Legends of Zita the Spacegirl

Ah, Zita. How I missed you! Remember how much I raved about the first graphic novel in this series? Well, prepare yourself my friends. I plan to do just as much gushing about Legends of Zita the Spacegirl. Things could get a little fanatic.

First off, reading this second book only solidifies my love for Ben Hatke's illustrations! His characters are just so bright and vivid! Of course all of our friends from the first book are back. Strong Strong with his lovable demeanor, Piper with his schemes and such, every character was just as wonderful as the first time I met them. Plus, there were new characters to meet! I giggled my way through the argument between an alien with multiple arms and an alien with multiple eyes over who was more show more equipped to pilot a spacecraft. Each and every panel is so packed with gorgeous visuals! This book is definitely a treat for the eyes, and I loved it.

I also loved that Zita was back! I've been waiting to get my hands on this second installment, to see where her adventures would take her next. This time Zita was dealing with new issues. Fame versus friendship. Responsibility to her fans. What's a girl to do when she's suddenly an intergalactic superstar? I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Zita is an amazing role model for young readers. Her bravery, her kindness, everything about her is completely addictive. I'm not even the target audience, and yet I'm in love.

Insert a happy sigh right here, because that's how I feel about this story. I have to give so much love to Ben Hatke for sharing Zita with us. The ending promises more amazing adventures around the corner. Now I just need to find the third book so I can find out what happens next! show less

Reading this series accidentally out of order (1, 3, 2) wasn't that bad. This one (2!) filled in the blanks (kind of) about Madrigal (Piper's ex?) and Pizzicato (a.k.a. Mouse) and Glissando.

In Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, Zita is famous for saving Scriptorius, and Piper is showing her off and having her sign autographs. But a recalled "imprint-o-tron" sees a poster of Zita and tries to take her place; Zita is left behind, deemed a criminal; she and Mouse meet Madrigal, who gives Zita her own spaceship ("Shippy") so Zita can get back to her friends and oust her doppelganger - and save Lumponia from the Star Hearts. Zita and fake-Zita do save Lumponia, and then Zita rushes off again in Shippy to save Mouse - but they are about to be show more captured. To be continued... (in The Return of Zita the Spacegirl).

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Re-read June 2021 show less

I remember discovering Zita in webcomic format several years ago and being entranced, not only with the character of Zita and the adventures she took, but Ben’s incredible artwork as well. Sadly at some point I lost track of the site and Zita. And then...last year Zita the Spacegirl was released and Zita was able to tell us her full story of how she got into space. And why she was a hero. I feel in love with Zita all over again and I couldn't wait to read more about her adventures. Thankfully Ben is continuing the story and now we get the next chapter in Zita’s life as she attempts to make her way home.

In a junkyard on a planet far, far away a robot, a imprint-a-tron, crawls out of the wreckage around it and discovers a poster of show more Zita. Meanwhile not too far away Zita's ship has just touched so that she can meet her fans and continue to look for a way home. Of course her newest fan, the imprint-a-tron, will be there and it will be made up too look just like Zita! Zita, looking for a few moments to herself, takes advantage of the doppelganger and heads off for her own little adventure. But troubles ensues as the robot decides it wants Zita’s life! And its off on a mission that it may not return from, as well as creating some trouble along the way. Zita in pursuit of her friends quickly finds herself on wanted posters and the space police will stop at nothing to catch her. Can Zita make her way back to her life and those of her friends? Or will she end up wandering the far reaches of space for ever trying to get back home?



As much as I was looking forward to this second volume, I have to admit I was a bit worried when I started reading the story. The beginning seemed a bit slow and the story was almost predictable. But I needn't have worried, because as soon as Ben entered the second chapter the story went down a path I could have never imagined. It was like being on a good roller coaster ride, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat and cheering Zita on as she makes her way across the universe with good surprises waiting for you just around the bend. Like the characters we get to meet!We get to meet a group of performers, one of whom has ties to Piper. And we get to learn more about Zita's companion Mouse and that there is more to him than meets the eye. Even better, we get to see Zita grow and mature in this volume as she continues her journey and learns some powerful lessons.



Ben’s artwork remains captivating, for the young and old alike. He wields colors deftly, creating masterful illusions of shadows and light, such as at the circus where colors spin madly in the air. The characters dance on the pages as they rush about the universe helping to save it. In many ways the design of the characters reminds me of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibbli’s work. The design of the spaceports is sure to keep readers enthralled as they look at the detail in the work. And the character design will keep readers captivated wondering what the next person we meet will look like.



I highly recommend this next volume in the Zita series and I can’t wait to see where Ben takes the story next. This is such a great series for young readers and I really like that Zita is such a strong female protagonist. 4 out of 5 stars.



Review copy provided by Gina at FirstSecond show less

Zita continues to delight. It's so fun to see so many hat tips to pop culture "aliens" in the large variety of species shown. (I recognized a ninja turtle, a wookiee, and an Orko-looking guy). I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

Zita's actions in the previous book have led to her becoming famous throughout the galaxy. While escaping from a crowd, she discovers a robot that is imitating her, but trouble ensues when it decides it wants to permanently take her place. While trying to get back to her friends, the entire galaxy then becomes convinced that she is a criminal, and she escapes with the help of a mysterious woman who has a connection to her less than trustworthy friend Piper. Throughout these developments, a swarm of heart-shaped monsters are heading towards a planet, and the inhabitants need to be saved before their whole world is eaten. The book uses excellently funny and believable dialogue, and the characters are expressive and endearing. The writing show more and humor are also fitting for the age range because the action and writing aren't too juvenile or cynical, and both genders of readers will enjoy the story. show less

The story isn't that special, like the first, but it remains engaging through its delightful art, cute characters, and energetic action.

Yay Zita! A fantastic sequel to Zita the Spacegirl--a robot takes Zita's place and threatens to ruin her reputation as a hero. But when the fake Zita puts the real Zita's friends in danger, the reader discovers what a real hero is made of. I can't wait for the next installment in the saga of Zita!