X-men Phoenix Endsong

Title
X-men Phoenix Endsong

Library Link
X-Men : Phoenix : endsong

Phoenix : endsongPak, Greg.New York, NY : Marvel Comics, c2005.Year:
c2005Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Phoenix returns to Earth and reanimates Jean Grey's corpse while Quentin Quire escapes and digs up another body.

Great art with good story. Art is cinematic style.

Notes
Cuckoo's play a role

Learning Curve
Moderate: New Xmen readers might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman: Man Who Laughs

Title
Batman: Man Who Laughs

Library Link
Batman.

Man who laughsBrubaker, Ed.New York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Two Stories: The first takes readers back to when the Joker first appeared in Batman's world. The second involves the original Green Lantern's connection to a cold murder case.

The Joker story will seem too familiar for veteran fans but the Green Lantern story is interesting.

Notes
Reveals Green Lantern's little known weakness

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Teen Titans Spotlight: Raven

Title
Teen Titans Spotlight: Raven

Library Link
Teen Titans spotlight : Raven

RavenWolfman, Marv.New York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Raven has an eerie premonition about a shooting at her school. Her emotion absorbing abilities are challenged by the high emotions of fellow students.

Unusual art and confusing storyline but should still appeal to Teen Titans fans.

Notes
Psycho-Pirate's masks plays a role

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Teen Titans might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Title
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Library Link
Diary of a wimpy kid : Rodrick rules

Kinney, Jeff.New York : Amulet Books, 2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewRelates the misadventures of an unpopular middle school student in the form of journal entries and stick figure cartoons.

This book focuses on the main characters unpleasant older brother.
This popular book can be funny and awkward at the same time.

Just like middle school!

NotesWhile cataloged in the Easy section will appeal to tweens and up.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Title
Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Library Link
Diary of a wimpy kid : Greg Heffley's journal

Kinney, Jeff.New York : Amulet Books, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewRelates the misadventures of an unpopular middle school student in the form of journal entries and stick figure cartoons.

In many ways this is a book of contrast as it has the appearance of an elementary age book but with content that would appeal to teens. And while the book is genuinely funny the main character can be a jerk that never sees the connection between his own behavior and his lack of friends.

NotesSome parents may not care for the attitudes and actions of the characters in this book.

Tom Strong Book 4

Title
Tom Strong Book 4

Library Link
Tom Strong collected edition.

Moore, Alan, 1953-La Jolla, Calif. : America's Best Comics, c2004.Year:
c2004Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A split in the time-stream causes problems for Tom when it appears his alternative self is doing a better job. Later Tom gets knocked out on a moon trip and then finds his long, lost frozen girlfriend.

Notes
Good art and story but some may find that characters lack depth.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might find the alternative time-line concept confusing.

Reading Order
Read after Tom Strong Book 3

Tom Strong Book 3

Title
Tom Strong Book 3

Library Link
Tom Strong.

Moore, Alan, 1953-La Jolla, CA : America's Best Comics, c2004.Year: c2004Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
While the previous book, Tom Strong Book 2, tells many short, unconnected stories, the stories in this volume are mostly interconnected.

Tom's daughter falls for a lava man while a cowboy from the past warns of an impending insect infestation. Good art and good story. Should have wide appeal.

Notes
This book has a more mature writing style and themes then the previous volume.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Read after Tom Strong Book 2

Tom Strong Book 2

Title
Tom Strong Book 2

Library Link
Tom Strong collected edition.

Tom Strong (Comic strip)Moore, Alan, 1953-La Jolla, Calif. : America's Best
Comics, c2002.Year: c2002Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Tom Strong's father was a scientist that decided to raise the most physically and mentally developed son science could produce. The result was Tom Strong who travels the world along with his wife, daughter and a talking gorilla going from one adventure to the next.

Though the book has a nostalgic feel the art is modern and mature. Some may find the short stories unsatisfying but most will enjoy the diversity in situations and locales.

Notes
Writer Alan Moore is probably best known for writing Watchmen

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Start with Tom Strong Book One

Batman and the Outsiders: the Chrysalis

Title
Batman and the Outsiders: the Chrysalis

Library Link
Batman and the outsiders.

ChrysalisNew York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Batman teams up with misfits like Metamorpho and Cat Woman to determine why a company is building their own OMACs and shooting them into space. Good art and interesting story.

Notes
Batman gets assistance from an unexpected duo

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some little known characters but are generally explained.

Reading Order
N/a

Superman Batman Vengeance

Title
Superman Batman Vengeance

Library Link
Superman Batman : vengeance

VengeanceLoeb, Jeph.New York : DC Comics, c2006.Year: c2006Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Superman and Batman team up to unravel a mystery involving alternative realities. Crisp, clean illustrations. A standard story which loses its way but with lots of interesting guest stars.

Notes
Bizarro, Batzarro and other odd characters make an appearance.

Learning Curve
High: new readers will likely be confused by large a cast of alternative characters.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman Ego and Other Tales

Title
Batman Ego and Other Tales

Library Link
Batman : ego and other tails

Cooke, Darwyn.New York : DC Comics, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Several short stories written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke.

Features a story about Bruce Wayne arguing with Batman.

Good reading and great illustrations.

Notes
Cooke is probably best know for illustrating DC The New Frontier

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but may be too dark for younger kids.

Reading Order
N/a

The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

Title
The Essential Batman Encyclopedia

Library Link
The essential Batman encyclopedia

Greenberger, Robert.New York : Del Rey/DC/Ballantine Books, c2008.Year:
c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
This book lives up to the name of encyclopedia. Light on images but heavy on text this tome should satisfy anyone looking for Bat info. Almost 400 pages.

Notes
N/a

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
N/a

Essential: Classic X-men

Title
Essential Classic X-men

Library Link
Classic X-Men

Essential classic X-MenNew York : Marvel Pub., c2006-Year: c2006-Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Black and white reprints of the 1960's original X-men with issues 25-53.
Art is crisp but dated. Like most comics from this era it includes small, complete stories and is aimed at a young audience.

Notes
N/a

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

X-men: Supernovas

Title
X-men: Supernovas

Library Link
X-Men.

SupernovasCarey, Mike.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],
2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Rogue leads a team of unlikely heroes to fight mysterious, powerful foes. This book contains three main story lines that are linked together. The stories are standard quality with good artwork. Some may find the art too busy. Art varies from standard comic art to manga.

Notes
Sabretooth and Mystique join this team.

Learning Curve
High: Even X-men fans may find this confusing.

Reading Order
N/a

Justice Society of America: Ghost Stories

Title
Justice Society of America: Ghost Stories

Library Link
Ghost stories

JsA presents Ghost storiesLevitz, Paul.New York : DC Comics, c2006.Year:
c2006Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Once you get past the large, B-list cast with confusing backgrounds and ambiguous powers you will find a character driven storyline with a diversity in age and personalities that is tough to match.

The JSA team goes after a ghost that is harassing it's members and friends. Confusing but still a good read.

Notes
Jakeem and his genie are spotlighted.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Large cast can be confusing to new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Justice Society of America: The Next Age

Title
Justice Society of America: The Next Age

Library Link
Justice Society of America.

Johns, Geoff, 1973-New York : DC Comics, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Once you get past the large, B-list cast with confusing backgrounds and ambiguous powers you will find a character driven storyline with a diversity in age and personalities that is tough to match.

While JSA is searchs for hero descendants someone else is trying to kill them off.

Notes
New recruits join the team

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might be confused however a short bio on each main character is included.

Reading Order
N/a

Hulk Return of the Monster Vol 1

Title
Hulk Return of the Monster Vol 1

Library Link
The Incredible Hulk.

Return of the monsterJones, Bruce.New York : Marvel Comics, c2002.Year:
c2002Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Bruce Banner tries yoga to keep his temper at bay while avoiding assassins who rise from the dead and work for a mysterious organization. Good story but slow pace.

Notes
Dialog is scarce in this visually driven storyline.

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
N/a

Spiderman: The Ultimate Guide

Title
The Amazing Spider-Man

Library Link
The amazing Spider-man : the ultimate guide

Amazing SpidermanDeFalco, Tom.New York : DK Publishing, c2007.Year: c2007Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
A big, fun book full of color pictures and stories that walk the reader through the history of Spider-man.

Notes
Good reference material for old and new readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Secret Invasion: The Infiltration

Title
Secret Invasion: The Infiltration

Library Link
Secret invasion.

InfiltrationNew York : Marvel Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Includes some background info and introduction to the Secret Invasion storyline where shape shifting aliens assume hero identities and infiltrate the hero community. Good story line but story is scattered into many books.

Notes
Also includes excerpts from the classic Fantastic Four about original Skrull invasion.

Learning Curve
High: Will be confusing for new readers

Reading Order
Read Infiltration books before Secret Invasion.

Avengers: The Ultimate Guide

Title
Avengers: The Ultimate Guide

Library Link
Avengers : the ultimate guide

DeFalco, Tom.New York : Marvel/DK, 2005.Year: 2005Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A big, fun book full of color pictures and stories that walk the reader through the history of the Avengers.

Notes
Good reference material for old and new readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Coraline: The Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Magical National Bestseller

Title

Coraline: The Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Magical National Bestseller

Library Link

Coraline

Gaiman, Neil.New York, N.Y. : HaperCollins Pub., c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review

Like the title suggests, this is the novel Coraline in graphic novel format. Coraline tells the story of a young, bored explorer who finds more then she bargained for when she explores her strange new dwellings. Great illustrations that should appeal to teens but a little lengthy for a graphic novel. A bit scary for younger kids.

Notes

Similar to Alice in Wonderland

Batman and Son

Title
Batman and Son

Library Link
Batman and son

Morrison, Grant.New York : DC Comics c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
After cleaning up Gotham, Batman takes some time off only to discover he has a son. Good story but the last chapter will leave many confused.

Notes
Batman can be more dark then most comics and might be disturbing for younger readers.

Learning Curve
Low: OK for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

World War Hulk

Title:
World War Hulk

Library Link:
WWH - World War Hulk

Hulk (Comic strip)Pak, Greg.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],
2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Hulk was captured, shot into space, landed on hostile planet, enslaved, rebelled and then took over hostile planet. Now he's back to Earth looking for revenge against those that shot him into space. Hulk comics usually means more action then story but there is plenty of story here.

Notes
Hulk is probably the strongest creature in the Marvel universe

Learning Curve
Moderate to High – Lots of non-title characters but the most important are explained or introduced.

Reading Order
Read this first if interested in the World War Hulk story line.

Hulk: The End

Title
Hulk: The End

Library Link
Hulk : the end

EndDavid, Peter (Peter Allen)New York : Marvel Pub., c2008.Year: c2008Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
The Hulk travels to the future to fight himself. A series from the 1990's set in the far future complete with mohawks and futuresque slang. The illustrations are a bit dated but should appeal to Hulk fans.

Notes
Rick Jones makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
N/a

Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Guide

Title
Fantastic Four: The Ultimate Guide

Library Link
Fantastic Four : the ultimate guide

Fantastic 4DeFalco, Tom.London ; New York : DK, 2005.Year: 2005Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A big, fun book full of color pictures and stories that walk the reader through the history of the Fantastic Four.

Notes
Good reference material for old and new readers.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

The Ultimates Vol 2 Homeland Security

Title
The Ultimates Vol 2 Homeland Security

Library Link
The ultimates. homeland security

Homeland securityMillar, Mark.New York : Marvel Comics, c2004.Year: c2004Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. Most comics in the Ultimate series have names like Ultimate Spider Man or Ultimate Fantastic Four but the Avengers simply became The Ultimates.

This book introduces the non-public members of the Ultimates and follows the story of a secret alien invasion. Good reading and great illustrations!

Notes
This book carries a Parental Advisory

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Read Ultimates Vol 1 first

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America

Title
Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America

Library Link
Fallen son : the death of Captain America

Death of Captain AmericaLoeb, Jeph.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond
[distributor], c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Follows several Marvel characters and their reaction to the death of Captain American. A good follow up to The Death of Captain America

Notes
Lots of guest appearances.

Learning Curve
High: New readers will likely be confused by a large number of unexplained characters.

Reading Order
After Death of Captain America

The Death of Captain America

Title
The Death of Captain America

Library Link
The death of Captain America.

Burden of dreamsBrubaker, Ed.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],
c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Covers the events regarding the assassination of one of Marvels oldest and most popular characters. Good reading. A must read for any Marvel fan.

Notes
Bucky and Red Skull make an appearance

Learning Curve
Moderate: some non-title characters are not explained/introduced

Reading Order
None but this story occurs after the Civil War series

Ultimate Hulk vs. Iron Man: Ultimate Human

Title
Ultimate Hulk vs. Iron Man: Ultimate Human

Library Link
Ultimate Hulk vs. Iron Man : ultimate human

Ellis, Warren.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2008.Year:
2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. For this book Bruce Banner (Hulk) goes to Tony Stark (Iron Man) for help with his anger management.

Notes
Fans of the traditional Marvel story line may not care for Ultimate changes.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman

Title
52 Aftermath: The Four Horseman

Library Link
52 aftermath : the Four Horsemen
Fifty-two aftermath : the Four HorsemenGiffen, Keith.New York : DC Comics, c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Superheroes work together to battle powerful beings left over from the 52 series.

DC pushes their luck with this 52 afterthought. After a great series like 52, this book is very disappointing. Weak story, poor writing.
Nothing to see here, move along.

Notes
Stars the big DC three: Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman

Learning Curve
Moderate

Reading Order
To be read after the 52 series

Civil War: A Marvel Event

Title
Civil War: A Marvel Event

Library Link
Civil war : a Marvel Comics event

Millar, Mark.New York : Marvel Comics, c2007.Year: c2007Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Heroes split on government decision to regulate masked heroes. Iron man leads group that supports government while Captain America's followers go underground to fight decision. Excellent story line, high emotion and intrigue.

Notes
Exceptional Artwork with much higher standards then normal.

Learning Curve
High: someone new to comics will probably be confused.

Reading Order
Read this first if interested in the Civil War story line.

Hulk: Red Hulk

Title
Red Hulk

Library Link
Hulk.

Red HulkLoeb, Jeph.New York : Marvel, 2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Hulk appears to have turned red, developed some bad habits and odd symptoms. Hulk means more action then story.

Notes
A-Bomb and Thor make an appearance

Learning Curve
Moderate: Lots of non-title characters but either explained or background.

Reading Order
None but takes place after World War Hulk

World War Hulk: Warbound

Title
World War Hulk: Warbound

Library Link
Warbound

Pak, Greg.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2008.Year:
2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Hulk was captured, shot into space, landed on hostile planet, enslaved, rebelled and then took over hostile planet. Now he's back to Earth looking for revenge against those that shot him into space. To aid him, he brought along friends he made on the hostile planet. These friends are referred to as Warbound. This graphic novel tells the story of what happened to the Warbound after Hulk's attack.

Notes
Guest Star the Leader

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.