Tom Corbett

Gr 6 Up—Cadets Tom, Astro, and Roger are conducting a routine check of a space station when they discover a robot that is somehow connected to an infamous disaster from decades before, the causes of which were mysteriously shrouded. Originating from a Heinlein novel, and then spun off into a full-fledged cross-media blitz in the early 1950s, Tom Corbett was notably popular in its day, but is almost unknown today. Featuring some brief archival material for context, the publisher attempts to make the case for updating and reviving this property. The story fulfills the traditional structure of a small, mundane event spiraling into circumstances that could affect civilization as we know it, and also drops entertaining hints as to the way culture has transformed by the 23rd century. Little of this potential is lived up to, however, as the characters regularly act in baffling ways, and gaps in the story are further muddled by the dizzying artwork. DaCosta has a lean, energetic line, which he lays on top of computer-generated sets and spacecraft. But his real gift is as a colorist, where he is able to create sculptural impressions out of the almost empty spacescapes that he's provided himself. However, the artwork regularly looks rushed and unfinished, and the action sequences can defy interpretation. There's much to like in both the story and the storytelling, but this book cries out for more time and clarity on the part of its contributors.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH