The Last Dragon

“The isles ran red with dragon blood till all of them were gone. Or so the humans believed.”

It’s been hundreds of years since the last dragon was vanquished, and the citizens of Meddlesome are sure they’ll never return. But they spoke too soon, for cradled in the roots of a tree is the last remaining dragon egg, which has finally decided to hatch. With farm animals, children, and even the local healer gone missing, only Tansy, the healer’s daughter, can hope to save Meddlesome from the last dragon.

My Review: The beautiful artwork in this graphic novel gave it a dreamlike quality that helped transport me into this fairy tale. I loved that Tansy was the practical and strong one who had to teach Lancot, the “hero,” how to truly be heroic. Give this book a try if you love fantasy stories, lush artwork, and great female characters. Hope you enjoy The Last Dragon by Jane Yolen and Rebecca Guay as much as I did. Check it out today at the library!

Katie Clark
Teen Librarian

Morning Glories

“Upending authority, destroying power structures, wreaking general havoc — why wouldn’t I do it?”

Morning Glory Academy is taking on a new class of students who think they’re entering a prestigious prep school.  Too bad the Academy is only a facade for a far darker, even deadly, purpose.

What is the Academy’s secret?  Can the new class take on the administration and save themselves when they don’t truly know what they’re saving themselves from?

 
My Review:  The mysterious underbelly of the Academy intrigued me from the very beginning, when a student tries her best to take out her teacher with a homegrown explosive.  I loved the students, especially Casey, the leader of the new class – she’s smart, wily, and unwilling to submit to the administration’s scare tactics.  The teachers are deliciously menacing as they take pleasure in the trials they put their students through. 

This is volume one of this graphic novel series and there are a lot of unanswered questions that will make future volumes exciting.  Who is that ghostly figure in the basement who kills those who misbehave? Does the school have a link to the Spanish Inquisition?  What is their ultimate goal and is time travel a part of it?  Check out Morning Glories by Nick Spencer and Joe Eisma today and leave your theories in the comments. 

Katie

Axe Cop is Made of Awesome

I just finished Axe Cop, the most insane, hilarious graphic novel I’ve read yet.  It’s written by a 5 year old and illustrated by his 29 year old brother, so the story takes these crazy leaps that could only come from a kid. 

Basically, a cop found the perfect axe one day and decided to become Axe Cop, chopping the heads off bad guys everywhere.  (One exception: if another cop decided to be an Axe Cop, the real Axe Cop would have to chop his head off even if he was good. There can be only one Axe Cop.)

He has sidekicks like Dinosaur Soldier, a cop who was fighting a dinosaur, got its blood on him, and turned into a man-sized, talking,  crime fighting dinosaur.   There’s a baby with a wish-granting unicorn horn, two brothers from the moon, vampires, zombies, robots and more dinosaurs!  Check out Axe Cop by Malachai and Ethan Nicolle if you like absurd humor and don’t mind just going with whatever craziness comes next.   

You can also go to axecop.com.  Definitely check out the newer stuff there, but I recommend getting started with the book for it’s behind the scenes look at the way the brothers create Axe Cop together.  

Katie

The Mighty Thor

Can’t wait to see the new Thor movie this weekend?  Check out a Thor graphic novel at the library, or try the Avengers to get a look at what Marvel might have planned for the new Avengers movie in 2012.  It should be epic – Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and more.  We’ve got graphic novels for all your favorite superheroes, so check one out today!

Read a (Possibly) Award Winning Comic

The Eisner Awards, named after legendary comics artist Will Eisner, recently announced their award nominations, so take this chance to read a nominee and see who you think deserves to win! The winners will be announced at Comic-Con July 22.  See all the nominees here.

	Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard A collection of stories about the brave, fabled Mouse Guard are told by the patrons in the June Alley Inn, whose proprietor has offered a prize to whoever can tell the greatest tale. Nominated for: Best Cover Artist, David Peterson Best Anthology
	SilverFin: The Graphic Novel Young James Bond, while attending boarding school at Eton in the 1930s, must battle against an insane arms dealer who, by using killer eels, is attempting to create a race of indestructible soldiers on the eve of World War II. Nominated for: Best Adaptation From Another Work
	Ghostopolis When Garth Hale is accidentally zapped into the ghost world by a washed-up ghost wrangler, he discovers that he has special powers. Soon he finds himself on the run from the evil ruler of Ghostopolis. Nominated for: Best Lettering, Doug TenNapel Best Publication for Teens

Pinocchio Vampire Slayer 2

Sequel alert! You might not want to read this until you’ve read the first book.

“What do you call a dumb vampire who gets distracted by a cricket?
…Dead.”

Pinocchio’s back! Taking names and killing vamps with only the power of lies and his wooden nose.   This time, he’s got a whole entourage of living puppets around to help him get his vengeance on the vampires who destroyed his family. 

Will he ever find the master vampire?  Was Gepetto right when he said Pinocchio is the key to killing the vampires?  Before he figures out the truth, Pinocchio will lose more friends and kill more fiends, but nothing will stop his quest to rid the world of the vampire menace.

My Review:  Once again, Pinocchio has won me over.  I loved the wisecracks, loved the sidekicks and their drama, I even loved the sad moments that caught me by surprise.   A lot of trilogies lose their mojo in the second book, but that didn’t happen here.  Something major happens about halfway through the book that you won’t see coming.  Let’s just say the rabbits of ill portent are involved, so you know it’s important! 

“Pinocchio Vampire Slayer” was the most checked out graphic novel of last year, so I know there are lots of fans out there!  Pick up “Pinocchio Vampire Slayer and the Great Puppet Theater,” now available at the library.

Katie

Top Books of 2010

You know what the end of the year means, don’t you?  Tons of ‘best of the year’ lists!  So here’s mine: the teen books that were checked out the most in 2010.

Top 15 Fiction Books

1.  “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins (Read my review.)
2.  “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
3.  “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer
4.  “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins (Read my review.)
5.  “Scat” by Carl Hiaasen
6.  “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins (Read my review.)
7.  “New Moon” by Stephenie Meyer
8.  “The Alchemyst” by Michael Scott
9.  “The Boy Who Dared” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
10.  “Charmed and Dangerous” by Lisi Harrison
11.  “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” by Stephenie Meyer
12.  “Tangled” by Carolyn Mackler
13.  “The Host” by Stephenie Meyer
14.  “Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel” by James Patterson
15.  “Witch and Wizard” by James Patterson

Top 5 Nonfiction Books

1.  “Mega Traumarama!: Real Girls and Guys Confess More of their Most Mortifying Moments!” by Seventeen Magazine
2.  “Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat” by Megan Carle
3.  “Teens Cook Dessert” by Megan Carle
4.  “Alternacrafts: 20+ Hi-Style, Lo-Budget Projects to Make” by Jessica Vitkus (We made bottle cap magnets using this book’s instructions. Check out the pictures here.)
5.  “Sew with Sara: PJs, Pillows, Bags and More: Fun Stuff to Keep, Give, Sell!” by Sara Trail

Top 5 Audio Books

1.  “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
2.  “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman
3.  “Hoot” by Carl Hiassen
4.  “Brisingr” by Christopher Paolini
5.  “Eclipse” by Stephenie Meyer

Top 5 Graphic Novels

1.  “Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer” by Van Jenson (Read my review.)
2.  “Twilight: The Graphic Novel Vol. 1″ by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim
3.  “Girl Genius: Omnibus” by Kaja Foglio
4.  “Batman: Jekyll & Hyde” by Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee, and Sean Phillips
5.  “Justice League of America: The Injustice League” by Dwayne McDuffee, Alan Burnett and Ed Benes

Top 5 Manga

1.  “Clover” by CLAMP
2.  “Maximum Ride Vol. 1″ by James Patterson and NaRae Lee
3.  “Maximum Ride Vol. 2″ by James Patterson and NaRae Lee
4.  “Nabari No Ou Vol. 1″ by Yuhki Kamatani
5.  “The Dreaming Vol. 1″ by Queenie Chan

Brody’s Ghost

Our winter reading program, 6 Weeks – 6 Books, is into week three.  I’m reading six books in six weeks along with you guys, and here’s my third book review.  If you want to participate, make sure to grab a book log next time you’re at the library.

“What I need is a ghostseer.  Someone who’s capable of seeing ghosts…hearing ghosts…and talking to ghosts.  Well, guess what you are, Brody?”

That’s right.  Brody can see ghosts.  He never knew he could until he met Talia, a reject of Heaven who must complete a good deed before she can get through those pearly gates.  For her good deed, she’s decided to catch a murderer, and she won’t leave Brody alone until he helps. 

My Review:  This manga-style graphic novel by the author of Miki Falls is a solid start to a new series.  I would definitely pick up book two after reading the end of book one, where Brody starts his training with a samurai ghost.  I liked Talia’s attitude, Brody’s suspicion of her, and the feeling that there’s much more to being a ghostseer than meets the eye.  Check it out!  Brody’s Ghost by Mark Crilley is now available at the library.

Katie

New Graphic Novels & Manga

	Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel Garth Hale is as good as dead…The only problem is he’s still alive. When Garth is accidentally zapped into the ghost world by Frank Gallows, a washed-up ghost wrangler, he discovers that he has special powers. Soon he finds himself on the run from the evil ruler of Ghostopolis, who wants to use Garth’s newfound abilities to tighten his grip on the spirit world.
	Spell Checkers Vol. 1 by Jamie Rich Jesse, Kimmie, and Cynthia are three high school witches. Real witches, that’s not just what people call them. They have an ancient spell book, and they use the wicked concoctions found in its pages to get popularity, good grades, and everything they need to live the good life. The trio are the queens of their campus until nasty graffiti about them starts appearing in the halls. These mean girls must join hands and muster their wits to defeat a wannabe usurper and all the nastiness she’s bought with her!
	Ultimate Avengers Vol. 1 by Mark Miller Blast into the Ultimate Universe for a mind-blowing, heart-pounding, and gut-wrenching event of epic proportions! When a highly-classified secret threatens Captain America, only the newly-returned Nick Fury has the tools to bring in the Ultimate Avengers!
	Maximum Ride Vol. 3 by James Patterson and NaRae Lee The Flock members are taken under the wing of an FBI agent and try to live “normal” lives by going to school, making friends–and continuing their relentless search for their parents. But the Erasers return, forcing the Flock to abandon their search and make their escape once again.

New Graphic Novels

Skeleton key : the graphic novel – Anthony Horowitz and Antony Johnston
On a routine mission at the Wimbledon tennis championships, reluctant teenage spy Alex Rider gets caught up in Chinese gangs, illegal nuclear weapons, and the suspect plans of his Russian host, General Sarov.

Crogan’s march – Chris Schweizer
Legionnaire Peter Crogan has some hard questions to answer. Should he finish out the tail end of his 5-year term of service with the French Foreign Legion, or become an officer? There’s not much time to consider his options as his life is invaded by armies of Tauregs, brutal sandstorms, and terrible man-eating creatures!

Spider-Man loves Mary Jane Vol. 2 – Sean McKeever and Valentine De Landro
Mary Jane Watson must choose between her bookish-but-sweet tutor, Peter Parker, and the exciting crime fighter, Spider-Man.

 

Thor – J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Coipel
How does a god return from Ragnarok? And what place will he find in a world torn by Civil War?
 

 

Gunnerkrigg Court : Research – Tom Siddell
Antimony Carver and friend Kat begin their second year at Gunnerkrigg Court. They find a tomb of ancient robots which leads the two friends to question how they are linked to the mysterious ghost that attacked Annie the year before.

 
All-star Superman – Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely
Presents a new version of the story of Superman, following his activities as a superhero and his interactions with Lois Lane, Jimmy Olson, and Lex Luthor.

 

Foiled – Jane Yolen and Michael Cavallaro
Outcast Aliera Carstairs may not fit in at school, but she’s always a star in her fencing class, so when Avery Castle walks into her first period biology class, she must find a way to be noticed by the possible Prince Charming. Original.

Twilight : the graphic novel – Young Kim and Stephenie Meyer
A beautifully rendered first installment in a graphic novel series based on the best-selling Twilight series recounts the tale of Isabella Swan, who moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysteriously alluring Edward Cullen, an occurrence that causes her life to take a thrilling and terrifying turn.

Solomon’s thieves – Jordan Mechner
In 14th-century France, a conspiracy to destroy the Templar Order and steal their treasure is revealed, and soon Martin–a Templar Knight returning from the Crusades–finds himself one of the only Templars out of prison–and out for revenge!

For Graphic Novel & Manga Fans

Every year before the library’s summer events start, I put in a big order for graphic novels and manga.  Now’s your chance to tell me what to buy!

Comment me with the new graphic novels you want, the manga series you wish we had, or anything else you think I need to know.

Alice in Wonderland

This weekend Tim Burton’s new Alice in Wonderland movie comes out.  But what if Wonderland were just a little bit…darker?  That’s exactly what you’ll find in Frank Beddor’s “Hatter M” series of graphic novels.

In this series, the Queen’s bodyguard, Hatter Madigan, undertakes a journey through an opressive world to rescue Alyss, the lost princess of Wonderland.  The unique artwork plunges you into a grim, moody atmosphere perfect for anyone who ever envisioned Wonderland’s dark underbelly and wished to go down that  rabbit hole.   Check out volume 1, “The Looking Glass Wars” and volume 2, “Mad with Wonder,” available at the library.

Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer

Yeah, you heard me right.  Pinocchio.  Vampire slayer.  It seems unbelievable that no one before Van Jensen and Dusty Higgins had thought of this great concept.  All the wooden one has to do is tell a lie and shik! out grows his nose, fit for him to snap off and use to smoke a few vampires.  It’s genius! 

I couldn’t resist reviewing this great graphic novel.  A grown-up Pinocchio uses lies to carry out his vengeance on the creatures that killed his father, Gepetto.  But it’s not all revenge, revenge, revenge.  The book is funny, too, and as strange as it seems for a puppet who kills, the author even manages to show Pinocchio’s softer side.

I loved how they made Pinocchio a badass and the cricket one of his wisecracking sidekicks.  Of course, the whole nose-growing thing made for some great gags, especially when even Pinocchio didn’t realize he was lying.  Is there even a question that the book is primed for a sequel?  Look for it this fall.  For now, “Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer” is on library shelves.

Meet War Machine

 

Click here to check out pictures from Iron Man 2, including the new movie poster!  Wondering who that is behind our hero?  It’s War Machine, alter-ego of Stark’s friend Rhodey.  For more on him, try this great brief history of War Machine. 

If you can’t wait until July 21 to see the movie, remember you can always come to the library and check out one of our Iron Man graphic novels!

Finally!

New shelves are finally here!  Now for everyone who put a suggestion in the suggestion box that said:

“Get the old comic books like Batman, Spiderman.”

“Get more manga. Seriously.”

“Put the new Naruto and Bleach manga here.”

or anyone who just wished we could have more graphic novels and manga, your wish is granted.  The new shelving has arrived, and look!  You can actually see the green wall behind it.  So if you have a suggestion for some new graphic novels or manga series, comment me, because I finally have the space to buy more. 

And even if you’re not a graphic novel and manga fan, new shelves means more breathing room in the rest of the collection, too.  So basically, no matter what you read, feel free to let me know what you think I should buy for the library.

Katie

 

 

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

Check out this new Robin Hood graphic novel!   The author takes what you know about this hero of the people and weaves in his own new details, while the art portrays this 12th century story with the seriousness demanded by the price on Robin’s head.  Full of adventure, romance, fights, fun and legendary heroism, it’s got something for everyone. 

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee, illustrated by Sam Hart, and colored by Artur Fujita, is now available.

A Christmas Carol: The Graphic Novel

Today, the new movie version of “A Christmas Carol” comes out in theaters, but why not read the book first?  We have a new graphic novel version of the book which has great art and the complete text of the original book by Charles Dickens. (FYI, our book has a black-on-black cover, but that’s pretty hard to see in a small image, so I put the color version of the cover in this post.) 

While you’re reading the classics, give “Frankenstein” or “Macbeth” a try, too!  We have them both in graphic novel format, and they’re school assignment approved, since they’re the full text of the original, not abridged.  But just in case you need it, we also have “Macbeth” in the quick text version which has quick, modern language.  If you try any of these graphic classics and think we should buy more, let me know!

Chicago Comic-Con 2009

Hey everyone! This is Tressa. I’m taking over Katie’s blog for just a moment. A couple of weeks ago I went to the Chicago Comic-Con and it was unbelievably awesome!  The whole conference floor was jammed pack with comic book collections, games, specialized toys, t-shirts…you name it, it was there!!!

The best part was seeing everyone dressed up in costumes. Before you even got into the conference area, people were walking around dressed as characters from Star Wars, Batman, Spiderman, Watchmen, etc.  Next year I am totally dressing up! 

 Another fun part was seeing some somewhat-famous celebrities:  Michelle Rodriguez (“Anna Lucia” from LOST) was there; Peter Brady from “The Brady Bunch”; Ray Park (Darth Maul), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrission) from “Star Wars”; the original Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno; …oh, and some kid named Cameron Bright who will be Alec, one of the Volturi, in the next Twilight movie. 

 Anyway, it was a ton of fun!! If you guys ever get the chance to go, it is definitely worth it!!  More pictures after the jump…

Orientation

Gunnerkrigg Court is not your average British boarding school.   Antimony Carver doesn’t just have to deal with classes and making friends at a new school, she  has to deal with robots, demons, gods, and mythical creatures running around the grounds. 

Follow Antimony as she finds a new home for her newly acquired second shadow, gets homework help from the mythical Minotaur, and tries to find out more about her mysterious new school.

Gunnerkrigg Court Volume 1: Orientation is a compilation of the first 14 chapters of the web comic of the same name.  Check it out here, then check out the book, now available at the library.

Katie

New Heroes Graphic Novel

Even if you hate this season of Villains, try and get some relief with the new Heroes graphic novel, now on library shelves.

Check out the webcomic.