Mech Cadet Yu: Vol. 1

Gr 5–8—Every year giant robots from outer space come to Earth and bond with cadets at Sky Corps Academy to protect the planet. This year, one of the robots connects with Stanford Yu, a young kid who works with his mom as a janitor at Sky Corps. What follows is an underdog tale in which Stanford plays catch-up with cadet training, attempts to get closer to his classmates and his robot, and eventually faces off with the planet's greatest threat, the Sharg. Set in the near future in Arizona, the tale strikes the perfect balance between action and drama. The battle sequences are thrilling and the characterization, writing, and dialogue strong. Asterisks note that the conversations between Stanford and his mother are translated from Cantonese. Each chapter ends on a cliff-hanger, and the volume concludes with a great battle won and a war on the horizon. Included in back matter is the original ten-page story that inspired this book, "Los Robos," first published in Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology in 2012. Superstar duo Pak ("Planet Hulk"; "Batman/Superman") and Miyazawa, who has illustrated "Runaways" and "Ms. Marvel," have paired up for a compelling "chosen one" offering with broad appeal.