Missile Mouse #1: The Star Crusher (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
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! I wasn't sure if I would be able to bond with a mouse character in a science fiction story. This was a lot closer, in some ways, to Kenneth Grahame than I thought it would be! The art, as other reviewers mention, really is spot-on - very energetic, but clean and logical to help tell the story. I especially noted the various background colours used to demarcate different scenes - and also set the moods for the scenes. Okay, so Jake Parker took some liberties with plot devices and certain things happen a tad too coincidentally, but that doesn't at all spoil the fun - and I doubt very much that any child would notice anyhow. I can't wait for the next book!
What do You think about Missile Mouse #1: The Star Crusher (2010)?
THe book is fun because it talks about him completed the missions
—Andrewww
Engaging and fun - my son and I devoured it up in one sitting.
—aryssa
Lots of boy appeal in this one. Fun read
—brendadj
