232. Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher

Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher by Jake Parker (Canada) - (USA)
Missile Mouse, #1

Pages: 176
Ages: 8+
Finished: Oct. 29, 2010
First Published: Jan. 1, 2010
Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic
Genre: graphic novel, children, science fiction
Rating: 5/5

First sentence:

Vasgar 5, fifth planet in the Vasa star system.

Acquired: Borrowed a copy from the Calgary library while on vacation.

Reason for Reading: This is a Cybils '10 nominee and required reading for me as a graphic novels panelist.

Missile Mouse grabbed me from the beginning and I can't wait until the next book comes out this January! There are not too many graphic novels that stand out in the pure science fiction genre for children and this was a real delight to read. Missile Mouse is an agent for the Galactic Security Agency, a bit of a rogue who does things his own way and irritates his superiors because of it. He's given a partner for this next mission, hoping to keep him in line this time. MM and Agent Hyde are to infiltrate RIP (the bad guys) and rescue a scientist they kidnapped, then using his info. locate a secret stash of dangerous weapons from the old days. Along the way MM has to fight killer bugs, beefed up RIP shark agents and giant space slug to name a few.

This book is really suitable for all ages. While it certainly is intended for the 8 and up crowd it is not childish at all. We're given a healthy dose of pure sci-fi. The story is fun but not silly, Missile Mouse has some good one liners but this is a drama that takes itself seriously along with the usual scientific explanations and jargon. There are a few animal characters but the rest are alien looking creatures. The story is fast-paced, high-action, good guys versus the bad guys and I can see this series developing a devoted fan base very quickly. The artwork is bright and bold and always enhances its science fiction atmosphere. My only quibble is that one year between books is too long to wait! Fortunately Jan. 2011, is just around the corner now!