The Return of Zita the Spacegirl (First Second)

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The Return of Zita the Spacegirl

First Second

Written and Drawn by Ben Hatke

Jun 19, 2014 Issue #50 - June/July 2014 - Future Islands By Jeremy Nisen

Ben Hatke’s cartooning is lovely, expressive, and whimsical, but it’s his world-building and character-building that bring the Zita books from very good to wonderful.

While we thought that new readers could probably pick up the second volume (Legends of Zita the Spacegirl) without having read the first one, volume three is definitely not the place to start. This third volume of Zita’s adventures sees her attempt to escape from a prison planet; Zita making new friends and running into old ones, some surprising; and, at last, something of a conclusion if this turns out to be the last of her adventures. It showcases the heroism of what a determined, brave, and clever girl can accomplish without turning saccharine or schmaltzy. And the plot and execution of such are surprisingly pulse-pounding for an all-ages title.

This story demands much wider recognition; a widescreen adaptation would suit it well, even if something of Hatke’s style would inevitably be lost in the translation from medium to medium. Either way, this property deserves much broader distribution. (www.firstsecondbooks.com)

Author rating: 8/10

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Average reader rating: 6/10