Review: Hale, N. (2018). One trick pony.
LSSL 5385: Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Hale, N. (2018). One trick pony. New York, NY: Amulet Books.
Author-illustrator Nathan Hale returns with this smart graphic novel set in an indeterminate, dystopian future. He puts a unique twist on the classic idea of alien invasion with his depiction of the fairly terrifying Pipers, named either due to their insidious noises, or the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin--or both, as discussed by the young protagonist, Strata, and her friends. What makes these aliens initially different is their consumption of all things metal and technological; in fact, humans may avoid mutilation if they stay away from tech, which many “ferals” choose to do. However, Strata, her brother Auger, and friend Inby are part of a moving caravan that focuses on trying to find and preserve technology in order to save humankind’s writings and contributions to medicine, farming, and all aspects of culture. This noble mission is seen as too dangerous by their newfound friend, Pick, who views a moving town full of robots as unnecessary and insane--but agrees to help the kids escape the “hot zone” and return home because she and her people are in desperate need of food.
Weaving through the destruction of the formerly collapsed world, the characters are aided by a golden robot horse named Kleidi they unearth, and who seems to be particularly attached to Strata. Ultimately Strata’s devotion to Kleidi takes her on far more of an adventure than she had bargained for, but the resulting confrontation proves that humans had underestimated their earth invaders, and that they are at risk of losing even more than society. It is only through different groups banding together, bravery, and determination that humans can save themselves.
The expressive, sometimes eerie illustrations in this graphic novel are captivating, with only tones of gray and white and accent shades of yellow. Yellow often indicates tech, such as the faces of robots and the golden pony, but also illustrates the PiPiPi sound made by the creatures as they hunt and consume metal. Dialogue is not extensive and the action is fast paced in this short 127-page story, which will appeal to reluctant readers, as well as readers at varying ages and levels.
Weaving through the destruction of the formerly collapsed world, the characters are aided by a golden robot horse named Kleidi they unearth, and who seems to be particularly attached to Strata. Ultimately Strata’s devotion to Kleidi takes her on far more of an adventure than she had bargained for, but the resulting confrontation proves that humans had underestimated their earth invaders, and that they are at risk of losing even more than society. It is only through different groups banding together, bravery, and determination that humans can save themselves.
The expressive, sometimes eerie illustrations in this graphic novel are captivating, with only tones of gray and white and accent shades of yellow. Yellow often indicates tech, such as the faces of robots and the golden pony, but also illustrates the PiPiPi sound made by the creatures as they hunt and consume metal. Dialogue is not extensive and the action is fast paced in this short 127-page story, which will appeal to reluctant readers, as well as readers at varying ages and levels.
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