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This star means that the title or site is recommended especially for younger teens
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I always wished magic was real -- actually, I still do. I always wanted to dance in a faery ring, or fly, or read a magical book. Of course, the only way to touch magic (as far as I know) is to drop in on other worlds, like Tolkien's Middle Earth or C.S. Lewis' Narnia. I'm always happy to discover more magic, and these titles are some of the best.
Jump to a title:
Amnesia
Bone
The Books of Magic
Cardcaptor Sakura
Castle Waiting
Cathedral Child
City of Light, City of Dark
Crux
Dark Angel
Dolls
Eerie Queerie
Fables
The First
Flight
Garlands of Moonlight
Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre
Hikaru no Go
The Hobbit
Instant Teen
InuYasha
The Last Knight
Mai the Psychic Girl
The Man Who Grew Young
Meridian
Mystic
Once in a Blue Moon
Pet Shop of Horrors
The Princess and the Frog
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Rose
Ruse
Scion
Sojourn
Sparks: An Urban Fairy Tale
Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails
Tellos
Thieves and Kings
Tokyo Babylon
Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle
Usagi Yojimbo
Vogelein
XXXholic
Wild.com
The Wind in the Willows
Wish
Witchblade
Yongbi the Invincible
for a printer friendly version of this list, click here
| I have a rather strong tendency toward considering rambling, esoteric questions about the nature of reality-- just ask my friends. Some of my favorite stories, graphic novels or otherwise, are those that twist reality that little bit and ask "what ifÞ" In the unique Amnesia, first time graphic novel author John Malloy had created a reality and dreamscape so intertwined that the distinctions the two are both unnecessary and troublesome. Chloe seeks an interview with filmmaker Ike Reuben, but both are already connected by a string of dreams and realities that neither is completely aware of. The disjointed storytelling makes for a tough read at times, and the meaning depends almost entirely on the reader's interpretation. The artwork veers far from the usual comic art, using recycled photographs and line art together, the artist battering and warping those images into frames almost as tenuous as the story. Although not for everyone, I, for one, am curious what this author will create next. review by robin |
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The Bones look like a cross between Snoopy and the Schmoo, and there are three of them: Fone Bone is honest and brave; Phoney Bone is a cross between Scrooge McDuck and the Grinch; and Smiley Bone is the village idiot personified. They are the stars in what is, in my opinion, the best graphic novel series of the past fifteen years. The Sandman series is highly praised, of course (and rightly so), but there are patches in Sandman where the storyline meanders and the art is quite uneven; the quality of the Bone graphic novels is remarkably consistent. Many reviewers also ignore the fact that Sandman is best enjoyed by an older audience, whereas Bone can be enjoyed by all ages. read more... review by george |
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What would you do if four creepy guys in trench coats emerged from a dark alley and asked if you believed in magic? You'd probably do what Timothy Hunter, the young hero of The Books of Magic, does: you'd run. 12-year-old Tim is no fool, and he's naturally suspicious when four mysterious men appear one day to offer him experiences beyond his imagination. Tim, it transpires, has the potential to become the greatest wizard of his age--a potential he may fulfill for good or for evil. read more... The Series Books of Magic Still to be reviewed: reviews by jen |
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Sakura Kinomoto is a cute, bubbly, normal fourth-grader. That is, she was until the day she opened a mysterious old book and awakened a powerful magic. Now she's a cute, bubbly fourth-grader with a secret mission: to find and capture renegade magical beings before they destroy the world! Long ago, a great sorcerer named Clow Reed created a set of cards; each one housed a spirit with supernatural powers. He sealed them all within a book and assigned the magical being Kerberos to guard them. Sometime between then and now, the Clow Cards escaped. Now, disguised as Sakura's stuffed animal, Kerberos must help his young mistress develop her own magic and get the cards under control. Cardcaptor Sakura is a sweet series, appropriate for younger readers. There are six volumes in the original series, and Sakura's story continues in a second one: Cardcaptor Sakura: Master of the Clow. Early volumes suffer a bit from poor translation (Tokyopop's more recent translations are smoother), but you can certainly follow the story. CLAMP's artwork is both cute and lush-- the Clow Cards are especially cool-- and the writing keeps Sakura's magical battles interesting. CLAMP leavens the cuteness with unexpected twists, like Sakura's encounter with what might be her mother's ghost. review by Jen |
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Do you enjoy books like Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or Donna Jo Napoli's Zel? Strong heroines who survive by their wits, humorous dialogue to rival The Princess Bride, friends from a knight who happens to be a horse to a butler who looks suspiciously like a stork -- all these things fill the pages of Linda Medley's witty original fairy tales. The Curse of Brambly Hedge (can you guess what fairy tale that refers to?) relates the origin of Castle Waiting, a towering home for misfits and wanderers who need sanctuary. The Lucky Road follows the tale of Lady Jain, a classic heroine with a dark secret, and her welcome into the rag-tag extended family at Castle Waiting. review by robin |
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What if an inventor had created a giant computer in an old Texas church in 1897? In the alternate reality of Cathedral Child, steam power runs the world and a small village in Texas will be the site of a meeting between the scientific and spiritual worlds. "Cathedral" is supposed to be a new "thinking machine," but it's much more than that. There's a mysterious presence there, one that communicates through music with the two young people assigned to "teach" the computer. Sumner, the son of Cathedral's inventor, and Glory, his childhood sweetheart, are the only ones who truly understand what (or who) Cathedral really is. To bring the project to completion, and make Cathedral what it was meant to be, they must protect it from the sinister designs of Parrish Stuart. But Stuart, who raised Sumner after his father's murder, is determined to keep Sumner and Glory apart. Lea Hernandez's story is a classic battle of love and mysticism against prejudice and greed with strong, appealing characters. review by Jen |
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Most people have never seen or heard of New York City's first inhabitants, shadow beings called the kurbs who love the dark and cold. Unbeknownst to most of the city's residents, the kurbs control New York's weather, and in return for light and warmth, every year a human New Yorker must find the source of the kurbs' power (disguised as a subway token) and return it them. If the human messenger fails, the kurbs will take the city's heat and light, leaving it dark and icebound forever. Over many generations, the responsibility for solving the kurbs' puzzle has passed down from mother to daughter along with magical abilities, until the evil Thor Underton decides to steal the kurbs' token for himself. In the middle of a magical struggle to keep New York from freezing, Sarah Stubbs discovers her mother's secret identity, and befriends some local kids and a very interesting dog to recover the magic token and save the city. My favorite elements of this story were the homemade airplane (I definitely wouldn't try this at home!) and the scenes of some secret places around New York from a pigeon's- and a dog's-eye-view. review by Alison |
| Taking off from popluar mythology concerning Atlantis, Crux follows the idea that the mthyical Atlanteans, much more knowledgable and powerful than their Greek neighbors, were both eons beyond the human race and sent to Earth as humanity's protectors. As this tale unfolds, however, that traditional story takes a few unexpected twists. Thousands of years ago, Atlantis itself was divided -- many decided to "ascend" to a higher plane and abandon their stewardship of Earth, while the rest held to the duty to guard the child-like race. That very ascension, however, caused Atlantis and it's remaining inhabitants to be drowned under an ocean. Now, thousands of years in our future, leader Capricia, and a few of her choosing, have been awoken into a barren and destroyed landscape by a mysterious and magical figure. Confused and following blindly their calling to protect humanity, the group tries to uncover the past events that have led to Earth's abandonment. I was especially impressed by Waid's ability to balance the main characters' warrior training with their memories and the uncertainty of their future in such an alien environment -- their loss, fear, instinct, and confusion are all palpable throughout the book. The cinematic artwork glows on every page, defining an Atlantis only dreamed of contrasted with the ruin of our own civilization. review by robin |
| Dark has been learning under the master swordsman and guardian, the Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix, for three years. Although he's convinced he still has much to learn, his teach decides that Dark has learned all he can teach him. His master provokes Dark into a testing, intentionally fatal fight. Dark, suddenly burdened with having slain his beloved teacher, knows only that he is now the Phantom Saint of the Red Phoenix and must make his way to a far city to claim his destiny. Though he has a spirit guide, Kyo, to aid him, he unwittingly offends his fellow guardians. They have no idea he is the next in the Red Phoenix line. They come out ready to fight, only asking questions later. An elegant and energetic work, this manga title is impressive for it's combination of dramatic fighting intercut with the stories behind the fighting. review by robin |
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What makes a doll different from a beautiful human girl? Maybe not as much as you thinkÞ Somewhere in a big city, behind an unprepossessing storefront, a mysterious man sells "plant dolls," living organisms that look just enough like real little girls to cause no end of trouble. Once they are "awakened" by a patron they take a fancy to, the dolls subsist happily on a diet of milk, cookies, and unconditional love. A plant doll may seem like a new start for a lonely widower, a sister for a lonely orphan, or a gambler's good-luck charm, but if you want one of these delicate creatures to smile at you, you may have to pay with more than money. Most of the short stories in this volume center around the doll shop and it's owner, but the last two are pure ghost stories reminiscent of Charlotte Br¶nte and Edgar Allen Poe. As astute readers may have already noticed, Dolls is eerily similar to Matsuri Akino's Petshop of Horrors series, minus the crime fighting subplots. For fans of Count D and his menagerie of beasties, Dolls makes for darker and equally interesting reading. reviews by alison |
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Eerie Queerie follows the adventures of one Mitsuo, a loner high school student who has the misfortune of also being a medium. Due to his gentle nature, he's prone to being taken over by any strong-willed ghost in the vicinity. Possessed, he ends up apparently afflicted with multiple personalities, professing his undying love to a classmate one minute and then running away shamefaced the next. His classmates all think he's got a screw loose, but Mitsuo is determined to figure out how to control these spirits once and for all. It doesn't help that he always attracts female spirits who can't move on until they've proclaimed their feelings to one dashing boy or another. Situations only get more complicated when one of the dreamboats Mitsuo asks out "under the influence," Hasunuma, doesn't think dating is such a bad idea. Dealing with homophobic taunting from his classmates, ghosts determined to express their feelings, and conflicted yearnings for his new friend, Mitsuo is on the verge of totally losing it. read more... If you like, you can skip to individual volumes: The Complete Series reviews by robin |
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It's a familiar story: a Manhattan party girl has gone missing, and her apartment is stained with blood. A hard-boiled detective must sort out the clues. But in this case, the girl is Rose Red (Snow White's sister), the detective is the Big Bad Wolf, and the Manhattan they live in is known as Fabletown: a secret city that exists alongside the "mundane" one we know. Once upon a time, the fairy-tale characters we knew and loved lived in their own storybook worlds. Then the Adversary came, conquering their lands and destroying our most beloved fantasies. The survivors now live side by side with human beings, their magical natures hidden. read more... The Complete Series review by Jen |
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Somehow, a god in gleaming skintight gold pants and massive white go-go boots does not necessarily inspire fear or reverence in me. For a long while, I steered clear of The First, as a series, as it took me quite a while to get past the style -- here were characters who were almost ridiculous caricatures of humans, with massive muscles, teeny waists, and costumes that give even Elektra's costume a run for its money in the body-parts-about-to-pop-out department. This was the kind of comic that made me rant about the representation of women in comics (though, I was forced to admit, the men were equally, ahem, displayed in The First). Then I read it. And poof, my objections began to melt away. Remember the Greek Gods? They were an arrogant, selfish, petty lot, and thus we have some great stories of betrayal, love, war, and magic. The First follow in that tradition, being the powers hovering just above the CrossGen universe, immortal and ridiculously beautiful exaggerations of humans, and as with Zeus et. al.,petty, vindictive, territorial, and passionate. read more... The Complete Series review by robin |
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One of my favorite animated films growing up was the Disney experiment Fantasia è now acknowledged a classic, though at the time of release it was famously shunned by audiences too used to fluffy talking animals and melodious princesses. For me, the idea of pairing great music with the free reign of animators' imaginations seems a match made in heaven. In the exhilarating, ordinary, magical, and charming stories of the Flight anthology, the authors are inspired by a similar idea è get a bunch of comics creators together and give them an idea to play with: flight. And that's it è no grand requirements, no expectations, just whatever flight means to them, from traveling home to glimpsing a pegasus. Therein lies its genius è by allowing the authors this freedom, imaginations soar and readers can gather glimpses of others' dreamscapes, no matter how momentary the visit. As with any anthology, some segments are more succesful than others, but overall this collection allows its artists and creators to shine. Lead idea man Kazu Kibuishi's "Maiden Voyage" featuring his character Copper takes a straightforward but engaging route tracking the building of a plane by two optimistic friends who may or may not have the skills to make metal fly. "I wishÞ" by Vera Brusgol gives a teen girl the gift of wings and reflects on the ordinary and extraordinary combining with little fanfare and a lot of yearning. "Paper String" by Jen Wang, created from traditional comic art combined with collage, tells of two strangers in the same class who discover unexpected common ground through their love of kites. "Deep Blue" by Phil Craven takes you into the imagination of a penguin longing to get away from his overcrowded iceberg. It is especially gratifying to see the work of so many upcoming artists, average age twenty-four, fill these pages è no giant comics names overshadow the collection, and in the end that's for the best. They all stand on their own merits, and from the view, we can all anticipate a future of excellent work to come. review by robin |
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All is not well on the tiny Malaysian island where our story takes place. Maybe something bad happened here long ago... or maybe the near future holds a dark fate for the villagers under the protection of Marsiti, the local healer. Whether the sense of menace in the air comes from supernatural causes or from the oppressive presence of Dutch colonialists on the island is a subject of heated debate in the village, as farmers and merchants continue about their daily routines. When a woman is murdered and a baby disappears, Marsiti is the only one who recognizes the ominous traces of their killer. Marsiti's knowledge of healing and "the old ways" of magic lead her towards the solution of the village's mystery, but as she comes closer to revealing the evil in their midst, the townspeople's fear and anger threaten to overwhelm their judgement. Garlands of Moonlight, a pocket-sized story, is distinguished by Shoto Press' characteristically gilded artwork. Wasisto Edi's pencil drawings, illuminated with metallic silver, make every landscape ghostly. Individual characters seem to shine with an inner light as they move through darkened surroundings, heightening the story's feeling of oppression. This is definitely a ghost story, and like the best around-the-campfire tales of its kind, we're left with a lingering sense of dread after the last page. review by alison |
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I should admit right now that I've never watched a Hong Kong action film, so I'm not the most qualified judge of a comic like Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre. This genre is as much about the fighting as it is about the story. Not that there isn't plenty of plot in the first volume of Heaven Sword; two intertwining stories feature what seems like a cast of thousands. The main focus is on two very different men whose lives collide; one is on a bloody quest to avenge his family; the other is a virtuous young man whose life is forever changed by a dangerous woman. Zhune Shai meets Jay Shan Chang for the first time at a tournament held by the Sky Eagle Clan. The prize at this fight is the legendary Dragon Sabre, and Zhune Shai will do anything to get it. "Chivalrous" Jay Shan Chang has arrived at the tournament to investigate his brother's death. He travels there with the mysterious Sue Ying, a headstrong, powerful young woman who doesn't blink at killing. Despite their differences, Chang and Ying find themselves falling in love. Jay Shan Chang has no interest in the Dragon Sabre, but when Zhune Shai seizes the sword and threatens to kill all witnesses, "Chivalrous" Chang must defend his fellow warriors. He challenges Zhune Shai to demonstrate his inner strength in a magical feat of calligraphy (I just love Chinese mythology!). Defeated, Zhune Shai turns the tables on Chang by kidnapping him and his lady and setting sail for an uncharted island. Despite the confusing plot, the (to my mind) unnecessary number of battles, and some sloppy editing, I came to care about these characters. Fans of Kung Fu stories will enjoy the sword fighting, but readers like myself will skip ahead to the quieter moments when real human relationships form. Libraries with fans of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon may want to consider this series; while it features lots of fighting, the violence in Volume 1 is hardly ever graphic. Zhune Shai curses a little bit, as befits a grizzled warrior. The greatest strength of Chinese action comics like Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre is the sumptuous art; this volume features a fight on a collapsing iceberg that will take your breath away. review by jen |
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What's a 6th grader to do when he's suddenly cohabiting his own body with a master Go player from the Heian period (think early medieval Europe in the West)? Well, basically, he plays go. Go is a game similar to chess (apparently, if chess is a batlle, go is a war). Hikaru Shindo finds himself trapped when he attempts to sell his ancestral Go board and uncovers instead that its history, and his own hidden talents, allow the ghost of Fujiwara-no-Sai to possess him at will. Sai, though by nature a sweet-tempered man who's only desire is to play Go and achieve the "divine move," get's a wee bit stressed when he's not allowed to play. This stress manifests itself by making Hikaru vomit suddenly, and as much to keeps things clean as to pacify the ghost, Hikaru journeys into a Go salon for the first time. As he learns more from his new guest, and gets to like being able to beat the pants off unsuspecting players, Hikaru manages to catch the eye of Akira Toya, a prodigy player who's startled at Hikaru's novice clumsiness paired with the wisdom of his moves. What Hikaru doesn't know is that he's just picked an opponent who's one of the best in Japan, and who's father, Toya Meijin, is the world's leading player. This sweet and energetic book manages to make Go exciting and suspense-filled. The characters are all natural and at the same time show the marks of any serious players: they are committed, focused, and always striving for the next level of play. The artwork is also wonderfully clean and sweeping, giving Hikaru an adorable swagger while Sai retains his robed majesty even as a spirit. review by robin |
| How many of us have tried to read The Hobbit and failed miserably? How many of us zoomed through the book and have been Tolkein fans ever since? Well, this title is for both types and everyone in between. Charles Dixon and Sean Deming do a masterful job of adapting this dense book to the graphic novel format, and David Wenzel's rich watercolors bring Bilbo, Gandalf, and all who they fight or befriend to vivid life. review by robin |
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Most little girls, it seems, want to grow up far faster than their bodies naturally do. Most every one can remember a private incident of make up and bra-stuffing to see what she might look like with womanly curves and a grown up style. Ah, the perils of getting what you wish for. Natsumi is your ordinary 5th grader, though she's perhaps a bit more anxious than most girls to fill out and get sassy outfits. After being gilted (in her eyes) by her latest crush, the dreamy, 20-something hair dresser Yashiki and being told she's not adult enough to get free samples of nuts at the mall, she flips out, grabs the samples, and runs home to weep in private. Little does she know that these nuts are different – by the next morning, she's grown into a drop-dead gorgeous teenager, and by the next evening she's modeled and been on her first date. Teenhood is only temporary, however, as by the time she gets home she's back to her 5th grader self. Soon she figures out that the nuts are the key – eat one and she's a teen for almost a day. Once the scientist who mistakenly sent out the nuts finds her, though, Natsumi is starting to realize not only that there may be a price for sudden adulthood, but that maybe she's not ready for adulthood just yet. Her best friend Asuma, accustomed to Natsumi's obsessions with growing up, is at first astounded by his friend's changes and then worried about its eventual consequences. He acts as her conscience and support even when he's undoubtedly embarrassed and flustered by her new body and harboring his own not so hidden crush on her not matter what she looks like. This comedy is often hilarious and very silly, but also focuses in on the problems that come with trying to live as an adult when you don't have the experiences to back you up. There are moments that get a little unsettling for western readers, especially when the bikini clad Natsumi does the usual manga pratfall and ends up on top of young Asuma. Nonetheless, most of the sexual tension is more embarrassment than anything else, and Natsumi is usually good at figuring out when she isn't ready for aspects of her new life as a teen model. Rated for ages ten and up, I'd say this story is most suited for middle school ages rather than any younger. reviews by robin |
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The world-renowned author of Ranma 1/2 creates the equally delightful Inu-Yasha, a magical adventure set in Feudal Japan complete with animal demons, reincarnation, destiny, and a pesky half-demon dog boy Inu-Yasha. Kagome, tired of listening to her grandfather's endless stories about the distant past, goes in search of her brother and cat in her house, actually a shrine crammed with legendary objects. Little does she know that chasing her cat will lead to an Alice-like fall into a foreign time populated by demons and mages, and a village population which insists she is destined to protect them and the legendary Jewel of the Four Souls. Filled with suspense, a fairly creepy bit of magic, and a reluctant heroine (really, what else could she be?) this manga is an exciting trip into legends and folktales as well as the beginning of what promises to be a challenging quest for a not-so-ordinary girl. Rumiko Takahashi's artwork and dialogue are crisp and lively, perfect for the tale she's telling. review by robin |
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Will Eisner is a giant in the comics field, having turned his hand to many different kinds of stories over the years. It's easy to see why he's so revered, even in a work as brief as The Last Knight. The Last Knight is a comic picture book that introduces young readers to Miguel de Cervantes' classic Don Quijote. Eisner's retelling is faithful and literate, but the real joy of this book is in the pictures: his Don Quijote is perfect, from his drooping mustache to his wild-eyed enthusiasm for the lost ideals of knighthood. The ink and watercolor artwork really shines. The Last Knight will fit seamlessly into a children's collection as a graphic novel and a supplement to a classic work of literature; the reading level is that of an easy chapter book. Fans of knights in armor and slapstick humor can just enjoy the silliness of it all. review by Jen |
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Mai The Psychic Girl is a true manga classic. Ikegami's art is richer and less cartoony than your typical manga (not that there's anything wrong with cartoony, but Ikegami's detailed realism is pretty unique in comics), and his visuals unfold like movie shots. It's an action-packed story, complete with nefarious secret organizations, ancient martial arts secrets, a hunky, wisecracking guy, and the dramatic unfolding of Mai's psychic powers. After watching her father perish (or so she thinks!) saving her from the clutches of the Wisdom Alliance, Mai is alone and on the run. She finds an unlikely ally in Intetsu, a daredevil college student on a motorcycle, and his motley crew of dorm buddies. They too will risk their lives to protect this unusual girl from those who would control her powers. Not all the danger comes from outside, however; Mai soon discovers that her powers can kill and destroy as well as heal. Will she be able to control her emotions and protect her friends? What will happen when Mai meets her deadliest enemy yet, a young girl with powers just like hers? Mai the Psychic Girl should grab the imagination of teen readers (despite the hilarious seventies hair some of the characters are sporting...). Volumes 1 and 2 contain brief nudity; in a wonderfully believable (and not at all prurient) scene, we see Mai in the tub wishing her breasts would grow faster. At one point, Intetsu's girlfriend answers the door in a see-through robe. Librarians shouldn't let these few panels stop them from adding Mai to young adult collections, though. This series deserves a place among the best graphic novels for teens. The fact that it's complete in three volumes is just icing on the cake for cash-strapped buyers! review by Jen |
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This is one of those rare fantasies, a "what if?" scenario, that sticks to its potentially cliched idea is a compelling and imaginative way. The idea: instead of time moving forward, and the world and people aging and dying, what if we all grew younger with each passing day and the world returned to its own past? Instead of simply running this idea on the surface, author Daniel Quinn really considered what it might be like è waking people from their graves with celebration, returning to the earth the fossil fuels suddenly renewed from fire, and abandoning noisome cars for the simpler horse and buggy? Our hero is a man who does not grow young, does not change at all, and in a world where everyone has the certainty of returning to their mother, is searching the ages for a mother he has no memory of or connection to. Simply drawn and elegantly told, this is a wonderful voyage of imagination and alternatives. review by robin |
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Sephie lives in an ideal world-- destined on day to rule as Minister of her land, Meridian, in her father's place, she adores her family and friends and, most of all, the miraculous floating island she calls home. Everything changes in one horrible night-- Sephie is marked with a mysterious symbol of power, her father dies, and her uncle whisks her away to his own cold and sinister court. read more... The Complete Series review by robin |
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Workaholic though I may be, I deeply, understand the need to party. Even I need to let everything go, maybe dress up, and go crazy with my friends. Giselle, however, may have run with this urge a little too far. Having gained a reputation as an unrepentant social butterfly, Giselle embraces the nightlife while feeling a bit miffed when her older sister, the buttoned-down Genevieve, consistently chides her for her choices. For one night, at least, Giselle promises to be on her best, most respectful, behavior è her sister is achieving her life-long dream of becoming one of the magical seven Guild Masters of their home world Ciress. No matter what the local gossips think, Giselle wouldn't miss it for the world. Without any warning, in the middle of the austere ceremony, Giselle is touched with enormous power and suddenly not only steals away Genevieve's Guild spirit, but all of the Guild Masters' spirits. Whether she wants to or not, she now holds all of the power of Ciress. Stripped down to an unbelievably skimpy outfit (which she proceeds to complain about for the duration of the tale), Giselle sets out to get rid of this unasked for "gift". On top of that, however, she now has the seven Guild spirits squabbling in her head while the Guild Masters agree to kill her for her unintentional theft. Lush with magic and a 1930s Art Nouveau visual style, Mystic is another fine addition to CrossGen's worlds, with Giselle begrudgingly taking her place in its pantheon of intelligent and spunky heroines. review by robin |
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While I find the trend of American publishers attempting to capitalize on the booming manga market by trimming books down to "manga" size and artists mimicking the manga style frequently offputting, a few people get it right. Artist Jennifer Quick and writers Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir are some of those creators. Once in a Blue Moon presents a very classic fantasy plot: a girl, Aeslin Finn, grew up listening to her parents' stories of a magical kingdom, Avalon, defended by the beautiful dragon knight and her beloved prince of the land. Her father's death brings a sudden end to this fantasy life as her mother determines the time for fairy tales is over. Aeslin grows up with happy memories of her childhood stories until the day she is given the sequel volume to those adventures è she's pulled literally into the world of the book and discovers not only that the whole world of Avalon is real, but also that she is the destined next Dragon Knight. Adding to the confusion, it turns out this particular destiny seems to run in the family. An ordinary girl thrown into a fantsic world is a common tale around the world, and her newfound companions, from a troublemaker playwright to a rebellious but good-hearted bandit, are not particularly new. Nonetheless, Once in a Blue Moon promises a fun ride through a magical world akin to any number of girl-centric fantasies popular in the prose world. Unique touches are included in how the story flips back and forth between the two worlds, giving both our world and Avalon's equal weight in the story, and the plot promises to get more complex in future volumes. The art is done in manga style, though the format is more traditionally western, and the character design and world-creation all meld together into an interesting world. review by robin |
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"Dreams, love, and hope are what this pet shop sells." So says Count D, the mysterious owner of a outwardly unassuming but inwardly labyrinthine pet shop in Los Angeles' Chinatown. The pet shop and its pets are connected to an inordinate number of unsolved murders and mysteries, and hotheaded Detective Leon Orcot is convinced that Count D is providing something a little more dangerous, and probably illegal, to his clients than pets. The problem is he never seems to be able to pin down any sort of evidence, and as his life gets more and more intertwined with the shop and its owner, Orcot finds it more and more difficult to separate dreams from reality. The pets from the shop are certainly powerful for their owners, but each should remember that getting what you deserve and getting what you want can be two very different things. read more... The Series Pet Shop of Horrors Volume 1 reviews by robin |
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One of the great Will Eisner's short graphic novels for children, The Princess and the Frog takes the traditional tale of an ungrateful princess and a persistent frog and expands on it. In fun, Disney-esque style, we learn how the poor prince ended up as a frog and how he gets his revenge on the evil sorcerer who did the deed. Eisner also fleshes out the relationship between frog and princess; the reluctant maiden grows to respect and cherish her frog companion, finally releasing him with a kiss. The text is easy to read, and the art is lots of fun. review by Jen |
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Revolutionary Girl Utena (both the manga and anime) focuses on Utena, a strong, dynamic heroine who's vowed to become a prince; charging into battle and rescuing those in need. The Utena story centers around her adventures at her new and very mysterious school where students are fighting secret duels over a "prize," a girl named Anthy. The Utena story takes many of the familiar manga tropes-è powerful girls, secret power struggles, and complicated romance-- to a rather dark and mysterious place. It can also be very confusing, because the reader (or viewer) never quite gets a complete picture of what is going on or why. This particular manga is a one-shot based on the Utena movie (cleverly named Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Movie). The movie, aimed at a slightly older audience, is separate from both the original anime and manga. The movie is also rather strange. Stranger, in fact, than the anime and that's saying a lot. A lot. (WIKIPEDIA has a rather comprehensive Utena entry which may be helpful to those looking for more background.) In my experience people seem to either enjoy Utena's strangeness or be driven batty by it. Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena is a great manga if you're looking for the text that finally encapsulates the movie, anime, and everything into one package. It gives a much clearer depiction of what happened, why it happened, and where the characters are going afterwards. As someone who's dabbled in the Utena universe for a long time, these explanations were things I've been hoping to receive from the Utena universe for ages. However, I'm not sure this manga will be that satisfying for folks new to the Utena world. The manga goes through many of the canon's major plot points very rapidly and doesn't put a lot of time or detail into explanations. Also, key character details, revealed over time in the original texts, are thrown in quickly and then left behind. This doesn't seem like a very effective way to bring someone new into the Utena insanity. This version of Utena's story also contains some heavy subject matters and dark sexual themes, though nothing too graphic. Ultimately, this manga seems to be something intended for existing fans and not a new audience. Perhaps it would give new readers a nice, broad overview that would make the anime and movie less confusing -- or perhaps it wouldn't. However, if you are an existing fan and, like me, you've dealt with the confusion for ages, I encourage you to check this manga out. review by katie |
| A kind of prequel to Jeff Smith's Bone series, this tale follows the exuberant and fierce warrior princess Rose. About to be tested by the greatest mages in her land, Rose is confident in her own power and right to rule, though she despairs for her sister, Briar, still to be touched by the magics of the land. With the arrival of an ancient, cruel dragon, both sisters are thrown toward a wicked fate and Rose will painfully learn the truth of battle, power, and mercy. review by robin |
| I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. I love period mysteries of all sorts, but nothing quite beats the acid tone and deliciously complex mind games of Holmesian cases. Ruse beautifully plays with the Holmes mythology, featuring a razor sharp but emotionally distant detective, Simon Archard, and his beautiful and equally witty partner, Emma Bishop. Note that Ruse avoids one of the major problems with Holmes' world: the lack of admirable women. Set in Partington, on the planet Arcadia, a world very much like Victorian England, with slight differences è the magic here is real, gargoyles swarm the city rather like pigeons. Fighting equally wonderful villains, from the bewitchingly seductive Miranda Cross (Archard's Moriarty, perhaps?) to Archard's devious ex-partner, Ruse is replete with worddplay, action, magic, and, of course, feats of deduction Holmes would, if not embrace, acknowledge with an eloquent eyebrow. review by robin |
| Rivals clans locked into peace by ancient ritual, an underground resistance, and a chivalric code to rival the Round Table's. Add to that genetically engineered slaves, computer-controlled dragons, and electronic armor, and you have Scion. This tale artfully combines court intrigue with the technology of the most advanced science fiction. This first part follows the destiny of Ethan, the youngest prince of the Heron clan. For centuries war has been avoided through ritualized man-to-man combat, and Ethan is exhilerated to finally get his chance to represent his family against their hated enemy, the Raven clan. Due to an unexpected magical mark (or is it a curse?), Ethan unintentionally breaks the rules of combat and single-handedly brings about true war. read more... The Complete Series |
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Long, long ago, an evil warlord named Mordath nearly conquered the Five Lands of Quin. They banded together against him, and defeated him with the help of a great warrior named Ayden. Ayden's origins were a mystery, he called himself simply "a king who wishes be king no longer." Although the people of the Five Lands begged him to stay and rule them in peace, he refused. He did, however, scatter five pieces of an arrow from his bow across Quin. If threatened again, the Five Lands could call Ayden back by reuniting all the fragments. Over time, the names of Mordath and Ayden passed into legend-- until a mysterious being resurrects Mordath and grants him a terrible new power. Now it's up to one mortal woman to summon Ayden and fight back against this tyranny. Clearly, we're in classic fantasy territory here: trolls, swordfights, sorcery, and a quest that must be completed against all odds. Our heroine, Arwyn (just in case you missed the Tolkein influence!), lost her husband and child when Mordath's troll army sacked her city. Since that day, she's only wanted one thing: vengeance. Arwyn and her dog, Kreeg, risk certain death sneaking into Mordath's castle. It's there that she meets Gareth: a one-eyed stranger with a sharp wit. Cornered by enemies, Arwyn and her new companion are saved by the enigmatic Neven. Their savior presents Arwyn with a task: Neven asks her to put aside her desire for revenge and take up the quest for the arrow. Need I add that rip-roaring adventure follows? All this is done with CrossGen's usual excellent taste. The art is rich and detailed; the coloring is gorgeous; the banter is witty. I can't wait to see where the story goes, as Arwyn, Gareth, and Kreeg venture into distant lands to find the hidden fragments. We get brief glimpses of Quin's other inhabitants, and they're fascinating: winged men and women, blue-skinned folk with pointy ears. My only quibble would be that the human characters all share the same handicap: they're unnaturally pretty. Arwyn'sÞumÞfigure in particular is bound to raise eyebrows. This being a CrossGen comic, however, you can rest assured that she has a personality too. review by Jen |
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This may be a story you think you've heard before: a princess, a knight, magic, and perils overcome by true love. You'd be wrong. In this version, the princess is a car mechanic, the knight a sweet and melancholy mechanical product of her loneliness, and the perils are the far more common dangers of prejudice, violence, low self-esteem, and the cruelty of expectations, both the world's and the ones we put on ourselves. Jo, our princess, is a stick of a girl with little more than genius mechanical know-how and a sweet nature to get her through the world. Sometimes that's enough, especially on the night she creates, with a Frankensteinian addition of lightning, a metal knight built entirely from spare car parts. Most of the time, though, the glares of "real" girls Jo desperately wants to be, the bellowing of a drunken father, the silence of valium-addled of a mother, and the stream of disappointments in her social life affect Jo more than she'd like to admit. Her one source of comfort is the unlikely knight: he learns to speak through flashcards, dubs himself Galahad, and carries Jo across the night rooftops far away from her troubles. In teaching Galahad about the world, Jo begins to see a way out of her life, as well as the problems she must face before she can be what she dreams. The artwork in this tale is fluid and simple -- utterly perfect for the story presented. Too much detail might have made Galahad unbelievable, but the calligraphic lines of Marvit's work make every line a soulful look or a shimmer of movement. Love, loss, and a wandering path to independence weave through Sparks -- it is not a tale I will soon forget. Great for older teens and adults. review by robin |
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This book chronicles the adventures of Big Johnson Bone-- Frontier Hero, founder of Boneville, and venerable ancestor of the Bone cousins (Smiley, Phoney and Fone). Big Johnson Bone hitches a ride on a twister with his mule (Blossom) and his monkey (Mr. Pip) and lands in the middle of a valley that should be very familiar to readers of the Bone series. The talking animals of the valley beg Big Johnson for aid against the invading rat creatures because their guardian, a small dragon named Stillman, is of no use (Stillman can't breathe fire and is reduced to throwing rocks). Big Johnson Bone agrees to help, of course, and pretty soon he's swinging rat creatures about by their tails. He runs into trouble in the form of the Rat Queen's son, a 50-foot rat creature named Tyson, who swallows him whole. But Big Bone Johnson does prevail, and we learn why the rat creatures chop off their tails. There's also a bonus story, drawn by Stan Sakai (author of the Usagi Yojimbo series), about an obnoxious talking pig named Riblet, whom the rat creatures kidnap and then can't wait to return. This is a fine addition to the Bone series, although the story got a bit too Looney Tunes for me-- adults can read and appreciate most of the Bone series, but this one is more for kids. review by george |
| Tellos involves things familiar to all readers of sword and sorcery tales: honorable thieves, loyal companions, threatening adversaries, and a young boy destined to be a hero. The great thing about Tellos is that it makes every single one of these tropes feel new and vibrant. Young outlaw Jarek, accompanied by his faithful friend Koj, a tiger-man, stumbles into an elaborate and desperate mission to save his world. Suddenly pushed into the role of savior, Jarek gains an amulet that will raise the god of good to fight an encroaching evil. read more... The Complete Series review by robin |
| Compared to The Golden Compass, this series, now three volumes long and counting, follows the adventures of Rubel, a young thief. As he wades his way through the history-making events around him, Rubel encounters pirates, kings, soliders, mysterious ladies, and one particularly nasty sorceress. Mr. Oakley has apparently been building Rubel's world in his head for years, and the rich detail and careful plotting certainly shine! The author's drawing style is similar to japanese manga but has its own distinct energy. review by robin |
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Tokyo Babylon follows the adventures of Sumeragi Subaru, the head of Sumeragi clan and an onmyoji, or a master of spirits, more powerful than any other of his generation. Subaru, though only 16, manages to exorcise ghosts as much through talking to them as through magical means. At his side is his twin sister, Hokuto, who provides a hyper sense of humor to the proceedings and takes advantage of Subaru's giving nature by dressing him up in every elaborate outfit she can think of, much to Subaru's chagrin. Her brightness is mirrored in their caretaker and neighbor, the older but equally cheerful Sakurazuka Seishiro, a veterinarian and sorcerer with his own legendary pedigree. Seishiro is, in fact, the heir to the Sakurazuka clan, historically enemies of the Sumeragi clan, assassins by trade, and practitioners of the dark opposite of Subaru's magic. This odd trio takes on case after case, and though Subaru does most of the work, Seishiro will step in to defend his Subaru. On the surface, Seishiro appears to be everything the Sumeragi twins need -- a confidant, a friend, and a guardian -- but every once in a while he seems to display an alarmingly cold side. Could he be something different from what the Sumeragi assume?read more... If you like, you can skip to individual volumes: The Series reviews by robin |
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Anyone here a closet fan of Quantum Leap? Raise your hands. I admit, I loved that show beyond all reason, and would frequently catch reruns whenever possible. Who didn't wonder what it would be like to travel to another place and time and influence the course of history? Well, CLAMP has decided to take on an ambitious and exhilarating project for any fans of their work that jives with Quantum Leap's simple premise leading to a myriad of stories. These master manga creators have decided to take all of their worlds, speculate on how they might've gone differently, and let loose their imaginations in creating just as many alternatives as they can come up with. The framework for Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles takes its cues from CLAMP's early series, Cardcaptor Sakura. As with every page in Tsubasa, though, everything's a bit skewed. Here is Sakura, Syaoran, and their fellows, but Sakura is a noble princess and Syaoran a common but brilliant son of an archaeologist. As the series progresses, many familiar faces will reappear, from every CLAMP series, except that this time around they'll beÞdifferent. In the end, Tsubasa is an exciting way to explore the "what ifÞ" scenarios so many readers like to ponder about their favorite series while still following a new storyline with new characters. read more... reviews by robin The Complete Series |
| At some point in life, I think most everyone has secretly fantasized about being a wandering warrior, whether it be a medieval knight or a deadly assassin. Usagi Yojimbo is a ronin è a samurai without a patron è in 16th century Japan. He also happens to be a rabbit. Don't let the floppy ears fool you è Stan Sakai won the much-coveted Eisner award for this excellent series full of the honor and legend of times past. The many volumes of this adventure series follow his search for honorable battles, waging his own war against evil magic, bat ninjas, assassins, peddlers, and weilding a legendary blade his enemies seek. |
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Whenever I see disappointing heroines in fantasy tales, from books to films to comics, I'm usually irritated by the fact that, whether they be magicians or knights, rarely do these supposedly powerful women stand on their own. Too often they're objects of fantasy (ack, no pun intended) for the male audience, given just enough magic or strength to pretend they're all girl power when in fact the men always save them. If they are strong and independent, they tend to swing the other way, coming across as unsubtle warrior women clones who show no tenderness nor femininity. Where, oh where, are the actual women? When I settled down to read Jane Irwin's Vögelein, I suspected I was in for a treat, and boy was I right. Vögelein, the title character, is a true heroine: independent, strong-willed, but also at times naive, uncertain, and afraid without being any less strong. Like a great fantasy hero of any sort, she braves danger, learns from her mistakes, and is just human enough to take us all along for the emotional ride as well as the physical journey. The fact that Vögelein is a clockwork faerie, living through a magical combination of metal and spirit, doesn't matter one whit. Vögelein must, like a fine pocketwatch, be wound every day but through an unintentional flaw in her design, she is unable to turn the winding key herself. When her latest in a long line of guardians dies, Vögelein must brave the city streets solo in search of a new guardian. Through her character's journey, Ms. Irwin explores the qualities of bravery, empathy, and the shades of grey within all of us. Most poignantly, Vögelein's dependance on others is explored, showing that it can be both a boon of constant company and a curse of responsiblity and a barrier to free affection. Encountering both a potential guardian who is less noble than he appears and an embittered real member of the fair folk, Vögelein learns quickly the harshness and glimpses of hope the world can offer her, especially if she dares to stand on her own. The artwork is all grayscale, and the somber quality of the solid and fluid art perfectly fits the tale. This volume acts more as an introduction to Vögelein and her world, and I can only beg for more! review by robin |
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Simultaneously released with Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, XXXholic is nonetheless a very different series. While the folks in Tsubasa are jetting from dimension to dimension searching a princesses' lost memories, XXXholic focuses in on a few characters staying very much in the same place. The drama comes from the characters and their, shall I say, dubious profession. XXXholic, not at all pornographic despite the title, follows the professional trade of Yuko, a space-time witch whose general purpose in life is to trade in wishes. She provides all manner of magical gifts and objects to those in needÞfor a price. read more... The Complete Series reviews by robin |
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Wild Com is actually a collection of three short stories. The first, “Psychic Squad Wild Com,” features a young girl named Michiru Ozeki who has the power to control fire. At first she is scared of her powers and tries to deny it or pretend it isn't there, but she eventually is persuaded to use it to help save people from a forest fire, at which point she finally accepts her powers and agrees to become a member of the Psychic Squad. The second story, “The Beasts of June,” is a love story that is filled with death, powerful symbology, interesting metaphors, and artwork that enhances everything very effectively. The third story is “The Eye of the Needle” and is the creepiest and most shocking story of a trio that are all quite disturbing, yet highly intriguing and complex, grabbing hold of the reader's attention until the very end. This last story is especially so, as a very handsome man named Shiki Haibara rises to fame and splendor. However, he is brought down by a dark event in his past that he hadn't even remembered, not to mention his abandoned girlfriend Uiko. Shiki's vanity and arrogance end up being his undoing as he meets a sinister end. These three stories, though short, are among the most creepy and dramatic tales that I have read. They will suck you right in and won't let go until the end; if you like mystery, horror, and drama, Wild Com is one that I can wholeheartedly recommend. review by jack |
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All the loveliness of the English countryside in the spring and summer is balanced by the coziness of wintertime in Water Rat's hole in the river bank, complete with a library and fireplace. Each animal in this little community has his own story line and preoccupations, and their personalities unfold in slyly humorous counterpoint to Mr. Toad's grandiose schemes and continual accidents, and Mr. Badger's blunt manners and introspective nature. Although the animals and dialogue are sometimes a little goofier than I'd like (and that's a Wind in the Willows purist talking) the illustrations are perfect, particularly Plessix's renderings of the woods, river, fields, and living rooms where the action unfolds. Plessix also manages to incorporate a good deal of the book's original dialogue into his frames, and depicts Kenneth Grahame's poetic and spiritual passages beautifully in his illustrations. This is a story of intrigue, hair-raising schemes, and happy companions, taking place on a small scale that feels both very close to home, and like a long look into another world. review by Alison |
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An angel, Kohaku, is rescued from being tangled in a tree by an unsuspecting but chivalrous doctor, Shuichiro. Once freed, Kohaku proclaims that Shuichiro has earned a wish granted for lending her aid. Unfortunately, Shuichiro cannot think of a single thing he wants or needs. Thwarted in her act of goodwill and reciprocation, Kohaku is a bit thrown. Unsure of what else to do, she decides to stay with Shuichiro until he discovers whatever it is he wishes for. Shuichiro is puzzled but enchanted by his new houseguest, and grows quite fond of her naive exploration of his life and interests. Kohaku's decision, of course, has repercussions. read more... If you like, you can skip to individual volumes: The Complete Series reviews by robin |
| As a relative newbie to the comics world, one of the prejudices I've had to shake off is the idea the women are consistently presented as eye-candy and little more. You know, skin-tight outfits, provocative poses, few lines. So you can imagine I was a little, well, put off by my first glimpse of tough NYPD detective Sara Pezzini è dolled up in a skin-tight red mini dress and drawn with impossible proportions. My mouth twitched and I'm sure I ended up with a bit of a scowl on my face. Nonetheless, I decided to keep going and see just how stereotypical this buxom lass would be. I'm glad I did. Sara, on top of being a sexy thing, is smart, strong, capable, independent, and, always my favorite, snide. Sara has been chosen by the mythical Witchblade, a legendary weapon of extraordinary power that chooses its female wielder for better or for worse. As the Witchblade exerts its control, Sara loses her beloved partner, is stuck with a rookie to replace him, and is suddenly being courted by the one man who holds the key to the Witchblade, the dangerously attractive Kenneth Irons. One visual decision that evens the score is that the men in the book, from nemesis Kenneth Irons to potential brother in arms Ian Nottingham, are drawn with equally impossible proportions and beauty. The artwork and colors are jewel-like-- vivid with light and sharp lines. The plot is satisfyingly complicated, emotional, and happily, edged with a no-nonsense humor that is too often lacking in fantasy tales of destiny. If you're looking for a heroine with muscles, brains and beauty, look no further. On a side note, yes, this title and its sequels are the inspiration for the TNT TV show, now cancelled, Witchblade. I enjoyed the show a lot, but as with most adaptations, the graphic novels follow a different plot and creative idea, so check them out. review by robin |
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Yongbi is a young and daring bounty hunter who isn't afraid of anything. One day he comes to the small village of Gang Ho, where he encounters and captures Goo Hwi, the feared leader of the Black Snake assassination organization. Yongbi then finds the child of Mok In Yul, a rich an powerful merchant who lives in Hobook Castle. Yongbi takes him there along with Goo Hwi, who constantly threatens Yongbi with retribution from the members of the Black Snake, who surely would have noticed that their leader has been captured. Upon reaching Hobook Castle, things should have become easier for Yongbi, but hid pursuers catch up with him and war between rival organizations erupts. Yongbi is caught in the middle, forced to fight his way out of a sticky situation. The story is full of interesting plot twists and detailed artwork as well as a surprisingly funny cast of characters, making this manga one that should definitely be checked out. review by jack |
Amnesia
Bone
The
Books of Magic
Cardcaptor
Sakura 
Cathedral
Child
City of Light, City of Dark 
Crux:
Atlantis Rising 
Dolls
(Volume 1)
Eerie
Queerie
Fables:
Legends in Exile 
The
First: Two Houses Divided 
Flight
(Volume One)
Garlands
of Moonlight
Heaven
Sword and Dragon Sabre
Hikaru
No Go 
The Hobbit 
Instant
Teen (Volume 1)
Inu-Yasha:
A Feudal Fairy Tale
The
Last Knight 
Mai
The Psychic Girl
Like many storybook heroines,
Mai Kuju is just your average happy-go-lucky 14 year old. Her wishes
are simple: she'd like to grow up faster; she'd like a boyfriend;
she'd like her dad to be home more. Of course, Mai's not exactly
average. For one thing, she can move stuff with her mind. And there
are these mysterious men following her...
The Man Who Grew Young 
Meridian
Mystic: Rite of Passage
Once
in a Blue Moon (Volume 1)
Pet
Shop of Horrors
The
Princess and the Frog 
Revolutionary
Girl Utena: The Adolescence of Utena
Rose
Ruse: Enter the Detective
Scion: Conflict of Conscience
Sojourn:
From the Ashes 
Sparks:
An Urban Fairytale
Stupid,
Stupid Rat Tails : The Adventures of Big Johnson Bone, Frontier
Hero
Tellos: Reluctant Heroes 
Thieves and Kings 
Tokyo
Babylon
Tsubasa:
Reservoir Chronicles
Usagi
Yojimbo
Vögelein:
Clockwork Faerie
XXXholic
Wild
Com
The
Wind in the Willows 
Two best friends
meet up for the first time beside a river in the springtime. A conceited
song is suppressed, a barge is overturned, and numerous motor cars
are smashed to smithereens. All in a day's work for Water Rat and
Mole, Mr. Badger, the Otter... and the (in)famous Mr. Toad. The
story begins when the Mole throws caution to the winds, abandons
the task of spring-cleaning his burrow, and sets out into the wide
world. This impetuous act from an otherwise sensible animal takes
us into the middle of the waterfront society of hedgehogs, mice,
and ducks (none of whom are very interested in spring-cleaning).
Cementing their newfound friendship with a picnic and a misshap
involving a small boat, Mole and Water Rat set out to explore their
world, compose poetry, and get their friends out of some tight spots.
Wish
Witchblade: Origins
Yongbi
The Invincible, Volume I
copyright Robin Brenner 2002-2004