Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians #1)

Holy Cyclopes, here's a keeper.

O'Connor ("Kapow!";"Journey into Mohawk Country") embarks on a new project: a series of graphic novels for young readers about Greek mythology ("Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess" follows in April, with "Hera" and "Hades" in the pipeline). While the D'Aulaires' "Book of Greek Myths" is the gold standard for illustrated introductions to Greek mythology, O'Connor offers a modern take with a new view of these original superhero stories with gritty yet heroic art and spare prose that lets the myths speak for themselves. The story is the one most schoolchildren knowthe Titans created Zeus and Hera, as well as the Cyclopes, and adventure ensuedbut O'Connor brings the young gods to life with memorable compositions and attention to detail (childlike fear on Hera's face as she navigates the treacherous new world, a bat screeching away as Zeus confronts the Cyclopes). Back matter includes notes, a bibliography, a list of recommended books for further reading, and discussion questions for readers, making it attractive for teachers and librarians for its information and depth of research. But that shouldn't stop tweens from enjoying the story. Ages 9-12. "(Jan.)" Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 4 Up This 12-volume series debuts with the origins of Zeus. O'Connor begins his retelling by starting from literally nothing. Then a simple brown circle introduces readers to Gaea, or Mother Earth. The creation of Olympians unfolds slowly with simple straightforward lines and silhouettes. Dark browns and blacks echo the early development of the Titans. The first fully rendered face is that of the infant Zeus, with his birth symbolized in a pastel palette. This new race of Gods is visually and strikingly different. Zeus's virility and vitality both bring the story to life and make it accessible to young readers. Zeus's encounters with gods, particularly his battle with his father Kronos, are visually compelling. Images of grasping hands, thunderbolts, close-up visages, gaping holes in the earth, and silhouetted bodies bring Zeus's struggle for dominance into clear focus. Oversize panels reinforce the heroic proportions of the story. It is telling that from such a simple beginning, the complex story is able to evolve naturally to a satisfying conclusion, as depicted on the final page showing Zeus and the new race of numerous immortal gods. O'Connor clearly hints throughout the retelling that more stories are forthcoming: "And that is a tale for another day." Endpapers show the Olympian Family Tree. Back matter includes an author's note, notation of Greek words, discussion questions, and recommended reading. This ultimate superhero story will appeal to anyone who enjoys Greek mythology or great comic art."Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

While carefully adhering to the Greek legends, O'Connor endows these mythic characters with a freshness and magnetism that will attract even today's visually savvy youth." —Shelf Awareness

This will be a worthy lead-in or companion piece to Eric Shanower's Age of Bronze. EB" —BCCB, Starred Review