Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. adapted by Crystal S. Chan. illus. by SunNeko Lee. 324p. Udon Entertainment. Nov. 2016. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781927925645; pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781927925652.

Gr 7 Up –Brontë’s novel has been reimagined many times over the years, and this iteration is a welcome addition. Jane Eyre is a plain but spirited girl who spends much of her life feeling like an outsider. She becomes a governess and falls in love with her brooding and mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester. Readers assuming that a manga treatment of this classic book would be light and fluffy will be pleased to learn that this is a very faithful adaptation. At more than 300 pages long, it includes larger and smaller plot points from the original novel, many of which will surprise readers who are more familiar with the Orson Welles film version. The manga format makes the story more accessible and reader-friendly. For instance, in the source material, several characters speak French. But in this adaptation, whenever characters are speaking French, their words are written in English but in double-lined word balloons. Brontë’s original text is used throughout, but the language is also condensed and simplified. The illustrations also help with this process, showing with actions or expressions what might have taken paragraphs to express. The artwork brings the drama of this story to life and will help younger teens engage more with this classic. VERDICT An effective adaptation that will appeal to manga devotees as well as fans of timeless romances.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Brubaker, Ed & Joe Simon. Prez: The First Teen President. 224p. ebook available. illus. DC Comics. Jun. 2016. pap. $24.99. ISBN 9781401263171.

Gr 7 Up –This complete revamp stylistically transitions the classic comic through the decades and uses the art to modernize the story line. Villain Boss Smiley is looking to the presidency but cannot run for office himself. The laws have been amended so that not only is the voting age lowered to 18, but also the age at which someone may run for president. Carefully, Boss Smiley selects Prez and “coaches” him into the politician that would most benefit himself. Prez is completely unaware of his manipulation, but through the help of his friends he realizes that he must break away from Smiley and stand his ground as the president. Readers may initially be put off by the first story line in the comic, because it refers to events from the 1970s with which they are unfamiliar. Also, the representation of characters often conforms to stereotypes of the era. However, the plot and art morph into a complex narrative that could be incorporated in political science classes. The art evokes traditional comics, relying on exaggerated or caricaturelike figures. VERDICT Bound to draw out the inner activist in young adults and challenge them to think about how they can change the status quo. Pair with John Lewis and Andrew Aydin’s “March” trilogy.–Chantalle Uzan, New York Public Library

Istin, Jean-Luc. Night of the Living Dead, Vol. 1: The Sins of the Father. tr. from French by Ivanka Hahnenburger. illus. by Elia Bonetti. 56p. Firefly. Sept. 2016. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781770857995.

Gr 9 Up –The dead are back! The French “Night of the Living Dead” comics are now available in English with this first volume. Laying the foundation for the series, this entry is a modern rewrite of the classic film that launched the popular zombie genre. On Halloween, Lizabeth leaves her family with her brother Leland for their annual trip to visit the graves of their adoptive parents. Then the undead rise to attack cities and their residents, and the siblings’ journey for survival begins. Istin and Bonetti craft a terrifying, modern world where the undead have risen as a result of man meddling with nature. The visuals and language are graphic but would be appropriate for mature high school students. The art beautifully sets the mood with full-color illustrations and varying panel sizes that direct readers’ focus. Teens will anxiously await the future releases. VERDICT An engaging series for fans of the zombie genre, especially those who enjoyed The Walking Dead comic book or television series.–Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA

Takahashi, Osamu. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project, Omnibus Book 1. illus. by Osamu Takahashi. 552p. Dark Horse. Aug. 2016. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781616559700.

Gr 7 Up –The plot and characters of the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime were so popular that they have been reimagined numerous times, and this book is promoted as an alternate universe version of the original characters. This is the story of a boy named Shinji who seems to be living an ordinary life, but it is gradually revealed that he is one important piece of a larger puzzle. He spends his days dealing with school, friendships, and his attraction to Rei, a mysterious new transfer student. Meanwhile, we see that his parents, who work at the Artificial Evolution Research Center, are involved with a secret project that involves both Shinji and Rei. When the adults ask the kids to help out with the research, Shinji and Rei agree without fully understanding what that entails. Shinji is the emotional attractor and focus of the story, and he practically exerts a gravitational pull on all the other characters. There are also hints of what is happening in the lab, and readers will wonder what is really going on. While teens don’t have to have watched the original anime to appreciate this tale, familiarity with that universe will enrich the reading experience. VERDICT For fans of the series as well as those who enjoy science fiction manga; readers may even be inspired to seek out the source material after reading this book.–Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library