Hatke doesn't spend much time establishing characters here, and the cast is a big one. If you haven't read either the Jack or the Zita series, it might take a while to figure out who's who. Drawing this time on elements of Norse mythology, Hatke's lively, colorful illustrations propel the action and keep the pages turning while the sometimes funny, sometimes poignant dialog rounds out the story and makes the characters believable. They'll also be delighted to see how Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl brings together so many old friends from both series. This bringing together of author and illustrator Ben Hatke's two popular graphic novel franchises is sure to please fans who've eagerly awaited more adventures for Jack and Zita. Messages are positive about continuing to try to do your best and make the best decisions you can, even when things go wrong. All the kids are good role models, especially for teamwork, bravery, and loyalty. Other fantasy violence includes battles with skeleton monsters and the ogre-like giants trying to invade Earth. There are lots of scary monsters and fantasy creatures, characters are frequently in danger, and some real-world violence shows officials punching a captive in the stomach. Several story lines and friendships that are getting complicated make it best for big kids and up. Reading the original two individual series first will deepen understanding of the characters and appreciation of appearances from old friends.

The story stands pretty well on its own, but newcomers may have trouble at first figuring out who is who. Parents need to know that Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl is a graphic novel that brings together two popular series by Ben Hatke that blend fantasy and sci-fi elements into one. A central character shoves another and briefly chokes her.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. There's a battle with hordes of fantasy-creature skeletons and armies of giants trying to conquer Earth. In the real world, lots of seeming federal agents point guns at two people and threaten to make them 'disappear.' One agent holds a man's arms back while another punches him in the stomach. In the fantasy realm one creature kicks another who's on the ground in the stomach and punches him in the jaw. Fantasy violence is mostly fights with magical abilities and weapons as well as swords, clubs, and explosives. Lots of action, peril, and scary fantasy creatures.

The return of zita the spacegirl