The Might Jack series by Ben Hatke starts as a separate, but companion series to the Zita the Spacegirl graphic novels. Books One (Mighty Jack) and Book Two (Mighty Jack and the Goblin King) set up Jack’s, Maddy, and Lilly’s adventures. These adventures mirror another story that has a Jack, some magic seeds and a few giants in it. Only, these magic seeds are purchased by trading the family car (not cow) and what grows is not just a beanstalk, but all sorts of creatures and plants. Some of which would not mind snacking on Jack and friends!
As we go along in the first two adventures we see each character growing into his or her role: Jack a typical kid, son, big brother who becomes a leader, warrior and protector. Maddy is autistic, clever, maybe a bit naïve due to her condition, but a loving and truly magical soul. And Lilly is brash, bold, independent, maybe a bit too headstrong. They battle goblins and giants, befriend dragons and goblins (at least Lilly does) and even have a few surprises along the way. Some more pleasant than others.
When you start the third Jack book, Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl, Zita and some old friends arrive on Earth (well a couple have already been on Earth, after all a scoundrel you might recognize from Zita’s adventures pops up in book one starting this whole mess). Here, each character must relearn who they are in some ways, jealousies must be overcome, and some understandings about what it means to grow up, make mistakes, be a hero and keep trying are formed.
I wish all six of these books where in one large collection or a boxed set, yet, since Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl is not due out until this fall, you do not want to wait to read the other five books.