This was fun, but sad! ( )

Nnewts: Escape from the Lizzarks by Doug TenNapel is another summer reading selection for middle grade readers. This is the first in a series of graphic novels which follow the adventures of Herc, a Nnewt, who is on both a literal and figurative journey of self-discovery. From the beginning, the reader is launched into this fictional world of creatures called Nnewts and their enemies the Lizzarks. There was a sense that one should already be familiar with characters and backstory. The narrative seemed to be all over the place which compounded the issue. I feel like the author was trying to put a spin on the classic 'underdog who surprises everyone to come out on top' but it was all a bit rushed in my opinion. Also, if this is a series I see no reason why the pacing had to be so hurried. I went into this one with fairly high hopes as the first couple of pages seemed quite interesting but this is one of those books that just didn't work for me. However, I'm betting it will appeal to a younger audience. (It is after all not marketed for me so this makes perfect sense.) It will probably come as no surprise to any of you that I have no plans to continue this series but I have recommended it to some of my younger readers who like a lot of blood, guts, and gore. No complaints thus far. :-) The best thing I can say about this particular book is that the color illustrations were very imaginative but the rest of it left quite a bit to desire. 2/10

SPOILER: Straight out of the gate most of the characters are killed off and I feel like this was a lazy way to move the hero's journey ahead. Also, because it happened so early on there was really no emotional attachment or buildup so it served very little purpose (at least from a reader's perspective). ( )

My 7th grader really enjoys TenNapel's books, and he wants me to read them all too. Fortunately for me, they don't take too long.

The artwork in this book is good, as usual. And, as usual, I struggle to follow the story, because everything happens so quickly and the story seems to jump along. I am left wondering--did I miss a reference earlier? Or is this an entire new plot point? Wait--who? Huh? Wait--they died? They worship who?

So, interesting, but honestly I would just rather read a text novel than one of these speedy graphic novels. ( )

It's a battle of lizzarks vs. nnewts. Little nnewt Herc is the lone survivor in his family after a lizzark attack on his town. He escapes the devastation, running for safety, unaware that there is something about him that very much interests the evil wizzark. Herc is a cute little guy, an ordinary nnewt who will find himself in an extraordinary situation in the sequel(s) sure to come. TenNapel always produces compelling graphic novels relatable to young readers' experiences. ( )

This didn't grab me like TenNapel's other books. Part of that might be that I don't the the way the Nnewts look...they're silly-looking and gross-looking at the same time. And they don't all look like they're the same species (maybe they're not) - Pikk and Urch and Herk could be completely different creatures. Anyway, I think their appearance kept me from enjoying the story like I did in the case of his others. ( )