Science Fiction Classics: Graphic Classics Vol. 17

Illustrators: Hunt Emerson, Micah Farritor, Johnny Ryan, George Sellas, Roger Langridge, Brad Teare, Ellen L. Lindner
Publisher: Eureka Productions
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN:978-0-9787919-7-1
Pages: 144
Price: $17.95

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If you’ve ever wanted to read some of the classics in science fiction, but just can’t seem to find the time, Graphic Classics has the solution for you. In these graphic novels, the classics come alive, and each story can be read in a relatively short time.

Stories included:
In a Thousand Years by Hans Christian Andersen
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
In the Year 2889 by Jules Verne
A Martian Odyssey by Stanley G. Weinbaum
The Disintegration Machine by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Bureau d’Echange de Maux by Lord Dunsany
The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster

I had never read any of these classics, and I enjoyed these tales told through pictures and dialogue between the major characters. Of course some of the original story is lost in these abbreviated versions, but the main point is retained in an easy to read format.

If you’re a die-hard literary type, by all means read the originals. But if you enjoy action, good illustrations, and a quick read, these science fiction classics are just what you need to converse intelligently about stories you may never have had the chance to read otherwise.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Weebeastology Vol. 1

Illustrator: Micah Linton
Publisher: Beast Stew
Genre: Science Fiction / Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9801888-5-1
Pages: 166
Price: $24.99

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The fictional species of weebeasts, also known as gremlins, pixies, elves, and trolls, have left behind a remarkable series of pictures showing what life is like in their world. After exhaustive research, the Weebeastology Discovery Team has compiled these scenes into the first volume of weebeastology.

Boxed into a 3-book set, these scenes show weebeasts as they go about their daily business, but alas, these unique creatures left no language to go with the pictures. The interpreter must decide what these scenes represent.

Illustrator Micah Linton creates this unusual world in pencil and watercolor, stimulating the imagination with his pictures. This set is targeted towards ages 9-12, but all those who like to use their own creativity in exploration would find them enjoyable. Graphic novels without the words, they invite you to create your own characters and stories, as many times as you like.

If you think you’re up to the challenge of joining the Weebeastology Discovery Team, you need to take a look at these volumes and help them try to figure out the weebeast history. It’s sure to be a great adventure.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Prometheus Project – Captured

Author: Douglas E. Richards
Publisher: DNA Press, LLC
Genre: Science Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-933255-33-0
Pages: 160
Price: $7.95

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When Ryan and Regan Resnick first discover the Prometheus Project in Trapped, they must try to save their mother. In Captured, they face an even bigger challenge – this time they need to save the world.

When the alien race known as the Qwervy created Prometheus, they hadn’t anticipated other aliens sneaking in and using it for sinister motives. Now a brilliant alien criminal has taken over the city and has plans to take over the world. All of the adults on the team have been taken hostage, and it’s up to Ryan and Regan to outwit the alien.

In order to demonstrate the concepts the kids will need to use, the author sets the stage early before disaster strikes. But then these two exceptional kids use those concepts masterfully against the diabolical alien.

I loved Trapped, and I think Douglas E. Richards outdid himself in Captured. These are books the thinking kid will love, and a wonderful adventure. I’m eagerly awaiting the next volumes in this outstanding series.

See review of: Trapped

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Prometheus Project – Trapped

Author: Douglas E. Richards
Publisher: DNA Press LLC
Genre: Juvenile / Science Fiction
ISBN: 0-9748765-4-2
Pages: 140
Price: $9.95

DNA Press website
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After six weeks in Brewster, Pennsylvania, Ryan and Regan Resnick are looking for anything at all to help relieve their boredom. So, when they discover their scientist parents are working in a top-secret facility where something seems suspicious, they want to find out what’s going on.

Getting in requires some logic and skill, but they soon find that getting out might pose a larger problem, as will saving their mother from certain death.

As they explore this fascinating location, they come across challenges that test their intellect and reasoning ability. Using the scientific method, they need to discover how to navigate this strange environment that occasionally turns hostile on them. And saving their mother will be the ultimate test.

This book held my interest from the moment I picked it up. Just like Ryan and Regan, I wanted to know what was happening in Prometheus Alpha, and I tried to solve the puzzle of how to get in right along with them.

The alien city was reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, where anything could happen, and there were no limits to the places they could go or the things they could do. I would have loved for the kids to spend more time exploring, but under the circumstances, they had no time to waste.

The unique puzzle they needed to solve to save their mother made my head spin, but ultimately their logic was right on. It certainly will give kids something to think about.

This is a well-written and enjoyable science fiction adventure. I highly recommend it.

See review of: Captured

Reviewer: Alice Berger