Book talk: Princess Zora risked it all to prove herself and help save her kingdom by finding the reclusive Peryton clan. But it was all for nothing. There is nothing left of the clan but a boy named Broxo who doesn't have any memory of the past. In the clan's place is a horde of walking dead. As Zora and Broxo fight for their lives they try to get to the center of the mystery of what happened to the Peryton clan, but it looks like Zora might have to go back empty-handed, if she survives to go back at all.
Rocks my socks: I like the atypical relationship between Broxo and Zora as they fight side by side and save each other's lives. Both are skilled warriors and spar with each other verbally and physically, but slowly grow to understand each other despite their differences. I enjoyed the witch character as well and the fact that she was such a morally complex character instead of a simple villain. Even the zombies were acting beyond their control and were eventually revealed to be more than just mindless killers. Of course I also loved Migo, the giant wolf-like character that watches over Zora and Broxo. The comic has excellent fight sequences and a lot of action, but in the end it goes beyond that to a moral about acceptance and living in the present. Peppered throughout all of that is a great sense of humor that leads to a well-rounded and engaging tale illustrated with beautifully detailed artwork.
Rocks in my socks: Without giving too much away, I was a bit disappointed in how the witch's storyline concluded. Her costume bothered me as well. She wears what is essentially a fuzzy strapless bra and nothing else on her torso--even in the middle of a storm. Besides being uncomfortable it's highly impractical for wearing in an area so full of dangerous creatures. Even when she knowingly heads into a battle she doesn't bother to put anything resembling armor on or change her outfit in any way. Who is she dressing up for anyway? She's alone on the mountain except for Broxo and a bunch of zombies.
Every book its reader: The book is action-packed and full of zombie fights, so it's naturally a bit gory. I'd save it for 5th grade and up. Fans of action-adventure comics and zombie battles will be sure to enjoy this tale.
Extras:
Zack Giallongo has a deviant art page
Macmillain has a page for the book where you can read an excerpt
You can find interviews with Zack Giallongo here and here
There's also a video interview of him at SDCC:
Source: school library
Broxo by Zack Giallongo: buy it or check it out today!
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