James Patterson's Witch & Wizard Volume 1: Battle for Shadowland

Taking place in the span between the novels Witch & Wizard (2009) and The Gift (2010), this graphic-novel interlude continues the story of magical siblings Whit and Wisty as they navigate a world (and various underworlds) taken over by the evil dictator called “the One.” The book kicks off with a fantastic “story so far” synopsis—a one-page government document embellished by the siblings’ sarcastic edits that sets the serious/snarky tone carried through the rest of the adventure. And it is indeed serious in parts: the Shadowland, a place where ghosts reside, is being invaded by evil adults, and the resulting battles feature actual deaths (although the impact is ameliorated by the dead’s instant transformation into helpful spirits). Santos’ art favors overhead views, sharp angles, and oranges bright enough to wake any reader from doldrums. Meanwhile, Patterson’s preposterous plot and clunky good-bad divisions thrive when unattached to ugly prose; in fact, readers might do well to start the series right here. Grades 6-9. --Daniel Kraus