The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection, Volume 1

March 1, 2018

Gr 3-7-This collection presents individual issues of The Phoenix, a comic book published in the UK. In Robert Deas's enthralling "Trailblazers," a well-developed space opera, Troy and his companions visit the Galactic Archives to learn why the Intergalactic Network has been failing. In between chapters of "Trailblazer" are other comics by different authors and artists. Some are short, cartoonish, hilarious adventures, just a few pages long, like "Bunny vs. Monkey" and "Evil Emperor Penguin." There are also much briefer comics (comprised of a single or a few panels) that make random appearances throughout. Though enjoyable, this volume is, like many compilations, disjointed, with offerings that range in tone and artistic style. The work is worth reading for gems such as "Trailblazers," which deserves a stand-alone book, and "Evil Emperor Penguin," whose titular character could easily be the star of his own TV show. VERDICT For larger libraries looking to expand their selection of kid-friendly comics.-Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 7, 2018
The glossy pages of this volume offer four longer episodes of Troy and the Trailblazers, a space adventure-comedy, punctuated by shorter episodes of a half-dozen animal comics played strictly for laughs. In a predictable initial sequence (âIâm picking up a huge energy signature in the center of the Archivesâ), the space gangâvacuous Troy; cynical Jess; their furry companion, Barrus; and robot assistant Blipâdefeat their galactic enemies, the Bioteks. But then Troy and friends are offered a reality TV show whose director bamboozles Troy into jettisoning Jess for superstardom (âTrent thinks youâreâ¦holding me back,â Troy tells the enraged Jess) and reveals himself as Troyâs evil twin. In another story, bold, ink-heavy panels pit the manic Monkey against the placid Bunny: âAll hail Destructo!â Monkey commands, assuming his latest evil persona. âTake off the helmet and stop being silly,â Bunny replies. The surreal Doug Slugman; a Despicable Me clone, Evil Emperor Penguin; a manic housecat-from-hell, Looshkin; and the genial Squid Squad round out the collection. Candybox colors, frenetic energy, and plenty of fart jokes conspire to lure readers from the screen for an evening. Ages 8â12.