Zack Soto's latest project is a science fiction graphic novel aimed at 8-12 year olds. It stars Kaz, his cousin Trudy, and Kaz's parents who live on the Oregon coast, along with an invasion force of aliens in giant mechs. Plus archeological artifacts and a cat-headed uncle who lives in a lighthouse. Zany and comic and a unique art style, it's a breeze to read and the action moves fast. A bit disjointed but I'm looking forward to the second volume clearing things up some. ( )

This was fun. I am always looking for graphic novels for my students. This one is very stylized in purple teal tones but still has realism to it. The story is enjoyable and the characters are believable while still having fantasy elements.

A fun, beautifully illustrated comic novel! My grandson was so excited when I was finished with it so he could read it. He didn't put it down until he'd read it cover to cover! ( )

I dig the zany magical realism vibes. For no reason at all, one of the characters has a humanoid cat uncle. Kaz and his (play)cousin Truly get into shenanigans when they go snooping around. Kaz has a disability that affects his sight, but it’s not his sole trait, though it does impact how he gets around during the adventurous bits. Truly has emotional issues surrounding her parents that cause her to act rudely.

The color scheme is a blueberry smoothie, and the art style has an unfinished 3 am cartoon on Adult Swim vibe, but it works. There are more realistic-looking characters and cartoony ones; like, a mixture of The Amazing World of Gumball. At times, character close-ups look ugly, but the art style conveyed the story overall well. It shined with establishing shots/locations.

Once introductions and character motives are out of the way, the story becomes fast-paced almost to a break-your-neck speed. Random characters started spawning after the kids summoned the space knight, who I liked. I honestly got lost with the barrage of characters and fighting, but kids will probably enjoy the nonstop action and wacky villains. ( )