Sardine in Outer Space

by
Emmanuel Guibert

and
Joann Sfar

:01 First Second, May 2006, 123 pp.
ISBN: 1-59643-126-1

Genre: Early Chapter

Subgenre: Science Fiction / Graphic Novel
Reviewed: 6/12/2007

Reviewed by: Conan Tigard

Book Cover

Graphic Novel Page

Synopsis

Captain Yellow Shoulder has a spaceship full of children and animals. They travel to different locations, often foiling the evil plans of Supermuscleman and his sidekick, Doc Krok. Supermuscleman has trained children to obey him at all times. He and Dock Krok feel that that the children on Yellow Shoulder's spaceship are disobedient and are determined to make Sardine and Little Louis obey him. So, they go about plotting their evil plans to trap Sardine, whom they consider to be a menace to society, but usually bungle the job.

In one instance, Supermuscleman and Doc Krok disguise themselves as a cook and waitress in a diner and try to feed the kids really gross ice cream. They also decided to change Supermuscleman's costume to hopefully attract more children, but Sardine sees right through the change.

As Captain Yellow Shoulder and his crew travel the galaxy, they go from one adventure to another, which are usually quite fun indeed.

Sardine in Outer Space by Emmanuel Guibert and Joann Sfar is a graphic novel starring some good guys (Captain Yellow Shoulder, Sardine, and Little Louie) and some bad guys (Supermuscleman and Doc Krok). This book was translated from French to English by Sasha Watson.  This book is intended for children ages 8 to 12.

Review

Sardine in Outer Space is an interesting read that kids will find quite entertaining. The artwork is rough and not what I would consider my favorite when I started reading the book, but grew accustomed to it by the end, and actually kind of liked it, although it will never be my favorite. Actually, it kind of looks like a kid drew it, so this will probably appear to children.

As an adult, according to the jacket of the book, I am not allowed to read this book. No Grown-Ups Allowed! I do believe that adults can find this book to be entertain too, but it is definitely a child's book. The book is made up of 12 short stories. I felt a few of them ended and left me hanging.

The coloring is vivid and the stories are quick and fun.

Overall, Sardine in Outer Space is a fun book that kids will enjoy reading. I look forward to more space adventures with Sardine and her friends in Sardine in Outer Space 2.

I rated this book an 8 out of 10.