LUNA EXPRESS
by Campbell Whyte
Top Shelf Productions
YA Superhero / Graphic Novel
280 pages
ages 12 and up
COMING FEBRUARY 10th!!!
Between crummy day jobs and nights out on the town, Celeste and her friends can barely find time to use their super-powers! Sailor Moon meets late capitalism in this deliriously epic graphic novel, bursting with life and vibrant color. Celeste was always told that she could grow up to do anything she dreamed of, but she didn’t exactly dream of being a delivery biker for her parents’ bakery, Luna Express. Life is so much more exciting at When the stars come out, so do her magical powers of super-strength and speed! Those gifts haven’t made her destiny any clearer, though…until Celeste and her friends are targeted by a series of strange, supernatural attacks throughout their hometown of Perth. Now this reluctant team must battle land-sharks, roller-skating disco mushrooms, mind-bending art exhibitions, and their own personal drama, while trying to unravel the unsettling mystery that connects them and their city.
MY TIDBITS
Modern, urban flair meets something similar-ish to Sailor Moon to create an exciting read with more than a little unique fun.
Celeste has been working as a delivery girl at her parents' bakery since she graduated from high school, which might sound mundane, but each day has it perks, calms, and surprises. Plus, she meets friends and familiar faces, which always adds social zest. It's different, but then, Celeste isn't your average young woman, either. Not only does she dance to her own tune and carry tons of personality...even the local ragtag gang wants to constantly compete with her...but she harbors a secret. Every night, she gains superpowers, which give her increased speed and strength. While logic makes it clear that destiny holds something in store for her, she has no clue what until strange, unexplainable things start happening in the town. Together with her friends, she's going to have to take on an odd mix of dangerous and quirky things and figure out what's really going on.
This is a read with energy pure and heads off into its very own direction with unique characters and plots twists. Celeste's radiant attitude is contagious and it's hard not to want to join her as she rides her bike through town...even when delivering baked goods. Because nothing in Celeste's life is boring, which is mostly due to her own attitude on life. Her friends are just as colorful and add tons of personality as well. Even the bad guys pack character, but then, they'd have to just to keep up with this original band of super-friends. So, there's never a boring moment, and it's definitely a grabbing read with surprises the entire way through...and those surprises aren't only when the tension rises.
The illustrations carry an edge of colorful chaos, which seals the deal with the plot. It took me a couple of pages to slide into the flow, but that's on me since this hit with unexpected energy. Every moment draws in and inspires, while carrying a few life lessons along the way. But that's not the main point as this tale races along.
I wasn't sure about the age group, at first, on this one, since Celeste has already graduated from high school. But it works for the YA audience and sticks mostly to paths which grab that age group. This promises to be an exciting series with tons to come.
And here he is...
Campbell Whyte was born in Perth, where he makes stories about place and strives to create an inclusive and supportive comics community. His graphic novel series Home Time won numerous international awards and was nominated for the prestigious Eisner Awards. As the co-founder of the Milktooth School of Art and Stories with Elizabeth Marruffo, he provides opportunities for young people to develop their comics skills and publish their works. As a co-founder of the Perth Comic Arts Festival, he has helped grow and steer the organization to become one of Australia’s most significant comic events.
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