Top Ten: Beyond the Farthest Precinct

The officers of Precinct 10 must band together to rid the city of a mysterious force that is terrorizing the residents of Neopolis.

Grade 5–9—In a post-9/11 world filled with security checks and the constant threat of new forms of terror, Precinct 10, an elite police corps, keeps watch in Neopolis. This volume opens with the officers enjoying a picnic with their family and friends. Their outing is cut short when a terrifying specter appears in the sky. It most resembles a semi-robotic Skeletor (of the He-Man series) and fills the citizens of Neopolis with horror. The specter convinces the mayor that the tenure of the much-respected Captain Traynor has ended and appoints Major Cindercott, a man/robot who burns sulfur for fuel. The officers of the department react badly to the replacement of their beloved captain and to the restrictions applied by his successor—no vacation or sick leave and check-ins every 15 minutes. With discontent in Precinct 10, the continued appearance of the specter, and a new robot drug that connects its users with a higher power, the city is at its most vulnerable. The illustrations are of high quality, especially considering the mixture of robots, superheroes, and humans (look for a few familiar pop-culture faces among the "extras" throughout the story). The colors are crisp and clear and give Neopolis an air of darkness and despair. With its mix of species, superpowers, and political leanings, Farthest Precinct makes a solid addition to collections that include titles in the "X-Men" series.—Sarah Krygier, Solano County Library, Fairfield, CA
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Sf and fantasy author Di Filippo takes the reins of this series, often described as "Hill Street Blues with superheroes," from creator Alan Moore, who turns out to be a tough act to follow. It doesn't help that Di Filippo introduces a number of new costumed constables to Moore's already crowded roster, leaving little room for character development. And Ordway's illustrations impart more of a standard superhero vibe than the subdued, realistic approach of predecessor Gene Ha. Even so, Di Filippo contributes some nifty sf conceits, and it's always a treat to spend time with the constabulary of Neopolis. Gordon Flagg
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