The Return of Zita the Spacegirl
By Sierra Filucci,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Final Zita graphic novel with more peril, great role model.
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Based on 1 parent review
Good series for kids, or anyone really.
What's the Story?
THE RETURN OF ZITA THE SPACEGIRL begins with the young heroine on trial in Dungeon World for her supposed crimes of saving several planets in Zita the Spacegirl and Legends of Zita the Spacegirl. After she's imprisoned by the evil judge and ruler of the planet, she escapes with the help of a masked accomplice. During her time in her prison cell and as she tries to get off the planet, she discovers a world of exploited creatures, including the giant Leviathan who's being used to power the planet. Some familiar friends, including Mouse, Strong Strong, and One, all make appearances, and Madrigal and Piper are key to Zita's eventual escape.
Is It Any Good?
Both girls and boys will delight in this surreal story. The Return of Zita the Spacegirl introduces more fantastical creatures, including Raggy (a pile of animate rags) and Femer (a skeleton), and brings back readers' favorites to enliven the complex, weird, and wonderful world of Zita's space adventures. This final book in the Zita trilogy focuses primarily on a conflict between Zita and Joseph, which feels a little more sad than her previous conflicts, where the enemy was more clear-cut. But the story highlights the incredible empathy Zita possesses, as well as the loyalty she builds through her commitment to helping others.
The ending seems to tease of more adventures, which might be a little difficult to explain to kids hoping for a fourth book. Alas, kids will need to continue Zita's adventures in their imaginations, or use author and illustrator Ben Hatke's sketches of early Zita stories in the back of the book as inspiration to create their own comic adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Zita. What makes her special? How is she similar to and different from other sci-fi characters or comic heroes?
How do the images contribute to the story? Would the story have a different tone if the words were the same but the pictures different?
Who are your favorite sci-fi or fantasy heroes?
Book Details
- Author: Ben Hatke
- Illustrator: Ben Hatke
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes , Adventures , Great Girl Role Models , Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: First Second
- Publication date: May 13, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 240
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 25, 2020
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