Due November 2020, this funny, clever and modern story is going to be your child’s newest reading series. Super Sidekicks #01: No Adults Allowed follows three superhero sidekicks who are tired of the “kick” part in “sidekick” (after all if they are so super, how come they can’t wash their own super costumes, walk their pets and clean their own secret hideaways?) Therefore, JJ and his fellow sidekicks, go off on their own. Here they learn what friendship is all about and though fighting the evil Dr. Enok might be tough, it is nothing for these clever kids, a super intelligent dinosaur and a surprise friend, when they work together. So, their lives are in danger? Big deal, their new friend needs to be saved!
Gavin Aung Than includes enough “kid humor” to keep the readers laughing and actually has a bit of charm for the adults. Overall a fun new series in graphic novels for the 8 to 12 age range. I was laughing, ewwing and groaning. The plot is obvious, but that is one of the reasons it is good as it is familiar and cozy. You get the “burst of excitement” while knowing the good guys win and the bad guys fly off in their underwear.
The art of Than is perfectly paired with the text. There are super colors, images and details. You know what is going on with a few “hidden in plain sight” details. The graphic novel format helps keep it simple but is not simplistic. And as mentioned, there is “kid humor” (and yes, that can translate into stereotypical “boy humor”) it can find an audience with most readers. In the vein of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Superman and Dav Pilkey (but more “fleshed out” and variety of characters) this will be a book your child will want to reread and I’m sure, find sequels as soon as they fly onto the shelves.
An afterwards by the author completes the fun.
