Trish Trash: Rollergirl from Mars Vol. 1 (Trish Trash graphic novels) - Hardcover

Cartoonist and writer JESSICA ABEL, from Chicago, IL, is the author of the graphic novel La Perdida (winner of the 2002 "Best New Series" Harvey Award) as well as two collections of stories from her omnibus comic bookArtbabe. She and her husband, cartoonist Matt Madden, were series editors for The Best American Comics from 2007 to 2013 and teach at various institutions. Together they've authored two textbooks about making comics,Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering Comics.

Gr 8 Up—If there's one thing Trish knows for sure, it's that she was born to be a skategirl. However, like most refugee residents of Mars, she spends her days farming for water on the dusty planet. When the Hoverderby holds tryouts, even though Trish is technically too young, she is determined to participate. Her age is revealed and disqualifies her, but she proves herself a genius with technology, and she is brought on as an intern. Trish's aunt and uncle remind her that intern contracts are all-consuming and her income from moisture farming will be sorely missed. When Trish finds a real Martian outside her family's door, though, her problems gain some intrigue. Readers experienced with the lingo and quick pace of roller derby will immediately be sucked into Trish's world. Some might appreciate being unceremoniously thrown into Trish's life on Mars, but the lack of introduction is jarring. Reading the book a second time helps with acclimating to the scenery and characters. Life on Mars 200 years in the future still retains some familiarity. Abel relies on a diverse group of characters and an almost faded and weathered color palette to portray the future. The story is fast-moving, and readers must be alert for contextual clues in the art in order to glean information about surroundings. VERDICT Recommend to experienced graphic novel and comic book readers looking for something new.—Morgan Brickey, Arlington Public Library, TX