http://books.moonsoar.com/archives/20... ( )

http://www.bostonbibliophile.com/2009... ( )

Eh. I don't know if I'd go out of the way to read any more of these. The art's got a nice style but the story almost seemed like it was trying too hard. I could see it being a good series if it stopped trying to pretend to be clever (or making fun of itself for being clever) and focused more on some of the strengths. Perhaps less of the "editor" and more interactions with some of the characters would help.

Rex Libris is a tough-as-nail librarian now several eons old fighting to protect knowledge and make sure books are returned on time, even when they're held by intergalactic space creatures. This comic book/graphic novel is funny and intelligent and lets you on what life is really like for a librarian. I just wish Turner didn't give away so many of our secrets.

Rex Libris succeeds at being witty whereas the Noah Wyle Librarian movies are just goofy (although the latter has Bob Newhart, so a point scored to them). I found the writing to be similar to the creative vein of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next novels. ( )

With cunning, sarcasm, and plenty of research skills, Rex is able to learn how to defeat all the various enemies he faces. The writing is intelligent, although maybe littered with a few too many scientific terminology that sometimes takes away from the plot.

The story is still in its developing stages, so there is really only character introduction in the volume 1. We are introduced to Rex Libris (The Librarian) Circe (a 2000 year old retired witch, now librarian) Simon (Once tried to conquer the world and has since been turned into a bird by Circe) and Hypatia (a newcomer), and the Administrator (the boss). This collection of librarian super-powers work in the Middleton Public Library, which apparently rest on a ley of mystical power, thus enhancing the appearance of fictional characters that can be seen by library patrons. Filtered throughout the story are many library idioms (aways see a librarian before heading out into the stacks, always return your books or we will come after you, etc).

More at: http://thenovelworld.com ( )