Animorphs: The Graphic Novel – The Message continues Michael Grant and Chris Gine’s adaptation of K.A. Applegate’s phenomenal YA series that took the late ’90s by storm. Like the books themselves, the fourth book primarily follows the perspective of Cassie. Having established the Andalite/Yeerk war in the first book, this one features the humans – Rachel, Jakes, Tobias, Cassie, and Marco – learning more about the Andalites and their perspective on the war. Cassie and Tobias begin having dreams featuring a call for help coming from the ocean. The discovery of a piece of Andalite ship wreckage on a beach leads the Animorphs to the realization that there might be an Andalite ship crashed under the waves. The team copies the DNA of some dolphins to begin their exploration, leading Cassie to think about the ethics of copying animals without their consent. This ethical quandary reflects Cassie’s connection to nature while also leading to a consideration of how the Animorphs use alien technology. Their experience as dolphins also leads the team to understand more about how animals interact on our planet. The story also introduces Aximili-Esgarrouth-Isthill, or “Ax,” the brother of Prince Elfangor, the Andalite who gave the Animorphs their powers. Through him, they learn more about the Andalites and the war itself. Like the preceding volumes, Gine does a phenomenal job portraying the body horror elements of the Animorphs’ abilities while using colors to differentiate between characters’ thought-speak and perspectives such as the whale’s mental images. As with its predecessors, this graphic novel is a great way for long-time fans of the series to revisit it or introduce it to their own children. ( )