Comic Book Review: Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Zita and her friend Joseph are engaging in horseplay in the meadow when then stumble across what appears to be a meteorite crater. Within the crater they find a curious device with a big red button. Zita pushes the button, and Joseph disappears. When Zita gets up the courage to press the button again, she too is transported to an alien planet.
Zita learns that this planet is doomed, and Joseph has been captured by the Scriptorians, who believe the boy can somehow save them. With civilization breaking down around her, Zita is on her own…unless she can make some new friends!
This children’s graphic novel shares a lot of its DNA with earlier works. Most obviously, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz for “girl is whisked away to a strange land where she must assemble a ragtag band of misfits to accomplish her goal and return home” and Star Wars for “lovable but self-centered rogue with a starship and a large furry partner.”
But there’s enough variation on the themes to make this work distinct, the characters are mostly likable (except the ones that aren’t supposed to be) and the art is good. Zita is a good child, even if she’s a bit overly impulsive, which is normal for her apparent age.
Gender isn’t an issue within the story itself, but the tale would seem a bit more stereotypical if Zita and Joseph’s roles were swapped. Notably, there’s no talk of the children’s parents or guardians, just a generic “home” to return to.
This series (there are two sequels) is suitable for say seven year olds on up, though younger readers may need some grownup help with a few words. Recommended for fans of children’s adventure stories.
