Cosmic Commandos (Family Comic Friday)

Life is so very hard for Justin. His parents make him do his homework instead of playing video games. His teacher wants him to do his best in school. And his twin brother, Jeremy, not only looks just like him but loves him and wants to spend quality time with him as well. But all of that's going to change when Justin finds a magic ring in his box of cereal.

The ring will grant any wish. Since Justin wants to play video games all the time, the ring obliges. Now Justin is living out his favorite game, Cosmic Commandos, in real-life. As giant aliens, flying robots, and living balls of snot attack his city, Justin finds himself unable to get past the boss levels. As his energy drains, Justin becomes weaker and unable to complete his missions. Thankfully, Jeremy has been reading up on the game manual. But can he help his twin brother before Justin's energy level reaches zero?

Cosmic Commandos was a fun read by Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius' Christopher Eliopoulos. This 2017 all-ages graphic novel by Dial Books is his first independent title. Young Readers will instantly recognize Eliopoulos' style from his illustrations of Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World Series. But parents might recognize other comic influences on this book in the form of Charles Schulz and Bill Watterson. 

First of all, the children all look like characters from Peanuts. But it's not a straight rip-off. Justin is not drawn to look like Charlie Brown nor is Jeremy Linus. But when Jeremy gets said at his brother rejecting him, you can see Charles Schulz's influence on Eliopoulos's art. Why even the school is named after Schulz- another subtle tribute that only the adults will catch. 

When it comes to the imaginative plot, there's a lot of Calvin and Hobbes at play. The legendary comic strip by Bill Watterson had day dreamer Calvin wishing he was space explorer Spaceman Spiff instead of being stuck in class. Justin is very much Calvin, to the point he's a bit of a brat- a very annoying brat. Also, in Peanuts, you don't see grown-ups, but you do here and they look very much like Calvin's mom and dad. 

By the end of the book, I was very much wanting it not to end. I'm very glad it ended on a high note because for the first couple of chapters, I really didn't like Justin. So much that I was ready to throw the book across. But I stuck with the book and was duly rewarded with the ending. 

Speaking of endings, I would be very happy if this book stopped where it did. Yet I would also be open to a sequel. Regardless, I hope to see more entertaining all-age adventures from Christopher Eliopoulos in the very near future. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.
    

Roller Girl (Family Comic Friday)

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson is my selection for this week's Family Comic Friday. Written and illustrated by an actual roller derby athlete, this all-ages graphic novel gives a semi-autobiographical look at the world of roller derby, in particular, an derby camp for girls in Portland called the Rose City Rosebuds.              

   The main character is Astrid, a young tomboy who's developing into a young woman. But while her best friend is now interested in dance, fashion, makeup and the boys, Astrid is still rough and tumble. When her BFF decides to go to ballet camp, the two girls have a parting of the ways.      

   This leads Astrid to join the Rosebuds, inspired by her favorite player, a skater with colorful socks named Rainbow Bite. Being the youngest and the smallest girl at the camp, and not a very good skater either, will mean that Astrid will have to dig deep if she's going to become the next roller derby Star. Maybe the little girl with pink hair might wanna practice some blocks with her after camp...?

   Roller Girl is girl power in sequential art form. The book isn't preachy though it is feminist through and through. But there is nothing wrong with teaching young ladies that it's okay to not wear frilly dresses or want to be a cheerleader. There's also the great message that there is nothing wrong with being you- it's what makes you unique.          

      I really enjoyed this book. The art was clean and fun. The story was original, but it had a timeless appeal to it. Jamieson's book has been compared to that of Raina Telgemeier ( Sisters) and I agree. I felt like I was reading a true story and the artwork did remind me of Teglemeier's work. (Speaking of which, Telgemeier gives a blurb of praise right on the book's cover. See image above.)                 

      There is nothing to object to here. Though some parents may not approve of the violent nature of roller derby. Plus, Astrid is a little mouthy towards her mom in a couple of scenes, but it's more because of the confusion she is feeling about becoming a young woman and not out of spite. 

   The message of empowering young women to be athletic and different is one that I would teach my daughter if I was a parent. Though I would get her hooked on comic books, Doctor Who, and the Steelers once she emerged from the womb. But, boy, would I take her to roller derby in a heartbeat- but her mother would have to teach her how to skate...

     Ideal for girls AND boys, starting at around age 10. 

    Worth Consuming. 

    Rating 10 out of 10 stars.