Zita is too trusting and naive, quick to make rash decisions, but she is also loyal to her friends and runs head first into dangerous situations to rescue those she loves and cares for (or to help those she believes need saving). Unfortunately, once the robot connects with Zita and starts to become her, mimic her, it too takes on these selfless, headstrong, naive traits. Leading to pushing in to Zita's life, forcing Zita into a criminal life, and taking on a dangerous, almost impossible, mission to save a doomed planet. The robot is more childlike than Zita herself, slowly learning and adapting, but at once too idealistic to realize that sometimes there are battles we cannot win, no matter who we are, how strong we are, or what powers we have at our disposal. All of the characters are quirky and strange. Foreign to Zita, although she is the real foreigner in this large, over-populated galaxy. All are well characterized, with their own specific traits and faults. The graphics/art pop with colour, and are vibrant throughout. Bright colours often seem to symbolize trouble (the star hearts for example), while dull colours often lead to safety (for example Madrigal, her house ship, and the giant sleeping in the stars). The graphics kept me glued to the page and entrenched in the story. Loved the random broken down robots scattered on planets, within space, hinting at the Great Dismantling. There is so much history interlaced throughout the pages, tugging at the reader, ensuring that you understand the complex nature of this otherwise simple adventure story about a young heroine lost in space. I will need to go back to the first graphic novel, although I did not need to read it to enjoy this second installment. However, the first novel is sure to have more of Zita's back story, with an explanation of how she became stranded so far from Earth, and about the company she is keeping. The Circus was my favourite part, with ringmaster Madrigal, a kick-butt female with knowledge and secrets. With no fear for herself, she rescues Zita. She is strong, loyal to her circus friends, and is not afraid of authority. I am excited to see more of her in the next episode of Zita's journey home. I would recommend this graphic novel to young boys and girls with a thirst for adventure, a love of science fiction, and a fascination with worlds and in depth stories. This is a well thought out, perfectly imagined Galaxy, full of unique and strange aliens, robots and other creatures. It is sure to instill the urge to explore and dream of the stars and what might be lurking deep in space. This is also a great story about the issue of fame. I had just been talking about this with my sister and friends. The idea that someone is at first drawn in by the glamour of fame, the riches and wealth, the power and spotlight. But the reality is quite different. Once you are famous you become an idealized version of yourself and everything you do then becomes scrutinized ten times more than if you were just 'human', a simple individual living a simple life. That those with fame are put on a pedestal and must at once try to be the best they can, knowing that their actions affect millions, while also trying to be themselves and not a commodity for others. It is a tightrope walk, a very hard place to be, and a life I would never envy, no matter the riches. Because, all of your fans quickly forget that you are just like them, that you too are 'human' and make mistakes. P.S. Quotes around human, because in this graphic novel all of Zita's fans are aliens or other. Also, in terms of fame, it is often used as a shield to hide horrific and unforgivable acts against others.
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