Purr-fect.
A young feline prince journeys to find a mysterious magical crown in hopes of saving the kingdom.
According to snowcat lore, over a thousand years ago, there lived an Eldking who had his smiths forge a crown made of magic called aura. When he was attacked by the cunning, evil shape-shifting sandfoxes, the Eldking and the crown were never seen again, and the snowcats were cursed. Syv is the youngest snowcat of the seven princes. Earnest and well-liked, he is seen as a threat by his brothers, who send him out alone to acquire the Eldking’s crown, a near-impossible feat. Plucky and determined, he ventures out, meeting a red-haired, light-skinned human girl named Kit along the way. As a hero’s quest often goes, Syv discovers that both the legends about the sandfoxes and the Eldking and his new friend, Kit, may not be what they appear. Norlund’s stand-alone graphic offering is stunning, with lush, vibrant illustrations that flawlessly complement her richly imagined world. Reminiscent of a fairy tale but in no way derivative, this feels fresh and innovative in its exploration of the lasting power of myth, systemic corruption, and the search for truth. Backmatter includes more in-depth aspects of Syv’s world, helpfully explaining some of the nuance and history of aura, the snowcats, and the sandfoxes.
Purr-fect. (bonus art, map) (Graphic fantasy. 7-12)Pub Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781637151983
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Oni Press
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
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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