The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection: Volume One by Various
Published by David Fickling Books on March 27th 2018
ISBN: 1338206796
Pages: 208
Goodreads

This graphic novel volume collects several different comics, but is mostly made up of “Trail Blazers” by Robert Deas, “Bunny vs Monkey” by Jamie Smart, and “Evil Emperor Penguin” by Laura Ellen Anderson.  A “Trail Blazers” story arc takes up most of the book, split into several sections that each end with a cliffhanger. The stories were fun and kept my interest. The only comic I was familiar with before reading this volume was “Bunny vs Monkey,” but you don’t have to have read any of them to be able to follow along. The different art styles range from very straight and angular to rounded and silly, and I found it a nice break to move from one style to another, but some may find it jarring.

My favorite comic of the bunch was a short called “Doug Slugman P.I.” featuring a slug that fancies himself a private investigator (though he doesn’t really solve any mysteries, but he does end each comic with “CASE CLOSED”). Created by Joe List, “Doug Slugman P.I.” is an absurdist comic where Doug “helps” several other characters solve problems. It’s now a favorite of mine.

I wouldn’t call this graphic novel collection a must-buy for your library, but it is funny and kids grades 3-7 will find a few new favorites in it. Purchase if you have a large graphic novel collection or want to try out several comics you may not have seen before.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook