November 28, 2022
Traveling alone, Pluto Rocket, an effervescent pink biomorphic alien with striped antennae, has just arrived on Earth to carry out a top-secret mission: find out what life is like in an Earth neighborhood. Soon, she meets Joe Pidge, a boater-wearing pigeon self-proclaimed as “the hippest, coolest, most awesome dude around.” In three chapters depicting classic fish-out-of-water shenanigans, the duo tour Joe’s quirkily diverse community—the diverting “neigborhood-ians,” as Pluto deems them, include more talking animals, Abraham Lincoln, a Brunhilda figure, and a T. rex—as the pigeon teaches Pluto how to rock her own personal style, adopt contemporary slang (“MIND BLOWN!”), and savor tacos. Joe isn’t solely in charge, however, and not all of his lessons go according to plan; upon discovering that the pigeon’s favorite taco stand is closed, the alien “formulates” an exact facsimile out of thin air. In this madcap graphic novel series’ inaugural tale, Gilligan (the King of the Mole People series) imparts somewhat standard lessons about friendship and sharing, but its saucy vibe and Pluto’s boundless curiosity, optimism, and extraterrestrial wizardry will easily melt even the most streetwise bird’s heart. Ages 6–9.
January 1, 2023
Pluto Rocket is on a secret mission to "find out what life is really like here on...'the neighborhood.' " Joe Pidge, a cocky pigeon with a penchant for coining phrases, is the perfect guide for Pluto, a magenta rocket who has landed on Earth. But first, Pluto must change her hat because it is identical to Joe's "super-flavio look." After rejecting several ridiculous alternatives, Joe decides Pluto's natural magenta- and purple-striped antennae are amazing and encourages her to refuse to blend in. Joe then takes Pluto to taste the best taco, but when they find Taco Terry's closed, Pluto "formulate[s]" an alternative "out of thin air." Wowing the neighborhood with her tacos, Pluto gets too much attention for someone on a secret mission, so Joe creates a pigeon disguise for her, but she still stands out. A jealous Joe tries to regain his status as the most outstanding pigeon. Although he is again super-flavio, Joe is sad that Pluto will return home at the end of her mission and recognizes that friendship, sealed with a hug, is what matters most. The story ends with a promise of a sequel when someone on Pluto's planet wonders where she is. Uncluttered, colorful cartoon art helps tell this sweetly funny story of the eager adventurer Pluto and her guide, Joe, who transforms from braggart to best friend. Humor and dynamic characters create a tale of cooperation, sharing, and friendship. (Graphic novel. 6-9)
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Starred review from December 2, 2023
Gr 1-4-When alien Pluto Rocket lands on Earth to investigate and carry out her secret mission, she buddies up with the first Earthling she sees: a fashionable pigeon named Joe Pidge. From there, the two go on a variety of adventures, often revolving around Pluto Rocket's excitement and unfiltered magic, which pairs well against Joe's brashness and obliviousness. The ending of the third chapter hints at exploring more of Pluto's home planet and truly moving the story forward, a welcome contradiction to similar stories that are content to spin their wheels, and it will be fascinating to see this series develop. Gilligan's offbeat, random humor ensures that the stories are fresh, and the laughs are genuine, such as ending a story with a merry-go-round hat that can shoot French fries. The simple yet charming character design nicely matches the understated color palette, placing the focus on the humor and the developing friendship. VERDICT This first installment of "Pluto Rocket" is not one to miss.-Peter Blenski
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