The Immortal Iron Fist

Title
The Immortal Iron Fist

Library Link

The book of Iron Fist / by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Roy Thomas ; artists,
Travel Foreman ... [et al.].
Brubaker,
Ed.
New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2009.

10 Second Review
A collection of stories exploring past and present bearers of the Iron Fist title.

Lots of martial arts action and interesting concepts.
Art and storylines range from fair to excellent.

Notes
Good for those looking for an alternative to traditional comics and those interested in lesser know Marvel characters.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Gathering Blue

Title
Gathering Blue

Library Link

Gathering
blue / Lois Lowry
Lowry,
Lois.
Boston : Houghton Mifflin, c2000

10 Second Review
Kira lives in a filthy, backward town. When her mother dies, her body is dragged to an empty field and left for the animals.

Kira's home is burned to the ground and her neighbors want her kicked out of town.
However, her luck is about to change.

An excellent, engaging story that will provide the reader with some interesting dilemmas.
Good for those looking for something different and thought provoking.

NotesWhile not a sequel, this book takes place in the same world as 'The Giver'.

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Related to 'The Giver' and 'Messenger'

X-men: Original Sin

Title
X-men: Original Sin

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Marvel Comics, 2009, by Mike Carey

10 Second Review
Wolverine is forced to face some unpleasant memories when he discovers he may have a son. Logan and Charles work through some issues.

Standard art and standard story. Should appeal to Wolverine fans but might overwhelm new readers.

Notes
Hulk and Wendigo make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those unfamiliar with Wolverine might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Mouse Guard Winter 1152

Title
Mouse Guard Winter 1152

Library Link

Mouse Guard. Vol. 2, Winter, 1152 / David Petersen.
Petersen,
David, 1977-
Fort Lee, N.J. : Archaia Studio ; London : Diamond
[distributor], 2008

10 Second Review
On an urgent mission, a guard team gets separated and makes some surprising discoveries.

Exceptional art creates a believable world inhabited by a community of mice and the enemies they face.
This book is a true graphic novel in that the images transcend mere visual appeal and actively participate in the story telling.

Notes
Don't dismiss this book because it's listed in the 'kids' section.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Mouse Guard Fall 1152
Mouse Guard Winter 1152

Ms Marvel Operation Lightning Storm

Title
Ms Marvel Operation Lightning Storm

Library Link

Operation
lightning storm / writer, Brian Reed ; artist, Robert De La Torre
Reed,
Brian, 1971-

10 Second Review
Ms. Marvel convinces Tony Stark to let her start her own team and even gives her a mini-carrier. A few Shield Agents and Wonder Man join her to right wrongs and to battle the A.I.M. organization.

Ms. Marvel has some of the most ambiguous powers for a primary character (with Wonder Man bringing in a close second) but her professional wrestler looks seem to inspire better then average art.

The story is typical so this book will most likely appeal to Marvel fans.

Notes
Excellent cover art by Greg Horn

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those new to Marvel comics might be confused.

Reading Order
Occurs before Secret Invasion

Specials

Title
Specials

Library Link

Specials / Scott Westerfeld
Westerfeld,
Scott.

10 Second ReviewTally continues her struggles against various groups trying to manipulate her. One of her tricks goes too far and she is forced to accept responsibility for a dangerous situation.

While a bit tedious at first, this book provides the series with a strong finish. Plenty of twists and surprises make for a great read.

Notes
This book portrays students cutting themselves to stay focused.

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Uglies
Pretties
Specials

Spider-man: The Other

Title
Spider-man: The Other

Library Link

Spider-man
The Other, Evolve or Die
UNCATALOGED PAPERBACK
Marvel Enterprises
2007.

10 Second Review
A machine-themed villain gives Spidey headaches and an injury sends him to the doctor.
The doctor finds some disturbing news.
Things look grim for the web-crawler.

Good story and standard art.
The style of art changes quite a bit and the pace is a bit slow but should appeal to Marvel fans.

Notes
Book combines Amazing Spiderman and Marvel Knights

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers new to comics might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Encyclopedia of The End

Title
Encyclopedia of The End

Library Link

Encyclopedia
of the end : mysterious death in fact, fancy, folklore, and more / Deborah
Noyes
Boston : Houghton Mifflin Co., c2008.

10 Second Review
The book covers a large variety of topics related to the end.

THE End. Pushing up daisies. The big finale. Aka Death.

From protective amulets to cryonics, death brides to forensics and gravestones to war.

Lots of creepy pictures and some surprising historical facts.

Notes
Covers a variety of cultures and should also appeal to history buffs.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Stars and STRIPE

Title
Stars and STRIPE

Library Link

Stars
and S.T.R.I.P.E. / Geoff Johns, writer ; Lee Moder, penciller ; Dan Davis,
inker ; Tom McCraw, colorist ; Bill Oakely, letterer
Johns,
Geoff, 1973-

10 Second Review
A young girl finds some old super hero equipment and decides to lead the crime-fighting life. Concerned for her safety, her step-dad dons an armored suit to act as her sidekick.

It's hard to tell who the target audience is for this book. The main character is young and overconfident (like Teen Titans) but the story line and art seem old school (like Justice Society of America). Basically, a young face on a dated format.

Notes
Fans of JSA might enjoy this series.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be confusing for those new to JSA

Reading Order
N/a

Dealing with the Stuff that makes Life Tough

Title
Dealing with the Stuff that makes Life Tough

Library Link

Dealing
with the stuff that makes life tough : the 10 things that stress girls out and
how to cope with them / Jill Zimmerman Rutledge Chicago : Contemporary
Books, c2004.

10 Second Review
Covers a wide range of issues that teen girls may face and offers practical advice.

This book provides a unique approach by providing solutions from different perspectives.
The advice covers a wide range of topics but is largely generic.

Notes
Will probably be more appealing to younger teens.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Spider-man: Crime and Punisher

Title
Spider-man: Crime and Punisher

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-Man. Crime and Punisher / writers, Marc Guggenheim, Zeb
Wells, Joe Kelly ; artists, Barry Kitson, Paolo Rivera, Chris Bachalo
Guggenheim,
Marc.

10 Second Review
Several unrelated stories gathered together to include Amazing Spiderman #574-577.

A good read with standard art and includes stories about Hammerhead, Punisher and others.

Notes
Spidey gets a big kiss from Greta

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Pretties

Title
Pretties

Library Link

Pretties / by Scott Westerfeld
Westerfeld,
Scott.

10 Second Review
Tally wakes up with a brand new face and access to non-stop parties. As she enjoys the good life she also struggles with strange dreams and regaining lost memories.

A very strong sequel to 'Uglies' that is sure to satisfy fans.
More sophisticated then most teen titles, this book should appeal to both teens and adults.

Notes
Chock full of twists and surprises.

Learning CurveLow: If read after 'Uglies'

Reading Order
Uglies
Pretties
Specials

Oh my goddess 18

Title
Oh my goddess 18

Library Link

Oh
my goddess! / story and art by Kosuke Fujishima ; translation, Dana
Lewis, Alan Gleason, and Toren Smith ; lettering and touch-up by Susie Lee and
Betty Dong with Tom2K
Fujishima,
Kōsuke.

10 Second Review
Keiichi and Bell Dandy investigate a ghost sighting and a strange (very strange) mad scientist kidnaps one of the gang.

Fun, easy story. Fans will enjoy this book and a good choice for new readers.

Notes
This book reads in the traditional English format, from left to right.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological, but not essential.

Uglies

Title
Uglies

Library Link
Uglies / by Scott Westerfeld
Westerfeld, Scott.
New York : Simon Pulse, 2005.
1st Simon Pulse ed.

10 Second ReviewWhen you turn sixteen everyone gets free surgery to make them beautiful and life is one long party.

One girl finds out the hard way what happens to those that skip the surgery.

An intriguing and entertaining book reminiscent of Brave New World. The author manages to capture how tempting conformity can be.

Notes
Should have wide appeal.

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Uglies
Pretties
Specials