Daniel X: the manga by James Patterson with Michael Ledwidge

This is the manga-ised version of the first book in the Daniel X series, and while I am not usually a fan of turning books into graphic novels because it always seems like it is just an attempt to make more money, that is not the case this time.  With these graphic novels (there are also graphic novels based on the Witch & Wizard and the Maximum Ride series) I don't get that same feeling, and it may partly be because James Patterson is such a supporter of encouraging children and young adults to read - and it doesn't matter what they are reading. 

One of my favourite reading philosophies is that reading is reading and should be encouraged.  If your child, teenager, husband, whatever is reading then encourage them - it doesn't matter if it is high literature, a graphic novel, a magazine, cards from the latest fad of collectors cards, or even the back of a pack of biscuits it is still reading.  Daniel X is not high literature but it has been richly illustrated and brought to life, complimenting the book of the same name, and allowing more people to become engaged with this series. 

Daniel X lost his parents when he was only 3 years old, watching them die at the hands of an alien known as The Prayer.  He escapes, but he also suddenly finds himself on his own, The List his only possession.  Fast forward 12 years and Daniel is now a fully fledged alien hunter, tracking down and eliminating the aliens that populate The List - aliens that want to enslave, eat, or eliminate the people of Earth.  Daniel is moving up the list and is about to take on Number 6 - but is he biting off more than he can chew?  I won't say anymore, but you can easily loose yourself in this interesting trwist on the aliens-amongst-us science fiction.

If you liked this graphic novel then try:

• Maximum ride: the manga by James Patterson
• Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland by James Patterson

Reviewed by Brilla