FAMILYFANS Books & Comics

FOXTROT: Houston, You Have a Problem

by Bill Amend

(Andrews McMeel Publishers)

Reader Appeal: All ages

Genre: Humor / Comic Strip Collections

Yet another Foxtrot release that’s sure to keep the whole family laughing! Houston, You Have A Problem is a collection of comic strip treasures, and includes many funny sequences in the live of the Fox family.

What could be better than more fun from the fictional Fox family: Jason, Peter, Paige, Andy, and Roger?

One of the best sequences in this book involves youngest son, Jason, playing the online game “World of Warquest” with his sworn enemy, Eileen Jacobson - without knowing it’s her. Together they’re a formidable team, but when Jason finds out Eileen’s identity, he’s torn between his hatred (or is that a crush?) for Eileen, and his love of Warquest. Another fun series involves Peter and Jason discussing what might happen if a cartoonist is sick. What unfolds as a result of this discussion is a great way for Amend to explore the life of a cartoonist, and the possible complications of his profession.

There are only a few of negative things to say about Houston, You Have A Problem. One is that some of the themes are repeated from older strips. For instance, strips featuring Quincy, Jason’s iguana, follow the same story lines as previous books. The back-to-school series was also a little too much of the same.

My only other complaint was that this book was much too short! Even with the minor things I just mentioned, I have to say I still really enjoyed every page of this entertaining little book. And, believe it or not, it's one everyone in my family - teen and old folks alike - fought to read.

So, whether you’re looking for a new Foxtrot book to add to your collection, or want to get started on collecting these books—this is a great book to pick up, read, and add to your bookshelf. Easily recommended for everyone in your family.

FAMILYFANS RATING: A

--TN

Note: All book or comics-related graphics in this column are standard publicity/promotional shots and are owned by their respective publisher.