These are three Puffin Books graphic novels – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed To Earth
Judd Winick

Meet Daniel Jackson Lim, known as D.J. His siblings are all high achievers but D.J. thinks he’s no good at anything other than being friends with Gina; but then Gina moved away. So he’s left without anything that makes him special until suddenly one day Hilo crash lands near to where he lives almost destroying his clubhouse. Hilo is clad only in silver underpants of the outstanding kind and has no idea from whence he came or why. He has a tendency to eat anything and everything and somehow manages to get himself enrolled at D.J.’s school. As they’re going into class, who should be there but Gina, Daniel’s best friend, recently returned from New York City; so now the two become a threesome.

It quickly transpires that Hilo isn’t the only unexpected arrival from out of the sky though: there’s the monstrous Rant – a robotic ant that Hilo attacks with his laser-shooting hands before it can consume his friends. This monstrous creature however also gives D.J. an opportunity to discover that he too has powers, powers that he can make use of to assist Hilo. Indeed this self-discovery is an important element of the action-packed drama. Who or what though is this Razorwark that haunts Hilo’s dreams and why is he intent on destruction?

With some terrific one liners from Hilo, this is a gripping visual delight that ends on a cliff hanger leaving readers all agog for the next adventure.

Max Meow: Donuts and Danger
John Gallagher

In case readers missed his first adventure, Max Meow opens this sequel with an introductory recap.
Now Max’s human friend Mindy, has gained powers and created a superhero persona of her own. The trouble is Science Kitty.is such a perfectionist, she is scared to try being a hero in public.
However, there’s explosive trouble at the firework factory, robberies start occurring that quickly become a veritable crime wave with problems really erupting at the Kittyopolis Food Fest. Furthermore it appears that an evil, bushy-tailed being aided and abetted by others, has designs on the world’s donut supply so it’s patently obvious that the entire city is in a seriously dangerous predicament. Surely now is the time for Mindy to set aside her concerns about being perfect and apply her many skills however imperfect she might consider them, to helping Cat Crusader save the day, not to mention the donuts.

My head was spinning after reading the book; there’s a possibility that the brain scrambler belonging to one of the villains has been pointed in my direction. Young fans of Max however will likely not be so affected and lap up this mix of madness, mayhem and mimicking with its themes of friendship, fear, bravery, loyalty and jealousy.

For older readers is

Blood City Rollers
V.P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill

Meet Mina Murray, a young figure skater with a pushy Mum intent on her getting a place in the Olympics. But then she takes a tumble, breaks her arm and things change dramatically. Mina is talent-spotted and kidnapped by two vampires who want to try her out as a member of their Blood City Rollers team a paranormal roller derby team. She accepts the drink they offer to heal her arm and then it’s time to put on the gear and start learning new ways of skating. The more she practises, the more Mina feels that as a team member is where she really belongs.
Ending on a cliff-hanger, this first of a series. Its mix of comedy, paranormal horror and a diverse cast of characters will appeal to readers around the age of Mina.