This print edition of the webcomic Galactic Hot Dogs compiles the first 26 chapters into a more or less cohesive tale featuring young Earth gamer Cosmoe and his hulking alien buddy Humphree. Rocketing through interstellar space aboard their futuristic hot dog stand, The Neon Wiener, the two start by trying to enter their Mega-Dog in the Great Intragalactic Food Truck Cook-Off, end by blowing up a humongous evil monster with a crate of Humphree's Hot Hot Sauce, and in between face challenges ranging from zombie space pirates to dealing with annoying stowaway Princess Dagger. The page design, which tends toward a mad, jagged jumble of fragmentary black-and-white action cartoons, boxes of hyped-up dialogue, splinters of narrative text in multiple sizes, and loud sound effects, takes getting used to but effectively conveys the furious pacing of the plot's roller-coaster array of feats and fails. Readers who have already stepped up to the Neon Wiener online will welcome newly added comments between chapters by a robotic sidekick.

Gr 3-6 The story of a young earthling, Cosmoe, and his alien sidekick, Humphree. Cosmoe and Humphree own a food truck called the Neon Weiner, where they concoct unique and eccentric hot dog recipes. Their story begins at the Intragalactic Food Truck Cook-Off in Space Port Funketoun. Cosmoe and Humphree have created the "best hot dog they have ever made," the Mega-Dog. They are convinced that it is their one-way ticket to fame and fortune, until Princess Dagger, daughter of evil Queen Dagger, attempts to steal their ship and their Mega-Dog. Eventually Princess Dagger admits that she doesn't want to be evil anymore and would rather be friends with Cosmoe and Humphree. The trio embark on an action-packed interstellar adventure that takes them to new planets and introduces to them to a huge cast of alien characters. The book is chock-full of illustrations, adding to the whimsical tone, though at times the crowded presentation of the pages might be overwhelming for some readers. The volume of goofy and silly made-up catch phrases littered throughout the narrative sometimes overpowers the story. VERDICT This title is best suited to a younger crowd that can appreciate the potty humor and fun illustrations. Annalise Ammer, City of Rochester Public Libraries, NY