The Super Sons series should be read back-to-back as it had been at least a year since reading book one (The Polarshield Project) and I had forgotten the action/plot of the book. This made reading book two, The Foxglove Mission, awkward to say the least. Book two of Ridley Pearson’s graphic novel series is obviously the “middle book.” There is the buildup, some action, but in the end, you know it is the diving board for you to jump into book three. It is not a standalone title, but the title that bridges you to the finish the series. It is a quick read but also plot slow with the minimal story. It is not a standalone title. The age rang is stronger 6-7 but probably best for 8 to 10 who like superheroes and is looking for a graphic novel/superhero story with a more modern feel.
The story follows the sons of Clark Kent (aka Superman) and Lois Lane, Jonathan Kent, and Bruce Wayne (aka Batman), Ian Wayne. They and two other friends (Tilly and Candace, who has a big secret of her own) deal with terrorists, their legacies of famous fathers, global warming, flooding, and middle school. This book focuses slightly more on Candace and her secret than book one did (I do remember that), but the two Super Sons are center stage. A modern story of environmental issues, mixed with technology and magic makes for a potentially great series, but falls a bit flat for the adult readers. However, a must need for kids.
The plus for me is the illustrations. They tell the story, but also the text is enough to compliment that. It is heavy on color, details and Ileana Gonzalez pulls you into Pearson’s story. Their art is eye catching, busy, and typical comic book/graphic novel art.
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