An action-packed adventure that’s full of heart.
A teen compelled by her family legacy to defend the planet from aliens tries to figure out what she wants.
After an alien invasion in Tokyo, the Moon Computer named five Japanese siblings Moon Troopers, warriors provided with powers to defend our planet. As time passed and the alien battle spread globally, this fight for human survival became a regular occurrence—Rainbow Alerts on phones warned people to steer clear of combat areas. The original Moon Troopers set up branches in different countries, and their descendants carried on the family role. Growing up in Los Angeles, 15-year-old Maise Shiraki isn’t an ordinary girl, much as she’d like to be. Her family—Japanese American dad, Thai American mom, and 12-year-old twin siblings, Axl and Alex—are Moon Troopers, and together, they’re stronger. It’s too bad that these days Maise’s not very interested in all this family togetherness. But when a new creature emerges, stronger than they’ve ever known before, and its arrival culminates in a devastating tragedy, Maise is forced to face her fears and decide who she wants to be. Braly’s story features engaging family dynamics, and Maise’s emotionally compelling arc of self-discovery and self-exploration make her a sympathetic main character. Well-fleshed-out side characters have their own agendas and internal conflicts. Lin’s dynamic full-color art flows exceptionally well, evoking different feelings through contrasting spreads. The occasional inclusion of Japanese and Thai script adds to the immersive experience.
An action-packed adventure that’s full of heart. (character guide) (Graphic science fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: June 10, 2025
ISBN: 9781534340336
Page Count: 232
Publisher: Image Comics
Review Posted Online: April 19, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
PERSPECTIVES
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations.
Magic, mystery, and love intertwine and invite in this newest take on the “enchanted circus” trope.
Sisters raised by their abusive father, a governor of a colonial backwater in a world vaguely reminiscent of the late 18th century, Scarlett and Donatella each long for something more. Scarlett, olive-skinned, dark of hair and attitude, longs for Caraval, the fabled, magical circus helmed by the possibly evil Master Legend Santos, while blonde, sunny Tella finds comfort in drink and the embraces of various men. A slightly awkward start, with inconsistencies of attitude and setting, rapidly smooths out when they, along with handsome “golden-brown” sailor Julian, flee to Caraval on the eve of Scarlett’s arranged marriage. Tella disappears, and Scarlett must navigate a nighttime world of magic to find her. Caraval delights the senses: beautiful and scary, described in luscious prose, this is a show readers will wish they could enter. Dresses can be purchased for secrets or days of life; clocks can become doors; bridges move: this is an inventive and original circus, laced with an edge of horror. A double love story, one sensual romance and the other sisterly loyalty, anchors the plot, but the real star here is Caraval and its secrets.
Immersive and engaging, despite some flaws, and destined to capture imaginations. (Fantasy. 14 & up)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-250-09525-1
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2016
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