I was looking for something fun, light, and easy to read. And though I noticed awhile back that the last two times I took out books from the library I ended up in the ER, I decided to take a chance. I picked out five titles (with a sixth in case one was not available) and ended up with four. Good average and considering the one I am reading; I probably will not be getting through them all too soon. Therefore, I picked up first DC Super Hero Girls V05: Out of the Bottle Graphic Novel as I figured it would fit the fun, light and easy to read criteria.
Shea Fontana and Yancey Labat (along with several other talented letterers, color by, editors, etc.), created a story about some of DCs heroes and villains in high school. The cliché aside of people like Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are now good, you see them in their usual personality. Yes, they do not disappoint and are as mischievous as ever. Especially our Harley gal.
In a traditional graphic novel format, this graphic novel sees Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Katana and Harley creating graphic novels for Ms. Moon’s art class. Each puts their own spin on the subject, their own style and their own worries, fears, loves, and cares come alive. Literally come alive when Harley (after being told not to) uses Ms. Moons magic paints. The mini-thems from the pages (along with Batgirl, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and a few others) come to life and really cause trouble. And it is up to super girl powers to get the day saved. But along the way, Ms. Moon has a secret of her own that just might mean that homework is the least of this super high schools’ problem!
A younger crowd is the audience, but all ages from about 8 to 12 could find something to enjoy (ages 8 to 10 would be stronger readers though). There are several “girl power” ideals along with the fun. The story lines are connected as each chapter is the end of one comic book. Occasionally things feel off as you start the book off in the middle of a story (you find out why that is though quickly) and it feels choppy in places. You do need a little knowledge about who the characters are, but since the mythology has changed to fit some new directions in their stories, do not hold onto that too tightly. Also, you can see some of the “future them” coming out (a little thing about Harley and a green haired boy rings a few bells, she wants to go into psychology, Ivy really likes Harley for saving her and a boy named Steve might just like-like Wonder Woman).
