Planetary Vol. 4: Spacetime Archaeology
Gr 10 Up–After six years, the final volume of this critically acclaimed homage to pulp heroes and superhero comics is finally available. Ellis does not disappoint, wrapping up the epic series as dramatically as one would expect. Planetary is an archaeological organization dedicated to uncovering the hidden history of the 20th century–a history of heroes, monsters, and magic largely unknown to the general public–in order to benefit humanity. A group of superpowered scientists, known as "the four," are also in the process of gathering similar information, but for less-noble purposes. Elijah Snow, Jakita Wagner, and The Drummer–representing Planetary as field operatives–need to find the four and stop them before they become too powerful. The plot concludes with a face-off between Snow and Randall Dowling, the four's mastermind. Engaging as the story itself may be, Planetary's brilliance lies more in the rich history of comics and comic lore that Ellis draws from and cleverly weaves into the narrative from beginning to end. This book stands shoulder to shoulder with such great works as Neil Gaiman's "Sandman" and Alan Moore's "Swamp Thing" (Vertigo).Jason M. Poole, Webster Public Library, NY© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.