Leave It to Chance Volume 2: Trick or Threat

Writer James Robinson and artist Paul Smith set out to create a series that could be enjoyed by kids and adults and they definately achieved it. Chance Falconer is the daughter of the Falconer, latest in a line of heroic mages. The Falconer tradition has been handed down from father to son for generations, but Lucas Falconer has no son. Chance wants the opportunity to be the next Falconer but her father would rather she grow up and marry, and the Falconer can pass off the tradition to his grandson. In the town of Devil's Echo the supernatural is an everyday occurance, and there's always something happening which Chance can use to prove herself, or, more likely, get herself in trouble. Volume two collects issues 5-8 of the monthly title. In "Trick or Threat," in which Chance helps a boy save his pet monkey from being a sacrifice by a gang of cultists. This is followed by a two-part story in which Chance is sent to an all-girls school to keep her out of trouble, but there she ends up fighting the ghost of the dreaded pirate Captain Hitch. Then, back in the city, while hanging out with her new friends from school Chance is forced to confront "The Phantom of the Mall." Paul Smith's artwork is gorgeous. It's simple but dynamic and has a lot of energy. The characters are distinct and interesting. The scenery and backgrounds, be it in the city, the hills or the ocean, are always good. He truly is a master storyteller. The only place this book falls short is the few pop culture references in the dialogue which younger readers might not get. This book really is a lot of fun. I highly recommend it.