PUGS FROM PLANET X

Space pugs have invaded Kittyopolis, and it’s up to Max, Mindy, and friends to save the day!

Max Meow, a cat, and Mindy, a brown-skinned human girl, became superheroes Cat Crusader and Science Kitty, respectively, because of powers bestowed upon them by a space meatball. Now a group of pugs have arrived by spaceship with the intent to steal it. Meanwhile, previous foes Agent M, a mouse, and Big Boss, a squirrel, are in prison until robot Reggie comes to break them out. Thankfully, these former evildoers decide to, at least temporarily, join forces with Max and Mindy. Rounding out their crew is newcomer Rex Rocket, aka Cosmic Wiener, a blue dachshund (Mindy remarks that “he really needs a new nickname”). It’ll take teamwork and a bit of science to save the town and maybe the whole galaxy. While a prologue brings newcomers up to speed, this story will be most satisfying to readers of previous installments, particularly as it finally provides background information about the mysterious meatball. As with the other volumes, readers can expect a great deal of silliness, sometimes veering into the absurd, tons of action, and numerous pop-culture spoofs. Vibrant colors and a lot of movement within the panels add appeal. Underneath the goofiness, there’s a nice sentiment about the transformative power of books and the delights of friendship and acceptance.

Fluffy fun with extra wackiness.