Banana Sunday [Paperback]

Root Nibot (Author), Colleen Coover (Author)

Book Description

Kirby Steinberg is having a bit of trouble fitting into her new school. Sure, there's the usual interest/antagonism associated with being from "somewhere else," but this time the new kid also happens to be the guardian for three talking monkeys. Chuck, the professorial orangutan. Knobby the love-stricken spider monkey. Go-Go, the befuddled golden gorilla. These monkeys have learned to speak thanks to the scientific processes of Kirby's father. Or have they? What's their real story? That's what Nickels - Kirby's new best friend and unfortunately dedicated school reporter - would like to discover. Can Kirby find time to develop a relationship with Martin, the dashing nerd? Steer clear of Skye, the high school's # 1 pocket of arrogance? Keep the three simians from causing untold catastrophes? And, above all, will Kirby be able to hide the real origin of these three monkeys from Nickels? Oh, probably not.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This charming paperback collects four issues of Nibot and Coover's delightful comic book series, Banana Sunday. The story introduces Kirby Steinberg, a high school girl with an unusual problem: she lives with the three divine monkeys. Literally. They are the Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil trio, and Kirby is charged with caring for them. Luckily, she makes fast friends with another outsider, a girl reporter named Nickels, and a photographer named Martin. Together, they look after the monkeys, try to keep out of harm's way and even have some fun, too. The story is brisk entertainment, not so dissimilar from Archie comics but with a decidedly hip, contemporary edge. Coover is a fine cartoonist—she has a light touch and a pretty line. Her characters have a full range of emotion, but retain a sense of elegance. Her work elevates what could have been a mostly silly story into an affecting, well-crafted comic. While clearly aimed at adults and kids, it might be teenagers looking for a solid, fun comic who get the most out of this. High school, monkeys and romance make an excellent combination. (Mar.)
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From the Publisher

Powells.com Staff Pick:

"Who doesn't love monkeys? Especially monkeys who... talk?! This fun-filled all-ages graphic novel is a mystery along with a story of friendship. Who are these monkeys? Where did they come from? And could they (and their human friends) be any cuter or more fun? I had a great time reading this story by Portland authors Root Nibot and Colleen Coover. Recommended by Jennifer, Powell's City of Books"

Fourth Rail:

"Banana Sunday is the kind of comic that has you laughing throughout and leaves you with a smile on your face. There's a wonderful innocence to it that makes it kid-friendly, but there's a sharp wit that makes it a joy for adults as well."

Comics Worth Reading:

"Banana Sunday is the kind of imaginative work that's perfect for comics. It's got a creative premise -- a girl named Kirby starts at a new school while taking care of three apes -- that would be too expensive or ludicrous to do anywhere else, yet it emphasizes internal conflict with sympathetic characters. The emotions are universal, such as young love on a first date or a reporter's conflict between loyalty and seeking the truth or the debate over how to stand up to a bully."

Silver Bullet Comics:

"This is the kind of story where you wind up the characters and watch them go. Nibot has a flair for characterization and the timing for character interaction down pat to make Banana Sunday a smooth, fast and fun read."

Ain't It Cool News:

"Coover's style is pure fun on the page, with sweet looking girls and silly little monkeys. A perfect combination, if you ask me."

Silver Bullet Comics:

"The words charming, "hoopy," "vootie" and "ginchy" just fail to describe the absolute wholesome goodness of Banana Sunday. If ever there was a book that needed to be read to be understood, it's this one."

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Oni Press (April 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932664378
• ISBN-13: 978-1932664379
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,973,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)