Lerner Graphic Universe often produces interesting graphic novels in translation and this informational series starter, translated from 
Korean, is a fun addition to their catalog. Illustrated in manga style, in full color and translated for Western readers to read left to right, it offers a fun mystery with a spooky element as well as some scientific facts.
Kihan Shin, a 5th grader, is the leader of the Mystery Science Detectives and always eager to investigate. Hannah Kang is their photographer and, more importantly, their muscle. Terry, a 4th grader, is just there to relax, but he’s willing to help out with his technological expertise as well as fly his drone to check out their investigations. They’ve even got a mascot, a cute black and white cat named Kkami. Their first mystery begins when Yunjin Ryu, a baseball player, comes to tell them that he lost his signed ball in the spooky woods on the hill behind the school. While searching for it, he had several terrifying encounters, including what appeared to be zombie fingers!
Kihan enthusiastically insists the team set out to investigate immediately, even though its nearly dark. As they explore the forest, there are frequent dramatic pauses in the narrative for entries in their case notebook, highlighting facts about forest ecosystems and the creatures they encounter there including Yunjin’s “zombies.” Clues and quizzes are included along the way, so readers can review what they’ve learned and try to figure out the mystery on their own. The story ends with a report on what they learned, a teaser for their next case, and a short comic from the artist.
The characters have the big eyes, spiky hair, and exaggerated expressions readers have come to associate with manga. However, this is clearly aimed at a middle grade audience since the characters differ mostly in hair color and style – they have realistic child-shaped bodies and the jokes that make them blush are mostly bathroom humor. Even the jump scares are child-appropriate. They’re drawn with dramatic dark colors, creepy shadows, and the characters drip nervous perspiration. However, scary things are quickly explained in a couple pages as natural phenomena, usually followed by case notes or activities. Kihan spends a lot of time grinning smugly, his mouth wide open to display prominent front teeth while fourth grader Terry tries to project a laid-back attitude with his blase face, despite his often obvious nerves. Hannah is fairly equal with Kihan, having a reasonable amount of time on the page and showing off her strength as well as her photography skills throughout the story, but although her high red ponytail never has a hair out of place she’s shown with a variety of emotions throughout the story.
This is a good introduction to manga conventions for younger kids as well as a great addition to STEM-themed graphic novels and a good choice for kids who want to read a comic that’s not TOO scary.
The case of the Forest Fingers
By Chi-hyeon Ahn
Art by Gyung-hyo Kang
Lerner Graphic Universe, 2024
ISBN: 9798765627525
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
Creator Representation: Korean,
Character Representation: Korean,
