Jaco the Galactic Patrolman

Dragon Ball creator Toriyama returns to comedic serials with the story of an eccentric alien who befriends a grumpy old man. Intergalactic peacekeeper Jaco is assigned to protect Earth from an incoming threat, but he crashes his spaceship on a remote island inhabited by Omori, a retired engineer. Although bothered by the whole ordeal, Omori offers to help repair Jaco%E2%80%99s vessel and send the diminutive extraterrestrial on his way. In the meantime, Omori needs to keep Jaco%E2%80%99s presence a secret, despite a nosy government agent, as well as Jaco%E2%80%99s attention-grabbing antics and powers. An orbit-bound pop idol doppelganger and a bit of %E2%80%9Ctime dilation%E2%80%9D round out the book%E2%80%99s mayhem, which%E2%80%94like its hero%E2%80%94offers a whole lot packed into a small space. Toriyama%E2%80%99s punchy dialogue and waggish spirit are still intact, and his art, although pared down, remains sharp in its sense of movement and pace in this back-to-basics one-off from one of the industry%E2%80%99s giants. As an added bonus, there%E2%80%99s even a special treat for Dragon Ball fans. All ages. (Jan.)