Matsuri Akino
Welcome to Chinatown - a place where anything can happen. If you buy a pet from Count D's you'd better follow the rules in the contract - or beware - Count D's will take no responsibility for the consequences.
Translated into English and printed in traditional manga style.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Chuck Austen; Karl Kerschl; Brian K. Vaughan; Tom Mandrake
Even if you have seen the movie this graphic novel has a surprise - two prequel stories that tell you all about Nightcrawler and Amanda, and Wolverine and an old "friend".
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso
 I was initially drawn to this trade paperback because of its urban slant, more than anything. Ignoring the fact that it was part of an overall series, I was happy to read for its setting and its artwork, which is something I don’t often do. But in the case of ‘Hang up on the hang low’, not knowing background to this now 8 book series didn’t ruin the enjoyment. It’s a great one off story, with hints of an intriguing larger picture.
The premise of the 100 bullets series is a solid one. If you were offered 100 untraceable bullets, would you use them? Beyond that, if you were told that you would be ignored by the police while using them, would you use them? That is the basis for a number of stories in the series, with various people approached with that exact offer by a mysterious Agent Graves.
One such story is rather well contained in this volume. ‘Loop’ Hughes is a youth whose father abandoned him and his mother at a young age. After being visited by Agent Graves, Loop has not only an identity, but a means to exact his revenge on person whose absence has dominated his life. The story is strongly a father-son one, diverging later to draw on characters from the previous two books. The artwork is one of the book’s strong points. Whether you’re looking for a one off, or even a hook into the wider 100 bullets series, this is a good place to start.
Reviewed by Tama, Central Library
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Brian Michael Bendis
It is about a person who disguises himself as Spider-man and starts making a series of robberies and crimes so that everyone thinks it’s Spider-man who is doing this. Now Spider-man has to find the fake Spider-man before it's too late.
Best character: Spider-man
Adnan, 13
David Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht
All right - not a graphic novel - but good info if you're planning on writing one. Advice on how to do anything an action hero does - like how to catch a great white shark, spyproof your hotel room, or predict the future.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
Jane’s family has moved out of Metro City into suburbia following bomb attacks in the city, one in which Jane was injured. Her experiences have changed her and she doesn’t fit in with her group. So when she moves, she doesn’t want to become popular but even the rejects reject her – until she finds her way in. Her new group are all called Jane (various spelling) and they start a group PLAIN – people loving art in the neighbourhood.
Back at Metro City, there’s John Doe, the man she was beside when the bomb hits. The man whose life she saved. The man with no identity – but whose sketch book inspires her and keeps her going.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Adapted by Arthur Byron Cover; illustrated by Tony leonard Tamai
Set in a distant world this graphic novel retells the story of Macbeth - of ambition, pride and love gone so terribly wrong.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Peter David
High school student Alex Fleming has always fantasised about being an international secret agent, but doesn't know he has been since birth. When his sleeper SpyBoy persona is tripped by the enemy organisation known as S.K.I.N.S, he remembers the hidden cache of essential spy equipment set up by his father and grandfather and goes against the S.K.I.N.S division run by Gourmet who wants him to join them. All this while, occasionall,y slipping into his Alex Fleming identity, who has absolutely no idea how to beat the bad guys. Fortunately he still has a "Bombshell" up his sleeve.
Reviewed by Mark
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Rod Espinosa
Princess Mabelrose is much loved by her parents and people. When she is kidnapped by an evil dragon she determines to rescue herself.
This is a great adventure story, with a traditional storytelling feel, and art that is a combination of fairytale story art and manga.
Recommended for ages 10+
Reviewed by Annie
Tom Fassbender, Jim Pascoe, and Fabian Nicieza
To every generation a Slayer is born. One with the strength and speed to kill vampires (until she is killed saving the world from evil - again). When Buffy died at the end of the fifth season she left Dawn, Giles, the Scooby Gang, and Spike on their own - in this collection of stories you see what happened between her death and her resurrection. At the back is a bonus episode.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Erika
Tohru Fujisawa
At Holy Forest, Ms. Fuyutsuki is a very young and very beautiful teacher, loved by all the male students. That is, ONLY the male students. The girls are all jealous of her and they start bullying her, trying to get her to quit. They step over the line quickly and push her to the edge, but only to have Mr. Onizuka (the coolest male teacher there) to 'rescue' her and suggest they play hooky for the day.
Later on, Kunio gets love lettes from a girl that could be his crush... but he's sure it isn't her. Read to see his reaction when he finally finds out who the sender is.
Ada, 14
Kosuke Fujishima
A Japanese Manga series in which Morisato, a college student, accidentally calls up the Goddess Belldandy instead of takeaways. When granted a single wish he wishes for his own goddess - which turns out to be not such a good idea!
These are not very often found on the shelf. Don't forget it's free to place holds for teen titles.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Helen
Christopher Golden, et al
This is a set of short stories. In the first story Angel must rescue a young girl from a group of kidnappers who have set up base in an abandoned amusement park - too bad the park is infested with demonic rats. In the second story Angel must help a young girl who causes a painful fiery death for anyone who touches her.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Written by Alan Grant, characters designed by Michael Wm Kaluta, with various artists
Welcome to The World - peopled by characters you know but not as you know them. There's Batman and Robin, Wonderwoman and Superman, all in a Tolkien-esque fantasy world.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg
Ok, I know it's not a graphic novel, but it is about them. Check out this take on comic book heroes - like Superman and Batman. Read and find out whether their powers are possible.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Matt Groening
Got some time on your hands and looking for a great read? Check out this all-new Bart-packed comic where Bart gets into all kinds of adventures and crazy plans. Maybe Bart was swapped at birth with one of the Flanders – or maybe Bart really should have thought more carefully before sending away for that mail order submarine.
A fantastic collection of short, and punchy episodes, with your favourite kid from Springfield.
Recommended for ages 12 +
Reviewed by Erika
Hakashi
Its about this guy called Recca and he has a ability the use flames. Then his cousin Kurei was trying to kill him and he has to save princess from him
Jubon, 11
Adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds
Written, probably, around 700AD this is a graphic novel retelling of this ancient tale. A tale of bravery and horror as Beowulf and his men visit King Hrothgar’s hall to free it from the attacks of the monster Grendel.
There are lots of modern retellings of this story available if you want to find out more, including a children’s version retold by Michael Morpurgo.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Dylan Horrocks
American biographer and comics enthusiast Leonard Batts visits Hicksville, New Zealand: the hometown of world-famous cartoonist Dick Burger. His arrival resurrects a drama of buried memories and terrible secrets in this very local, yet strangely obscure, rural community.The story takes us through the worlds of American comics, East Coast New Zealand, and a dimension where Captain Cook and Kupe explore together. Dylan Horrocks’ abilities as a writer and illustrator combine to create this fantastical thriller.
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Matthew
Satomi Ikezawa
This story is about Yaya and her life with her mean "friends". Yaya is naive and trusting. When Yaya looks at her reflection or falls over she turns into her alter ego Nana. Nana is the exact opposite of Yaya - she is loud and brave and says what she thinks.
Alice, 16
Dragon hunt
(Warcraft Sunwell trilogy; volume 1)
Richard A. Knaak; illustrated by Jae-Hwan Kim
The Blue dragon known as Kalec has travelled into the world to find a source of power that is unlike any his people have known. But instead of the energy source, he finds himself in the middle of a dangerous chase as the legions of the undead hunt him and his companions.
This is the first graphic novel in a new trilogy. Look for others in the series.
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Erika
James Kochalka
A group of monkeys play in the forest unaware that a new age is dawning on the other side of the forest with the creation of a robot. Robot and monkey come into direct conflict with a death on each side. Soon there is all out war as the two sides try to destroy each other over the deaths. Which side will win this war - or will both sides lose?
A powerful graphic novel not to be missed.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
The X-men are facing their greatest challenge yet. After M-day their numbers are decimated and the few that remain are under attack from the forces of the Revered William Stryker. Forced to try and protect themselves from his forces, they are also trying to protect themselves from a three that they thought was destroyed.
A three part series not to be missed.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Sean McKeever
Mary Jane has a secret place in her heart for Peter Parker and she may finally be ready to tell him - the only problem is tha the spends so much time with the new girl Gwen! When her boyfriends breaks her heart it is almost more than she can bear, except for the little time that she gets to spend with Spidey.
A fun graphic read for fans of the more romantic side of the beginning of the Spider-man legend.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Erika
Frank Miller
Darkness falls over Gotham. Crime is running unchecked. Batman has not been seen for 10 years. The world is older, darker and scared. Crimes go unstopped, until a mysterious cloaked figure steps in. The Dark Knight has returned. He battles new foes and old adversaries. A head to head, last-man-standing brawl with the "Mutant Leader", and finally the end of the Batman/Joker feud. Batman rights the wrongs of past icons, with a fight that will be talked about for a long time, Batman vs Superman.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Jeremy
Judith O'Brien
Okay, not strictly speaking a graphic novel - but it is a novel based on a comic.
Meet Mary Jane - love of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. In this novel you'll learn the history of her relationship with Peter - and a bit of Peter's story too.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Writer John Ney Rieber; artist John Cassaday
In the post-September 11 world, is there a place for the values and world Captain America stands for? Who – or what – is he battling against - and for?
Followed by Captain America: the extremists
Recommended for ages 13+
Reviewed by Annie
Peter Sanderson
The X-Men need no introduction. This amazing book is packed with the history of the X-Men from their beginning in 1960s up until the two X-Men movies. Packed with character bios and full colour illustrations this book is a must read for any X-Men fan (and even those who think they may want to be). Complete with an introduction by X-Men creator Stan Lee, this Dorling Kindersley book will answer pretty much any question you have ever had about the X-Men and their universe.
Recommended for ages 12 +
Reviewed by Erika
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Marjane Satrapi
This is the story of Marjane's life in Tehran from the ages of six to fourteen. It was a confusing and terrifying time - with the revolution, the overthrow of the Shah, the rising power of the Fundamentalists, and the war with Iraq. Stark and powerful. The story is told in simple black and white comic strip images.
Followed by Persepolis 2: the story of a return
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
Art Spiegelman
Probably the most famous graphic novel of all time - and one of the very, very few accepted by the establishment. The author based his story of the Holocaust on interviews with his father - an Auschwitz survivor. A story of all-too human courage and evil - compelling and riveting.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
J. Michael Straczynski, art by Michael Zulli and Steve Firchow
"Once upon a time, there was a castle...."
This is how all of Old Mr Wubble's stories begin. Stories of the Castle and its Owners. This is a new story - the story of the Princess and how she becomes one of them - a delicate creature.
A stunning 'fairy tale' - both visually and verbally.
Recommended for ages 14+
Reviewed by Annie
Rumiko Takahashi
/SC.GIF&client=elgar&type=hw7) This is a manga series written by the author of Ranma½. This book is set in Japan. It is about a girl, Kagome, who lives in a shrine in modern Japan. On her birthday, she wanders off into a magical well that transport her into Feudal Japan where she meets a half demon called Inu-yasha. They set off to a journey to find the shards of the mythical jewel, defeating many demons along the way. This is a great manga series for fantasy lovers.
Lucy, 14
Rumiko Takahashi
Its about a boy named RANMA who got sent away from home in Japan to China on a training mission with his dad, GENMA. He doesn’t speak Chinese but he is forced to train in the cursed battlegrounds in JUSENKYO. One day he falls in one of the many hot springs that changes him to whoever or whatever drowned there last. But he is not the only one - his dad, Genma, fell into one of the hot springs too. There is a trick to all this - cold water changes them into a well-built red haired female "Ranma" and a panda "Genma".
This book is jam-packed full with adventure and action I recommend this is a great read.
Tianyang, 14
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Yu Watase
For Tanpopo Yamazaki life at Meio Academy seems to be way out of her league. Hoping to make new friends and have fun she decides to start a Planting Committee. But will this help our friend survive in a school where money comes first and everything else ends up second?
Magz, 13
Way, Texeira and Saltares
Wolverine's past has always been a mystery - especially to himself. Now he is on the move to find the people from his memories. Now he knows who is responsible for making him the way he is today and he is ready to bring them down as he seeks his revenge. Travelling the world, he is ready for his enemies - but are they ready for him?
Recommended for ages 16+
Reviewed by Erika
Jennifer Worick and Joe Borgenicht
Not a graphic novel - but realistic advice for action heroines, just in case you're planning on writing your own graphic novel.
Recommended for ages 12+
Reviewed by Annie
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