining.

Anyway, the comic effectively tells the story behind the story. The book describes the set-up for the movie, including information on Sector 7, the Witwickys, and the robots. It also explains how Bumblebee knew to look for Sam and why the Decepticons started attacking military bases. Much like the movie, the graphic novel is more action than story, but (in my opinion) there is nothing wrong with that.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon approves of you reading this.