"Bizenghast: Falling into Fear" ; by M. Alice LeGrow
"Princess Ai: Roses & Tattoos" ; art, Misaho Kujiradou; poetry, D.J. Milky ($14.99 each, Tokyopop, art books)
If you can't get enough of the "Bizenghast" or "Princess Ai" graphic novels, these art books should send you into hysterics. Both have loads of great artwork kept smudge-free in protective plastic sleeves and tons of stickers. Ah, to be 8 years old again ...
"Bizenghast" lets you play gothic dress up with paper dolls, and there are notes from the author on the backs of the artwork. "Princess Ai" -- co-created by DJ Milky and rock singer Courtney Love (seriously) -- has poems of adoration for the ripped-stocking rocker Ai.
There aren't actual stories in these art books, but there's more than enough for the uber-fan to pore over.
"Pantheon High: Demigods & Debutantes" Vol. 1 ; art, Steven and Megumi Cummings; story, Paul Benjamin ($9.99, Tokyopop, action for ages 16+)
Gym class sure is hard with Hercules in charge.
Pantheon High is a school for kids with one mortal, one immortal parents -- from Hades, Greek god of death, to Ra, the Egyptian sun god.
I love the concept for the story, and it's not hard to imagine there's plenty of conflict to mine among teenagers with demigod powers.
Four teens who run in different social circles find that they're the only ones who can stop a villainous gang of students from wiping out the student body to steal everyone's powers. But the bad kids' god parents have an agenda of their own.
The artwork is nicely done, the action unusual and the mythological angle intriguing. There seems to be a lot crammed into this first volume, but it's certainly off to a running start.
"Hibiki's Magic: The Magic of Transposition" Vol. 1 ; art, Rei Idumi; story, Jun Maeda ($9.99, Tokyopop, fantasy for ages 13+)
It seems young Hibiki is meant for great things, probably saving the world from some great evil or some such, but right now, the best she can offer is a really good cup of tea.
She's an apprentice to a powerful magician who specializes in magic circles. She tries, but she's no good. When trouble breaks out, Hibiki manages to transfer her master's soul into a creature's body before a fire destroys his body.
In search of a new home, Hibiki lands a teaching job at a prestigious school for magicians based on her being apprentice to such a respected magician. Fortunately, she gets a helping paw from her woodland "pet."
Hibiki is adorable, and you can't help but root for her to finally tap into her power.
