Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks

Something interesting is going on inside Gordon Yamamoto’s left nostril, something which could change his understanding of the world… if he was just smart enough to figure out what’s going on. Luckily for the Microids of the San Peligran Order whose tiny space ship has crashed in Gordon’s sinuses, Gordon has never been very bright leaving most of his neurons and synapses unused. The Microids have developed a sophisticated system of data storage to protect the earth, using dumb jocks’ empty brain cells for file storage and data recovery. Until now, Gordon has lived with the San Peligrans’ files taking up most of his brain space, obliviously tormenting weaker, geeky kids at school with his pack of cretinous friends and nearly failing every class. The current problem of the crashed data-collection ship can’t be ignored, forcing the Microid pilot to reveal himself to Gordon in order to make some repairs. To Gordon’s dismay, the broken-down ship can only be fixed with a manual that the pilot must download from another data storage device down the street – Miles: the King of the Geeks and the smartest, most picked-on guy at Gordon’s school. From here the story turns into a headlong melee of homicidal animal crackers, a donut that contains a rift in the space-time continuum, an abusive dad, and a genius baker named Sammy. I promise you’ll never think about blocked sinuses and baked goods in the same way after you read this story – whether or not this is a good thing, I’ll let you decide for yourself. Hidden within all the silliness, snot, and chocolate sprinkles is a sweet story of an unlikely friendship between adversaries and a reminder never to take stereotypes about geeks, dumb jocks, and bakers too seriously.

Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks
by Gene Yang
ISBN: 0943151953
SLG Publishing, 2004

Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order

Loyola uses food to control her dreams. Potato chips and cottage cheese take her to Antarctica, tapioca over mangos leads her to jungle swamps, but cornbread takes her to Saint Danger. This is where the story begins. Saint Danger has lost his faith in god, but he does believe in Loyola. He introduces her to his dream world, his group the San Peligran Order, and his vision for saving humanity. Loyola loves him, but after seeing his plans, she isn’t sure his vision matches hers. Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order is a small comic, but it packs a punch. Loyola is an engaging and clever character that’s easy to love, as are her friends. The questions this comic raises about faith and love are the kind that seem simple on the surface, but run very deep. Not looking for that much depth? Check this one out anyway, it won’t make you work unless you want to. This is a fun, engaging, and refreshing story that’s suitable for all ages.

Loyola Chin and the San Peligran Order
by Gene Yang
ISBN: 9781593620059
SLG, 2004