Norman Shandler is that man. Surrounded by heroes, he has become something of an encyclopaedia regarding the city’s protectors. The main ramification for Norman is that he is victim numero uno for the villains, though with very little reason as he will always be saved. Norman has his hands full; he has a superhero for a flatmate, a dog, a couple of would be saviours who take a bit of a personal interest in him, all to go with the attention from the villainous Cat-Tastrophe
This book is written by Charlie McFarland who has a specific number of cards to play and play them he does, with alarmingly regularity. First time around its fun, but as the book progresses Norman’s situation engenders a repetitiveness that becomes old. That’s not to say that there isn’t funny moments, there are; some of the best may not be the focus of the panel, so keep your eyes open. The dialogue is self-explanatory for the most part with some observational humour thrown in for good measure. The problem is the conclusion which kind of just happens.
The art is provided by Aleksandar Jovic who gives Norman a kind of Peter Parker look though with a pot belly. Jovic gets to deliver a pseudo superhero style that also utilises comic strip nuances, in part it’s hero versus slapstick; I am not sure who wins! Panel design is decent, even if it reads like a Beano comic. There is no colorist or letterer listed, which is a shame as I thought that the letters were really tight in this book.
The book is in part a really good idea, though the repetitiveness gave me the feeling of it running out of steam. There are other formats that could be used in order to break the book down which in turn would separate the familiar beats and may help keep the unit price down.
Writing – 3 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
Written by; Charlie McFarland
Art by; Aleksander Jovic
published by Action Labs via Comixology
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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