Graphic Novel Review – Sidekicks by Dan Santat (4.5/5 stars)

Reading level: Middle Grade/Children’s
Genre: Action/Graphic Novel
Size: 224 pages
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Release Date: July 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0439298193
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Borrowed from library
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I originally saw this book listed on the Amazon Vine program, I ended up not being able to get it through there…but still really wanted to read it. Then I saw it at the library last weekend and decided to borrow it. This was a fun super hero comic that even younger kids can enjoy.

This book is about Captain Amazing and his faithful pets. Captain Amazing is looking for a new sidekick and all of his pets (a gerbil, a dog, and a lizard) want to be the one to be picked. Each of them has a special superpower and they try to enlist the help of Captain Amazing’s former sidekick (a cat with some anger issues) in getting all ready and trained for the sidekick tryouts.

The illustrations through this graphic novel are excellent. They are well done and, for the most part, pretty easy to follow. They are in full color and beautiful.

The story is great and easy to understand on multiple levels. Beyond the superhero training and the funny parts where the pets are doing crazy superhero things, there are some great messages. The story addresses loyalty, teamwork, forgiveness, and the value of thinking before you act.

The story moves quickly and is very entertaining. There is a bit of cartoon violence but it should be appropriate for kids of most ages, even young kids. My son is four years old and he was entraced by the story because it had a superhero cat, dog, and hamster!

The only thing I noticed that could have been done better are a couple of parts where the drawing and story get a little confusing. I had to look back and forth a few times to figure out what was going on and my son didn’t get it at all until I explained it to him.

Overall this is a great graphic novel. It is one of those few that both adults and kids can really enjoy. The pictures are in full color and very nicely done. The story is entertaining yet sends a variety of good messages as well. Definitely a must read for super hero fans, especially super hero fans of the younger age set.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– 100+ Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novels Challenge List