Daisy Kutter: The Last Train

Kibuishi, Kazu. Daisy Kutter: The Last Train. Viper Comics: 2006. ISBN: 0975419323.

Plot Summary:
Daisy is a former gunslinger who has retired and opened a general store in a small western town. The store is not exactly profitable, but it is something to do. Tom, the town marshal, is important because he is Daisy's former partner in crime and otherwise. The relationship was broken off because Tom changed sides, he now works for the law. He gentle chides Daisy now and again encouraging her to to join him as an assistant. The idea is repulsive to Daisy, she has her own moral code. A rich gambler shows up in town asking to play a few rounds of poker with Daisy. Against Tom's advice she joins the game. Daisy's restlessness leads to recklessness as she gambles her store away. As it turns out, the gambler is interested in Daisy for more than a poker game. Daisy, eager for some action accepts the gambler's proposal which leads to unforeseen circumstances that change her life forever.

Critical Evaluation:
Drawn in black and white, this graphic novel is compelling as the story of a young woman dealing with her demons and trying to be true to herself. Daisy is a positive role model for a female in a graphic novel. Her talents and power have nothing to do with her looks or sexual identity. At the end of the story the author has included early sketches of Daisy and other characters. A really fun feature is the 'Pin-up Gallery, several illustrators have drawn their rendition of Daisy. The characters include a blend between old west and science fiction, with robots and mechanized weaponry. This type of convention is called steampunk and usually features Victorian styles with Orwellian technology.

Reader's Annotation: Your actions reflect who you are inside. Are you brave enough to live out loud?

Information About the Author:
Kazu Kibuishi was born in Japan and moved to the United States as a young child. He attended UC Santa Barbara and now lives in Alhambra, California. Kazu has received critical acclaim for the Flight Anthologies. This comic series is edited by Kazu Kibuishi and features new and up and coming artists. Daisy Kutter: The Last Train was named to the 2005 ALA Best Books for Young Adults list.

Genre:
Alternative Formats/Graphic Novel

Curriculum Ties:
A discussion of George Orwell, 1984 and their effects on literature.
Can a criminal reform and become a productive citizen?

Booktalking Ideas:
Daisy taking the risk of gambling her store and losing it in a poker game.
How do emotions effect our decisions?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th+

Challenge Issues:
Violence

To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why Book Included:
I liked the idea of a comic book with a female protagonist that was not sexualized.