Chris Grine

Animorphs: The Graphic Novel – The Message continues Michael Grant and Chris Gine’s adaptation of K.A. Applegate’s phenomenal YA series that took the late ’90s by storm. Like the books themselves, the fourth book primarily follows the perspective of Cassie. Having established the Andalite/Yeerk war in the first book, this one features the humans – Rachel, Jakes, Tobias, Cassie, and Marco – learning more about the Andalites and their perspective on the war. Cassie and Tobias begin show more having dreams featuring a call for help coming from the ocean. The discovery of a piece of Andalite ship wreckage on a beach leads the Animorphs to the realization that there might be an Andalite ship crashed under the waves. The team copies the DNA of some dolphins to begin their exploration, leading Cassie to think about the ethics of copying animals without their consent. This ethical quandary reflects Cassie’s connection to nature while also leading to a consideration of how the Animorphs use alien technology. Their experience as dolphins also leads the team to understand more about how animals interact on our planet. The story also introduces Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill, or “Ax,” the brother of Prince Elfangor, the Andalite who gave the Animorphs their powers. Through him, they learn more about the Andalites and the war itself. Like the preceding volumes, Gine does a phenomenal job portraying the body horror elements of the Animorphs’ abilities while using colors to differentiate between characters’ thought-speak and perspectives such as the whale’s mental images. As with its predecessors, this graphic novel is a great way for long-time fans of the series to revisit it or introduce it to their own children. show less

Really enjoyed this graphic novel -- liked Willow's excellent personality, her band of friends, the creepy/cool paranormal aspects and the art. Willow's hearing loss and signing add a lot to the story, and the weird unfolding events are very intriguing. I also really liked that while there was mild bullying at the beginning of the book, for the most part the kids just accept each other and get along. Not a lot of friendship drama, which is refreshing in a book for this age group.

Advanced show more reader's copy provided by Oni Press. show less

The characters still look uncanny valley and the transformations can be gruesome, but the angst is IMMACULATE.

Tobias (who cannot morph back to human) is tortured by the same depressive voice some humans deal with; a constantly nagging voice that discredits his humanity. Get this, he has a bird brain *badum tsk* I've seen few books really tackle or mention this at all for young readers. But Tobias' identity struggle is done effectively as well as it's conclusion.

I know everyone bags on show more Marco, but I get why he has to be the voice of reason. Also, Rachel and Tobias' friendship is the highlight here. Very charming. I never had interest in this series before, but I think the graphic novel adaptions are doing a great job introducing this to a new audience. show less

Chris Grine’s adaptation of K.A. Applegate & Michael Grant’s Animorphs: The Capture follows the Animorph team as they infiltrate a Yeerk controller meeting at the Sharing. They learn of a plan to infest their state’s governor, who has presidential ambititions, when he undergoes an upcoming medical procedure. They then infiltrate a hospital in order to prevent this, but are caught while sabotaging a Yeerk pool. Jake becomes infested and his friends must hold him prisoner for three days show more so that the Yeerk in his head will die without Kandrona rays. What plays out is a battle of wills between Jake and the Yeerk in his head as Jakes gets to know the Animorphs’ enemy in ways he never expected. Grine continues his faithful adaptation of the hit YA series from the ’90s, capturing the core elements of the characters without shying away from the heavy topics Applegate and Grant tackled in their work. Great for fans looking to re-live the books they enjoyed in their youth or for new readers. show less