Be the Hero

The Mythics #4: Global Chaos is obviously the fourth graphic novel in the series by Patrick Sobral and Patricia Lyfoung. One should read them in order, but thankfully there is a recap at the start that not only introduces you to the characters, but it also gives a recap of what has previously occurred. The aged (strong) 8 to 13-or-14-year-old might not be able to jump into the middle like this, but I was able to piece together enough to get the idea of things. That is not to say it was easy or even pleasant to try. Therefore, read book one first.

When I first saw the cover, I thought it looked like a modern Dungeons & Dragons (if you are over a certain age, you will remember a so-bad-it-was-awesome cartoon staring the voices of Willie Aames, Don Most, Adam Rich, and Frank Welker as a unicorn called Uni). It also reminded me of She-Ra (a mix of modern and 1980’s) and of course, manga and anime. Seriously pop-off-the-page colors assault the eyes as the cover. This theme of boldness in the art (created by Philippe Ogaki) is throughout the graphic novel. Every panel and page are packed full, sometimes even to distraction. It sets the tone but may not always be fun to read if you want a quicker read.

The story is simple: Teen descendants of ancient beings like Freya, Horus, Hercules, and others from around the world including India, Japan, and Mexico, have been fighting Evil separate or in small pairs/groups. They have (spoiler) been tricked into freeing not only Gaia, but Chaos (think a cute anime girl who is a cross between Sailor Moon and a gaming girl but is called Him). And of course, Chaos lives up to their name, causing black holes and destruction to say the least. Our teens are not going to start out all Scooby Gang, but with a little help from their in spirt formed ancestors we see them start to realize, their mistake, therefore their mess that needs to be cleaned up together. The story will continue after their battle with Chaos, and it is directly connected to the chaos and evil that is infecting the world.

A mixture of intelligence, brawn, magic and teamwork makes an interestingly familiar, but new graphic novel.

If you are into mythology, teen mysteries, humor, magic, and superheroes, this might be the series for you.