Early Book Review: Xoc: The Journey of a Great White by Matt Dembicki and Evan Keeling

Xoc: The Journey of a Great White by Matt Dembicki and Evan Keeling graphic novel scheduled for release on July 25 2012. This graphic novel is an adventure, and a educational story, about the journeys of one great white shark. Xoc, the female great white, is the reader's eyes and heroine. She journeys from the Farallon Islands near California to Hawaiian waters. The 2,300 mile trip is full of dangers, both natural and man made. The images are clear and realistic, fully disclosing the blood and danger that can be found in our waters.

Xoc was an enlightening and interesting read. I knew that many ocean creatures traveled far as a normal part of life, but seeing the larger picture of what even the most fearsome predators can encounter on these journeys is fascinating. While there could have been even more done with the story, more about the journey itself, I think the graphic novel offers enough to keep readers interested and encourage further exploration of the topic. There is not a tremendous amount of depth into ocean life, but there is a realistic look which includes some of the hazards that we create along side the dangers nature provides.

I recommend Xoc to older children, teens, and adults that want a clear and honest look at what mankind is doing to the oceans. I think readers that love learning about sharks, turtles, and other ocean dwellers will enjoy this graphic novel. The details about how whales, turtles, sharks, seals, and man co-exist is eye opening and a little scary.