GeekMom caught up with Ben on the eve of the book’s release.

In a GeekMom review, Zita was described as knowing “that friends don’t give up on each other, and everyone should help the helpless.” And Booklist‘s glowing review of Book 3 says Zita “saves the day with the kind of heroic pluck that’s garnered her so many admirers, both in her universe and ours.” Her kindness is a favorite trait for many readers, this one included. © First Second BooksĪ father of four daughters–one of them named Zita, no less–Ben has created a heroine who is brave and smart, and never forgets to be kind as well. Zita is held captive in a lonely dungeon on a hidden planet, putting her cleverness to the test as she plots the galaxy’s greatest jailbreak. But with the latest in his graphic novel series for young readers, hitting bookstores this week, Ben has presented Zita’s biggest challenge yet. With her shiny black boots and billowing green cape, Zita has bravely waged battles with space monsters and stared down some of the universe’s foulest villains. 'Jack and Zita make a stunning team in this high-stakes adventure-a must for fans of both series.Graphic artist and author Ben Hatke is back with another thrilling installment in his Zita the Spacegirl series, The Return of Zita the Spacegirl (First Second), featuring more derring-do from the beloved intergalactic heroine. 'Readers can hope this is the beginning of many adventures with this crew, but if it turns out to be the end of both series, well, it’s an utterly satisfying one.' - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'Hatke offers up a hit parade of characters both human and otherwise, with plenty of fearsome creatures in his classic style.' - Booklist 'Retaining the humor, daring exploits, and dynamic cartooning of Hatke’s previous books, the crossover is enjoyable and satisfying, if at times a tad predictable, and could serve as either a solid epilogue to both series or as the start of a new chapter in a larger shared universe.' - Publishers Weekly 'Hatke's latest adventure is a wonderful and exciting page-turner, seamlessly blending dragons, giants, robots, and portals to other worlds, creating instant appeal for almost any young fan of graphic novels, fantasy, fairy tales, or science fiction.Perfection.' - Kirkus, starred review

Zita the spacegirl series order