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Recommend this book:
Rayven Choi
Chapter 1: Koreamerica
Shequeta Smith
2018 Finalist
30 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
Rayven Choi: Chapter 1: Koreamerica by Shequeta Smith centers around the main protagonist the book is named after. The very first scene shows us that Rayven Choi is not kidding around when she shoots a man almost point blank. But who was he? At a young age, Rayven was forced out of a normal life when somebody put a hit on her father, which resulted in a bloody train massacre, leaving her without both of her biological parents. Rayven is the sole survivor. The police and FBI get involved when the assailant tries to go after Rayven once more and it becomes clear that as long as Rayven is in America she will never be safe. Luckily, Rayven’s father had befriended a man in South Korea where the story takes place years later and truly begins to unfold.
Overall, the illustrations and colors were marvelous. I appreciated the care given to the small details in their facial expressions; it brought the characters to life and it made me wonder who said that graphic novels and comic books are not literature? Shequeta Smith gives us a well written graphic novel that breaks away from the comic book superhero stereotype to which many have grown accustomed. Here is a story that has espionage, tragedy, drama, and a well developed main character. Smith produces one of the fiercest female characters ever created, and she doesn’t need a leather spandex suit or a cape! As the plot thickened, I found myself engrossed, I became deeply invested in Rayven and her life. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this series.
Rayven Choi: Chapter 1: Koreamerica by Shequeta Smith centers around the main protagonist the book is named after. The very first scene shows us that Rayven Choi is not kidding around when she shoots a man almost point blank. But who was he? At a young age, Rayven was forced out of a normal life when somebody put a hit on her father, which resulted in a bloody train massacre, leaving her without both of her biological parents. Rayven is the sole survivor. The police and FBI get involved when the assailant tries to go after Rayven once more and it becomes clear that as long as Rayven is in America she will never be safe. Luckily, Rayven’s father had befriended a man in South Korea where the story takes place years later and truly begins to unfold.
Overall, the illustrations and colors were marvelous. I appreciated the care given to the small details in their facial expressions; it brought the characters to life and it made me wonder who said that graphic novels and comic books are not literature? Shequeta Smith gives us a well written graphic novel that breaks away from the comic book superhero stereotype to which many have grown accustomed. Here is a story that has espionage, tragedy, drama, and a well developed main character. Smith produces one of the fiercest female characters ever created, and she doesn’t need a leather spandex suit or a cape! As the plot thickened, I found myself engrossed, I became deeply invested in Rayven and her life. I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this series.
Recommend this book:
True Life
Legends of Tye Series - Volume 1
R. J. Tolson
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
True Life is the first entry in the Legends of Tye Series by R.J. Tolson, an adventure that will delight young adult readers and fans of comics. The reader is introduced to a magical setting and a clan known as the Astra Clan, comprising people gifted with the ability to see the Aura, the mystical energy. But the Astra has suffered a lot from powerful neighbors who would capture and enslave them to exploit their magical abilities, so they found a small community in a hidden village in which to conceal the stones from which they derive their abilities. Seventeen-year-old Venn isn’t one of the powerful ones in his clan, and is often derided as the weakest link, but things change for him when a dark figure captures his sister and uses an ancient dark power to curse his people. Now Venn must rescue his sister and his clan, and as he goes off on this dangerous mission, he has only one thing that gives him hope; the legendary book of secrets: True Life.
This is a great story, well-written and the perfect length. It feels like the author crafted this story just to have readers teased and longing for what is to come in the next installment in the series. I enjoyed the compelling cast of characters and loved the fact that Venn, the protagonist, isn’t the toughest guy in his clan. It is interesting to see how he grows, thanks to necessity. True Life is fast-paced and engaging, featuring awesome illustrations and intelligently crafted dialogues. R.J. Tolson’s tale is a breezy read for those who enjoy well-crafted and beautifully illustrated work.
True Life is the first entry in the Legends of Tye Series by R.J. Tolson, an adventure that will delight young adult readers and fans of comics. The reader is introduced to a magical setting and a clan known as the Astra Clan, comprising people gifted with the ability to see the Aura, the mystical energy. But the Astra has suffered a lot from powerful neighbors who would capture and enslave them to exploit their magical abilities, so they found a small community in a hidden village in which to conceal the stones from which they derive their abilities. Seventeen-year-old Venn isn’t one of the powerful ones in his clan, and is often derided as the weakest link, but things change for him when a dark figure captures his sister and uses an ancient dark power to curse his people. Now Venn must rescue his sister and his clan, and as he goes off on this dangerous mission, he has only one thing that gives him hope; the legendary book of secrets: True Life.
This is a great story, well-written and the perfect length. It feels like the author crafted this story just to have readers teased and longing for what is to come in the next installment in the series. I enjoyed the compelling cast of characters and loved the fact that Venn, the protagonist, isn’t the toughest guy in his clan. It is interesting to see how he grows, thanks to necessity. True Life is fast-paced and engaging, featuring awesome illustrations and intelligently crafted dialogues. R.J. Tolson’s tale is a breezy read for those who enjoy well-crafted and beautifully illustrated work.
Recommend this book:
 of fascist General Kirklau of fascist General Heinz Kulikov. He had off...){kind=link}
Treadwater
The Graphic Novel Part 2
Morgan Rosenblum and Nat Prinzi
2017 Silver Medal
164 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Treadwater: Part Two is a high-tech science fiction graphic novel written by Morgan Rosenblum and Nat Prinzi, and illustrated by Mingchen Shen. The Treadwater team had fulfilled their part of the arrangement made with Wolfgang Kulikov, the brother-in-law (and second in command) of fascist General Kirklau of fascist General Heinz Kulikov. He had offered to give Treadwater information about Kirklau’s second stolen nuclear warhead if they snatched his nephew from Kulikov’s compound. After Kostya was delivered to their headquarters, Wolfgang admitted that there really wasn’t a second warhead. The team was finally persuaded to believe him but only after they extensively tortured him. Kostya was furious at his abduction, believing firmly in his father’s program. Meanwhile, there were terrorists afoot who were planning a worldwide attack with a deadly pathogen and General Heinz Kulikov has developed a trio of virtually unstoppable mechanized war machines. Can the team get past their internal strife and rivalries, and work together to stop these threats?
Morgan Rosenblum and Nat Prinzi’s high-tech science fiction graphic novel, Treadwater: Part Two, is a fast-paced and exciting thriller. While it is the second book in the series, the authors not only give a concise and informative summation of the first book, they also include a link for a free copy of that first volume. I had a marvelous time reading this graphic novel. It gave me the same feelings of exhilaration I felt when I was a kid reading my first superhero comic books. Mingchen Shen’s illustrations are masterful; you can see and feel the icy wastes of the opening panels, which cleverly morph into the team’s efforts to confirm the veracity of Wolfgang Kulikov’s statement. I particularly enjoyed the historical side stories that add depth and intensity to the main plot as well as the development of the characters of Wolfgang and the Treadwater team. Treadwater: Part Two is impossible to put down, and you definitely won’t want to rush through this amazing graphic novel. Take your time and enjoy the story and artwork -- it’s all top-notch. Treadwater: Part Two is most highly recommended.
Treadwater: Part Two is a high-tech science fiction graphic novel written by Morgan Rosenblum and Nat Prinzi, and illustrated by Mingchen Shen. The Treadwater team had fulfilled their part of the arrangement made with Wolfgang Kulikov, the brother-in-law (and second in command) of fascist General Kirklau of fascist General Heinz Kulikov. He had offered to give Treadwater information about Kirklau’s second stolen nuclear warhead if they snatched his nephew from Kulikov’s compound. After Kostya was delivered to their headquarters, Wolfgang admitted that there really wasn’t a second warhead. The team was finally persuaded to believe him but only after they extensively tortured him. Kostya was furious at his abduction, believing firmly in his father’s program. Meanwhile, there were terrorists afoot who were planning a worldwide attack with a deadly pathogen and General Heinz Kulikov has developed a trio of virtually unstoppable mechanized war machines. Can the team get past their internal strife and rivalries, and work together to stop these threats?
Morgan Rosenblum and Nat Prinzi’s high-tech science fiction graphic novel, Treadwater: Part Two, is a fast-paced and exciting thriller. While it is the second book in the series, the authors not only give a concise and informative summation of the first book, they also include a link for a free copy of that first volume. I had a marvelous time reading this graphic novel. It gave me the same feelings of exhilaration I felt when I was a kid reading my first superhero comic books. Mingchen Shen’s illustrations are masterful; you can see and feel the icy wastes of the opening panels, which cleverly morph into the team’s efforts to confirm the veracity of Wolfgang Kulikov’s statement. I particularly enjoyed the historical side stories that add depth and intensity to the main plot as well as the development of the characters of Wolfgang and the Treadwater team. Treadwater: Part Two is impossible to put down, and you definitely won’t want to rush through this amazing graphic novel. Take your time and enjoy the story and artwork -- it’s all top-notch. Treadwater: Part Two is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Jake Falcón - Spirit Hunter
Victor M. Carrión
2017 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter is a paranormal graphic novel written by Victor M. Carrión and illustrated by Felix Carrión. Jake lived fast and loose. He was brutal in business and blithely disregarded the thoughts and feelings of those he came in contact with. When his embezzlement scheme went south, he left his partner holding the bag for it. Granted, he didn’t expect the man to throw himself out of a window and crash-land on a car, but he argued to himself that no one forced Lawrence to do it. Jake forestalled Police Detective Jennie Davis’ questions, promising to come into the precinct the next day, but he never did make it there. The accident he was in while driving late that night had somewhat permanent repercussions. Jake didn’t feel dead, but all the protestations he made to the police officer who arrived on the accident scene fell on deaf ears. He seemed to be out of body and was horrified to see himself still at the wheel, unmoving -- and there was nothing he could do to make that body in the front seat return to the living. In the days to come, he became a Spirit Hunter, an unwilling resident of a dark and tormented middle plane where he’d stay until he found redemption.
Victor M. Carrión’s paranormal graphic novel, Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter, is a dark and gritty tale filled with harsh images, looming demons and a tortured anti-hero the reader can’t help but alternately despise and admire. Felix Carrión’s black and white illustrations masterfully reflect the dark visions of the story; each panel is evocative and profound, adding motion, pathos and a masterful collection of human expressions. I loved the flashback that Victor Carrión includes which gives some insights to the man Jake becomes, and the scenes which take place in the sanctuary for his fellow souls in transition are moving and powerful. I’m hoping the Carrións produce a sequel to this engrossing and original graphic novel. Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter is most highly recommended.
Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter is a paranormal graphic novel written by Victor M. Carrión and illustrated by Felix Carrión. Jake lived fast and loose. He was brutal in business and blithely disregarded the thoughts and feelings of those he came in contact with. When his embezzlement scheme went south, he left his partner holding the bag for it. Granted, he didn’t expect the man to throw himself out of a window and crash-land on a car, but he argued to himself that no one forced Lawrence to do it. Jake forestalled Police Detective Jennie Davis’ questions, promising to come into the precinct the next day, but he never did make it there. The accident he was in while driving late that night had somewhat permanent repercussions. Jake didn’t feel dead, but all the protestations he made to the police officer who arrived on the accident scene fell on deaf ears. He seemed to be out of body and was horrified to see himself still at the wheel, unmoving -- and there was nothing he could do to make that body in the front seat return to the living. In the days to come, he became a Spirit Hunter, an unwilling resident of a dark and tormented middle plane where he’d stay until he found redemption.
Victor M. Carrión’s paranormal graphic novel, Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter, is a dark and gritty tale filled with harsh images, looming demons and a tortured anti-hero the reader can’t help but alternately despise and admire. Felix Carrión’s black and white illustrations masterfully reflect the dark visions of the story; each panel is evocative and profound, adding motion, pathos and a masterful collection of human expressions. I loved the flashback that Victor Carrión includes which gives some insights to the man Jake becomes, and the scenes which take place in the sanctuary for his fellow souls in transition are moving and powerful. I’m hoping the Carrións produce a sequel to this engrossing and original graphic novel. Jake Falcón: Spirit Hunter is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
First to Mars
Raegan and RJ in Space
Richard M. Collins
2016 Honorable Mention
28 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the 14th in a series of award-winning graphic novels for young readers. In this fascinating and extraordinarily detailed adventure, Raegan and RJ, two young explorers in the Christian Space Program, take off with six other space travelers on a mission to be the first human beings to explore Mars. They are to set in place an information-gathering satellite and a terraforming machine which will make the atmosphere and climate of Mars suitable for eventual colonization. While the narrative is imaginative and the characters well drawn (both in the physical and the literary sense), the most remarkable feature of First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the wealth of supporting information included. There are charts, graphs, websites to visit for additional information and theme songs, vital statistics for each of the main characters, and appendices with facts from real science to make the story more real for young readers. Richard Collins has created an entire world for his young readers, with the added benefit of a sound underlying educational format that will stimulate further interest and active reading.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an ideal graphic adventure for wholesome reading, sure to inspire young minds and encourage lively discussion. The characters have sterling qualities that will help build character and sound values; in addition, young readers will easily identify with the various personalities as they learn cooperation and the value of good old fashioned hard work and dedication, in space as well as on Earth. With all of the additional titles in the series, kids will be enthralled and educated for a long time to come.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the 14th in a series of award-winning graphic novels for young readers. In this fascinating and extraordinarily detailed adventure, Raegan and RJ, two young explorers in the Christian Space Program, take off with six other space travelers on a mission to be the first human beings to explore Mars. They are to set in place an information-gathering satellite and a terraforming machine which will make the atmosphere and climate of Mars suitable for eventual colonization. While the narrative is imaginative and the characters well drawn (both in the physical and the literary sense), the most remarkable feature of First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the wealth of supporting information included. There are charts, graphs, websites to visit for additional information and theme songs, vital statistics for each of the main characters, and appendices with facts from real science to make the story more real for young readers. Richard Collins has created an entire world for his young readers, with the added benefit of a sound underlying educational format that will stimulate further interest and active reading.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an ideal graphic adventure for wholesome reading, sure to inspire young minds and encourage lively discussion. The characters have sterling qualities that will help build character and sound values; in addition, young readers will easily identify with the various personalities as they learn cooperation and the value of good old fashioned hard work and dedication, in space as well as on Earth. With all of the additional titles in the series, kids will be enthralled and educated for a long time to come.
Recommend this book:
The Great Successor
Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon, An Epic Comic of the Dark Kingdom and the Passing of Power to a Third Kim
Tae Keung Ha
2016 Bronze Medal
174 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
“I hope this book makes at least a small contribution to accurately publicizing the true nature of the young successor, of whom little is known.” Ha Tae Keung.
The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon is a comic book detailing the succession to power of the present North Korea leader, written by Ha Tae Keung, president of Open Radio for North Korea, which broadcasts educational, cultural and personal message programming into North Korea. This book is illustrated by artist Choi Byeong Seon, a researcher at the Global Artists Association and a director of the Korea Cartoonists Association.
Perhaps this is the most serious and thought-provoking comic book that I’ve ever read. Reading or listening to any news about the self-isolated North Korea is sporadic at best. This book gives us insight into the North Korea dictator’s past, present, and the sentiments towards him and his ruling. Readers will also learn about Jong Un’s half older brother, Kim Jong Nam, who was once widely considered to be the next leader of North Korea. Jong Nam’s capitalist nature and his desire for reformation of the country, however, were opposed by his father. His much-publicized botched attempt to secretly enter Japan using a fake passport and visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2001 was his ultimate downfall with his father and North Korea’s elite.
The illustrated feelings of the North and South Koreans regarding the succession give us a rare and informative glimpse into this particular event. All in all, this is a great read and ultimately, the North Koreans are hoping for a better future. Hopefully that day will come soon.
“I hope this book makes at least a small contribution to accurately publicizing the true nature of the young successor, of whom little is known.” Ha Tae Keung.
The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon is a comic book detailing the succession to power of the present North Korea leader, written by Ha Tae Keung, president of Open Radio for North Korea, which broadcasts educational, cultural and personal message programming into North Korea. This book is illustrated by artist Choi Byeong Seon, a researcher at the Global Artists Association and a director of the Korea Cartoonists Association.
Perhaps this is the most serious and thought-provoking comic book that I’ve ever read. Reading or listening to any news about the self-isolated North Korea is sporadic at best. This book gives us insight into the North Korea dictator’s past, present, and the sentiments towards him and his ruling. Readers will also learn about Jong Un’s half older brother, Kim Jong Nam, who was once widely considered to be the next leader of North Korea. Jong Nam’s capitalist nature and his desire for reformation of the country, however, were opposed by his father. His much-publicized botched attempt to secretly enter Japan using a fake passport and visit Tokyo Disneyland in 2001 was his ultimate downfall with his father and North Korea’s elite.
The illustrated feelings of the North and South Koreans regarding the succession give us a rare and informative glimpse into this particular event. All in all, this is a great read and ultimately, the North Koreans are hoping for a better future. Hopefully that day will come soon.
Recommend this book:
Freedom Within The Heart
The Complete Graphic Novel
Mark Mahon
2016 Silver Medal
100 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon is the story of the Viking invasion of Ireland, and how the Irish clans dealt with that rather unpleasant visit. Mahoun and his brother Brian Boru are the centre of the story, and of course Brian is the hero of the title. And he is indeed a historical figure of Irish history. So this comic is not only entertaining but also a good way to get people interested in that part of history. It's a different kind of historical fiction, and of course has a bit of folklore mixed in.
Apparently, the story behind Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon will be turned into a movie, and I can imagine how this would work quite well. It all starts with the childhood of the two brothers who witness how their parents are brutally murdered by the invading Vikings. That experience leads to them growing into men that will play a vital role in the fight against the invaders. The story is full of action and a fair amount of violence, but it also does not lack moments of emotion and drama and some fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading page after page, and it taught me something about Irish history that I did not know. I am sure that this kind of format would also be quite valuable to older students for history classes (as traditional history books can be so off-putting).
Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon is the story of the Viking invasion of Ireland, and how the Irish clans dealt with that rather unpleasant visit. Mahoun and his brother Brian Boru are the centre of the story, and of course Brian is the hero of the title. And he is indeed a historical figure of Irish history. So this comic is not only entertaining but also a good way to get people interested in that part of history. It's a different kind of historical fiction, and of course has a bit of folklore mixed in.
Apparently, the story behind Freedom Within The Heart by Mark Mahon will be turned into a movie, and I can imagine how this would work quite well. It all starts with the childhood of the two brothers who witness how their parents are brutally murdered by the invading Vikings. That experience leads to them growing into men that will play a vital role in the fight against the invaders. The story is full of action and a fair amount of violence, but it also does not lack moments of emotion and drama and some fun. I thoroughly enjoyed reading page after page, and it taught me something about Irish history that I did not know. I am sure that this kind of format would also be quite valuable to older students for history classes (as traditional history books can be so off-putting).
Recommend this book:
. One of the most appealing features of Richard Collins’ Raegan and RJ in Space series of graph...){kind=link}
Solar Storm
Raegan and RJ in Space
Richard M. Collins
2015 Finalist
28 Pages
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Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
In Solar Storm: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins, young heroes Raegan, RJ, and friends save the world from a deadly solar flare by using their brains, courage and no small amount of real astrophysics (further details withheld to avoid spoilers). One of the most appealing features of Richard Collins’ Raegan and RJ in Space series of graphic novels for young readers is the engaging and science-rich world that he creates for his readers to explore. Fascinating diagrams, relevant scientific facts, and an appendix that defines key terms and invites additional study all work together to broaden and deepen the appeal.
Although the series does not explain why children are being sent into space to save the day when any number of skilled adults are available, the point is rendered moot by the resourcefulness, dedication, and ingenuity of the young heroes. These are young people worthy of being admired and praised, even if they had remained on terra firma the entire time. In addition, Raegan, RJ, and their friends Imogene and James practice solid Christian values in their pursuit of excellence, making this series ideal for stimulating discussion in youth groups both at home and in church. The adults in the series are compassionate, supportive, and wise. This is a fine and admirable group with noble intentions and a godly mission to explore space and keep the world safe. What could be better? Many episodes have already been written and illustrated, and many more are planned. Solar Storm: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins, like its young heroes, is noble and seemingly destined for success.
In Solar Storm: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins, young heroes Raegan, RJ, and friends save the world from a deadly solar flare by using their brains, courage and no small amount of real astrophysics (further details withheld to avoid spoilers). One of the most appealing features of Richard Collins’ Raegan and RJ in Space series of graphic novels for young readers is the engaging and science-rich world that he creates for his readers to explore. Fascinating diagrams, relevant scientific facts, and an appendix that defines key terms and invites additional study all work together to broaden and deepen the appeal.
Although the series does not explain why children are being sent into space to save the day when any number of skilled adults are available, the point is rendered moot by the resourcefulness, dedication, and ingenuity of the young heroes. These are young people worthy of being admired and praised, even if they had remained on terra firma the entire time. In addition, Raegan, RJ, and their friends Imogene and James practice solid Christian values in their pursuit of excellence, making this series ideal for stimulating discussion in youth groups both at home and in church. The adults in the series are compassionate, supportive, and wise. This is a fine and admirable group with noble intentions and a godly mission to explore space and keep the world safe. What could be better? Many episodes have already been written and illustrated, and many more are planned. Solar Storm: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins, like its young heroes, is noble and seemingly destined for success.
Recommend this book:
Celebration at Alpha Centauri
Raegan and RJ in Space
Richard M. Collins
2015 Finalist
30 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
The year is 2025, and five families have set off on a six-month journey in the space exploration vessel - Faith - to colonize a planet in Alpha Centauri. Their colony, called Hope and situated on the continent of New Tennessee, is to be a place where unconditional love is the rule and families are free to worship God as they please. This Utopian world, complete with heroic children and breathtaking adventures, has been deftly fashioned by Richard Collins into a series of graphic novels for young readers under the series title Raegan and RJ in Space.
Celebration at Alpha Centauri is a fast-paced and utterly engaging space exploration adventure for young readers. Richard Collins has wisely partnered the text with a complementary series of charts, diagrams, and appendices offering real space/science factoids and supporting information to make Raegan and RJ’s world even more interesting and meaningful for young readers. It is hard to believe, at times, that such a rich, varied, and detailed world could spring so vividly from the page with only text bubbles and simple illustrations to carry it forward, but there it is, right before our eyes and spreading out like an infinite array of promising tomorrows.
Celebration at Alpha Centauri: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an imaginative and beguiling science fiction graphic novel, sure to captivate young readers and perfect for home or church youth group study. The solid Christian values it espouses are worthy of praise and bound to edify as the story entertains.
The year is 2025, and five families have set off on a six-month journey in the space exploration vessel - Faith - to colonize a planet in Alpha Centauri. Their colony, called Hope and situated on the continent of New Tennessee, is to be a place where unconditional love is the rule and families are free to worship God as they please. This Utopian world, complete with heroic children and breathtaking adventures, has been deftly fashioned by Richard Collins into a series of graphic novels for young readers under the series title Raegan and RJ in Space.
Celebration at Alpha Centauri is a fast-paced and utterly engaging space exploration adventure for young readers. Richard Collins has wisely partnered the text with a complementary series of charts, diagrams, and appendices offering real space/science factoids and supporting information to make Raegan and RJ’s world even more interesting and meaningful for young readers. It is hard to believe, at times, that such a rich, varied, and detailed world could spring so vividly from the page with only text bubbles and simple illustrations to carry it forward, but there it is, right before our eyes and spreading out like an infinite array of promising tomorrows.
Celebration at Alpha Centauri: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an imaginative and beguiling science fiction graphic novel, sure to captivate young readers and perfect for home or church youth group study. The solid Christian values it espouses are worthy of praise and bound to edify as the story entertains.
Recommend this book:
First to Mars
Raegan and RJ in Space
Richard M. Collins
2015 Honorable Mention
28 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the 14th in a series of award-winning graphic novels for young readers. In this fascinating and extraordinarily detailed adventure, Raegan and RJ, two young explorers in the Christian Space Program, take off with six other space travelers on a mission to be the first human beings to explore Mars. They are to set in place an information-gathering satellite and a terraforming machine which will make the atmosphere and climate of Mars suitable for eventual colonization. While the narrative is imaginative and the characters well drawn (both in the physical and the literary sense), the most remarkable feature of First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the wealth of supporting information included. There are charts, graphs, websites to visit for additional information and theme songs, vital statistics for each of the main characters, and appendices with facts from real science to make the story more real for young readers. Richard Collins has created an entire world for his young readers, with the added benefit of a sound underlying educational format that will stimulate further interest and active reading.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an ideal graphic adventure for wholesome reading, sure to inspire young minds and encourage lively discussion. The characters have sterling qualities that will help build character and sound values; in addition, young readers will easily identify with the various personalities as they learn cooperation and the value of good old fashioned hard work and dedication, in space as well as on Earth. With all of the additional titles in the series, kids will be enthralled and educated for a long time to come.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the 14th in a series of award-winning graphic novels for young readers. In this fascinating and extraordinarily detailed adventure, Raegan and RJ, two young explorers in the Christian Space Program, take off with six other space travelers on a mission to be the first human beings to explore Mars. They are to set in place an information-gathering satellite and a terraforming machine which will make the atmosphere and climate of Mars suitable for eventual colonization. While the narrative is imaginative and the characters well drawn (both in the physical and the literary sense), the most remarkable feature of First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is the wealth of supporting information included. There are charts, graphs, websites to visit for additional information and theme songs, vital statistics for each of the main characters, and appendices with facts from real science to make the story more real for young readers. Richard Collins has created an entire world for his young readers, with the added benefit of a sound underlying educational format that will stimulate further interest and active reading.
First to Mars: Raegan and RJ in Space by Richard Collins is an ideal graphic adventure for wholesome reading, sure to inspire young minds and encourage lively discussion. The characters have sterling qualities that will help build character and sound values; in addition, young readers will easily identify with the various personalities as they learn cooperation and the value of good old fashioned hard work and dedication, in space as well as on Earth. With all of the additional titles in the series, kids will be enthralled and educated for a long time to come.
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