A hybrid of Eastern manga and Western comic book styles, this graphic novel by Lyga (Goth Girl Rising) and Doran (Girl to Grrrl Manga) offers a fun, original look at high school life from two stylized worlds.
Ryoko Kiyama, a beautiful, long-haired alien from an alternate manga world, enters comic world though a rip in the universe. Ryoko's introduction to high school starts during a kind of hazing party called "Homegoing," where he falls, with literal stars in his eyes, for Marissa, the most gorgeous girl in school. Marissa, intrigued with beautiful Ryoko, changes her image to be his manga girl. Meanwhile, Ryoko's guardian attempts to help the alien return home. This combination sci-fi adventure and love story unfolds completely through black-and-white panels of manga and comic characters. Brilliant visual humor incorporates classic elements from manga and comics to convey the not-smooth-running course of teenage love. For instance, at one point Marissa says to Ryoko, "Is that blushing? It looks like lines." (Doran shades his cheeks with lines, manga-style.) Readers will be drawn into the absurdity of Ryoko's plight as this ultimate outsider finds himself navigating between his love for Marissa and the worlds he straddles.
With their engrossing story line and characters, as well as their seamless use of manga and comic styles, Lyga and Doran succeed in creating a remarkable graphic novel. This will entertain teens whether they prefer comics or manga, and make converts of the rest. More, please! --JoAnn Jonas, public librarian and blogger