SORT OF SUPER

A tween superhero takes flight.

Eleven-year-old Wyatt Flynn, a pale, wiry boy with a shock of brown hair, has only just gotten a handle on his newfound superpowers. Flight, strength, speed, and invisibility are all at Wyatt’s disposal, but his father and sister, Adeline, still worry about him. Wyatt’s enthusiasm is equaled only by his fumbling, and a wrong move could expose him to the dangers of a government eager to imprison, enlist, or even dissect a superpowered being. Keeping his powers a secret from his friends is difficult enough, but not being able to use them to deal with the school bully or investigate the mysterious disappearance of his mother makes Wyatt even more frustrated. This brightly illustrated graphic novel with a racially diverse supporting cast perfectly captures the whiz-bang spirit of an unpretentious caped crusader comic. Wyatt and Adeline make for engaging protagonists, swapping quips and supporting one another in an earnest sibling relationship that’s effectively sketched. The panel work is dynamic, displaying Wyatt’s powers in fun ways that will keep readers engaged. The action’s crisp, the jokes are funny, and the sentiment is well earned. In a sea of middle-grade graphic novels and superhero knockoffs, this one expresses the best of both genres and blends them together well. Teases for sequels abound, and readers will be excited to join Wyatt and Adeline on more high-flying adventures.

A remarkable debut for a new young hero.