QUINCREDIBLE

A teen superhero confronts the consequences of misplaced rage in this third series entry.

Quinton “Quincredible” West might be indestructible, but not everyone around him is. New Orleans is experiencing a water crisis, and his mother ends up among those who are hospitalized with a mysterious illness stemming from the contamination. Quin, a Black teen, investigates, but as he starts zeroing in on whoever is poisoning the water supply, his father is targeted in an attempt to stop him from looking any further. With the help of some friends, Quin must face his fears if he wants to save everyone. This graphic novel series continues to stand out for the refreshing support Quin’s parents provide him, a departure from the isolated hero storylines that are more common. The story opens with a charming family scene in which Quin feels foolish in a new disguise his parents are helping him with: “Mom, a hero’s costume is supposed to scare the bad guys, not make them laugh.” “I know, but you’re adorable….” Misguided anger is at the center of the assorted villainy of this story, which explores various kinds of rage that are rooted in fear and refreshingly seeks to provide plausible reasons for the villains’ motives. Espiritu’s expert line work and Blackwell’s moody color palette with pops of warmth give this graphic novel a distinct look.

A satisfying teen superhero story centering on an appealing lead.