Power Girl: Aliens and Apes

Title
Power Girl: Aliens and Apes

Library Link
Power Girl : aliens and apes / Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, writers ; Amanda Conner ; artist & covers ; Paul Mounts, colorist ; John J. Hill, letterer Gray, Justin.

10 Second Review
Power Girl is visited by a giant head looking for love;
Some hybrid man/animals rob a bank;
Satanna gets a hammer from Sivana.

Despite Superman-level powers, Power Girl has B-level villians.
However, the art is well done and the campy stories are fun.
The stories are short and complete so a good choice for casual/new readers.

Notes
Can anything with Power Girl be all bad? :)

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

Title
Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love

Library Link
Cinderella. From Fabletown with love / Chris Roberson, writer ; Shawn McManus, artist ; Lee Loughridge, colorist ; Todd Klein, letterer. Roberson, Chris. New York : Vertigo, 2010.

10 Second Review
This book is a spin-off of the excellent series 'Fables' were fairy tale characters are alive and well and living in our modern world. 
While Cinderella may appear to be a simple shoe-store owner, she is actually Fabletown's top spy.
Her mission?  Discover who is smuggling magically items into the mundane world.

This is a fun story but it lacks the complexity of the 'Fables' story-line.
While this may turn off some fans, this makes the book more accessible to new readers.

Notes
An old friend of Cindy's makes a guest appearance.

Learning Curve:
Good for new readers

Heart of the Samurai

Title
Heart of the Samurai

Library Link
Heart of a samurai : based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro / by Margi Preus. Preus, Margi.
New York : Amulet Books, c2010.

10 Second Review
This novel follows the story of a young Japanese boy that is stranded on a tiny island with little food or water.  He is rescued by a passing whaling ship and is later adopted by the ship's captain. 
Back in the United States, he learns to deal with prejudice and the strange lifestyle of the 'blue-eyed devils'.

This book is based on a true story and provides an interesting perspective from the isolated nation of Nippon (Japan).  This is a good book which should appeal to boys and reluctant readers.

Notes
At this time, the Japanese will imprison or execute any citizen that is 'exposed' to Western ideas.

Treasury of the lost litter box

Title

Treasury of the lost litter box : a Get Fuzzy treasury

Library Link
Treasury of the lost litter box : a Get Fuzzy treasury / by Darby Conley.
Conley, Darby. Kansas City, Mo. : Andrews McMeel Pub., c2010.

10 Second Review
This is a collection the newspaper comic, Get Fuzzy.
Genuinely funny, the strip follows the adventures of pet owner Rob, his loyal dog Satchel and the evil cat Bucky.

It may take new readers a few pages to catch on.

Notes
Includes special appearance by 'Pearls before Swine'.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Title

Ultimate Avengers: Next Generation

Library Link
Ultimate avengers / [writer, Mark Millar ; penciler, Carlos Pacheco ; inkers, Dexter Vines & Danny Miki with Allen Martinez, Victor Olazaba & Tom Palmer ; colorist, Justin Ponsor ; letterer, VC's Cory Petit
Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
The Marvel Ultimate series restarts their most popular titles with a more modern perspective. This book picks up after the events of Ultimatum. Nick Fury has been fired and Captain America has gone rogue. Tony Stark's big brother lends a hand as well as a kinder, gentler Hulk.

This is an interesting story that provides a new take on Red Skulls origin.
However, it seems mundane compared with the pre-Ultimatum story-line.

Notes
War Machine plays rough.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to the series might be confused.

The Musicians Daughter

Title
The Musicians Daughter

Library Link
The musician's daughter / Susanne Dunlap. Dunlap, Susanne Emily. New York : Bloomsbury, c2009.
1st U.S. ed.

10 Second Review
Set in the 18th century, this novel is about a young girl who wakes up on Christmas to discover her father has been murdered.  Without her father, the families future looks bleak.
She must struggle to find a way to support her family while secretly searching for clues of her fathers death.
And his valuable, missing violin.

A good read that offers some interesting insights into a different time period.
Mainly a mystery with a bit a romance.

Notes
Should appeal to girls looking for something new.

Learning Curve
Low: A good choice for new readers.

World War Z

Title

World War Z: an oral history of the zombie war

Library Link
World War Z : an oral history of the zombie war Brooks, Max.New York : Crown, 2006.Year: 2006Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Not a graphic novel but good zombie fun. Reads like a documentary of an actual event.
This book follows the zombie war from the first outbreak to a full-scale war.
Complete with personal interviews and interesting insights.
After reading, you may have to remind yourself it didn't actually happen.

Notes
Not for the squeamish with some dark/disturbing elements.

Learning Curve
Low: Might be too much for younger readers

World War Hulk: X-Men

Title

World War Hulk: X-men

Library Link
World war Hulk X-Men Hulk : WWH - X-MenSlott, Dan.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A loose collection of World War Hulk stories to include X-men, Ghost Rider, Ant Man and others.
This collection does not tell a cohesive story but collects several small, incomplete stories.

Notes
Good for those interested in World War Hulk details.

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.

World War Hulk: Incredible Hercules

Title

World War Hulk: Incredible Hercules

Library Link
The incredible Hercules  Pak, Greg.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
Hulk was captured, shot into space, landed on hostile planet, enslaved, rebelled, then took over hostile planet. Now he's back to Earth looking for revenge against those that shot him into space.
 (same timeline/story as WWH but with different characters/perspective)
Story focuses on those that support Hulk to include Hercules and Amadeus Cho.

Notes
Amadeus Cho is the seventh smartest person in the Marvel universe.

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.

Supernatural - Rising Son

Title
Supernatural - Rising Son

Library Link
Supernatural: rising son / writers, Peter Johnson, Rebecca Dessertine ; artist, Diego Olmos ; colorist, Jonny Rench ; letterer, Wes Abbott Johnston, Peter.

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
"Dean and Sam Winchester were raised as Hunters by their widowed father, seeking vengeance on the supernatural elements that took their mother from them."
Dean and Sam follow Dad as he hunts various supernatural monsters and villians.
Dad tries to call it quits but the demons start hunting him.
 
A good choice for horror/supernatural readers and fans of the TV show.
Lots of gore and demon-killin'!
 
Notes
Never trust good-looking women in a horror story
 
Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.  OK for those who are unfamiliar with the TV show.

Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Title
Spider-man Noir - Eyes Without a Face

Library Link
Spider-man noir : eyes without a face / writers, David Hine with Fabrice Sapolsky ; art, Carmine Di Giandomenico Hine, David.


10 Second Review
Set in the mid-forties, the Spider-man must deal with gangsters, hooligans and a masked crime boss named 'Crime Master.'  A mad doctor tries to impress the Nazi's with his experiments.

The 'noir' books take main-stay Marvel characters, subtract their powers and plug them into a Prohibition Era crime story.  The story is generic but it is fun trying to spot Marvel alter egos. 

Notes
Apparently, it is always night-time in the Marvel 'Noir' world.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but only fans will catch the superheroes references.

Nation

Title
Nation

Library Link

Nation / Terry Pratchett.Pratchett, Terry.New York : HarperCollins, c2008.1st ed.

Ten Second Review

Set in the days of pirates and tall ships, a young girl finds herself on a tiny island after a massive tidal wave devastates the Pacific.  There, she finds a native survivor who has lost his entire tribe.  Together, they struggle to survive, communicate and rebuild their lives.

This is a terrific book that explores many difficult topics.  

The author has a fun, easy-to-read style so the book never feels preachy.  

This book should have wide appeal for both boys and girls.

Notes

Terry Pratchett is best known for his Discworld series.

Learning Curve

Low: Good for new readers

X-men Origins

Title
X-men Origins

Library Link
X-Men origins / [writers, Sean McGeever ... [et al.] ; artists, Mike Mayhew ... [et al.]]. New York : Marvel, 2010.

10 Second Review
As the title suggests, this book collects stories of the X-men before they were X-men.
Included are Sabretooth, Wolverine, Beast, Jean Grey and others. 

Fans will be familiar with most of the stories but there are few minor surprises.
While the art is good, the stories might be best suited for new readers.

Notes
Professor X is kinda...creepy.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

The Heroic Age

Title
The Heroic Age

Library Link
The heroic age / writers Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artists, John Romita ... [et al.]


10 Second Review
Evil/crazy Norman Osborn (The Goblin) has been defeated and replaced by Steve Rogers (original Capt. America).  The Superhuman Registration Act has been repealed and it is no longer illegal to be a super hero.
Basically, the Marvel universe is back to normal.  New teams are being formed with some small suprises.
 
While this book is larger then most graphic novels, there is not much in the way of story.
It appears to be single issues of several separate titles combined to form one book.
The good news is that this book can serve as a 'sampler' for readers that may be undecided over which title to follow.  Lots and lots of Marvel heroes are covered.

Notes
"Hulk is the smartest one there is."

Learning Curve
Low: This would be a good starting point for new readers

Astonishing X-men: Torn

Title
Astonishing X-men: Torn

Library Link
Astonishing X-Men. Vol. 3, Torn / writer, Joss Whedon ; artist, John Cassaday Whedon, Joss, 1964-

10 Second Review
Emma messes with Scott's head, Kitty gets lucky and a powerful alien comes to kill X-men.
Meanwhile Beast gets wild while Logan get civilized.
Strange things are going on and Scott struggles to find answers.
 
Good art and story.  A fun read with some unusual elements.
 
Notes
Why does anyone trust Emma?
 
Learning Curve
Low: Some knowledge of the X-men would be helpful

MockingJay

Title
Mockingjay


Library Link
Mockingjay / Suzanne Collins Collins, Suzanne.


10 Second Review
Katniss' adventures continue in this final book in the 'Hunger Games' series.
A mystery group comes to her aid but she quickly discovers that they have their own agenda.
The Capitol continues with it's old agenda and makes life even more miserable for Katniss.

An excellent book that concludes an excellent series.
The author manages to keep up the pace and suspense of the previous books but some may find the constant conflict tiresome.  Katniss finds herself in the middle of a war so expect lots of violence.

Fans will have to read the book and won't be disappointed.


Notes
Gale or Peeta?

Learning Curve
Low, if read in order
Reading Order 
Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay

Avengers: The Origin

Title

Avengers: The Origin

Library Link
Avengers. The origin / Joe Casey, writer ; Phil Noto, artist ; Richard Starkings, Comicraft's Albert Deschesne, letterers Casey, Joe.

10 Second Review
This book is a retelling of the first Avenger get together.  Hulk, manipulated by Loki (Thor's evil brother), causes a ruckus and some Hulk supporters send out a call to the Fantastic Four.  The call is intercepted by Iron Man, Ant Man and the Wasp.  They have some much fun, they decide to form a team.
 
With crisp, clean art this book should appeal to fans and new readers. 
The story line is based on the original story so it is aimed at a fairly young audience. 

Notes
Includes a reprint of Avengers #1

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Title
The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Library Link
Popular mechanics. The art of mechanical drawing : a practical course for drafting and design / William F. Willard Willard, William Franklin, 1879-

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
"Before our modern age of computer-aided design, apprentice draftsmen perfected their art by hand. Manual drafting was once a lovingly nurtured and prized skill. Now, the editors ofPopular Mechanicshave revived their classic handbook in a compact and beautifully produced new edition."

Basically, this book is a reprint from 1912 that teaches mechanical drawing.
While some of the info is dated (ie mechanical drawing skills are profitable) , the drawing exercises are excellent.
This book will show you how to use all those weird drawing tools and teach you to produce virtually any 3-D shape you can imagine.
Great for the artist looking to add precise detail to their work.

Notes
A drafting table would be helpful when using this book

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some math skills are needed

The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis

Title
The Simpsons Futurama Crossover Crisis

Library Link
The Simpsons Futurama crossover crisis / [Matt Groening] Groening, Matt.

10 Second Review
From Booklist
"How much satire can you pack into a single graphic novel? Well, you’ve got The Simpsons, with its cutting perspective on culture and family life; you’ve got Futurama, which hits pop culture and sci-fi tropes with Groening’s patented scathing wit; and you’ve got cosmic-scale comic-book mega-crossover events that the Big Two (Marvel and DC) churn out nonstop, which this book sends up from start to finish, right down to its hardbound, slipcased format."

Yeah, yeah...but is it funny? 
Not so much. 
While the art is excellent the dialog doesn't seem to transfer very well to the comic medium.
Might appeal to younger teens.

Notes
Includes a separate comic book 'The Amazing Colossal Homer."

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Incorruptible Volume 1

Title

Incorruptible Volume 1

Library Link
Incorruptible. Volume 1 / created & written by Mark Waid ; artist: Jean Diaz ; inks: Belardino Brabo ; colorist: Andrew Dalhouse ; letterer: Ed Dukeshire ; editor, Matt Gagnon ; design, Brian Latimer
Waid, Mark.

10 Second Review
The world's primary superhero goes rouge and it's up to world's most violent supercriminal to save the day.
The Plutonian can fly and emits flesh melting rays from his eyes.
He used to be the good guy but now he has killed millions and threatens to destroy the Earth.
Max Damage would rather he didn't destroy the planet and sets out to stop the Plutonian.

A clever idea but the first volume doesn't cover much ground.
However, it's a quick and fun read.

Notes
"The flip-side to the smash hit 'Irredeemable'..."

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

The Scorch Trials

Title
The Scorch Trials

Library Link
The Scorch trials / James Dashner Dashner, James, 1972-

10 Second Review
The Maze Runner was just the beginning.  This book continues the story of a group of teenagers and the experiments they are forced to endure.  They are moved from the relative safety of the Maze to the desert wasteland of the Scorch.  More trials and tests await plus monsters, Cranks and a second group of teenagers.

This is an excellent sequel to Maze Runner and fans will not be disappointed.
Full of action, mystery and romance this book is hard to put down.
You will love it.
You will hate it.
But you MUST read it!

Notes
A good choice for Hunger Game fans

Learning Curve
Low, if read in order

Reading Order
The Maze Runner
The Scorch Trials
???

Rough Justice

Title

Rough Justice

Library Link
Rough justice : the DC comics sketches of Alex Ross / edited and designed by Chip Kidd ; annotations by Alex Ross Ross, Alex, 1970-

10 Second Review
From the libraries summary:
“Private sketchbooks of the author reveal his pencil and ink drawings of DC Comics characters, nearly all of them appearing in print here for the first time. Includes deleted scenes and altered panels for the epic Kingdom Come saga, proposals for revamping classic properties as Batgirl, Captain Marvel, and an imagined son of Batman named Batboy…”

This book is full of sketches by the comic artist Alex Ross. Lots of unique drawings that will give fans an interesting perspective of the artist. While the written material is likely to only appeal to fans, the art should also appeal to students learning the craft of illustration.

Notes
Ross has been awarded an Eisner

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Kingdom Come

Title

Kingdom Come

Library Link
Kingdom come / Mark Waid, Alex Ross, with Todd Klein Waid, Mark.


10 Second Review
Set in the DC future, a new breed of violent superheroes has taken over the world and a preacher is having visions of the apocalypse. Wonder Woman tries to convince Superman to come out of his self imposed exile and Batman joins forces with Lex Luthor.

This is an excellent, clever story which is perfectly matched with the art of Alex Ross.
Should appeal to all comic fans.

Notes
Who’s the only mortal that can stand up to Superman?

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Should be OK for those fairly new to comics

Wolverine: Old Man Logan

Title

Wolverine: Old Man Logan


Library Link
Old Man Logan / writer, Mark Millar ; artist, Steve McNiven Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
Like Wolverine? Love a good post- apocalyptic tale?
Well, you’re going to like this.

Set in the future of the Marvel universe, the U.S. has been reduced to a wasteland after the bad guys formed an alliance and defeated the heroes. Villains rule the country with an iron fist and even Wolverine has vowed to never fight again.

This is a fun read with lots of shocks and twist.
Wolverine fans will enjoy and it should be accessible to new readers.

Notes
Earns its Parental Warning for violence

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for those fairly new to comics.