Chosen by Mark Millar and Peter Gross

Jodie Christianson is a 12-year-old boy living in a small town in Illinois. While walking in the woods with a couple of friends (in search of a thrown away pornographic magazine, no less) Jodie comes across a bridge that has vehicle traffic overhead. Suddenly, an accident occurs on the bridge, and a giant trailer-truck comes crashing down on Jodie, who is distracted playing a video game with his digital watch.

The driver of the truck is taken to hospital with severe injuries. To the town's shock, however, Jodie survives the accident without even a scratch. On his return to school, Jodie -- who is a notoriously poor student -- begins to answer any question that his teachers ask him, while performing a series of miracles such as curing the sick and turning water into wine. As these seemingly impossible acts begin to accumulate, Jodie is told that he is the Son of God, while still dealing with the fact that he is in junior high.

This comic book is truly brilliant. With a highly original story, gorgeous illustrations and a unforgettable ending, it is a wonderful read. If you are a comic book reader (or even a fan of science fiction and fantasy) this short graphic novel is a must read.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Flynn's World by Gregory McDonald

It's shaping up to be a bad day for Boston police inspector Francis Xavier Flynn. First, his daughter Jenny wakes him up in order to bring him to a cemetery where her friend Billy is nailed to a tree. Then, after returning home (and freeing Billy), his wife Elsbeth tells him that Captain Walsh has called to say that he was going to be fired today. In between all of this chaos, Insp. Flynn is assigned to protect a Harvard professor that is being threatened, while uncovering a racist cop that only arrests minorities.

This book is an easy and fun read. It's perfect for those moments at a cottage or on a weekend when you want to kick back and read through a fast book. In terms of its literary quality, however, it is so-so.  For starters, the dialog often sounds like a punch line to a failed joke, while the various intertwining plots are largely treated as mere gimmicks or page fillers to the main story. In short, this  book won't awe you, but if you are looking for an enjoyable read during a rainy Sunday afternoon then this novel is a good choice.

2 out of 5 stars