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Zita the Spacegirl #3
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl
Ben Hatke brings back our intrepid space heroine for another delightful sci-fi/fantasy adventure in this New York Times -Bestselling graphic novel trilogy for middle grade readers.
Zita the Spacegirl has saved planets, battled monsters, and wrestled with interplanetary fame. But she faces her biggest challenge yet in the third and final installment of the Zita adventures. Wrongfully imprisoned on a penitentiary planet, Zita has to plot the galaxy's greatest jailbreak before the evil prison warden can execute his plan of interstellar domination!
Zita the Spacegirl has saved planets, battled monsters, and wrestled with interplanetary fame. But she faces her biggest challenge yet in the third and final installment of the Zita adventures. Wrongfully imprisoned on a penitentiary planet, Zita has to plot the galaxy's greatest jailbreak before the evil prison warden can execute his plan of interstellar domination!
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2014
151 people are currently reading
2396 people want to read
About the author
Ben Hatke
55 books1,211 followersBen Hatke is an author and illustrator of graphic novels and picture books. Most notably he is the creator of the Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel series.
He posts art and stories online at:
www.benhatke.com
He posts art and stories online at:
www.benhatke.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
August 28, 2015
Wonderful end to an amazing trilogy. I highly recommend these books.
first-second-publications
June 9, 2014This is the last volume of Ben Hatke's Zita the Spacegirl trilogy.
People keep coming to ask us if there are going to be more. 'Zita is so awesome!' they say. 'That means there must be more books!'
We agree that Zita is awesome! And this book certainly does end on an . . . interesting note.
But right now, there are not any plans for future Zita volumes. We have an amazing picture book coming out from Ben in the fall -- it's called _Julia's House for Lost Creatures_ -- and another graphic novel for kids coming late next year (it's going to be wonderful, you guys!).
We're going to miss Zita too! Maybe she'll have some stories again some day in the far-distant future.
People keep coming to ask us if there are going to be more. 'Zita is so awesome!' they say. 'That means there must be more books!'
We agree that Zita is awesome! And this book certainly does end on an . . . interesting note.
But right now, there are not any plans for future Zita volumes. We have an amazing picture book coming out from Ben in the fall -- it's called _Julia's House for Lost Creatures_ -- and another graphic novel for kids coming late next year (it's going to be wonderful, you guys!).
We're going to miss Zita too! Maybe she'll have some stories again some day in the far-distant future.
August 13, 2018
What a fun way to round out the trilogy! After the huge Legends of Zita the Spacegirl cliffhanger I’ve been keen to know where we’d find Zita at the beginning of this story. Zita is on trial in the Court of Dungeon World, facing a slew of trumped up charges; her heroics in the first two graphic novels twisted into crimes. Poor Mouse appears at her kangaroo court and, shackled in a way that brought to mind Hannibal Lector, he’s been sentenced to death! But wait! Who or what is that mysterious creature in the blue cape that’s overlooking the proceedings?
Bringing back all of my favourites from the first two books and introducing a few new ones, this is the action packed volume that finally answers the question of whether Zita ever returns home to Earth. I don’t think I’d return if I were her because of all of the amazing adventures she’s had and the wonderful friends she’s met along the way, but it’s what she’s dreamed of since the beginning so I couldn’t help cheering her on.
What’s lovely about this story is that you don’t just get to witness Zita saving a friend, an enemy or a world; Zita needs help herself in this one. Thankfully she’s made such an impact previously that there’s no shortage of people/beings/objects willing to lend a hand or whatever is needed to contribute to saving her.
Femur and Raggy, Zita’s dungeon mates, were the comic relief for me and became new favourites. I also loved that previous favourites including One, Strong-Strong, Randy and Shippy returned.
Like the two previous Zita books the illustrations in this one were brilliant. Although the story could end with this book and currently does, there is potential to keep the story going. While you could argue that this series presents a good case for quit while you’re ahead I’d keep reading if another Zita book magically appeared in front of me.
In what I’ll call the Special Features after Zita’s journey concludes (I’ve been bingeing a lot of TV series recently) there’s a beautiful story of how she came to be. It’s one of those melty heart stories that makes you appreciate Zita even more.
Once again, I have to say that I love my library. They didn’t stock this book but they bought it just because I asked them to. Now they have the whole series, which I plan to borrow again for a reread ASAP!
Bringing back all of my favourites from the first two books and introducing a few new ones, this is the action packed volume that finally answers the question of whether Zita ever returns home to Earth. I don’t think I’d return if I were her because of all of the amazing adventures she’s had and the wonderful friends she’s met along the way, but it’s what she’s dreamed of since the beginning so I couldn’t help cheering her on.
What’s lovely about this story is that you don’t just get to witness Zita saving a friend, an enemy or a world; Zita needs help herself in this one. Thankfully she’s made such an impact previously that there’s no shortage of people/beings/objects willing to lend a hand or whatever is needed to contribute to saving her.
Femur and Raggy, Zita’s dungeon mates, were the comic relief for me and became new favourites. I also loved that previous favourites including One, Strong-Strong, Randy and Shippy returned.
Like the two previous Zita books the illustrations in this one were brilliant. Although the story could end with this book and currently does, there is potential to keep the story going. While you could argue that this series presents a good case for quit while you’re ahead I’d keep reading if another Zita book magically appeared in front of me.
In what I’ll call the Special Features after Zita’s journey concludes (I’ve been bingeing a lot of TV series recently) there’s a beautiful story of how she came to be. It’s one of those melty heart stories that makes you appreciate Zita even more.
Once again, I have to say that I love my library. They didn’t stock this book but they bought it just because I asked them to. Now they have the whole series, which I plan to borrow again for a reread ASAP!
June 19, 2014
THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL is the third and final Zita graphic novel (for now). Zita has saved many people and multiple worlds since leaving Earth to rescue her classmate Joseph. She's also made enemies, which has led to her being thrown into a terrible underground prison.
The Zita series is extremely popular for a good reason. The books have a lot of sci-fi action, colorful and creative character design, and an intrepid heroine determined to save the day. I really enjoyed how THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL brought back old characters, such as Piper and Madrigal, and introduced new ones, such as Zita's hilarious cellmates. It also has a strong theme of unintended consequences in addition to the usual selfless heroism.
I think THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL can be enjoyed alone, but it's best if you're familiar with the characters. Each of the novels is a pretty quick read, so there's no reason not to read the first two. Ben Hatke's Zita trilogy combines the appeal of Raina Telgemeier or Matt Phelan's art with a science fiction story reminiscent of Bruce Coville.
Fans of the series should be aware that THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL is darker than the first two books. It is still suitable for children, but some aspects might require a bit of discussion with an adult. (There are discussions of slavery, for instance.) I did appreciate that Hatke raised the stakes and let Zita go out strong. This trilogy is a great all-ages graphic novel read.
The Zita series is extremely popular for a good reason. The books have a lot of sci-fi action, colorful and creative character design, and an intrepid heroine determined to save the day. I really enjoyed how THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL brought back old characters, such as Piper and Madrigal, and introduced new ones, such as Zita's hilarious cellmates. It also has a strong theme of unintended consequences in addition to the usual selfless heroism.
I think THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL can be enjoyed alone, but it's best if you're familiar with the characters. Each of the novels is a pretty quick read, so there's no reason not to read the first two. Ben Hatke's Zita trilogy combines the appeal of Raina Telgemeier or Matt Phelan's art with a science fiction story reminiscent of Bruce Coville.
Fans of the series should be aware that THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL is darker than the first two books. It is still suitable for children, but some aspects might require a bit of discussion with an adult. (There are discussions of slavery, for instance.) I did appreciate that Hatke raised the stakes and let Zita go out strong. This trilogy is a great all-ages graphic novel read.
March 13, 2017
Zita's origin story comes to an end with this volume, though there's plenty of room for further adventures.
As with the other two, this book is full of well-rounded characters, intergalactic adventures, real-life emotions surrounding not-real-life conundrums, and wonderful creatures on every page.
It's the ending that particularly charmed me, making me say, "Good for you, girl. Take charge of your own destiny!" It's pretty empowering and I wish I'd have had this in my hands when I was 8-years-old.
As with the other two, this book is full of well-rounded characters, intergalactic adventures, real-life emotions surrounding not-real-life conundrums, and wonderful creatures on every page.
It's the ending that particularly charmed me, making me say, "Good for you, girl. Take charge of your own destiny!" It's pretty empowering and I wish I'd have had this in my hands when I was 8-years-old.
May 19, 2020
Possibly my favorite so far!! This was an amazing story and I can’t wait to see what Zita and get up to!! This group of survivors and friends keeps growing and getting better and better.
I’m such a big fan!! Ben Hatke is a genius.
I’m such a big fan!! Ben Hatke is a genius.
November 12, 2014
Excellent. All the characters from the first two books return in this book that brings elements from the previous stories together into a new book that has Zita saving the planet Earth. While all three books can be read as stand-alones, this one does a fine job of tying the books together and creating a trilogy with a plot that increases and culminates in this book. However we are not left at the end here and the last few pages set the stage for more Zita adventures. The creativity and imagination of the world and creatures found in these books, and just as much a charm this third time round, is phenomenal. If you liked the first two books you'll love this one. Zita has become one of favourite comic heroines.
April 21, 2014
This has to be the CUTEST graphic novel series I’ve ever read. My kids and I love it so hard. The best part is that it’s a perfect graphic novel for my young kids (3 and 6) to understand and enjoy. It’s also great for me to do lots of voices to entertain them. I love the fact that it’s a sci-fi story for kids that features a female heroine. That doesn’t happen often enough! Zita is brave and a good friend. Though she has her moments of insecurity and bad decisions, she doesn’t give up easily. Also, the artwork is beautiful! I loved reading about Zita’s adventures and I’m so happy First Second put these on my radar.
March 7, 2015
Zita's back, hooray!! I just love Ben Hatke's characters. There are some delightful new ones in here, and of course all of our old favorites. He is SO GOOD at comic action -- every frame is filled with color and movement and excitement, and you just cannot put down the story and leave it. Well done, as always.
I did think the ending was a liiittle abrupt. I hope that it also means that this isn't the last we're seeing of Zita, though :)
I did think the ending was a liiittle abrupt. I hope that it also means that this isn't the last we're seeing of Zita, though :)
January 12, 2015
Gah, I really love this little superhero. The world Hatke has created throughout this series is filled with all sorts of adorable aliens, quirky robots, and very loyal friends. Fingers crossed that Zita and her comrades have another adventure sometime soon!
"I went coast to coast, and from star to star
that's how you learn, just who you are"
"I went coast to coast, and from star to star
that's how you learn, just who you are"
February 2, 2015
I love this series so much - it raises the bar for kids comics. Still pretty heartbroken he's stopping at three with Zita.
December 21, 2017
Zita has been captured and is facing the consequences of her crime, as well as some trumped up charges that suit the Dungeon Lord's purpose of keeping her locked up. However, Zita is far from beaten. She refuses to give into Dungeon Lord and when a mysterious "ghost" tries to help her, but demands she not stop to help others she refuses him too. Zita is determined to save Mouse and help the people of Dungeon World! Fortunately, she has outside help on their way as even Spacegirl heroes need a little help.
An epic ending for this series of Zita (hopefully we get more eventually!) as she faces her past decisions, makes even more new friends and receives support from past friends too! Again, the artwork is spot-on, the story fantastic and the characters likeable! Share and enjoy!
Content issues: No language or sensuality issues. The Dungeon Lord has laser-gauntlet things that he likes to zap people with, mostly just to torture them and seems to cause pain, but not death (though pretty sure he does kill people/robots with them too in one scene; it isn't graphic); some brawling/fist violence and a space battle, as well as a planet imploding, but injuries are minimal and not graphically depicted.
December 29, 2023
I found this in a side of the road book box and felt like reading a graphic novel, so I picked it up. I have not read the first two books in the series. I was cute. I really liked the art, in particular - it was very sweet. The story was lovely. Good for a younger reader, I'd guess - 8-13? But I had fun with it, too.
July 20, 2016
Sadly, the tales of Zita's adventures in space have come to a close. The final book in a beautiful graphic novel trilogy, The Return of Zita the Sapcegirl picks up where the last book left off. We find Zita trapped in an asteroid prison because all the good she did as Zita the Spacegirl had some repercussions that might not have been all good. Awaiting trial for her crimes of goodness, Zita and her pals learn that the prison warden is planning to dominate the galaxy-- starting with Earth!
The third volume did a beautiful job bringing together all the elements of the previous books. We revisit favorite characters, explore their personalities more, and even get to know some new characters. Yet, this volume follows some heavier themes than in the past. Zita is losing heart in prison, and is beginning to doubt herself. The theme of doing the right thing in the face of adversity is strong here. It would be easy for Zita to take the easy road out to only save herself. She has learned over the course of these books that all her actions have had reactions. Zita has learned that she has been naïve. A good portion of this book explores this idea, along with the blurred lines between right and wrong, as well as good and evil.
While the characters, art, and themes are amazing, this book fell a bit flat for me. I felt like the story was a little troupe, and after the beautiful and brilliant colors of the first two volumes the darker tone of this book was a bit jarring. I think it was appropriate for the story, but it left me a little down. Even the uplifting moments, [spoiler] like when Zita is drowning in despair and her Strong Strong star breaks into pieces, letting her friends know that she is alive and needs their help [/spoiler] weren't as uplifting as previously. I found the cute or funny moments to be more spread out. It was just a bit disappointing.
I do love how open ended Hatke left the final book. The ending was abrupt, and a bit sad. [spoiler] Poor Zita and Joseph didn't get to say goodbye to their friends, or even to see if they were okay. It was now or never-- and they made the sacrifice to leave. Heartbreaking. [/spoiler] Hatke said he was done with Zita, but this ending will easily allow him to jump back into her world with little effort. As many of my bookish friends have also said, I really hope some day he does pursue this. Zita's world is magical and I will always want to revisit it.
The third volume did a beautiful job bringing together all the elements of the previous books. We revisit favorite characters, explore their personalities more, and even get to know some new characters. Yet, this volume follows some heavier themes than in the past. Zita is losing heart in prison, and is beginning to doubt herself. The theme of doing the right thing in the face of adversity is strong here. It would be easy for Zita to take the easy road out to only save herself. She has learned over the course of these books that all her actions have had reactions. Zita has learned that she has been naïve. A good portion of this book explores this idea, along with the blurred lines between right and wrong, as well as good and evil.
While the characters, art, and themes are amazing, this book fell a bit flat for me. I felt like the story was a little troupe, and after the beautiful and brilliant colors of the first two volumes the darker tone of this book was a bit jarring. I think it was appropriate for the story, but it left me a little down. Even the uplifting moments, [spoiler] like when Zita is drowning in despair and her Strong Strong star breaks into pieces, letting her friends know that she is alive and needs their help [/spoiler] weren't as uplifting as previously. I found the cute or funny moments to be more spread out. It was just a bit disappointing.
I do love how open ended Hatke left the final book. The ending was abrupt, and a bit sad. [spoiler] Poor Zita and Joseph didn't get to say goodbye to their friends, or even to see if they were okay. It was now or never-- and they made the sacrifice to leave. Heartbreaking. [/spoiler] Hatke said he was done with Zita, but this ending will easily allow him to jump back into her world with little effort. As many of my bookish friends have also said, I really hope some day he does pursue this. Zita's world is magical and I will always want to revisit it.
August 28, 2025
I really love these books! They are so exciting and colorful, and burst with imagination and great dialogue! This was my 2nd read through, and they’re still so cute! These books appeal to children and adults! So fun! ⭐️
January 1, 2015
Definitely just cried at the end of Zita.
February 15, 2017
Ten Second Synopsis:
Zita is held prisoner by a despotic ruler who wants to use her portal button to take over Earth. Aided by a skeleton, a pile of rags and a friend from the past, Zita tries to overcome the ruler's evil plans.
You may have picked up that I skipped book two in the series, Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, because the library didn't have it (boo!). This wasn't too much of a drama because the opening scenes cleverly work some of the key points from books one and two into the dialogue between Zita and her captor. Yes, this book begins with Zita imprisoned and seemingly helpless, although it is apparent that in book two she had been gadding about making a name for herself across the galaxy and fostering the reputation of someone not to be trifled with.
The plot focuses on Zita's attempts to escape her prison by finding a jump crystal with which she can power up the red-button thingy and take herself back home. Along the way she is helped out by a mysterious masked boy and her cellmates, a skeleton named Femur who possesses some very interestingly shaped digits, and Ragpile, an animated pile of rags. I absolutely loved the little twist at the end concerning Ragpile and Femur and it encapsulates the ingenuity and humour that is woven into these stories. Old friends also make an appearance, including Pizzicato, Strong-Strong and One, as well as some folk from the second book who I hadn't met before, most interesting of which being a space-pirate type lady and her mysterious cat.
Zita's adventures eventually find her back on Earth and even though it is claimed that this is the final story in the series, the ending holds a little hope that there might be more. This was an action packed way to finish the series, full of escapes, ingenious ideas and teamwork. Themes of betrayal and forgiveness loom large and the ensemble cast of characters ensures that there'll be something for everyone in Zita's final adventure.
Zita is held prisoner by a despotic ruler who wants to use her portal button to take over Earth. Aided by a skeleton, a pile of rags and a friend from the past, Zita tries to overcome the ruler's evil plans.
You may have picked up that I skipped book two in the series, Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, because the library didn't have it (boo!). This wasn't too much of a drama because the opening scenes cleverly work some of the key points from books one and two into the dialogue between Zita and her captor. Yes, this book begins with Zita imprisoned and seemingly helpless, although it is apparent that in book two she had been gadding about making a name for herself across the galaxy and fostering the reputation of someone not to be trifled with.
The plot focuses on Zita's attempts to escape her prison by finding a jump crystal with which she can power up the red-button thingy and take herself back home. Along the way she is helped out by a mysterious masked boy and her cellmates, a skeleton named Femur who possesses some very interestingly shaped digits, and Ragpile, an animated pile of rags. I absolutely loved the little twist at the end concerning Ragpile and Femur and it encapsulates the ingenuity and humour that is woven into these stories. Old friends also make an appearance, including Pizzicato, Strong-Strong and One, as well as some folk from the second book who I hadn't met before, most interesting of which being a space-pirate type lady and her mysterious cat.
Zita's adventures eventually find her back on Earth and even though it is claimed that this is the final story in the series, the ending holds a little hope that there might be more. This was an action packed way to finish the series, full of escapes, ingenious ideas and teamwork. Themes of betrayal and forgiveness loom large and the ensemble cast of characters ensures that there'll be something for everyone in Zita's final adventure.
October 28, 2021
A conclusion to the trilogy and left somewhat open-ended. I thoroughly enjoyed two new characters, they are basically a living pile of rags and a skeleton. The resolution felt a bit rushed. Perhaps what I enjoyed the most is what Ben gives us at the end, a peek at how the Zita character was developed.
October 9, 2024
This was a beautiful end to this beautiful trilogy of graphic novels for very young readers. All of the threads get tied up with the entire cast of characters making return appearances, and some fun new ones being introduced. It gets an extra star to hit all five because of the heartwarming "how Zita was created" featurette at the end.
July 26, 2017
I wish there were twelve more, but also it was so perfect the way it was.
December 28, 2018
4.5 stars. Other than a weirdly gendered comment in the middle about a boy not understanding women, I loved this a whole lot.
June 1, 2019
Similar to rest. Read all to find start to finish of Zitas story. Then read Might Jack's stories.
August 16, 2020
Absorbing science fiction adventure in graphic novel format.
August 31, 2022
4.5 stars
This series just got better and better as it went along!
This series just got better and better as it went along!
October 18, 2022
4,5 perquè el final m'ha sorprès que vulgui tornar a marxar, quan s'ha passat els 3 llibres volent anar a casa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
3.5 stars
January 27, 2024
Another great book from Ben Hatke! I've loved this whole series! This one felt a fair bit darker with the whole dungeon world setting... but not super dark still, definitely still kid-friendly!
June 22, 2019
I was gonna give this five stars, but I think the twist at the end robs it of some of its power. Still, it's another great book with the characters, art, and dialogue I expected and appreciate. Can't wait for the next one.
June 21, 2022
2.5 stars
September 22, 2022
Pues le pongo las 5 estrellas como colofón final, una nota general a toda la trilogía. Me han parecido unos cómics fantásticos para niñxs, muy disfrutables por los adultxs, llenos de fantasía, personajes entrañables y una protagonista valiente y honesta.
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