GAME OF PETS

A boy and an axolotl face an intergalactic threat.

Humans think they’re in charge, but they couldn’t be more wrong. In actuality, ancient animalian aliens, including a capybara from Planet Weird, a turtle who’s over 8 million years old, and longtime champion Buttons the dog, are locked in a cosmic competition to see who can convince humans to obliterate Earth. They exert their influence via terrestrial avatars; imagine caged birds and cute chinchillas trying to persuade their owners to trash the planet. Meanwhile, Griff, a kid allergic to everything, is pet-shopping. The tough, mullet-haired, muscular Pet Shop Lady, who uses an electric wheelchair, takes pity on him and offers a steep discount on an expensive axolotl. When they depart the store, the axolotl (who introduces himself as Bob) begins communicating with Griff, and before he knows it, Griff’s been charged with saving the world. This series starter is heavy on exposition for future confrontations, but it’s crammed with frenzied, funny weirdness. Zesty commentary about the causes and consequences of climate change undergirds the absurd plot. Graphic novelist and picture-book creator Blabey’s first foray into text-centered storytelling features discursive descriptions and frequent dialogue; his many fans will devour this tale. Griff’s skin is the white of the page.

Zany, off-the-wall fun bound to be a hit.