Graphic Novel Monday: The War at Ellsmere, by Faith Erin Hicks

The War at Ellsmere, by Faith Erin Hicks. Published 2008 by SLG. Fiction. Graphica.

The War at Ellsmere is a fun coming-of-age tale set at an exclusive girls' boarding school, where scholarship student Juniper has just started a new year. Snarky and uncomfortable, she has a little trouble fitting in, first with her new roommate, perky Cassie, and then with mean-girl Emily and her friends. Emily is determined to ruin Juniper's time at Ellsmere and will stop short of nothing to push her buttons; will Juniper (or "Jun" as she likes to be called) survive the year? Or will Emily succeed in making her life miserable?

It's a pretty light book; Jun is an appealing character, her misfit friend Cassie is funny and cute and Emily makes for a very convincing bully. The story itself is a little formulaic and the added fantasy element involving unicorns is a little strange, but I still got into it and found myself worrying about what would happen to the engaging, imperfect heroine. The best part about it for me was the sweet friendship between Cassie and Jun, a pair of misfits who build a sweet private world. I also liked that the girls can be both competitive and supportive of each other academically, and that competition over looks or clothes doesn't figure at all. The characters look cute and sort of manga-like but overall the art didn't make much of an impression on me.

The War at Ellsmere is a quick read and it's pretty clean, so I think younger teen and tween girls would enjoy it. I managed to pass a nice couple of hours with this and a cup of tea; I look forward to reading more from author/illustrator Hicks and I would encourage you to check out her website, www.faitherinhicks.com, for more examples of her art and writing.

Rating: BEACH

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review from the publisher.

Graphic Novel Monday: Rex Libris; I, Librarian, by James Turner

Rex Libris: I, Librarian, by James Turner. Published 2007 by SLG Publishing. Graphica. Fiction.

Rex Libris: I, Librarian, by James Turner, is a collection of the first five volumes of the comic book of the same name; it tracks the adventures of intrepid librarian/super hero Rex Libris, who roams the universe on a mission to save the world and his library's collections.

Rex is just your average librarian, a dedicated professional working at the Middleton Public Library, home to rare scrolls and manuscripts, staffed by tempermental mythological beings and frequented by vampires, aliens and warlords. In other words, just your average suburban library. The volumes collected here comprise an introduction to this world and the first of what will surely be many adventures as Rex travels to the planet Benzine and fights a race of space snowmen for some overdue library books.

It's a very silly book, characterized by self-conscious cleverness and a very distinctive, Art Deco visual style dominated by sharp angles, thick lines and a plethora of details. I like the style very much but I found the tiny lettering to be difficult to read at times; I'd like to see this story in a larger format. I liked the irreverence and sense of humor on display; Rex's sidekick is Simonides, a Greek lyric poet now trapped in the body of a bird thanks to a run-in with Circe, who now works the circulation desk at Middleton Public. Rex's boss is Egyptian mythological figure Thoth, who likes his raspberry chocolate lattes with cream and chocolate sprinkles. And Rex must contend with R. Barry Horst, his publisher, who'd like Rex to punch his story up and make it more commercial.

With some profanity and sexual references, Rex Libris would be a good choice for older teens and adults. It's a funny satire of libraries, a light space adventure and a cute read for anyone with a slightly off-balance sense of humor. I would think of it for readers who enjoy Terry Pratchett and his brand of self-referential cleverness. I'll definitely be on the lookout for the latest collection!

Rating: BACKLIST

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review from the publisher.

Graphic Novel Monday: Paris, by Andi Watson and Simon Gane

Paris, by Andi Watson and Simon Gane. Published: 2007 by SLG Publishing. Fiction.

Paris is a book that I picked up impulsively, because it looked cute and fun and, well, French. It's a little chocolate croissant of a book- light, slight, and sweet.

A tale of young love- the growing attraction between hardscrabble American artist Juliet and British society girl Deborah- the story is told in tones of gray that nonetheless evoke the bustle and busyness of Paris in lovely detail. Artist Simon Gane credits such iconic French photographers as Robert Doisneau, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Paul Almasy as inspiration for his scenes but I was reminded of the illustrator Jean-Jacques Sempe and his recent urban sketchbook of the city, A Little Bit of Paris, as well. Gane's Paris is vivacious and intriguing, and his big street scenes capture its atmosphere and appeal beautifully. The panels are varied and go from intimate closeups of the characters, with angular faces and spare but communicative features, to full page, swirling tableaux. The book even opens like a movie, with the opening credits rolling over sequential establishing shots of the city and heroine Juliet. Very cool.

The story itself is light as air and fun. Blue-collar Juliet comes to Paris to learn to be a serious artist, and takes a commission to paint Deborah's portrait; the two young women, one frustrated and the other repressed, are drawn to each other but circumstances keep them apart. Juliet delivers her painting and they part ways, until some time passes and some things change, and they can be together again. There is some dialogue in French, and the book includes translations at the back; I wish the translations had been at the bottom of the page because flipping back and forth can be awkward. I'd suggest the book for armchair travelers, light-romance fans and Francophiles, and for older teens and adults. Again, not one for the little kids (or anyone with issues with the gay themes) but a great little read nonetheless.

Rating: BEACH

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review from the publisher.