Mermin

Mermin, a refugee from the undersea land of Mer, first appeared in a series of five self-published comics, which have been compiled, reworked, and newly colored by Weiser (The Ride Home) in this collection. The title character is a green, bug-eyed, superstrong fish-boy who washes up on the beach, where he’s discovered by fifth-graders Pete and Toby, as well as Toby’s older sister. After Mermin saves Pete from a shark (a good old kick to the snout does the trick), the boy offers to take Mermin in. Middle-school shenanigans ensue as Mermin perplexes Toby’s classmates, parents, and teachers, while avoiding the water for reasons he won’t reveal. With the school pool filling up with fish and a whalelike mercenary lurking in the shadows, it quickly becomes clear that Mer isn’t letting Mermin go without a fight. The slapstick comedy, climactic battle scenes, and in-your-face cartooning add up to a story with the feel of an animated cartoon series, if not an especially ground-breaking one. Many questions about Mermin remain unanswered, suggesting that future adventures may be in store. All ages. (Feb.)■