Daniel X: Alien Hunter

Daniel X: Alien Hunter
by James Patterson & Leopoldo Gout
Little, Brown, & Co., 2008

Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel

Honors:

• Booklist 10/01/08
• Kirkus Reviews 11/01/08
• School Library Journal 11/01/08
• Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) 06/01/08

Review: After his family is killed by criminal aliens, Daniel X, son of an alien race, assumes his father's place and takes on a list of baddies from across the universe. He faces evil alone, using the power of his mind to create his sidekicks and imagine whatever weapon he needs to get the job done. Daniel's most dangerous mission yet is to take on Number 7, one of the strongest aliens on his father's list--and also one of the least-known species, an alien poacher who is responsible for the extinction of several innocent races. But with the help of an unlikely ally, Daniel may just find a way to prevent Number 7 from carrying out his latest plan. With vividly colored drawings and corny jokes, this cartoon version of James Patterson's science fiction novel is exciting, almost impossible to put down from cover to cover.

Opinion: Some violence, though not graphic, and very mild language form the backbone of this novel. It has more mature character drawings than most mangas and cartoons, and the reading level may be on the higher side, but the overall feel of the novel is fun and little bit goofy. Vengeance and protecting others are overarching theme that many tweens can identify with.

Ideas: I'd put this one out on display during a graphic artists' workshop, or in a series of displays for novels and movies that have been adapted for graphic novels.