I got this slim softcover at Barnes and Noble, tickled by the title. It's about Lunella, a bright but lonely schoolgirl who has come across an alien artifact, one that winds up bringing a band of hostile ape-creatures - and a huge T. rex - into her town. (The reader knows that the dinosaur was the sidekick of Moon Boy, an ape-creature in an alternate dimension or alien world who was assaulted by the KillerFolk, and who bade his old friend to avenge him. Lunella does not know this, and is understandably peeved when the dinosaur seizes her in its teeth and carries her through the town. It's actually the artifact he wants - the Omni Wave Projector - but Lunella won't give it up, even when Dinosaur gives out some rather mournful roars {wry grin}.

Then the KillerFolk capture her - they want the gadget too - and in the ensuing scuffle the gadget is lost and Lunella and Dinosaur are on the evening news, leading to her getting grounded. But that doesn't stop her, and soon she and Dino are on more adventures, from saving classmates from a fire to debating custody of Dino with the Hulk himself. (Yes, this is a Marvel comic.)

More adventures ensue, during which we find that Lunella's mainly worried about preventing herself from a sudden mutation the next time a mystery-cloud hits - that's what she wants the McGuffin for, but by the end of this volume it seems she's just too late...

[There's a TV Tropes page on the book.]

I'm adding this to spacedog's Manga/graphic novel bookbox, which will be on its way soon. Hope someone enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2016 D for December release challenge. ***

While the girl rides red,

problems peel away
like a bag of bananas.

So with a great cover like this, I couldn't resist. :)

It was a surprising fun story to read. You never know with these, especially when you have a new character. She is a fun character. I thought it was very appropriate that she be constantly treated like a child. And though obviously precocious, I had a hard time seeing her that advanced at 9. It stretched credulity, even in the X-Men world.

I thought it was interesting to find her great motivating factor was to avoid the green cloud that would force her mutation. I guess, if you were dead set on being normal, that would really freak you out. If it were me? I wouldn't be able to take the suspense and would probably go looking for one just to get it over with. lol

I liked Moon Boy's character right away and I hope he's given a real role. The whole new cast was pretty fun. And I'm glad I fell into it. The dinosaur character with his very human stubborn streak is a riot and matches the main character well. But all I can think of is 'Good lord, what about when he defecates? It'll cover half a block. That will get messy fast.'

But man, The Hulk is nothing like I remember him, he's really been retooled. Not sure I like it. And... he's kind of a douche.

I think I've taken a real shine to this new branch (wasn't as keen on Ms. Marvel) and I think I'll hold onto it for right now, so I can collect the other issues and read them together. :)

Two thumbs up!