A rough, tough space hero-who just happens to be a big-eared mouse-takes on the forces of intergalactic evil in this funny, action-packed graphic novel. Missile Mouse, secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and a rule breaker, which is why he's in hot water at GSA headquarters. Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe. Time to let loose the mouse!
Jake Parker is the illustrator of many books for young readers as well as animated films and comic books. He also lives near the mountains, in Provo, Utah, and wishes the little snowplow would stop by his driveway every winter.
When I read the graphic collection titled Flight, Volume One, one of my favorite stories in the book was Hugo Earhart by Jake Parker. So when I indulged in more volumes of the Flight series, I also ordered the two available volumes of Parker's Missile Mouse. This is the first, with a sub-title of The Star Crusher.
Does anyone else remember buying books through the Scholastic programs in elementary school? I remember how much fun the brochures were, and the struggle it took to pick just one or two, however many Mom said we could buy. And then the wait until they finally arrived! Pure torture!
It was nice to see that both of the Missile Mouse books I ordered were published by Scholastic, and to think that some child somewhere enjoyed the heck out of these books before they ended up at Thriftbooks and eventually came to me.
Now, what did I think of Missile Mouse? Because obviously I am not the target audience for this hero. But I still enjoyed it, even if I am old enough to see the twists coming almost before they are even hinted at. And I can appreciate the many references to self-esteem, even though I'm not sure any true hero (mouse or otherwise) would need such things. But then again, books for youngsters have changed a great deal since I was a youngster. Nowadays it seems like a child cannot function unless he or she is constantly being praised for every little thing. But then how does one learn to handle adversity? You cannot build strength of character solely through praise and positive messages. That can produce some warped personalities. Just look at some of our elected officials and you will understand my thinking here.
But I digress. Missile Mouse The Star Crusher was fun to read: great drawings, and an interesting situation to be solved. Will MM save the brainy scientist from his kidnappers? Will the brainy scientist be able to help MM find the star crusher? Who is MM's new partner Hyde and does he have a Jekyll hidden away somewhere? Most of all, does Missile Mouse ever have any expression other than a fierce frown? (Actually yes, he does, just not very often. He seems to be quite a grumpy dude.)
Overall, it was fun and I am blasting off now to read my grumpy guy's next adventure, Rescue On Tankium3. I must confess that I wish I could read more about Hugo Earhart, though. Any hope of that someday, Mr. Parker?
Reason for Reading: This is a Cybils '10 nominee and required reading for me as a graphic novels panelist.
Missile Mouse grabbed me from the beginning and I can't wait until the next book comes out this January! There are not too many graphic novels that stand out in the pure science fiction genre for children and this was a real delight to read. Missile Mouse is an agent for the Galactic Security Agency, a bit of a rogue who does things his own way and irritates his superiors because of it. He's given a partner for this next mission, hoping to keep him in line this time. MM and Agent Hyde are to infiltrate RIP (the bad guys) and rescue a scientist they kidnapped, then using his info. locate a secret stash of dangerous weapons from the old days. Along the way MM has to fight killer bugs, beefed up RIP shark agents and giant space slug to name a few.
This book is really suitable for all ages. While it certainly is intended for the 8 and up crowd it is not childish at all. We're given a healthy dose of pure sci-fi. The story is fun but not silly, Missile Mouse has some good one liners but this is a drama that takes itself seriously along with the usual scientific explanations and jargon. There are a few animal characters but the rest are alien looking creatures. The story is fast-paced, high-action, good guys versus the bad guys and I can see this series developing a devoted fan base very quickly. The artwork is bright and bold and always enhances its science fiction atmosphere. My only quibble is that one year between books is too long to wait! Fortunately Jan. 2011, is just around the corner now!
Interesting premise. My two sons like it. But...where are the women? Not a single female character in this entire book. Oh, wait, there's one alien woman pictured running away from an attack while holding a baby (page 25). And book two had some helpless wives and children whose men had been enslaved. So not good on the strong female representatives.
This book was from start to finish stolen action movie quips set to a mouse police officer. There was nothing original about any of the dialog and personally I really struggled to even finish this book. For third grade boys who are really struggling with reading. Just not a good book I paid like a dollar and I wish I hadn't
The endless stream of Star Wars sequels could really learn a lot from Jake Parker’s fresh plot and cunning solutions. I love the smart-mouthed Missile Mouse and the story has surprising depth for a graphic novel. Can’t wait to read the rest!
Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher by Jake Parker. In this book a mouse named Missile Mouse is on a mission to retrieve something dangerous before his enemies can get their hands on the dangerous weapon known as dooms day device. This device has the power to destroy the entire universe, last time this happened half of the galaxy was destroyed. Luckily Missile Mouse is on the mission so nothing could go wrong. this book is interesting like when missile mouse out breaks. It is also very sad. like when something bad happens to missile's dad. I would recommend this book to fiction addicts.
Jake Parker's Youtube videos and podcast have been very helpful, and I'd like to support him.
This is like what I've seen of his illustrations though, competent but bland, which is what Scholastic seems to be all about. It's entertaining, it's fine, I'd give it to my son to read. But it's not a book you'd read twice.
Missile Mouse #1 The Star Crusher (Paperback) by Jake Parker
Missile Mouse has to stop the deadly group RIP from destroying the universe. I like the book because the action comes when MIssile mouse fights 16 shark men. I think my brother would like it because he loves action.
Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy will enjoy this action packed graphic novel adventure. Readers will enjoy the twists and the cool things that happen. I wish I had the sequel on hand to read right away!
The reason I rate this book five stars is because it was a good book. If you like missile mouse you will like this one. My favorite part was when missile mouse got full of energy and shot energy out of his hands and blew up the ship.
I wasn't a huge fan of this book, but I found it entertaining (and there was one major surprise in it). I would give it three stars, but both my kids (ages 7 and 10) love it, so I've added one more for kid appeal.
Jake Parkertin "Missile Mouse #1 : The Star Crusher" (Scholastic, 2010) on tarinaltaan ihan mukiinmenevä joskin vähän jähmeästi piirretty lasten- ja nuorten sarjakuva intergalaktisesta hiiriagentista. Vaikutteita lienee saatu ainakin Tähtien sodan suunnalta.
Jake's Review: Mom I give this 20 out of 10. It is AWESOME, are there any more like this. I'm going to read this instead of watching tv tonight -- OK? Lets go to the Library tomorrow and see it there are any more -- Mom, why are you grinning (Moms note: finally have someone in the family that I may be able to convince to go to a convention) . I really liked this novel. The pictures are exciting and funny and made me want to keep reading. Lots of cool pictures of things blowing up - but not in a scary way. I liked the way the guy drew the aliens. Missile mouse kinda reminds me of that character you like -- the old guy -- Han Solo. (old guy -- come on he aint that old) I liked that Missile mouse was always saying funny stuff like "If by better circumstances you mean me locking you up in solitary confinement, then I'm game". Some of the pictures were really drawn funny too like on page 127. The bad guys were kinda cool and said funny stuff too. Rating: 20/10
Mom's Review: As I said before, any book that Jake doesn't want to put down, pretty much guarantees me giving it a good review. I am also a geek, so I highly recommend graphic novels in general, I think they are fantastic especially for reluctant readers. This one is an excellent introduction to the world of graphic novels for the younger set. Lots of humour and action, but nothing too violent or offensive. The artwork is simple but not too juvenile and the story line fast paced. Jake was right on with his comment about Han Solo, Missile Mouse is always making some smart alecky quip to the bad guys. I would say that Missile mouse is like a cross between Han Solo and Mighty Mouse. Rating: 8/10
This book was about that the mouse was trying to save the planet, but the bad guys got the best scientist. Then the mouse was trying to find the the scientist then after he when thought all of that the mouse finally got the scientist. But the bad wanted to take the memories of the scientist because they wanted to make evil project to destroyed the planet because the bad guys wanted to kill the planet. When they started the scientist and the mouse survived by making a black hole. My opinion of this book is that always try your bets on what are you doing. I thought this book is sad because Missle mouse thought his dad died, but he didn't.
This is a science fiction graphic novel that takes place in space. Missile Mouse is an agent with the Galactic Security. He is a bit like Indiana Jones in that he means well, but things just don't seem to go quite like he plans. The RIP are trying to get hold of the information to make a star crusher. Star crushers basically create black holes- not good for the galaxy. Missile Mouse is assigned a partner, but he would rather go out on his own. Find out if Missle Mouse can save the galaxy, a scientist or his partner.
Bottom Line: This one is going to be in demand. Boys will definitely want to pick up this adventure graphic novel. Girls will enjoy this book too! Think Star Wars creatures with a bit of Indiana Jones. Great color and art work with easy to follow panels and a good, quick moving story. The next Missile Mouse comes out this winter 2011.
Missile Mouse is one of the darker kinda-superheroes I've seen so far in young people's comics. He's not the cranky guy with a heart of gold once someone finds it. He's just a grim person. Err, mouse. He's a special agent who fights interstellar crime. He has no friends and he doesn't want any. His father was executed in front of him when he was a child.
BUT this book isn't about his angst. It's about saving the world for great justice! There's a lot of action, the stories are well-paced, and the characters are much more than one note. I was just as pleased with it as my son was.
I wasn't sure if I would be able to bond with a mouse character in a science fiction story. This was a lot closer, in some ways, to Kenneth Grahame than I thought it would be! The art, as other reviewers mention, really is spot-on - very energetic, but clean and logical to help tell the story. I especially noted the various background colours used to demarcate different scenes - and also set the moods for the scenes. Okay, so Jake Parker took some liberties with plot devices and certain things happen a tad too coincidentally, but that doesn't at all spoil the fun - and I doubt very much that any child would notice anyhow. I can't wait for the next book!