The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection: Vol. 1

Gr 3–7—This collection presents individual issues of The Phoenix, a comic book published in the UK. In Robert Deas's enthralling "Trailblazers," a well-developed space opera, Troy and his companions visit the Galactic Archives to learn why the Intergalactic Network has been failing. In between chapters of "Trailblazer" are other comics by different authors and artists. Some are short, cartoonish, hilarious adventures, just a few pages long, like "Bunny vs. Monkey" and "Evil Emperor Penguin." There are also much briefer comics (comprised of a single or a few panels) that make random appearances throughout. Though enjoyable, this volume is, like many compilations, disjointed, with offerings that range in tone and artistic style. The work is worth reading for gems such as "Trailblazers," which deserves a stand-alone book, and "Evil Emperor Penguin," whose titular character could easily be the star of his own TV show.