Archie Meets KISS

 

Archie Meets KISS by Alex Segura

 

It's been awhile since I've read an Archie comic, so when I was ordering this round of graphic novels I couldn't resist including Archie in his latest antics. The characters of Riverdale remain the same, with a few unexpected visitors, Sabrina the teenage witch, Josie of Josie and the Pussycats and well obviously KISS - oh yeah and throw in some zombies. The storyline is the following: When one of Sabrina the Teenage Witch's spells goes awry and summons forth a gang of dangerous monsters bent on turning the people of Riverdale into mindless zombies, what can Archie and the gang do to save the town and their friends. Enter KISS - four supernatural heroes with their sights set on the frightening invaders.

 

Things I liked: Reading an Archie comic again. KISS lyrics sprinkled throughout the text. The chapter cover artwork that mimics KISS album covers. The artists sketchbook at the end of the book - I love to see where the inspiration comes from.

 

Things I didn't like: It was a little predictable and I would have liked the monsters to be more monsterish.

 

Here's the trailer

Summer Reading - Graphic novels

Lost Trail : Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness by Donn Fendler ; illustrated by Ben Bishop

Based on the true story Lost Trail is a boldly illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of Donn Fendler, a twelve-year-old Boy Scout from New York, who climbs Maine's mile-high Mount Katahdin and in a sudden storm is separated from his friends and family.
What follows is a nine-day adventure in which Donn, lost and alone in the Maine wilderness, struggles for survival.
What I liked: I liked how Donn relied and remembered his training from Boy Scouts about what to do when your lost (sometimes he ignored this and therefore made things more difficult for searchers.) Stay with the group. Don't panic. Follow a stream. and others. I thought the black & white illustrations were very atmospheric and gave a good sense of how Donn was feeling emotionally. I also really liked that the story was made into chapters with breaks that were made from Newspaper articles.
What I didn't like: Although Donn had a strong faith in God, I don't know if that it should have overshadowed his survival the way that it did.

Fans of the Hatchet series might want to check this one out, or you might want to read the original book recounting the story : Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Donn Fendler. There is even talk of making it into a movie. Here's a promo for it.

Summer Reading - Graphic novels

Wolverine : Worst Day Ever by Barry Lyga

I have to admit that this was a totally random pick. What can I say? sometimes fate gives you what you need -- something fun, adventurous, hilarious and with great artwork. I found it in the graphic novel section, but I don't know that it qualifies as a graphic novel (it's not  a story told in sequental artwork / drawings). It's more of a story, told in blog format, with illustrations. That's really unimportant to anyone who's not a librarian.
So, to get on with the review... Eric is a recent recruit to Xavier's School for Gifted Students. He has a very peculiar mutant gift, in his words
 " Basically, people don't notice me. I don't mean like I'm shy or anything like that. I mean that people just don't notice me. I could walk into a room totally naked, playing an accordian while juggling chainsaws, and people might get the idea that something's a little off in the room."
So what's a kid with a strange undeveloped mutant power supposed to do when surrounded with peers who have awesome mutant powers, well..., sneak around, lurk in the shadows, tag along with the X-men on secret missions and spy on favourite X-man of all Wolverine. This is where the fun, the action and the hilarity gets rolling.
I'm buying this one for our library for sure! I loved it.
Read On.

Summer Reading - Graphic Novels

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
I really enjoyed Smile, written and drawn by this same author, so I was excited to get the chance to have a sneak-peak at her latest graphic novel Drama. Basically it boils down to this -- finding your way in middle school is tough!  I know I wouldn't want to travel back in time and relive the challenges or the drama of it. So cudo's to Ms. Telgemeier for having the skill to create a story that stays true to the age, as well as being relatable with what kids are facing as they grow up.
Think GLEE for middle school -- this book deals with dating, friendships, school plays and learning about a friend's homosexuality. So if that makes you uncomfortable, maybe it's not a book for you. On the flip side it has so many great true moments that are so part of everyday life at middle school, that you won't want to miss this one.

Here's the book summary:

Callie loves theatre. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she is determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage and offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier.

Summer Reading : Graphic novels

Amulet - book 5 : Prince of the Elves by Kazu Kibuishi

I was lucky enough to read this ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) via NetGalley, the release date isn't until September 1. I really like this series, the art work is fabulous and story of the stonekeepers has kept my interest for years now and although I'm not a huge sci-fi / fantasy kind of person I can relate to the characters and enjoy the depiction of this other world, with its flying ships, weird talking creatures and robots.

Here's the summary:
Emily has survived the chaos of the Guardian Academy, but Max Griffin, who is working for the Elf King, has escaped with the mother stone. The Elf King has now forged new amulets, which allow him the ability to invade Cielis and destroy it once and for all. Emily and her friends desperately make preparations to defend Cielis in what will be a brutal war, and they can only hope that it will be enough to defeat the Elf King.

I'm sure Scholastic will be putting together a book trailer and will include that at a date closer to the release or when I'm holding the copy for our library in my hands.

The Wrath of Zozimos

Stickman Odyssey : the wrath of Zozimos by Christopher Ford

I love Christopher Ford for drawing stickmen and having such a wonderful sense of humor. The fact that he can give stickmen so much expression gives us creatively challenged folks hope.
Here's the summary:
In his quest to reclaim the throne of Sticatha from his evil stepmother, the exiled prince Zozimos has fought golems, matched wits with a sphinx, and overcome his own ineptitude to, well, stay alive. Now, with his homeland finally in sight, he and his band of misfits ready themselves for battle. Only it's not quite the fight they were expecting...

Where my last funny book left me a little bored, this one kept me reading and laughing right along.

Uglies: Shay's Story

Uglies: Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld ; illustrations by
Steven Cummings
Summary from back cover:
Uglies told Tally Youngblood's version of life in Uglyville and the budding rebellion against the Specials. Now comes an exciting graphic novel revealing new adventures in the Uglies world - as seen through the eyes of Shay. Tally's rebellious best friend who's not afraid to break the rules, no matter the cost.
A few months shy of her sixteenth birthday, Shay eagerly awaits her turn to become a Pretty - a rite-of-passage operation called "the Surge" that tranforms ordinary Uglies into paragons of beauty. Yet after befriending the Crims, a group of fellow teens who refuse to take anything in society at face value, Shay starts to question the whole concept. And as the Crims explore beyond the monitored borders of Uglyville into the forbidden , ungoverned wild, Shay must choose between the perks of being Pretty and the rewards of being real.

I've tried reading the Uglies series before and never could get into to it - so I thought I'd give the graphic novel version a try - this was the right path for me, I liked the futuristic interpretation of the Uglies / Pretties world. The Black & White manga style drawing is a great choice  for these wide eyed teens in a society where everything revolves around looks. It was a fun, fast read and I look forward to more of the graphic novel adaptations.
Fans of Maximum Ride graphic novels might want to try this series out.

Book trailer.

Brody's Ghost

Brody's Ghost by Mark Crilley

This is another graphic novel that will find an immediate audience with readers at Lakie. I enjoyed this quick escapade into Brody's world but found that it was a little predictable. This is going to be a series and I can only hope that the next couple of books throw some unexpected twists and turns our way.

Here's the summary:

Brody hoped that it was just a hallucination. But no, the teenaged ghostly girl who'd come face to face with him in the middle of a busy street was all too real. And now she was back, telling him that she needed his help in hunting down a dangerous killer, and that he must undergo training from the spirit of a centuries-old samurai to unlock his hidden supernatural powers.

Here's a sneek peek Mark Crilley at work.

For those of you that took part in the graphic novel webcast with Jeff Smith, Raina Telimeir and Kazu , this video should be of interest to you.

Maximum Ride: the manga 5

Maximum Ride : the Manga #5 by James Patterson ; adapted and illustrated by NaRae Lee

We have a hugh fan base for the Maximum Ride series -- and it doesn't seem to matter what format it is in, it is snapped up (we have multiple copies of the chapter books, we have the graphic novel version and we have them in audio format too). I think that says something about how dynamic and thrilling this story is. I love the art work in the graphic novels, NaRae Lee is awesome!
The graphic novel interpretation of the series is now at volume 5 - so far each volume has featured one of the characters, and this time we're with the "Gasman."
Here's the summary:
The time has come for Max and her winged flock to face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose: to defeat the takeover of "Re-evolution," a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select group of the population into a scientifically superior master race ... and to terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel have always worked together to defeat the forces working against them - but can they save the world when they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, halfway across the globe from one another?

Pandemonium

Pandemonium by Chris Wooding and Cassandra Diaz
This is acclaimed author Chris Wooding's first graphic novel - a fun fantasy adventure with a dark twist. Seifer's life is about to becoming a royal pain... as captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. He's fast, he's strong and he flies circles around his competition. But Seifer has always dreamed of more - of leaving his tiny remote village for a new life beyond the mountains. He never dreamed it would happen like this.

I really liked this one, it has a great sense of adventure, clever humour and I'll enjoy seeing where the next book in the series will take readers.

TinTin

Tin Tin and the Secret of the Unicorn by Herge

My family devoured the adventures of Tin Tin. Originally published in 1943 they have kept young people entertained since then. And now they are being recreated for another audience by none other than Stephen Spielberg. Yes, they are coming to a big screen near you - December 23.

Here's a look at the movie poster and a trailer.

I hope you'll go looking for these classic graphic novels, you will travel the world on countless adventures with a young man called Tin Tin and his little white dog Snowy.

Lunch Lady series

This graphic novel series is clever and fun, perfect for a quick read during math.
Could our mild mannered Lunch Ladies actually be superheroes with a great disguise? According to Jarret Krosoczka the answer is definately YES.
Creative, clever, love Betty's kitchen spy gadgets, hilarious.

Amulet : the last council

Amulet : The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi

Kazu Kibuishi's bestselling series continues.
Emily and her friends think they'll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn't right. Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left living in fear. Emily is escorted to the Academy where she is expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council, the most powerful Stonekeepers. But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, a terrible secret is slowly uncovered - a secret that, if left buried, means certain destruction of everything Emily fights for.
Beautiful, inventive artwork captures this other world of the Stonekeepers. It's no wonder it's a popular pick at our library.
Enjoy - here's the trailer.

REad On

Graphic novel blitz

Stickman Odyssey: an epic doodle by Christopher Ford

Well, this one by far was my favourite read in my Graphic Novel Blitz. There is something about stickmen cartooning that I think is endearing for all of us. It somehow puts us all on a level playing field- that is because we can all draw a stickman, and with a few added lines or bendy lines suddenly our stickman is running. Ta da! Now when you're good at the stickman all you need is a story - no, an epic story. And your on your way. That's how I imagine Christopher Ford got his start, and he just ran with it.

Of course this is a retelling of a very classic story, - The Odyssey. For those of you who have never heard of it, well, it's gonna cross your path someday. But I'm pretty sure some of you will recognise the retelling of these ancient Greek stories. This was laugh out loud funny in places. I really, really liked it.

Summary:

When Zozimos is banished by an evil witch (his stepmother) from the kingdom of Sticatha- the kingdom he was next in line to rule - he trains at battle ( if you can call chasing butterflies training), travels across stormy seas (thanks for that Poseidon), slays golems and monsters (with a lot of help), charms beautiful women (not really) and somehow (despite his own ineptitude) survives quest after quest. By the love of Zeus, though, none of it brings him closer to home!

It does however, make for one quirky, original, giggle provoking graphic novel sure to appeal to any kid interested in Greek Mythology, or mearly looking for an entertaining read.

Loved it.

READ ON

Graphic novel blitz

Bad Island by Doug TenNapel

I was very impressed with Doug TenNapel's first graphic novel Ghostopolis, it was wierd, creepy, fun. I wanted that same feeling from this book, and unfortunately this one kind of fell flat. I feel bad just saying that, I mean look at it! Full-colour, great title that suggests all sorts of wierd creepy fun, huge hours of drawing, colouring and writing this story - for what turned out to be just okay. Anyway, I hope some of you will review it and give me a different perspective about it.

Summary:
Somthing on the island is up to no good...
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island - especially one teeming with wierd plants and animals. But what starts out as simply as a bad vacation turns into a terrible one, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the islands dangerous inhabitants. With few resources, and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them... or spell their doom. One thing Reese knows for sure: this is one bad island.

Graphic novel blitz

Daniel X: the manga : book 2 by James Patterson

With supreme abilities, like being able to shift-shape and move objects with his mind, Daniel is strong enough to take on anything in the world. It the things from beyond this planet that are the real problem. Daniel possess a coverted list - that belonged to his father, before he was brutally murdered - targeting inter-galactic criminals preying on the human race. Now, Daniel vows to take on his fathers dangerous mission as the Alien Hunter.

A lone outlaw arrives in the beautiful city of Holliswood with a gruesome goal. He'll create chaos - and film the pandemonium for an audience back home. The destiny of the city and it's inhabitants lies in Daniel X's hands. But this time, Daniel has created a secret weapon of his own. With the help of an all-star team, Daniel and his friends must face a villian with a taste for the kind of  terror that usually lives safely in the movies.

Of course if you hadn't figured it out, this is the graphic novel version of the chapter books Daniel X. Daniel is working his way down the list of aliens that still need fighting, that he found from his father.
I read an early graphic novel (not manga) of this series and was impressed - maybe I should explain that, I'm not crazy about aliens and alien hunters, but I thought that it might appeal to some of the readers at my school, and it does. Both the chapter books and the graphic novels are circulating so I can't be that far off. I think I prefer the first graphic novel styling better than the more recent manga styling, but this seems to be the route James Patterson wants to go with the rebranding of the series.

READ ON

Graphic novel blitz

The Sign of the Black Rock by Scott Chantler

This is the sequel to Tower of Treasure which I had a lot of fun reading. So I quickly reaquainted myself with the characters and joined the story and the mystery surrounding Dessa and her friends. Well drawn, colourful, and fast-paced. This is one that will be sure to pull you in and get you going in graphic novels.

Summary: Young readers will feel transported by the clever, intricate plotline and superb, sweeping illustrations of this second title in the Three Thieves series. The action resumes as our three goodhearted fugitives stop at a roadside inn during a ferocious thunderstorm. Narrow escapes ensue as Grig, the schemeing shelfish inn keeper, endeavours to capture the trio and secure a reward from the Queen. Tensions mount further as the Queens Dragons arrive at the tavern, hot on the trail of the fugitives and immediately suspicious of the smary Grig. Will Grig get his due? Will the fugitive escape? And why hasn't Grig's gentle wife spoken a word in ten years? You can bet she's got a secret.





Graphic novel blitz

Defiance by Carla Jablonski and Leland Purvis

This is book 2 in this series about young French resistance fighters during World War II. Once again I got caught up in both the illustrations and the story of Tessier family and how they are coping during the war but also how each is assisting in the defiance of Nazi rule that has invaded their homeland.

Here is the summary.
When Nazi's invade what can children do to fight them?
World War II has taken its toll on the French countryside. German soldiers patrol the towns, searching for any challenge to their rule. The Tessier siblings Paul, Marie and Sophie, keep their noses clean and their faces blank as the French Military Police tighten their grip on the small country town. But all three are secretly doing their part for the Resistance : the men and women working hard to undermine the Germans and win back France's freedom... even if it costs them their lives.

I also appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book, that gave more information on the efforts of the French resistance during the occupation, as well as information on Charles De Gaul. You can tell this book has been well researched, a bonus to the capitvating story.

Page by Paige

Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The art work was fun, thoughtful, and full of double meanings (idioms galore). I think many of you will be able to relate in some way to Paige, she insecure about her art work and vunerable to criticism but she doesn't let that stop her and she becomes an inspiration to her friends and those around her. I loved some of the projects she and the Agents of Wimsy take on, it reminded me of the Random Acts of Kindness that our staff does for one another.

Here's the summary:
Page Turner has moved to New York with her family, and she's having some trouble adjusting to the big city. In the pages of her sketchbook , she tries to make sense of her new life, including trying out her secret identity: artist. As she makes friends and starts to explore the city, she slowly brings her secret identity out into the open, and process that is equal parts terrifying and rewarding.

Maximum Ride : the manga 4

Maximum Ride : the manga 4 / story by James Patterson ; art by NaRae Lee

This graphic novel adaptation has been a huge success, and so in volume four we should expect nothing less. Here's the write up:
Despite their initial hesitation, living with Anne has softened the flock, so Max is keenly aware that it's time to leave, iwth Thanksgiving so near, though, all of them want to stay. At least until they've had their first ever Thanksgiving turkey. But danger is on the horizon as Jeb's plan advances, and while the flock's new school seems normal and safe, secrets are hidden beneath its prestigious facade....

If you can't get enough of this series or of manga style graphic novels try visiting
www.yenplus.com
this site will give up some of the latest chapters for this series as well as others. Or if you're one of the lucky people who have an ipad try downloading the
yenpress app and read full volumes of  your favourite manga series.

One further note - it looks like this series will be making its way to the big screen with a possible release date of 2013.