English / New Zealand
Helen and the Go-go Ninjas
Bennett, Michael
(text)
Sang, Ant
(illus.)
[Auckland], New Zealand: Penguin Random House New Zealand, 2018. – [260] p.
ISBN 978-0-14-377124-1
Global warming | Scientific experiment | Mind control | Time travel | Slavery | Dystopia | Science fiction | Graphic novel
Reading age: 13+
White Ravens issue: 2019
For this dystopian graphic novel, renowned writer and filmmaker Michael Bennet has teamed up with award-winning cartoonist and illustrator Ant Sang. They deliver a captivating sci-fi adventure that can be devoured in one sitting, yet is much more than superficial action entertainment. The multi-layered time-travel story tackles serious issues. Starting off in the present, when ambitious young scientist Marion is about to present a revolutionary discovery of his, the story immediately picks up pace with the kidnapping of eco-activist Helen, Marion’s girlfriend, by a mysterious team calling themselves the Go-Go Ninjas. The amazon-like fighters take Helen forward into the year 2355, where she witnesses a post-global-warming world controlled by huge floating “peace balls” that turn people into brainless slaves. Helen joins the ninjas when she realizes she may have the key to save the world. The diverse cast of characters and the combination of action-driven, thought-provoking, and witty scenes are just two aspects that make this a highly satisfying read.