What can I say about this book? Taken on first glance the book appears to be targeted towards younger children. The illustrations, character designs and even the feeling of the first few pages give that impression. Zed is much more than that, though. While reading, at the beginning at least, I was lured into a sense of security, a warm fuzzy feeling that this was going to be a simple book for children. I wasn't completely wrong, but Zed is a contradiction for certain.

It is deceptive in the manner in which it is presented. The artwork and design work, which is brilliant, has a innocent feeling to it. Several times through the course of the book I found myself comparing Gagne's work to that of Dr. Seuss. Michel Gagne seems to have a boundless imagination for creating odd looking creatures which leave you smiling. There were more than a few characters found in Zed that were inspired. The intergalactic host, T-Jay, being my personal favorite. A cross between a burnt matchstick and a flea is the only way to describe him.

The book, whiling maintaining and innocent visual feel, does have a number of instances of more adult nature. There are many instances of death, swearing and overall darker tones to be found in Zed. It is this truly jarring and unsettling switch between the two that I found most interesting about Zed. It was a slap in the face when this became evident that Zed was not what I originally thought it would be. I mean that in the most positive sense, however. The mixing of darker and lighter elements makes for a unique feel and an overall interesting tale.

If I had to complain about one aspect of the book, and as a reviewer it is my duty, it would be that the book moves at breakneck speed. Zed does contain a few moments of peace between the intensity, but I was often left reeling from the quick pace of the story. It is a minor complaint, though. It is up the individual reader to decide whether they prefer it like that or not.