Comic Sunday #14: Clockwork Girl by Sean O'Reilly and Kevin Hanna

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Story and Illustrations by Sean O'Reilly and Kevin Hanna

Fiction – Graphic Novel, Science Fiction | 128 pages

July 12, 2011 // Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins
http://www.clockworkgirl.com/

Purchased personal copy. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

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I picked this up before Christmas in the clearance bin at Half Price Books. What an awesome find!!!
I love mechanics, specifically clocks, clock gears and things to do with time.

Illustrations
These are great images of two star-crossed lovers and competing inventors. With solid line work I can imagine the Clockwork Girl, Telsa, inked into my skin. The frame's tones shift occasionally to rough outlines with a childlike quality as Telsa and Monster Boy, Huxley, try to spend time together. Overall, I fell in love with these drawings.

In the back of the hardcover there's an illustration gallery with various versions of the characters. It's neat to see the creative process of several illustrators and how the characters come to life.

Story
This is a really elementary retelling of Romeo and Juliet. It's sweet but not overly romantic or cheesy. I'm more inclined to think the romance is about the merger of technology and nature, seeking a love child of balance. The the child is beautiful. The romance is in these drawings.

To Pull or Not To Pull? What's a pull list?

Buy it! This hardcover is the bound version of the comics so there's nothing to pull. The graphic novel was optioned for a movie with Alexa PenaVega and Jesse McCartney voicing the leads. 

Unfortunately the movie never got a wide release but did release in 2014 on Canadian TV. I hope to watch it soon! 

[Comic Sunday #13] The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by The Oatmeal

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Story and Illustrations by Matthew Inman, The Oatmeal

Nonfiction – Graphic Novel, Health and Fitness | 148 pages

September 30, 2014 // Andrews McMeel Publishing

Purchased personal copy. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

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This is not just a book about running. It's a book about cupcakes. It's a book about suffering.

It's a book about gluttony, vanity, bliss, electrical storms, ranch dressing, and Godzilla. It's a book about all the terrible and wonderful reasons we wake up each day and propel our bodies through rain, shine, heaven, and hell.

From #1 New York Times best-selling author, Matthew Inman, AKA The Oatmeal, comes this hilarious, beautiful, poignant collection of comics and stories about running, eating, and one cartoonist's reasons for jogging across mountains until his toenails fall off.

I picked this up on Black Friday from Barnes & Noble so it's signed which is cool. More importantly this book is HILARIOUS!!

Illustrations
All the pages are black with various color type and illustrations. This really makes the colors pop however, there's a section towards the end which uses red lettering and it's hard to read for my quasi-young eyes. I love the illustrations which convey SO much emotion, a strong love for food and detest for running. :p While the illustrations are not as prominent as in traditional comics or graphic novels they're still an integral part of the story. They're the story's subconscious.

Story
This is my life. Matthew Inman is able to accurately capture that running is not necessarily to feel great but to not feel horrible. I laughed so many times with my head nodding furiously. I'm still an irregular runner but Matthew's stories and advice have me ready to lace up, today not Monday.

To Pull or Not To Pull? What's a pull list?

The Oatmeal is a web comic series which Matthew has published into about a half dozen books. I will be subscribing to the website for updates and keep an eye out for future publishings. 

[Comic Sunday #12] Bleach Vol 1: Strawberry and the Soul Reapers

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Story by and Illustrations by Tite Kubo
YA Fiction – Graphic Novel, Manga, Fantasy Paranormal | 200 pages
May 4, 2004 // Shonen Jump Manga, VIZ Media

Purchased personal copy. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Hot-tempered 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero of the popular fantasy-adventure Bleach , has the unsettling ability to see spirits who are unable to rest in peace. His sixth sense leads him to Rukia, a Soul Reaper who destroys Hollows (soul-devouring monsters) and ensures the deceased find repose with the Soul Society. When she's injured in battle, Rukia transfers her sword and much of her power to Ichigo, whose spiritual energy makes him a formidable substitute Soul Reaper. But the orange-haired teenager isn't sure he wants the job: too many risks and moral dilemmas.

This is my first magna read and a hugely popular series (There are currently 66 books). I was inspired by Shelly from Books and Writing to pick Bleach up. So here I am!

Illustrations
Illustrations are all black and white, in a traditional magna style showing off a lot of detail. The detail pays off by displaying a wide range of emotions, tempo and character. Some of the sound effect lettering was a bit much for me taking away from the overall frame.

Story
I really, really enjoyed this story line that was broken up nicely into seven episodes. The plot line moves quickly without sacrificing the introduction of our protagonist Strawberry and gives his character depth as he explores his paranormal responsibilities. Ends on an annoying cliff hanger, like mid-scene cliff hanger. The writing style is clean and in line with teen slang. Sometimes the writing comes off as juvenile but Ichigo/Strawberry is only 15 so it's expected on some levels.

Why I'll keep reading Bleach:
I'm invested in the characters. I want to know more about Ichigo (and his family, especially his dad), Soul Reapers, Hollows, this parakeet and a whole bunch more. I'm hoping future editions keep building on the world and explain some of the paranormal rules.

To Pull or Not To Pull? What's a pull list?

PULL! I'm definitely calling my comic shop and scouring the four corners of the earth to pick up the editions that are out and have the future ones held for me. 

Comic Sunday #11: Sisters by Raina Telgmeier

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Story by and Illustrations by Raina Telgemeier
Color by Braden Lamb
MG Nonfiction – Graphic Novel, 211 pages // August 26, 2014

Graphix an imprint of Scholastic Books // Buy on Amazon
Advanced copy provided by the publisher. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Carefully balancing the present and the past Raina unveils her family's drama after her wish for a baby sister comes true. The present day takes mom, Raina, younger sister Amara and baby brother Will on a road trip from San Francisco to Colorado for a family reunion. The carefully placed flashbacks give the reader more background on the family's dynamics. Luckily for the reader, no matter where we're at on the timeline the humor shines through in the writing and majorly expressive illustrations. The writing is  very much "To tell that story, I have to tell this story" commonly used by comedians and translates brilliantly in graphic form with each scene interweaving into a new one.

Juggling the family living space, the desire for pets, family issues and more Raina tackles relevant topics and makes the accessible to middle grade readers. The moral of the story is something all ages could take away from the novel while the big question sets up a possible focus for a third novel.

Why I'll be reading Smile and heart Raina:

I saw Raina on a graphic novel panel at BEA/BookCon back in May and was blown away. I haven't read Smile but I immediately saw her impact on young readers as we were waiting to start. Several young girls approached her for photos and signatures. She did them one better and pulled out ARCs from her bag.

I haven't read Smile but I plan to pronto! I will also be gifting these novels to any middle grade readers I know. Sisters is heartfelt and I giggled long after closing the book. The nostalgia of being a big sister was enough to be like "yup!" that's my relationship with my sister. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

4 Stars 

Comic Sunday #10: Rocket Girl, Vol 1: Times Squared

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Rocket Girl, Vol. 1: Times Squared

Story by Brandon Montclare and Illustrations by Amy Reeder
YA Fiction – Science Fiction, Graphic Novel, 120 pages // July 9, 2014

Image Comics, $9.99
Advanced copy provided by the publisher. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

A teenage cop from a high-tech future is sent back in time to 1986 New York City. Dayoung Johansson is investigating the Quintum Mechanics megacorporation for crimes against time. As she pieces together the clues, she discovers the "future" she calls home - an alternate reality version of 2014 - shouldn't exist at all!

The plot and premise move quickly, interchanging between present time of 1986 and the future of 2013 via time travel. Time travel is always tricky and with the Teen Police Force it's no different since DaYoung and her colleagues have not even been born yet. With dialogue overflowing from each frame the reader gets a taste for the world building of a "cesspool" New York City and the 2013 NYC which has been commanded by a private tech company. What the reader does not get is the world's rules and consequences of said time travel. There is a hint that consequences will be the second story arc.

Rocket Girl is an interesting character, balancing the stereotypes of teenage drama and understanding her place in the world. Lacking a love interest Rocket Girl is inspiring as a modern superhero out to save the "old world", and she'd pass the Bechdel Test too. The secondary characters in both 1986 and 2013 offer an array of diversity and comic relief to support Rocket Girl in her debut.

Reeder uses a mix of non-traditional frame composition and white space to deliver action packed sequences in dual worlds. The inkings and shading differentiate the year before the setting box is even needed. This makes for a clear road map while reading when there are spilt scenes and the reader could easily get confused. Sadly, there are times when Reeder's illustrations do not get a chance to truly shine due to an overload in dialogue per frame.

Why I'll be reading volume two:
I am digging this world building and kick butt teenage, female superhero who is (so far) not stuck in a love triangle. I want to see the consequences of her time travel, the sci-fi of Quintum Mechanics and all of the other possibilities that can come of this storyline!

3.5 Stars 

Bonus: This comic was a Kickstarter project funded a little over a year ago!

Comic Sunday #9: Hereville – How Mirka Met a Meteorite by Barry Deutsch

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Hereville – How Mirka Met a Meteorite (Hereville #2)

Story and Illustrations by Barry Deutsch
[Website]
MG Fiction – Graphic Novel, 128 pages // October 31, 2012

Amulet Books, an imprint of Abrams
Library Copy – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

Welcome to Hereville, home of the first-ever wisecracking, adventure-loving, sword-wielding Orthodox Jewish heroine. A delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, cultural traditions, and preteen commotion, this fun, quirky graphic novel series will captivate middle-school readers with its exciting visuals and entertaining new heroine. Mirka is back, and she's still the only sword-brandishing, monster-fighting Orthodox Jewish girl in town. Or so she thinks. When a misguided troll aims a meteor at the witch's house, the witch grabs hold of the closest thing possible to transform the flying, flaming rock--and that would be Mirka's hair. The meteor is changed, all right: it's now Mirka's identical twin. Doppelganger Mirka, vowing to be a better version of the real girl, sets out to charm all of Hereville, including Mirka's own family. Our heroine challenges the meteor girl to a three-part contest . . . and the loser will be banished from Hereville forever!

Photo via author's Press Kit. Find more here.

This is book to in the Hereville graphic novel series and Mirka is just as dramatic as ever. I really, really enjoyed this storyline. Searching for her place at school and home, Mirka dives into mischief with a troll and a witch. No good can come of this! Mirka instead must face the reality of her dealings while connecting with her family and faith. These could easily be very heady topics but Deutsch intertwines with storyline with humor, Jewish culture, bits of Yiddish (and their translations) and the road to self-discovery. There are a couple of takeaway lessons for everyone here.

The artwork is expressive showcasing a range of Mirka's dramatic expressions. Deutsch's strengths really shine when several panels are combined to show both the passing of time and emotion. Especially the panel above where Mirka is running to beat the clock. The smaller panels demonstrate all of her hilarious inner monologue. The two-page spread could've easily been done with just the larger Mirka's but Deutsch gives the whole 9-yards when combining storytelling with the illustrations.

This was an awesome #WeNeedDiverseBooks read for me and I look forward to Hereville #3.

4 Stars – A great graphic novel for tweens combining solid storytelling with great illustrations. 

Comic Sunday #7: Moonhead and the Music Machine by Andrew Rae

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Moonhead and the Music MachineStory and Illustrations by Andrew Rae
[Twitter | Website]
YA Fiction – Graphic Novel, 176 pages //  July 15, 2014

Nobrow Press // Recommended for ages 14+ 
Advanced Review Copy – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

Life's a peach when you've got a moon for a head and your head's in space. You can wander out of the Earth's atmosphere on intergalactic daydreams, drift blissfully across star-speckled skies and fly close to the Sun, like a fireproof Icarus.

Snap! Back to reality—having a moon for a head at high school is much more tricky. You get picked on for your "crater-face" and the cool kids kick your head around like a soccer ball!

But when the school talent contest is announced, Joey spots an opportunity to impress his classmates and so begins Joey Moonhead's stellar mission to create a music machine that is out of this world!

The Story:

Showcasing that we're all just a little different Joey Moonhead navigates high school with his spacey dreams and moon for a head. Joey's voice is authentic emphasizing the desire to fit in and define a place in this world where the secondary characters come across as two dimensional. There are opportunities where the best friend, the love interest and ghost boy to become more robust characters that add shading and highlights to Rae's amazing ink. Covering issues of bullying, disinterest in school and friendship Rae crafts a story that will ring true through the generations. However, more depth in this area could have truly made this a staple for teens and nostalgic adult readers. 

What makes this a winner is the illustrations which bring Joey's daydreams to the forefront. Going pages between letterings the reader can really grasp the emotions that fuel Joey's feelings of displacement, his lackluster attitude towards school and his love for making music. From the opening sequence of his headless school journey to his daydreams with the hottest girl in school, the visuals guide you to feel Joey's search for identity and really tied the story together.

Overall, the western 90's style illustrations leave a nostalgic taste for the fans of MTV and Nickelodeon, reminding us of the teenage wasteland we found so entertaining.

3.5 Stars – Intertwining humor and a little darkness, Moonhead and the Music Machine becomes a psychedelic ride in the spirit of 90's rock films tailored for the British school yard.

Comic Sunday #6: The Hollows by Amanda Hocking

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

The Hollows
by Amanda Hocking
[Twitter | Facebook | Website]
Illustrated by Steve Uy – Adapted by Tony Lee
Graphic Novel, 256 pages (Part 1, 26 pages) //  July 8, 2014

Recommended for ages 16+ 
Part 1 of 10 is currently free on Amazon. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Synopsis via Amazon: 

It's Day One as a new pandemic sweeps the globe, and all over the world people are turning into mindless zombies. But for five people - siblings Remy and Max King, med student Blue Adams, rockstar Lazlo Durante and teenager Harlow Smith - it's the start of a journey that they can never return from! Learn for the first time how the characters of HOLLOWLAND started their journeys as we go back to the very beginning of the story! Dynamite Entertainment proudly presents Amanda Hocking's The Hollows: A Hollowland graphic novel.

My thoughts:

I haven't read the entire graphic novel because it's not out yet! However, part one is currently free on Amazon. I'm really excited about reading the entire novel after flying through and re-reading the first 26 pages. We're introduced to an entire cast while the storyline slowly unfolds. The world has already been living with the infected or zombies for some time. Enough time for laws to be made. We see each character's interactions with the zombies as they prepare their next moves. The artwork is done in a western style with hints of the manga style's hard lines. Each frame is action packed and filled with emotion. Part one has left me with a major cliffhanger so I can't wait for the complete graphic novel to come out!

I would suggest this read if you're a fan of zombies and are looking for something slightly lighter than The Walking Dead. Also if you're a fan of graphic novels adapted from a traditional novel. 

What is your favorite graphic novel of all time?

Comic Sunday #5: dream*scar by Heather Meade

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

dream*scarby Heather Meade
[Twitter | DeviantArt | Facebook | tumblr]Online graphic novel since 2009 – present //  currently 9 chapters, approx. 249 pages

Recommended for ages 16+ 
Available online for free – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Storytelling:

This story started out as a novel, never published, and was been reworked into an online graphic novel. Heather Meade has commented that she has about 36+ chapters worth of material. Currently Meade releases one page per week, on Fridays. I've read through chapter two and will keep reading!

The storyline follows a high school girl, Vix, as she discovers the powers that make her unhuman. In this world all of those that are unhuman are "out" and have been for about 20 years. This includes vampires, fae, demons, etc. Facing discrimination, Vix has tried hard to keep her status under wraps but  one day at school everything changes. Now she's on the run...

 I'm definitely intrigued! I'm looking forward to uncovering all of the species in Meade's world. On the site it says there are werewolves, vampires, dhampirs, unicorns and other types of fea! The pacing has been pretty quick so far, and with only one page per week it's easy to binge read through this and then subscribe via RSS.

As someone who almost reads all YA, I really enjoyed all of the inner monologue that we're seeing as a trend in YA Fiction. I'm not a comic expert but of the ones I've read there seems to be less focus on one's inner musings and more focus on character dialogue.

Bonus: Some of the chapters are named after song titles. I like!

Artwork:

I love this artwork. I really think it's Vix' eyes.

You can see influences of manga style "chibi" drawings in some places which help remind you that Vix is a teen. The style is often used in frames with her expressing extreme emotions and as an effect, combined with western style art, comes off as juvenile. So while Vix maybe exploring adult situations and often ancient unhumans she's still a normal teenager filled with lots of questions and trying to find her identity. The fact that we can see this in the art versus being told this is a huge bonus!

The inking and shading is on point and explores a range of emotions through various colors and tones. Over the past five years you can also see the growth of Meade's artistic abilities and comfort with her characters.

As some points in the early chapters it is really hard to read some of the lettering when there's several sentences to a block. It became an issue for me in a couple of frames where zooming in did not help. 

Yay or Nay? 

Yay! I'm in, I've been binge reading when I get a chance here and there. I'm trying not to go to fast because then I'll have to wait week-to-week. Fans of fantasy and/or paranormal should definitely check this out!

Do you read web-based comics or graphic novels?
If so, link them in the comments!

Comic Sunday #4: NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette by Nathan W. Pyle

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

NYC Tips and Etiquetteby Nathan W. Pyle 

April 15, 2014 / 144 pages, B&W / William Marrow, an imprint of HarperCollins

Purchased personal paperback copy. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Storytelling:

There's not a story here in the traditional sense. Pyle gives the reader enough to know that he moved to NYC from Ohio. The writing is sharp, concise and carries a chuckle through the 136 tips featured in the book. If you pay attention you can even catch the name/location drops of some of Pyle's NYC favs. 

These are very useful and a good resource for those planning a trip to NYC and even those who've visited previously. Some of my favorite ones have to do with staying out of the way and navigating mass transit. Honestly, this is better than any travel guidebook for NYC I've ever read. 

Artwork:

The artwork is expressive and educational for each tip Pyle presents. Using traditional cartoon style the reader gets a sense of what it's like to live day-to-day as a New Yorker. Bonus: If you get the ebook edition the artwork is animated!

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Yay or Nay? 

Yay! I highly recommend this for visitors and those moving to NYC or any major city. Or even in my case you enjoy a chuckle because memories are tied to all of these tips and their respective faux pas. 

What is your #1 tip or etiquette point for those in NYC?

Comic Sunday #3: Les Miserables and Pride & Prejudice in Manga!

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

Les Miserables – Pride & Prejudice 

Les Miserables Adapted by Crystal Silvermoon and Stacy King; Art by SunNeko Lee

336 pages / Black & White 

Pride & Prejudice Adapted by: Stacy King; Art by Po Tse

376 pages / Black & White

MangaClassics.com / Udon Entertainment and Morpheus Animation: August 12, 2014

Sampler copy provided by the publisher. – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Storytelling:

I've never read manga before so this was a learning experience for me. Luckily, the inside of the sampler provides instructions on how to navigate the frames, which is basically the direct opposite of comic reading structure. 

The preview of Les Miserables is 33 pages and follows the decent of Fantine. This is a great introduction to Hugo's literary classic, especially for young readers or those (like myself) who are intimidated by the massive novel. The storytelling is on point and definitely carried through the emotions from the novel.

The Pride & Prejudice sampler is only eight pages and follows Bingley and Darcey at the public ball. The storytelling is interesting because in this scene it appears Elizabeth is tearfully distraught by Darcey's indifference. I have not encountered this version of emotions in Austen's original novel or other retellings. I'm very curious to see how it pans out since it's such a short sampler. But the artwork... oh, the artwork... 

Artwork:

The artwork for both samplers is expressive with traditional Japanese cartoonist trends and a nod to the period settings in which the stories take place. I definitely favored Po Tse's drawings for Pride & Prejudice which are whimsical and feature frame backgrounds that remind me of fairytales. The publisher refers to the artwork in the style of "lush shoujo". Manga fans probably know what this means a lot better than I do...ekk. :/

The artwork for Les Mis by SunNeko Lee may not be as dreamy but carries a hard work load of showing adult content re-envisioned for a youth audience. This is especially true for the telling of Fantine's decent. The frames are telling and filled with emotion as the reader navigates the topic with care.  

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Yay or Nay? 

Yay! I'm really excited about this line of manga from Manga Classics. I think it's an amazing way to introduce literary classics to middle grade, young adults and adults alike! If you're already a manga fan then I definitely recommend it. Future titles to be released in winter 2014 will include The Scarlet Letter, Emma and Great Expectations. 

Comic Sunday #2: Saga vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughn

Comic Sundays are an American newspaper tradition where new comic strips are published weekly. At Becoming Books this tradition will continue focusing on comic strips, comics and graphic novels appealing to young adult and adult audiences.

*Today's pick may not be suitable for those under 18 years of age. Saga contains sexual content, profanity, and violence.*

Buy on Amazon or Book Depository

Saga, Volume #1 

Series: Chapters 1 – 6

Story by Brian K. Vaughn; Illustrations by Fiona Staples

160 pages, Image Comics: October 23, 2012

Personal Copy – Opinions are my own, review policy here.

Storytelling:

Brian K. Vaughn is kind of a big deal. I'm a total newbie to the graphic/comic reading arena. It's been a couple decades since I collected books and what not. Anyways, I love this fantasy book! A balance of action, romance ,and adventure, Saga gives us a whole new galaxy where our protagonists, Marco and Alana are struggling to survive. Star-crossed lovers who've recently given birth are being hunted by their respective militaries and independent contractors. This arc includes the first six chapters of their journey to escape the planet they are currently on in search of refuge. Meanwhile, there are about half a dozen people searching for them with an emphasis on the newly born child. 

Vaughn's writing had me pulled into a lovely fantasy world involving mythical like creatures with horns, wings, tales, ghosts, and even TV robot heads! The book kicks off in a high pressure situation and doesn't really slow down. There are parts in the story telling where it becomes journey-ish but it's not long before another enemy pops up or additional sub-plot is introduced. I definitely have a lot of questions so I'm really looking forward to picking up volume 2!

Artwork:

I'm a big fan of the artwork in this book. Great care was taken with the inking, shading, facial expressions... basically all of the deets are there. All of the frames involving "adult content" are artfully done and intentional, which is much appreciated. I feel like oftentimes some frames are thrown in as a shock factor but Staples' illustrations add so much to the world building. These illustrations make me wish I could draw. This is especially true in the scenes involving The Horrors, these were equal parts irk and awe.
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Yay or Nay? 

Yay, what an amazing world Vaughn has built. Combined with the amazing illustrations you are launched into a new world and invested in Marco and Alana's plight. Bonus points for featuring an inter-racial couple, and not just in the alien sense.