MADreads

Cool, smart girls with special powers

May 2nd, 2009 Molly - Central

I’ve just got to tell you about three new graphic novel series that fall into the cool, smart girls with special powers category.  All three are very exciting.

The first is Gunnerkrigg Court. Volume 1, Orientation by Tom Siddell.  This collection was originally published as a webcomic.  I have not gotten into the habit of reading webcomics, because I forget to regularly check the site and then I lose my place in the story.  A print collection is more my speed.  And this is a really nice collection.  The paper used in this book is of a very fine quality and gloss which makes a big difference with the highly saturated illustrations.  Now on to the story:  Gunnerkrigg Court is a dark, industrial complex that serves as a boarding school and mysterious community of creatures, robots and humans with special powers.  The main character, Antimony, is a seventh grade girl whose parents also attended Gunnerkrigg Court.  Her mother has recently died and her father has abandoned her.   Sort of a Harry Potter for girls, the story weaves in elements of magic, folklore, technology and of course, relationships.  It’s all very cool and curious.  I’m ready for Volume 2!

Amulet. Book 1, The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi is more of a thrill ride.  Emily and Navin and their mother move to a dilapidated family estate after their father is killed in a car accident.  The original owner of the estate was Emily’s great grandfather, an inventor and magician of sorts.  There is way more adventure in this book than I require, but for those who need a new chase on every other page, this book delivers.  Fast paced and action-packed, the Amulet will appeal to both boy and girl readers, fans of video games, anime and yes, thrill rides.

And for a darker tale featuring faeries, silkies and swanmaidens, give The Good Neighbors. Book 1, Kin by Holly Black a try.   This is the first graphic novel by the popular author of the Spiderwick Chronicles and YA Modern Faerie Tale series.  This one’s definitely for older readers.  Sixteen-year-old Rue Silver’s mother disappears in a menacing way and Rue starts seeing the world in a new light.  She learns that she is half human/half faerie and that all is not what it seems in either world.  This novel is illustrated in what I would describe as a more traditional black and white goth/fantasy style.  This story is so full of twists and surprises that I can hardly wait until Kith comes out in October.

Of the three, Gunnerkrigg Court is definitely my favorite, but I highly recommend them all for girl graphic novel fans.

Entry Filed under: Graphic Novel, Young Adult