As the Deer Flies

July 25, 2016
Savage, creator of the Savage Chickens webcomic, builds out the story of his Laser Moose character over three comics that see the laser-eyebeam-equipped mammal keeping vigilant watch over the forest. Laser Moose’s zap-first-and-ask-questions-later attitude is balanced by that of his sidekick, Rabbit Boy, who cheerfully rushes into potential danger, such as introducing himself to the sharp-toothed aliens that land in the first story. Laser Moose never lets his guard down (“Beautiful days are the worst,” he tells Rabbit Boy. “You have to be extra-focused on looking for evil when it’s a beautiful day”), but his zealousness often gets the best of him, as when he mistakes a deer eating berries in a shrub for a serious threat. “Well, you should eat berries in a less suspicious manner,” he tells the now-three-legged deer. In the second and third stories, Laser Moose faces off against a bear mutated by runoff from the local toxic waste factory and a mechanical squirrel created by his nemesis, Cyborgupine. It’s goofy, off-kilter fun, ideal for fans of shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe. Ages 7–12.

October 1, 2021
In a forest of oddball animal superheroes, what will happen next? From the idiosyncratic brain of online cartoonist Savage comes another episode in the action-packed adventures of Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy. Minimal text and colorful, simplified illustrations once again meld together in a story that feels at once off-the-cuff and quirkily inventive, and while it's not exactly Shakespeare, this zany selection is sure to make readers laugh and will leave those who love animal stories, simple adventure, kooky humor, and wacky wordplay clamoring for more. Like the others in the series, this is reminiscent of an old-school comic strip. The offbeat tale begins with a very confused eagle and an exhilarated deer (or was it vice versa?) and includes a plunge from a cliff, a brain swap, a clueless scientist, a devious villain, funny and familiar heroes, and, of course, a triumph over evil. What could be sillier or more fun? A science lesson about tree rings and an engaging activity round out the story and may lead youngsters to take another look at the natural world. A nice choice for reluctant readers as well as anyone who loves funny books, cartoons, or comics. A rambunctious addition to a fun-filled series that will make even the most solemn reader crack a smile. (Graphic adventure. 6-10)

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November 1, 2021

Gr 3-6-Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy are back for another installment of the action-packed comic series. After a quiet and meditative walk to view the oldest oak tree in the forest, they see their friend Frank the Deer leaping off a cliff. Though Laser Moose uses his laser vision to hastily create a safety net of trees, Frank sustains multiple injuries. When he awakens, he can't talk, but instead screeches like a bird. Something isn't right in the forest, and Laser Moose believes that there is a mystery to solve. What made Frank fall? What evil force is at work? Fortunately, Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy have experience tracking down their woodland enemies. They soon figure out that their number one foe, Cyborgupine, might be involved. Savage captivates his audience with succinct panel art and delightful quips from the characters. Savage keeps the adventure flowing with action on almost every page. Don't be fooled by the adorable illustrations-these animals are laser-shooting heroes with endless amounts of wit, and Frank's fall ("I'm fairly certain that his legs are not supposed to bend that way") may have readers wincing. VERDICT Dynamic animal characters and a sci-fi twist make this a satisfying addition that can easily stand alone.-Claire Moore, Manhattan Beach Lib., CA

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