Thursday, March 5, 2009

Akiko



By Mark Crilley


We started Akiko: The Menace of Alia Rellapor Thursday (found it lying around the house) . Taran and I enjoyed volume 1. Lucy really likes Akiko (a little girl who is worthy of much admiration), but not so much the story (sometimes we all prefer the possibilities to the reality, don't we).


Taran says: )+?>( Which translated from Poog's language means -- 2 thumbs up. He enjoyed the characters of Poog and Gax (who doesn't enjoy Gax says his Mom). The book is really, really, really, really, really good (that might be too many "really"s says Taran). One of his favorite parts was Gax in the arena or possibly the Jaggasaur. "Anybody for ice cream?" asks Taran. "King Frop" he answers.


Lucy says: Doesn't really like it -- she doesn't care for the pirates!


What Kimba has to say: I enjoy Akiko's character -- it is nice to see a little girl with some spunk! Akiko is the "prince/knight" of this story (she is out to save the actual Prince) and I enjoy that (almost wrote a book about that possibility). The book itself is pretty sweet and doesn't rely upon violence to get the narrative across to the reader. I enjoy the interplay and riposte between characters and how they all, ultimately, rely upon Akiko to keep them on track (literally and metaphorically). The adventures are quite fun and I look forward to the rest of the series -- we'll be visiting the public libray soon for the other 2 volumes; Number one is now in our comic shortbox in the main room so we may read again at our leisure.

This comic would appeal (or so I think) to adventurous folk of most any age. Pirates, gladiator arenas, Lilliputians, space travel, and so much more. For those looking for non-violence, this is the way to go -- Lucy, though, did find the pirates a bit upsetting (they do look menacing).

We had quite a few fun conversations and discussion about space travel, gravity (and how it pushes and pulls on matter), planetary make up, ice cream flavors, cultural tastes in food, robotics, pirates, gladiators, Star Wars and far more thanks to this little book.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Glow ball Warning!

Oh Yotsuba! How we enjoy your adventures!

Written by Kiyohiko Azuma, Yotsuba is manga about a young girl growing up and learning all about the world around her through all sorts of funny adventures. Everything and anything becomes exciting when Yotsuba is around.

Lucy says: I think it is really nice, but I'm going to snatch it out of your hands. I like it.

What Taran has to say: Yotsuba's adventures make me laugh so hard I might even turn into a glow ball.

Kimba's take: Yotsuba is witty and silly and I enjoy reading it again and again. The three of us went through the first 3 volumes in just 24 hours. Every now and again one of us will say a one-liner from the comic and burst out laughing. Yotsuba's innocence and enthusiasm are delightful. The author does an amazing job capturing a believable young person on the pages of this comic.

This is a light-hearted romp and I would recommend it to just about anyone. I know of young children, pre-teen boys and girls and adults who are all big fans of Yotsuba. I guess she and her co-stars are fun for everyone.

Some interesting discussions about various topics have ensued: parenting and respect (or lack thereof) that adults give to children, Japanese culture, orphans, cicadas, global warming, zoos, fireworks, genetic variation, humor, fear, buses and favorite movies and their dialogue.


***Glow Ball Warning refers to a mispronunciation of Yotsuba's involving global warming.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Mouse Guard Fall 1152


Another family fave made possible by a loan from John. Thank you John!

Taran says: "Touche'. Mouse Guards are small in size, but a big hit with me. One of my favorite comics -- kind of the best. Exciting + a mystery + kind of about history.

Lucy says: " Touche" as well (it is a fun word ;). She really enjoyed the comic and thinks the mice are neat.

Kimba says: I enjoyed the rich history and culture created by David Petersen. The characters are engaging and the story riveting. I originally thought this was going to be a bit like Redwall...I was mistaken. Petersen creates his own world and makes it fascinating -- I loved the bits of (Mouse Guard) history that pop up throughout. The relationships between the various members of the guard are intriguing as well -- reminiscent of my favorite stories in Arthurian fiction and The Things They Carried.
This story is not only beautifully written, but wonderfully illustrated. It's like looking through an illuminated book at times. I really cannot do justice to this one with my words.

I would recommend this comic to any and all. It takes place in a period roughly equivalent to our Middle Ages and the Guard defend Mousedom using swords, daggers, knives and axes as well as their wits. We also see several examples of the predator and prey relationship.

Thanks to Mouse Guard, we've had plenty of interesting discussions. Some topics have included: matriarchies, traitors, scent marking, illuminated manuscripts and printing, bee keeping, crabs and their food sources, medieval architecture, and animal camouflage - just to name a few.

I have to say, that we all adore this comic and are looking forward to the second issue of Winter 1153.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

One Piece


Our first item up for review is one the whole family has enjoyed reading, acting out and creating new adventures for (by making our own comics and play acting) . The story is quite compelling and, well I'll let the reviewers do their magic...


One Piece
by Eiichiro Oda

Taran says: 7 thumbs up = super comic (originally it was stated that there being only 3 reviewers one could not possibly exceed 6 thumbs up, but Taran argued an elegant case for One Piece). Zolo (or Roronoa Zoro -- he is referred to as both in the Manga and in the cartoons) is really cool - his favorite character other that scaredy Usopp. It's awesome. Taran states that he likes the comic because pirates are a favorite of his and Luffy is a giggle bug (really funny).

Lucy says: I like Nami (the navigator) and I like the comic book. Oh and I like Luffy.

What Kimba has to say: One Piece has a fun storyline and the characters are interesting (both visually and through personal growth). I especially enjoy Monkey D. Luffy and his antics. Actually the relationship between Monkey and Red Haired Shanks is one of my favorite parts -- when will they meet up again?!

Now I'm going to throw a little Mom action into the post. This is a violent comic (Shonen after all) -- the characters beat on each other quite a bit (though some of their attacks are very clever). I'm amazed, though, that very few deaths (I can only think of 2) occur; mainly they vanquish their foes (with much bluggeoning involved) and everyone rests up. The language is harsh at times and there is a gross factor (not a problem at our house...except for the Buggy the pirate clown for -- me).

We found our selves discussing a variety of topics thanks to One Piece: Vikings, honor, the meaning of "treasure", the circus, language use, animal treatment, maritime history, military history, weaponry (manufacture and history), fashion, and more.