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saidtheraina's review
3.0
Andrew lives in a world where superheroes (and supervillains) are real. His favorite superhero is Defender, a superpowered, red-goggled, blue-caped crusader. One day, Andrew mysteriously attains Defender-like abilities. What will he do with them?
Andrew’s story is told in a slick package – all in color, in a hardcover binding. The story, while somewhat predictable (as most superhero comics are), contains interesting characters and fun-looking gadgets. It’s a story told squarely to a kid-audience, though it does not shy away from PG-level violence (no blood, but plenty of guns and hitting). Andrew’s family life is slightly sad in its realism – his mother works a lot, and his older brother is a neglectful guardian.
The pages are set up in a variety of ways, and the full color of the story is engaging and enticing. Some of the linework is inconsistent, but this is a relatively minor complaint in an otherwise solid new superhero tale. A fun addition for kid-targeted superhero collections everywhere. \\pro review
Yep, fun, fine. I don't tend to fall over myself for superheroes.
Andrew’s story is told in a slick package – all in color, in a hardcover binding. The story, while somewhat predictable (as most superhero comics are), contains interesting characters and fun-looking gadgets. It’s a story told squarely to a kid-audience, though it does not shy away from PG-level violence (no blood, but plenty of guns and hitting). Andrew’s family life is slightly sad in its realism – his mother works a lot, and his older brother is a neglectful guardian.
The pages are set up in a variety of ways, and the full color of the story is engaging and enticing. Some of the linework is inconsistent, but this is a relatively minor complaint in an otherwise solid new superhero tale. A fun addition for kid-targeted superhero collections everywhere. \\pro review
Yep, fun, fine. I don't tend to fall over myself for superheroes.
theartolater's review
3.0
I love the continued turning of webcomics into trade books, and this webcomic (which is ultimately a throwback that works well for a middle grade audience) is about a 5th grader who inherits the powers of the local superhero. The story follows Smash as he learns how to use his powers and faces off against Mangus, the supervillain interested in stealing those powers for his own.
It's a fun story, a throwback as I said. It's cute and inoffensive, and I don't know for sure it works, but it was still a pleasant experience on a whole. Closer to a 3.5.
It's a fun story, a throwback as I said. It's cute and inoffensive, and I don't know for sure it works, but it was still a pleasant experience on a whole. Closer to a 3.5.
katiegrrrl's review
4.0
A young boy idolizes local superhero and through a freak accident absorbs his powers.
allicatbooks's review
4.0
This was adorable. I love a superhero story and this was just that for me. Not to dark or heavy, it is a children's book after all. While some of the story line felt a bit familiar (how many times have we seen a science experiment cause an accident with superheroic consequences?) it did not take away from the quirkiness of this particular tale.
miztrebor's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t read many graphic novels, but I’m happen I took the chance with this one.
I enjoyed the concept of having a ten year old character become a superhero. Most of the heroes of our modern mythology are in their late teens, at the youngest, and while that always brings with it real-life issues to go along with those of being a superhero, I think a ten year old can bring a fresh batch of obstacles to the mix. Andrew/Smash has to deal with a school bully, his older brother (also a, more mild, bully…like all brothers tend to be), and all the other “problems” of being young and not really fitting in. How can a kid that young juggle his normal life with his new superpowers? Well, this is something I hope future Smash books will explore.
In this first installment of the series, I felt that it was a strong début for the character and story. It’s a great origin story for Smash, with hints at many different sub-plots I can’t wait to see explored as well. I also liked the villain, Magnus. I see him as a strong and powerful foe. There wont’ be any easy battles for our young hero.
I think this, overall, is a great story with great artwork and while I feel it’s aimed at a younger audience (especially with today’s push toward educating kids about bullying), more seasoned superhero fans should enjoy this little guy. I’m looking forward to future Smash books.
I enjoyed the concept of having a ten year old character become a superhero. Most of the heroes of our modern mythology are in their late teens, at the youngest, and while that always brings with it real-life issues to go along with those of being a superhero, I think a ten year old can bring a fresh batch of obstacles to the mix. Andrew/Smash has to deal with a school bully, his older brother (also a, more mild, bully…like all brothers tend to be), and all the other “problems” of being young and not really fitting in. How can a kid that young juggle his normal life with his new superpowers? Well, this is something I hope future Smash books will explore.
In this first installment of the series, I felt that it was a strong début for the character and story. It’s a great origin story for Smash, with hints at many different sub-plots I can’t wait to see explored as well. I also liked the villain, Magnus. I see him as a strong and powerful foe. There wont’ be any easy battles for our young hero.
I think this, overall, is a great story with great artwork and while I feel it’s aimed at a younger audience (especially with today’s push toward educating kids about bullying), more seasoned superhero fans should enjoy this little guy. I’m looking forward to future Smash books.
amdame1's review against another edition
4.0
Andrew has always looked up to superhero, Defender, even dressing up as him on Halloween. When Defender is defeated by archenemy Magus, Andrew is inadvertently given Defender's powers. Wearing his homemade costume, he sets out to defend the innocent and bring evil-doers to justice - all the while trying to go to school, do his homework, and defend himself against the school bully.
Quite a fabulous graphic novel. I enjoyed it thoroughly and imagine that once it goes out, it won't sit on the shelf again for quite a while.
Quite a fabulous graphic novel. I enjoyed it thoroughly and imagine that once it goes out, it won't sit on the shelf again for quite a while.