Review Comparisons to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen spring instantly to mind, as history's finest (Nikola Tesla, H. G. Wells, Amelia Earhart, and Albert Einstein, to name a few) join forces in the name of scientific discovery and human advancement. Operating under the name Plus Ultra, this brilliant group plans to reveal its most exciting project at the 1939 New York World's Fair, but, wouldn't you know it, the Nazis get in the way. As does a large, rampaging robot with its ability for human consciousness locked on revenge. Thrown into the mix are 17-year-old Lee Brackett and his mother, Clara. Who have come to New York for the world's first Science Fiction Convention. Mystery and action drive the narrative, while multiple character perspectives impart backstory fragments that keep the reader wanting more. Comic books play a pivotal role in the text, making the inked illustrations and minicomic at the book's end a nice touch. Though zeppelins and robots give this historic sci-fi adventure a steampunk flair, its plot is strictly high-voltage. Julia Smith Booklist"Gr 5-8 In 1939, 17-year-old Lee Brackett accompanies his mother, Clara, to New York City. She wants to experience the World's Fair, and he wants to see Lou Gehrig play his final game before retirement. Clara, who is in the final stages of cancer, brings along a costume to better to blend in with the Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers wannabes at the World Science Fiction Convention. When she's given a comic book and special glasses, reality starts to bend. Chapter narrations move among various characters: Lee and Clara; members of Plus Ultra (such as Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and Orson Welles); and pro-Nazis and their weaponized robots. Lee and Clara encounter physicists, pacifists, robots, humans with computerized brains, Hitler's henchmen, and an invisible Zeppelin, while occasionally traveling through space and time. Fans of superhero comics and blockbusters will easily imagine the action scenes. Occasional black-and-white illustrations accompany the text and a four-color comic book is bound at the back. In a twist on the "book into movie" model, this prequel feels like a preemptive "movie into book" spin-off from Disney's Tomorrowland movie, due out in May 2015. VERDICT This may find traction if the movie proves popular, but is an additional purchase as a stand-alone book. Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX SLJ" About the Author Brad Bird is the Academy Award winning writer and director known for hit films such as The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Iron Giant. Damon Lindelof is the co-creator, executive producer, and head writer for the critically-acclaimed ABC show, Lost. He is also the writer of the 2006 comic book miniseries Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk. Jeff Jensen is a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly. His true crime graphic novel, The Green River Killer: A True Detective Story garnered rave reviews, including the following quote from Stephen King: "Terrific. It's got the scariest opening sequence I've read in years, and the novel as a whole makes compelling stay-up-late reading. Great, creepy stuff." Jonathan Case is an artist and writer based in Portland, Oregon. His work includes the graphic novel, Dear Creature, illustrations for the Batman '66 comics, and art for multiple Dark Horse Comics publications, such as The Green River Killer, The Guild, and House of Night. His art is also featured in the Eisner Award-winning anthology, Comic Book Tattoo. Jonathan Case is an artist and writer based in Portland, Oregon. His work includes the graphic novel, Dear Creature, illustrations for the Batman '66 comics, and art for multiple Dark Horse Comics publications, such as The Green River Killer, The Guild, and House of Night. His art is also featured in the Eisner Award-winning anthology, Comic Book Tattoo.
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