DANTE N. FERNO

The humor, insecurity, and running monologue characterizing Dante’s life hit the outdoors in this sequel.

Dante and his best friend, Virgil, are riding high after winning the Ring of Fire Quiz Tournament in the series opener. The trappings of school in Brimstone now give way to Sulphur Springs. Despite the summer camp’s dilapidated conditions, Virgil is enjoying his third stay there, down to practicing playing lute for the camp talent show. Dante is jealous of the attention and admiration that Barry, the cool demonic teenage program director who prefers to go by “Wolf,” gets from Virgil and campmate Bea. Dante takes baby steps toward maturity, such as when he confesses his feelings of insecurity to Virgil, nervously holds Bea’s hand when they sneak around in the dark, and fends off a dangerous villain. Gordon’s black-and-white artwork capably renders the many fantasy beings Dante meets, including an imp, a fairy, a lizard-squirrel, a sasquatch, a cyclops, and a giant spider. Gordon’s fans may spot cute homages to the birds from his “Fowl Language” webcomic as well as to Dr. Seuss. A couple of bullies bother Dante, but the mystery surrounding Wolf’s nighttime activities drives the story. The change in scenery in this sequel provides more opportunities for Dante’s trademark bad luck and snark, which even in the underworld make for a winning formula.

A young demon’s myriad misfortunes continue to be a reader’s delight.