It is no secret that I am on this graphic novel kick right now. I am assuming many of you are thinking, “Comic books?” Well, folks. I was like you once. But then I realized, yes, there are graphic novels that are more comic book-like and there are other graphic novels that are deeper than what we associate with comics. Yet, today, comics are not the “easy read” we once thought them. They can be deep, dark, talk about issues in ways that we can relate and not always realize we are getting an important message.
This book does not have any of that.
This is a down-right corny story about 13-year-old Superman (aka Clark Kent) and a special friend that is perfect for the 7- to-10-year-old reader. Superman of Smallville by Art Baltazar and illustrator Franco is a story about how Superman meets a super-special friend. It is meant to be an introduction to the Man of Steel (or in this case, the Boy of Sneakers). It is meant to get the child who is probably a reluctant reader to read; or for visual learners; or for the child ready for more text, but still needs the illustrations to sort the story out more for them.
The story is straight forward (mom and dad worry about Clark, Lana is the best friend, Lex Luther is a baddie, something (not Superman, or is it?) causing trouble). The story is simply fun. The illustrations are straight forward (mom and dad worrying about Clark, Lana being the best friend, Lex Luther is a baddie, the something a flash of dust). This is just a good-old-fashioned relaxing read.