Cleopatra in Space #1: Target Practice

Even time-displaced Egyptian queens-to-be have to finish their homework before they can save the galaxy. After inadvertently being transported to an alien world in the distant future, 15-year-old Cleopatra must balance algebra, boys, and birthdays with her prophesied destiny as the savior of all civilization. The collective knowledge and history of thousands of planets is in danger of falling to the Xerx, an interstellar conquering horde led by the malevolent Xaius Octavian, and the residents of the Ailuros System have pinned their hopes on Cleo. Maihack’s debut graphic novel sets the stage for what looks to be a series of Star Trek–style space adventures punctuated with far-future high school drama. Cleopatra smoothly slips into the role of confident, wisecracking, baddie-dispatching hero, and the supporting cast falls neatly into place as well. A good two-thirds of the book is spent getting Cleo (and readers) up to speed, with the sci-fi swashbuckling mostly limited to the last of three chapters. Maihack’s conservative designs are also something of a missed opportunity, considering the visual potential of the “Egypt in space” concept. Ages 8–12. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary. (May)