WILDCATS

Superpowered teen girls are entrusted with a mission to save the world.

Mina’s nervous about starting at Temple Academy, a posh boarding school that her parents attended. She worries about fitting in—and about concealing a secret. Mina, who’s Taino, found herself transforming into a puma on a recent trip to Puerto Rico. She hasn’t told anyone, but she soon becomes part of a welcoming and diverse group of friends, all of whom descend from ancient civilizations where felines were revered—and who can also transform into big cats. Shepherded by their teacher Ms. Benitez, who informs them that they’re part of a group known as the Hunters of Chaos, the girls become embroiled in an apocalypse-averting conflict with villains who also have ties to Temple Academy. A straightforward adventure with solid pacing and strong, stylish characters exuding girl power with every step, this is an accessible and fun graphic novel for less-seasoned comics consumers. After all, it’s pretty tough to resist a crew of friendly-faced big cats splashing around in ponds, exploring a centuries-old temple, and lunging at bad guys with pointy-clawed paws. Mina’s flirtations with a boy she likes, her clashes with members of a snooty clique, and her insecurities about belonging (though her parents are alumni, they struggled to scrape up the money for her tuition) add further dimension.

An energetic, unpretentious escapade with a sprinkling of boarding school drama.