Liu, Marjorie. Monstress Volume One: Awakening. Image Comics, 2016. 192 pages. Tr. $9.99, ISBN 978-1632157096
VOYA Evaluation
Grade Level Interest: S; NA; A/YA
Quality: 4Q
Popularity: 3P
Truth be told, this is my first time reading a comic book or graphic novel. Even though I loved watch
ing shows like Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon as a kid, it never appealed to me to pick up a comic/graphic novel from the stacks.When I saw that there was a comic on the syllabus, I decided to take a chance and read something different. Although I was confused at first on the order in which the dialogue is read, when I finally got a hang of it, I was captivated by the story line and use of color in the images.
Although one could argue that the images and language used in Monstress Volume One: Awakening are a bit vulgar (nudity, bloodshed, and profanity), I would gladly add this title to my teen collection. The images and spoken dialogue align with the characters expression and personality, which would help teen readers follow the story line easier. The main protagonist, Maika Halfwolf is also relatable to teens as she is ambitious, loyal, ruthless, and a teen herself. If I introduced her to a teen reader as someone with strong magic, determination, and share those qualities mentioned before, I think Monstress could be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.
Houser, Jody. Mothe
r Panic. Vol 1, A Work in Progress. DC Comics, 2017.176 pages. Tr. $16.99, ISBN 978-1401271114
If you really enjoyed the first volume of the Monstress series, I’m sure you would continue to read the entire series (there are 12 issues currently). However, if you are looking for another graphic novel series, I would recommend Mother Panic. Vol 1, A Work in Progress. Like Maika, Violet Paige has a tough exterior displayed through her rage and assaults against their enemies. However, both characters also have a soft side to them as well; wanting to save others who were held hostage by captors. Maika and Violet are also looking to their past to drive the story line to what looks like an adventurous future.
Below are the shared appeal terms Novelist identified between the two titles:
Genre: Graphic Novels
Character: Strong female
Subject: Revenge
ople experience. While their teen titles are not as extensive, as they just started publishing for teens only a few years ago, most works seem to fall under the historical or contemporary fiction genre. For example, Stronger Than You Know and The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry are contemporary fiction titles that has themes of romance, abuse, and self esteem issues. Laura
Hurwitz’s Disappear Home is a historical fiction title that has themes of abuse, depression, and social concerns. If you would like to view other teen titles published by Albert Whitman & Company, you may visit 
Stacks, Imagination, Infinite Possibilties 