Heroes, Vol. 2

Written by Joe Kelly, Steven T. Seagle, Duncan Rouleau, Christopher Zatta, Mark Sable, Mark Warshaw, Christine Boylan, Chuck Kim, Harrison Wilcox, Pierluigi Cothran, Jim Martin, Timm Keppler, DJ Doyle and others Art by Staz Johnson, Michael Gaydos, T

Grade 6 Up–The collection of chapters 35-80 of the online graphic novel is a companion to NBC's television series. It offers glimpses into the lives of Ando, Adam Monroe, and the Haitian, as well as other characters. Familiarity with the characters and plotlines is essential as the chapters jump from one story to another with no introduction. Several authors and illustrators contributed the quick-paced storytelling and full-color artwork, producing a few jarring transitions. Most of the stories are illustrated in the familiar American superhero comic style; a chapter on legendary figure Takezo Kensei is appropriately–and amusingly–presented as manga. Fans of the show will enjoy this gap-filler between seasons, but newcomers will definitely want to check out the previous graphic-novel compilation and perhaps some DVDs.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library END