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This diamond means this book is one
of the top ten recommended titles!
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Almost every kid who's ever picked up a comic book knows who Archie is: that well-meaning but comical teenager who nevers seems to quite do what he should-- especially around the loyal Betty and tempting Veronica! These collections reprint the best of the decades of Archie comics, in vivid color, and show that despite the changing fashion and backdrop, Archie, his pals, his girls, and his town remain blissfully the same. Full of slapstick humor, gentle morals, and an energetic, curvy art style, these collections highlight the best of what Archie gives us: laughs, optimism, and a good heart. review by Robin |
Timmy McAllister has a mom who makes him chocolate chip pancakes, a dad who plays the bass in a funk band, a bratty sister named Lindsay, and his very own ninja. The mom, the dad, and the sister have pretty much been around for his whole life: he ordered the ninja from the Jacques Company catalog a few weeks into fifth grade, when he decided that being picked on was getting old. And because nothing's cooler than having your very own ninja, the social landscape of L. Frank Baum Elementary, in Cherry Creek, Indiana, undergoes a revolution. An "Original English Language" manga, Mail Order Ninja has very traditional manga-style artwork. However, it's definitely American: Joshua Elder's hilarious dialogue is peppered with pop culture references. "Son, owning a ninja is a big responsibility," says Timmy's dad, when the ninja arrives in the mail. "Remember what happened with the iguana?" "Oh, come on, dad," says Timmy. "How was I to know it would just explode like that?" And, of course, when Timmy's mom tells him to stop reading his comic book, Timmy responds with, "It's not a comic book! It's a graphic novel! Jeez!" This is a fun book that's definitely doing what Tokyopop set out to do with their OEL line: make manga-style books that will appeal to the manga-reading audience, but that are also appropriate through-and-through for younger kids. review by gina |
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The Asterix comics rank high among the classics in comics. Written by Goscinny and drawn by Uderzo the series has been translated into over a hundred languages and its characters are familiar figures worldwide. The comics revolve around the adventures surrounding a small Gaulish village in the heart of Roman France. Asterix is the crafty, cunning warrior who is relied upon to defend the village from Rome. Obelix is his menhir toting friend with a penchant for wild boar who makes up what he lacks in smarts with sheer brute strength and unshakeable loyalty. Getafix is the village druid -- he is the voice of reason in the village and defends the villagers against Roman incursions. He also brews the magic potion which gives Asterix his supernatural strength and agility and permits him to defeat the Romans so handily. In their adventures Asterix and Obelix travel far and wide, outsmarting the Romans every time. There is a reason that Asterix is a classic and continues to be read by millions: it is well written, amusing, and the good guys always win despite the seemingly insurmountable odds. Review by Petra Full List of Asterix Titles |
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If you've been wondering where to find a manga title that really is for all ages, then look no further. This hilarious and madcap series from Kyohiko Azuma, creator of Azumanga Diaoh, is exactly what you want. Yotsuba&! (the title of which is the best and most accurate translation of the title language in Japanese) follows the adventures of Yotsuba, an energetic and curious little girl who's just moving to the city with her father. She's a bit, well, weird, never having seen a swing before and determined to find out about everything in her new neighborhood. She quickly meets (and puzzles) the three Ayase sisters who live next door. Yotsuba is especially good at finding adventure in the most ordinary tasks – she goes to the bathroom one morning only to find that the lock is broken. The only way out is through the window (but of course!), and in her pajamas and slippers she roams the streets discovering the use of doorbells, to the bemusement of her neighbors. She only remembers to go home once someone questions her attire. The whole book works gently and comically, featuring all manner of amusing slapstick and always from the point of view of the irrepressible Yotsuba. Her kind but often spacey dad, Koiwai, is patient and maintains a “go with the flow” attitude, making a good support for the rambunctious girl, and her new neighbors help her adjust to the daily wonders of her new home and friends. I haven't laughed out loud so much as anything in a long time, and the comic timing and articulate simplified expressions common in manga art make the whole ride through Yotsuba's life one not to be missed. As her father says, she can find happiness in anything. We all need to be reminded, sometimes, that standing in a rainstorm can be the best. review by Robin |
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Children's fantasy is full of talking creatures: animals, insects, even trees! So isn't it time vegetables had their say? In Magic Pickle, Scott Morse reveals a shocking secret: a bunch of produce has, er, gone bad and is planning to terrorize the nation. Luckily, we have a hero on our side. Code-named "Weapon Kosher," the Magic Pickle was created by Doctor Jekyll Formaldehyde to protect mankind from "villainous vegetables" like the Phantom Carrot, the Romaine Gladiator, and the fiery Chili Chili Bang Bang. Things get complicated when our hero (who's been in a jar for fifty years) discovers that his secret lab is located beneath Jo Jo Wigman's bedroom floor. Can a girl help an experienced super-pickle in his mission, even if she does still wear footsie jammies? Morse draws vegetables and humans with personality and style; if you can't imagine a pickle scowling, this book will change your mind. Hilarious artwork, plucky kids, and silly puns make Magic Pickle perfect for younger comics readers. Review by Jen |
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One of the most acclaimed series to appear for years, loved by everyone from wee kiddies to adults, Jeff Smith's Bone series is a bit like throwing Looney Tunes characters into a Tolkien-esque landscape with neither a map nor a friend. The Bone cousins have been exiled from Boneville and must make their way through treacherous deserts and towering forests, all the while contending with monsters and adopting allies into their crew. You won't soon forget the lovely Thorn, one of the great fantasy heroine's to come around in a while, her mighty grandma (yes, I do mean MIGHTY grandma), and the sinister Rat Creatures (who seem to be entirely set on cooking the Bone cousins into a quiche). Laugh out loud funny and at the same time full of tense adventure, Bone is not to be missed! The Complete Bone Series Bone: Out from Boneville (1) Related Titles |
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If this book were a movie pitch, I'd have to say that Alison Dare's story is the recent reincarnation of The Mummy crossed with Indiana Jones if Indiana Jones were a twelve-year old girl. In slick black and white, J. Torres and J. Jones introduce us to the intelligent, adventure-obsessed Alison Dare, daughter of an archeologist mother and a librarian/superhero father. Despite her parents attempt to keep Alison in line by sending her to a boarding school, she and her two buddies still manage to get into their fair share of trouble. Her adventuresome relatives are often around to come to the rescue, however, and these infectious tales of adventure and romance revel in the traditions of classic serial adventures. Despite appearances, however, all is not fabulous in Alison's life ø her parents are divorced and the instances that remind her of this painful reality are subtle and feeling. It's fit and fun for all ø who doesn't need a witty archeologist-in-training bent on adventure in their life? Review by Robin |
Archie Americana Series
Asterix
Yotsuba&!
Magic
Pickle
Bone
Alison
Dare: Little Miss Adventures Back to no flying, no tights
copyright Robin Brenner 2002-2003