Dazzling.
Shipwrecks and secrets abound in this sophomore graphic offering.
Picking up where predecessor The Unsinkable Walker Bean (2010) left off after a fantastic battle at sea, bespectacled Walker Bean and his friends are marooned on a mysterious and seemingly deserted island but soon surmise they might not be alone. Before long, Walker and his friends—music-loving Shiv and headstrong Genoa—learn that the island has a dark history surrounding an avaricious aristocrat. As they encounter shadowy spirit animals and treacherous foes, it becomes apparent that Genoa is integral to the mystery. Will they be able to solve the riddle of the island and set right the wrongs of the past? Renier’s plotting is complex; his worldbuilding is intricate and immersive, requiring careful reading. Stunning illustrations should easily compel young eyes to linger over the many tidy and small panels juxtaposed against alluring larger spreads. While Walker is intrinsic to the action, gal pal Genoa shares equal importance even though her name’s not on the marquee. Enough backstory is provided for this to serve as a fine jumping-in point for readers unfamiliar with Book 1—but expect them to demand it after. Walker and Genoa present white; many secondary actors, including Shiv, seem to be characters of color.
Dazzling. (Graphic adventure. 7-12)Pub Date: Oct. 23, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-59643-505-6
Page Count: 288
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: July 29, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2018
DC delivers another charmer.
Members of the Legion of Doom answer their emails.
Harley Quinn, Black Manta, Lex Luthor, Katana, and more correspond with curious fans in this middle-grade graphic novel. After performing a daredevil museum heist in Cairo, Catwoman answers a question from a curious fan about how it is that Batman keeps getting the better of her (laser pointers, but she is sure not going to admit that). Giganta plucks an atomic payload from a truck she crushes before helping a young beanpole see the advantage of unusual height. And so on. This sequel to Dear Justice League (2019) improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way, starting with a poppier color palette that better suits these larger-than-life villains. There’s also more connective tissue among the villains’ vignettes, embracing their peculiar clubhouse energy. The book still contains a few too many of these vignettes, though: The format’s repetitive nature can’t quite be shaken. However, a larger narrative this time around concerning a master plot concocted by Harley Quinn gives the novel some semblance of a spine. Some readers may find themselves speed-reading through the panels of villains sitting down to read the letters to get back to the action. The characters are well designed, Peter’s colors are terrific, and the panels are reasonably propulsive. Black Manta and Katana help to diversify the mostly White humanoid villains, and there is diversity among their correspondents, including one kid who uses a wheelchair.
DC delivers another charmer. (Graphic adventure. 8-12)Pub Date: April 6, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-77950-054-0
Page Count: 176
Publisher: DC
Review Posted Online: March 1, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
Enchanting indeed.
A worrywart goblin must face her fears to save not just her sister, but the whole of Teacup Island.
Bix’s headstrong little sister, Pella, is one of her main sources of worry. Ever since they lost their parents, Bix has been responsible for Pella—but Pella is not easily controlled. Mere days before the Midsummer Festival, the goblins’ underground city is struck by yet another earthquake, leading the elders to decide they all must leave. It is said that the Earth Queen who lives in the Enchanted Forest is responsible for the earthquakes, so Pella decides to go confront her. When Bix discovers Pella has left, she rushes off to rescue her despite all her fears of the Enchanted Forest that swallows up anyone who dares to enter. With the help of Cici, an enthusiastic tree troll, Bix navigates dangers and discovers the hero within herself. Gorgeous black-lined, pastel-colored art brings to life this charming adventure story of sisterhood and friendship. Bix, Pella, and Cici, who live in a fantasy land that is filled with magic and devoid of humans, are lovable for their distinct personalities and big hearts. The colorful inhabitants of Teacup Island are all pretty cute—even the ones that veer toward creepy. With danger always lurking and illustrations that are full of movement, it’s easy to get quickly swept up into this tale and not want to leave.
Enchanting indeed. (map, character guide) (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: May 25, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-21153-8
Page Count: 240
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: March 2, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2021
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