The graphic novel, Comet Club by Yi Yang and Jamie Richards (translator) is a mature, slightly off beat, interesting story. I sit here, typing up a draft for my review and think, “What can I say?” Sure, I can tell you that a handful of misfit kids find each other through their belief in UFOs. They even have a school club that lets them partake in their interest. It stems from the more popular boy (who is still off beat and not the most liked kid, but is an admired kid) believing he saw one (UFO) as a child. And I can tell you that these kids learn that friendship comes in all shapes and sizes; potential isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; and sometimes the lie is kinder than the truth.
But that doesn’t give you the emotion. That’s just a summary. I was up and down in the feelings. Things were clear cut and “What the hockey sticks was that mess?” Nothing was flowing right and then it all flowed perfectly. I guess, if I have to put words to it, two things happened: I just had to experience it and I had to take it all on faith that honestly, even if things were a little off kilter, it was still going to be okay. Or at least work out the way the situation needed.
Part of the issue I think was it was a reader copy (final book is due October 2026) without finished illustrations as all were in black and white and blurry. The other part was possibly a translation issue. Not to say it was bad, but sometimes my “reading ear” doesn’t always connect to a translation. Still, I enjoyed it. Maybe not “WOW best ever” enjoyment, but an enjoyment that means I want to let others know about it and I would like to talk about it with others. There are some mature elements (death of animals is perhaps the largest piece) so I would say at least ages 12 and up could read, but I’d say more likely 14 and up is best
