(4) 4-6 An evil-genius French bulldog finds a secret laboratory that gives him the technology to start his plan of world domination. The canine supervillain's tale is told mostly in prose, with some insert pages of graphic-novel storytelling. Readers may wish the whole book was a graphic novel: the hilarious and energetic comics add originality to a silly yet tired plot.

Reviewer: Jessica Costello

(4) 4-6 Magic Zero series. After returning to his magical home of Arcanum, Timothy, who possesses no magic but can negate it in others, has been shunned by the town's leaders. Now they need his help to defeat an evil enemy bent on exacting his own revenge on the magicians. Once again the intriguing plot is stifled by unoriginal characters and formulaic narrative.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 4-6 Magic Zero series. Timothy, the only person in Arcanum without magical powers, discovers that he's also immune to others' magic, making him powerful in his own right. In the second entry, Timothy must free his imprisoned dragon, Verilis. In these books (previously published under different titles), unique story lines and an enchanting setting are marred by weak character development and a slow pace. Review covers these Magic Zero titles: Magic Zero and Magic Zero: Dragon Secrets.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 4-6 Magic Zero series. Timothy, the only person in Arcanum without magical powers, discovers that he's also immune to others' magic, making him powerful in his own right. In the second entry, Timothy must free his imprisoned dragon, Verilis. In these books (previously published under different titles), unique story lines and an enchanting setting are marred by weak character development and a slow pace. Review covers these Magic Zero titles: Magic Zero and Magic Zero: Dragon Secrets.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) YA In failing health, the superhero guardian of Seraph City known as the Raptor decides it's time for his son, Lucas, to take over the family business. However, Lucas questions whether his estranged father's methods are any better than those of the criminals. This origins-and-rebirth story line, while not exactly original, includes some engaging twists.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Eric Powell. Billy transforms into comic superhero Owlboy and returns to his underworld haven. There, he finds the town menaced by a monster called Zis-Boom-Bah. As Billy figures out how to rid his fantasy world of this creature, he learns lessons about his real world, though the story takes a protracted route to convey them. Occasional sketchlike black-and-white drawings illustrate Billy's adventures.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Eric Powell. Quiet, unassuming Billy discovers an underworld brimming with monsters awaiting the return of their superhero savior, Owlboy. The first book describes Owlboy's origins and Billy's initiation into his new role. In the second, Billy battles his bratty neighbor, whose personality makes her a formidable foe underground. Both books suffer from Billy's belabored introspection, but he's a likable unlikely hero. Review covers these titles: Billy Hooten, Owlboy and Billy Hooten, Owlboy: The Girl with the Destructo Touch.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Eric Powell. Quiet, unassuming Billy discovers an underworld brimming with monsters awaiting the return of their superhero savior, Owlboy. The first book describes Owlboy's origins and Billy's initiation into his new role. In the second, Billy battles his bratty neighbor, whose personality makes her a formidable foe underground. Both books suffer from Billy's belabored introspection, but he's a likable unlikely hero. Review covers these titles: Billy Hooten, Owlboy and Billy Hooten, Owlboy: The Girl with the Destructo Touch.

Reviewer: David Elzey