Johns, Geoff and Richard Donner. Artist, Adam Kubert. Superman: Last Son DC Comics, 2006 ISBN 978-1-4012-1343-5
Plot
Superman, has grown up thinking that he is the last Son of Krypton, but he is in for a surprise. A young boy crashes into downtown Metropolis in a pod. Scientists take him right away to find out where and what he is. Everyone soon realizes that the boy possess super powers. When the boy speaks, Superman is shocked to find out the boy is speaking Kryptonese. Superman takes it upon himself to take care of the child, he quickly becomes attached to him and discusses with Lewis about adoption. They name him Christopher Kent which the boy is vey excited about since he has grown to love the both of them. Meanwhile, in the planet Krypton, three prisoners have escaped from the Phantom Zone, Non, Ursa, and Jor-E (General Zod). These three criminals were banishes for crimes of treason never to be released again. General Zod and Ursa are looking for there child, Christopher and will stop at nothing to get him back. A battle ensues between those from the Phantom Zone and those of the Justice League. Superman must try to save Metropolis and Christopher at the same time.
Critical evaluation
The plot line as well as the illustrations are clever and unique in the Superman genre. The best thing about the graphic novel are the 3-D glasses that come with it. When Superman is in the Phantom Zone, the pages are in 3-D so the reader is experiencing it the same way the protagonist is. The graphics follow great with the story line, when there is no evil present the colors are bright but when there is it becomes darker. Johns gives an in depth analysis of the reason why the three main evil characters were sent to imprisonment and why Christopher was an innocent who was still locked up. He also gives a clue that Superman and Lois both want a child…maybe in the future.
Readers annotation
Superman realizes that he is not the last son of Krypton and grows fond of the boy, Christopher, but his evil parents would stop at nothing to gain him back. Criminals from the Phantom Zone crash in Metropolis and create havoc amongst its citizens and it is up to Superman and others to protect them.
Information about the Author
Superman: Last Son received a lot of hype because of Geoff Johns and Richard Donners collaboration.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) First person narrative of Christopher – different world, evil parents, who he wants to stay with
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
The title was luring.
Friday, August 7, 2009
X-Men: Emperor Vulcan by Christopher Yost
Yost, Christopher. Penciler: Paco Diaz Luque. X-Men: Emperor Vulcan, Marvel Publishing Inc., 2008 ISBN 978-0-7851-2551-8
Plot
Gabriel and Alex Summers are brothers who are fighting against each other for the fate of billions in the Shi’Ar. Gabriel is Vulcan the Shi’ar emperor while Alex is Havok who is leading the rebellious Starjammers against his brothers rule. While there is internal turmoil from the brothers as well as in there world there is an outside force who is willing to destroy both of them. A new power emerges, known as the Scy'ar Tal, a race of aliens who were driven from their home world by the Shi'ar centuries earlier, and are now seeking revenge. Havok along with his band of Starjammers are forces to join forces with Vulcan to fight the war against the enemies. Throughout the fight, Havok is aware that his brother might turn on him so is always waiting to see when his brother will betray him.
Critical evaluation
In order to really understand this graphic novel the reader must read the collection of comics before this. The book does not give a lot of background information on Vulcan or Havok beginnings of internal conflicts. Besides the lack of character development the plot of the story is well done. Two brothers joining together to fight against a common enemy but one is still waiting for the other to attack. The Scy’ar Tal secret is the most interesting part of the story because it makes way for the other story to continue. It is not your ordinary X-Men tale because it takes place in a different planet but none the less it still holds vital characters of the X-Men series.
Readers annotation
Its brother vs. brother in the Shi’ar Empire but when an outside force appears out of nowhere both brothers must band together to fight against the enemy.
Information About the Auothor
Yost took over this X-Men series after Ed Brubaker switched to Vertigo.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) read the story of the Shi’Ar-there displacement and revenge- pg 31-34
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
Ed Brubaker worked well with X-Men wanted to see how Yost would hold it up.
Plot
Gabriel and Alex Summers are brothers who are fighting against each other for the fate of billions in the Shi’Ar. Gabriel is Vulcan the Shi’ar emperor while Alex is Havok who is leading the rebellious Starjammers against his brothers rule. While there is internal turmoil from the brothers as well as in there world there is an outside force who is willing to destroy both of them. A new power emerges, known as the Scy'ar Tal, a race of aliens who were driven from their home world by the Shi'ar centuries earlier, and are now seeking revenge. Havok along with his band of Starjammers are forces to join forces with Vulcan to fight the war against the enemies. Throughout the fight, Havok is aware that his brother might turn on him so is always waiting to see when his brother will betray him.
Critical evaluation
In order to really understand this graphic novel the reader must read the collection of comics before this. The book does not give a lot of background information on Vulcan or Havok beginnings of internal conflicts. Besides the lack of character development the plot of the story is well done. Two brothers joining together to fight against a common enemy but one is still waiting for the other to attack. The Scy’ar Tal secret is the most interesting part of the story because it makes way for the other story to continue. It is not your ordinary X-Men tale because it takes place in a different planet but none the less it still holds vital characters of the X-Men series.
Readers annotation
Its brother vs. brother in the Shi’ar Empire but when an outside force appears out of nowhere both brothers must band together to fight against the enemy.
Information About the Auothor
Yost took over this X-Men series after Ed Brubaker switched to Vertigo.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) read the story of the Shi’Ar-there displacement and revenge- pg 31-34
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
Ed Brubaker worked well with X-Men wanted to see how Yost would hold it up.
Civil War: Iron Man by Christos N. Gage
Christos. Penciler, Jeremy Haun. Civil War: Iron Man Marvel Publishing Inc., 2007 ISBN 0-7851-2314-8
Summary
Two Story lines- Rubicon- the fight against Captain America and Iron man. Captain America and Iron Man were once close friends. Captain America taught Iron Man to fight and became his predecessor but after an altercation the two became detached. A fight ensues between the two that will change there friendship forever. In the Invincible, Iron man is gung ho for the new law that makes those with powers to register themselves but there are many who do not agree with it. They feel that they are placing themselves out there in the public’s eye which would be dangerous to them. A fight begins with many marvel comic superheroes against Iron Man and his strong beliefs.
Critical evaluation
Both story lines are a great contribution to the civil war series. The civil war between Iron Man and Captain America, has great prose and illustration. While Iron Man is fighting Captain America there are clips of them training together. This is a great contrast from one another, in one they are friends while in the other they are enemies. In Invincible, Iron Man has to fight other heroes when they strongly disagree with the law. Iron Man is shown as an ignorant character who does not want to challenge authority. Civil War goes into detail about the internal conflicts that are Iron Man.
Readers annotation
Two story lines in one graphic novel, both dealing with Iron Man internal war. Iron Man vs. Captain American and Iron Man vs. Marvel “anarchist.”
Information About the Author
Christos received praised for this crossover book between Marvels Iron Man and DCs Captain America.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Iron Mans relationship with Captain America and the battle that ensues
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
I heard that this is the best of the Civil war series.
Summary
Two Story lines- Rubicon- the fight against Captain America and Iron man. Captain America and Iron Man were once close friends. Captain America taught Iron Man to fight and became his predecessor but after an altercation the two became detached. A fight ensues between the two that will change there friendship forever. In the Invincible, Iron man is gung ho for the new law that makes those with powers to register themselves but there are many who do not agree with it. They feel that they are placing themselves out there in the public’s eye which would be dangerous to them. A fight begins with many marvel comic superheroes against Iron Man and his strong beliefs.
Critical evaluation
Both story lines are a great contribution to the civil war series. The civil war between Iron Man and Captain America, has great prose and illustration. While Iron Man is fighting Captain America there are clips of them training together. This is a great contrast from one another, in one they are friends while in the other they are enemies. In Invincible, Iron Man has to fight other heroes when they strongly disagree with the law. Iron Man is shown as an ignorant character who does not want to challenge authority. Civil War goes into detail about the internal conflicts that are Iron Man.
Readers annotation
Two story lines in one graphic novel, both dealing with Iron Man internal war. Iron Man vs. Captain American and Iron Man vs. Marvel “anarchist.”
Information About the Author
Christos received praised for this crossover book between Marvels Iron Man and DCs Captain America.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss Iron Mans relationship with Captain America and the battle that ensues
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
I heard that this is the best of the Civil war series.
Watchmen by Alan Moore
Moore, Alan, Artist, Dave Gibbons. Watchmen DC Comics, Inc, 1986 ISBN 0-9302-8923-4
Summary
In 1988, Edward Blakes, murder is discovered by New York City police but have no leads to a. costumed vigilante Rorschach decides to do some investigation on his own, what he gets is more than he bargained for. Edward Bloak, was once a superhero named The Comedian, who was employed by the US government. Rorschach believes that he has discovered a plot to terminate superheroes and begins to warn his old superhero friends, Dan Dreiberg, Nite Owl, Doctor Manhattan, Laurie Juspeczyk, Silk Spectre, and Adrian Veidt, Ozymandias. With the rise of nuclear war becoming more of an issue between Russia and the US, superheroes are needed. More important Doctor Manhattan who is believed to have the power to stop it but after realizing that he might be the cause of his loved ones death he exiles himself to Mars. Earth is left to battle on its own while the rest of the superheroes are paranoid for there lives. Earth and superheroes are in danger and there is little hope left for humanity.
Critical evaluation
It is not the ordinary superhero book because it does not have all the same elements as one. There is only one character that has superhero capabilities, Doctor Manhattan, who received his after a freak accident in a lab, which is the story for most characters. Besides him, most of the other characters have gadgets and wear costumes that create there powers. It is a great story line because it creates an alternative universe then our own but it incorporates elements from it. For instance, it shows JFK’s death but it was done by a superhero or Nixon never resigned but was reelected three times! Its illustrations are well done and very detailed. Gibbons and Moore create a novel that captures the reader with its brilliant graphics and excellent story line.
Readers annotation Set in an alternate universe in the 1980s the planet is on the eve of destruction from nuclear war. Rorschach and Dreiberg begin to question a fellow super hero who might be on the path of destruction.
Information About the Author
Alan Moore won a Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination in 1987 for Watchmen.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Dialogue between Doctor Manhattan and Silk Spectre in Mars (157-161
Reading level/interest age
15 and up
Why book included?
One of the most famous Graphic Novels.
Summary
In 1988, Edward Blakes, murder is discovered by New York City police but have no leads to a. costumed vigilante Rorschach decides to do some investigation on his own, what he gets is more than he bargained for. Edward Bloak, was once a superhero named The Comedian, who was employed by the US government. Rorschach believes that he has discovered a plot to terminate superheroes and begins to warn his old superhero friends, Dan Dreiberg, Nite Owl, Doctor Manhattan, Laurie Juspeczyk, Silk Spectre, and Adrian Veidt, Ozymandias. With the rise of nuclear war becoming more of an issue between Russia and the US, superheroes are needed. More important Doctor Manhattan who is believed to have the power to stop it but after realizing that he might be the cause of his loved ones death he exiles himself to Mars. Earth is left to battle on its own while the rest of the superheroes are paranoid for there lives. Earth and superheroes are in danger and there is little hope left for humanity.
Critical evaluation
It is not the ordinary superhero book because it does not have all the same elements as one. There is only one character that has superhero capabilities, Doctor Manhattan, who received his after a freak accident in a lab, which is the story for most characters. Besides him, most of the other characters have gadgets and wear costumes that create there powers. It is a great story line because it creates an alternative universe then our own but it incorporates elements from it. For instance, it shows JFK’s death but it was done by a superhero or Nixon never resigned but was reelected three times! Its illustrations are well done and very detailed. Gibbons and Moore create a novel that captures the reader with its brilliant graphics and excellent story line.
Readers annotation Set in an alternate universe in the 1980s the planet is on the eve of destruction from nuclear war. Rorschach and Dreiberg begin to question a fellow super hero who might be on the path of destruction.
Information About the Author
Alan Moore won a Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination in 1987 for Watchmen.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Dialogue between Doctor Manhattan and Silk Spectre in Mars (157-161
Reading level/interest age
15 and up
Why book included?
One of the most famous Graphic Novels.
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd
Moore, Alan and David Lloyd. Artist, David Lloyd and Siobhan Dodd. V for Vendetta DC Comics, 1988. ISBN 0-9302-8952-8
Plot
A fascist and dystopian futuristic United Kingdom set in the 1990s after a nuclear war, that has left much of the world destroyed. “V” the masked vigilant anarchist is the only one working to destroying the totalitarian government through elaborative destructive events. "V" rescues a Evey Hammond, from the “Fingermen” who intend to rape her after arresting her for prostitution. After rescuing Evey he detonates a bomb inside the abandoned Palace of Westminster. V takes Evey to his secret lair, which he calls "The Shadow Gallery". Evey tells V her life story, describing her life after the nuclear war of the late 1980s. After the bombing the government is keeping a closer eye on the country. V continues his course of destruction by blowing up buildings and taking down those in high rankings, from bottom to top. The government is becoming more aggressive and V as well as Evey must be careful, before Fate notices.
Critical evaluation Moore and Lloyd create a terrifying portrait of totalitarianism and resistance, with its prose and illustrations. It captures the depth of both main characters as well as the society that it is in. V description is of a broken man who has had everything dear to him stripped away by the government. Evey portrays an ignorant young woman who lives life carelessly without taking a moment to think about the society and life she lives in. The illustrations capture the rigid life that totalitarianism is with its bold and straight lines.
Readers annotation
V is a hero vigilante that fascist United Kingdom is looking for. Evey is a young woman who lives life without questioning anything who is woken up by V in an effective but cruel manner.
Information About the Author
Alan Moores V for Vendetta has set the stage for Graphic Novels by creating some depth to them rather than simple prose and cliché superhero story lines
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Dialogue between Evey and V pg 120-124
2) First had narrative from V
Reading level/interest age
15 and up
Why book included?
I loved the movie had to read the graphic novel.
Plot
A fascist and dystopian futuristic United Kingdom set in the 1990s after a nuclear war, that has left much of the world destroyed. “V” the masked vigilant anarchist is the only one working to destroying the totalitarian government through elaborative destructive events. "V" rescues a Evey Hammond, from the “Fingermen” who intend to rape her after arresting her for prostitution. After rescuing Evey he detonates a bomb inside the abandoned Palace of Westminster. V takes Evey to his secret lair, which he calls "The Shadow Gallery". Evey tells V her life story, describing her life after the nuclear war of the late 1980s. After the bombing the government is keeping a closer eye on the country. V continues his course of destruction by blowing up buildings and taking down those in high rankings, from bottom to top. The government is becoming more aggressive and V as well as Evey must be careful, before Fate notices.
Critical evaluation Moore and Lloyd create a terrifying portrait of totalitarianism and resistance, with its prose and illustrations. It captures the depth of both main characters as well as the society that it is in. V description is of a broken man who has had everything dear to him stripped away by the government. Evey portrays an ignorant young woman who lives life carelessly without taking a moment to think about the society and life she lives in. The illustrations capture the rigid life that totalitarianism is with its bold and straight lines.
Readers annotation
V is a hero vigilante that fascist United Kingdom is looking for. Evey is a young woman who lives life without questioning anything who is woken up by V in an effective but cruel manner.
Information About the Author
Alan Moores V for Vendetta has set the stage for Graphic Novels by creating some depth to them rather than simple prose and cliché superhero story lines
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Dialogue between Evey and V pg 120-124
2) First had narrative from V
Reading level/interest age
15 and up
Why book included?
I loved the movie had to read the graphic novel.
Batman: Year One by Frank Miller
Miller, Frank. Illus. David Mazzucchelli. Batman: Year One DC Comics, 2005 ISBN 1-4012-0752-9
Plot
Intimate look on how Bruce Wayne became Batman and his relationship with Lieutenant Gordon. Before they became a duet they were individuals who wanted Gotham City to be clean of all the criminals. Gotham city is at its low with corrupted politicians, criminals lurking out of all corners, and prostitutes. Gotham is a typical Sin City that needs a hero. Gordon is out there fighting crime on his own while Bruce is discovering his role in the city that took his parents life. Batman is coming out protecting people, some politicians and police find him a threat while Gordon thinks that he is doing good but wants to know who the man behind the mask is. Underlying story, is of Catwomans appearance into the story line.
Critical evaluation
Great prose and old school style graphics create a Batman that would be loved by all generations. It is seen more from the point of view of Lieutenant Gordon rather than Batman it gives a more depth analysis of a strong relationship that keeps Gotham City afloat. Miller writes more thought dialogue rather than conversational thus creating a more of a connection between the two main characters. Both Wayne and Gordon have the same values and thoughts of Gotham City and are willing to put an effort to save it. Year One, gives details to Gotham City, Lieutenant Gordon, and Batman’s true colors with vivid graphics. Both want to help the city but need each other to keep from falling apart, neither could do it alone. Mazzuccheilli artwork captures the grittiness that is Gotham City. Some illustrations are black and white while others have some color but there is darkness to every illustration. The graphic novel gives a great background of the many Batman’s that follow.
Readers annotation
Bruce Wayne returns to a city that is overrun by criminals while Lieutenant Gordon has been living in it. Batman and Gordon must form a relationship to bring down Gotham City scum.
Information About the Author
Miller lays down the foundation of who is Batman in Year one. A ground breaking graphic novel.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Gordons dialogue in pages 27-30
a. No Batman no Gordon? Discussion
2) Discuss Gotham City and its issues
a. Does there city reflect Gotham?
Reading level/interest age
T+: 13 and up
Why book included?
One of the most important books for Batman comics because it discusses Batman’s origins.
Plot
Intimate look on how Bruce Wayne became Batman and his relationship with Lieutenant Gordon. Before they became a duet they were individuals who wanted Gotham City to be clean of all the criminals. Gotham city is at its low with corrupted politicians, criminals lurking out of all corners, and prostitutes. Gotham is a typical Sin City that needs a hero. Gordon is out there fighting crime on his own while Bruce is discovering his role in the city that took his parents life. Batman is coming out protecting people, some politicians and police find him a threat while Gordon thinks that he is doing good but wants to know who the man behind the mask is. Underlying story, is of Catwomans appearance into the story line.
Critical evaluation
Great prose and old school style graphics create a Batman that would be loved by all generations. It is seen more from the point of view of Lieutenant Gordon rather than Batman it gives a more depth analysis of a strong relationship that keeps Gotham City afloat. Miller writes more thought dialogue rather than conversational thus creating a more of a connection between the two main characters. Both Wayne and Gordon have the same values and thoughts of Gotham City and are willing to put an effort to save it. Year One, gives details to Gotham City, Lieutenant Gordon, and Batman’s true colors with vivid graphics. Both want to help the city but need each other to keep from falling apart, neither could do it alone. Mazzuccheilli artwork captures the grittiness that is Gotham City. Some illustrations are black and white while others have some color but there is darkness to every illustration. The graphic novel gives a great background of the many Batman’s that follow.
Readers annotation
Bruce Wayne returns to a city that is overrun by criminals while Lieutenant Gordon has been living in it. Batman and Gordon must form a relationship to bring down Gotham City scum.
Information About the Author
Miller lays down the foundation of who is Batman in Year one. A ground breaking graphic novel.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Gordons dialogue in pages 27-30
a. No Batman no Gordon? Discussion
2) Discuss Gotham City and its issues
a. Does there city reflect Gotham?
Reading level/interest age
T+: 13 and up
Why book included?
One of the most important books for Batman comics because it discusses Batman’s origins.
Ultimate Iron Man Vol. 1by Orson Scott Card
Card, Orson Scott. Pencils, Andu Kubert and Mark Bagley. Ultimate Iron Man Vol. 1 Marvel Publishing, Inc., 2006 ISBN 0-7851-1499-8
Summary
It is a journey from birth to young adulthood for Antonio (Tony) Stark, also known as Iron Man. Raised by his father Howard Stark, owner of Stark Defense Corporation, after his mothers, Maria Starks, death. His mother was affected with a regenerative virus that was gained after a freak accident in the lab while Tony was in her womb. Shortly after her death, Howard quickly covered Tony in the same virus for 5 years, leaving him blue and hairless. For those years, Tony was always in pain but learnt to deal with it. Tony must be protected from other geneticist who wants to steal the code of the virus to be used in warfare. Tony is a genius with super strength and regenerating capabilities. When he is no longer blue and hairless he attends a private school where he meets loyal friends, explores his powers, and builds a protocol to his famous body armor. After an incident, Tony and his friends are taken to a “special” school for teens just like him. Later, Tony dwells into alcohol to deal with his pain but also realizes that his powers can be used to protect and serve, which leads him into trouble
Critical evaluation
Informative information on Iron Mans beginnings told through detailed graphics and brilliant prose. The character development of Tony Stark and his parents background are a great addition to the comic.
Readers annotation
A regenerative virus consumes Maria Stark while pregnant with her child, Antonio (Tony) Stark. Before becoming ‘Iron Man’ Tony Stark must keep him self alive from others, alcohol, and his impulses.
Information About the Author
International bestseller, four-time Hugo award, two-time Nebula award and World Fantasy Award winner Orson Scott Card takes his own spin on Iron Man.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) First person talk told from Tony Stark
a. Being isolate, having powers, in constant pain
Reading level/interest age
Parental Advisory: 15 and up
Why book included?
Positive reviews from word of mouth.
Summary
It is a journey from birth to young adulthood for Antonio (Tony) Stark, also known as Iron Man. Raised by his father Howard Stark, owner of Stark Defense Corporation, after his mothers, Maria Starks, death. His mother was affected with a regenerative virus that was gained after a freak accident in the lab while Tony was in her womb. Shortly after her death, Howard quickly covered Tony in the same virus for 5 years, leaving him blue and hairless. For those years, Tony was always in pain but learnt to deal with it. Tony must be protected from other geneticist who wants to steal the code of the virus to be used in warfare. Tony is a genius with super strength and regenerating capabilities. When he is no longer blue and hairless he attends a private school where he meets loyal friends, explores his powers, and builds a protocol to his famous body armor. After an incident, Tony and his friends are taken to a “special” school for teens just like him. Later, Tony dwells into alcohol to deal with his pain but also realizes that his powers can be used to protect and serve, which leads him into trouble
Critical evaluation
Informative information on Iron Mans beginnings told through detailed graphics and brilliant prose. The character development of Tony Stark and his parents background are a great addition to the comic.
Readers annotation
A regenerative virus consumes Maria Stark while pregnant with her child, Antonio (Tony) Stark. Before becoming ‘Iron Man’ Tony Stark must keep him self alive from others, alcohol, and his impulses.
Information About the Author
International bestseller, four-time Hugo award, two-time Nebula award and World Fantasy Award winner Orson Scott Card takes his own spin on Iron Man.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) First person talk told from Tony Stark
a. Being isolate, having powers, in constant pain
Reading level/interest age
Parental Advisory: 15 and up
Why book included?
Positive reviews from word of mouth.
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