HOW TO DATE A SUPERHERO (AND NOT DIE TRYING)

A college sophomore juggles her impossible schedule and her superhero boyfriend.

In a world of superheroes and supervillains, Astrid’s ability to infallibly know what time it is may be relatively unimportant, but it has served her well in organizing every moment of her superbusy life. A double major in biochemistry and biophysics, she aspires to be the best pre-med student at Columbia University. Sure, she barely has time to eat and sleep, but at least she manages to build in time for Max. But then Max—her lovely, sweet, earnest boyfriend—reveals that he is the superhero Kid Comet, and Astrid must find time to join a support group for superheroes’ significant others. It feels like too much, and Astrid starts to wonder if she can cope with the chaos and complications. This fun and funny take on superheroes goes back and forth in time, looking at the evolution of Astrid and Max’s relationship. Though it primarily delves into Astrid’s history through defining moments, past trauma, and living with generalized anxiety, the story also looks at what it feels like to be on the sidelines of superhero life. Supporting cast members are not as fleshed out as Astrid is, and overall, the characters sound younger than college students, but cuteness abounds in this charming story. Astrid and Max, who is bi, read White in a cast that is broadly diverse.

A romantic, breezy, delightful take on superheroes.