Review: Supers – A Little Star Past Cassiopeia
New schools are one thing. Having to deal with not knowing where anything is, the cafeteria card snafu and bullies. Throw in the fact that the three new students are in fact displaced aliens, left to hide on Earth by their parents and every problem gets magnified.
Matt, Lily and Benji are the kids in question. Along for the ride is their main care giver, Al, an AI who sort of looks after the mundane things like finances and grocery shopping. Matt has an old head on his shoulders; he is concerned that if the trio use their powers then eventually things will go pear shaped. Putting the powers to one side, each kid has to deal with their respective issues. Trying to hide in plain sight is hard when you are super smart, get tutored by the a girl who ends up being the girlfriend of the bully that you upset at lunch; and that’s just Monday!
Frederic Maupome has written a story that should suit all ages and a mix of fans. For some, this book could be a coming of age book; for others it’s a retelling of sorts of the super hero genre. Maupome sets the scenes well, with nuance added to the various themes in play. Reading the book I honestly didn’t know which aspect is my favourite. The script works well, with familiar arguments being played out in the school yard and the home, set against the loss of their parents, which acts as a constant anchor for the trio. Matt is the protective older brother, Benji is the young impetuous one with Lily being in the middle both in age, maturity and her own personal need, even going as far as having telepathy which at this stage is pretty much a metaphor for being the heart and soul of the family.
The art is by Dawid, which emphasises the European feel, which is quite obvious bearing in mind the French origin. The short body, long arms and legs does take a little getting used to, but once you have it down, you recognise the story telling expertise on show. Each character is shown within their own little world, for the most part, which comes with their own little bits of hell. The colors are a painted affair that, again, shows the French connection; the fire scenes probably being the most effective parts.
Supers won the first ever Youth Award from ACBD (the French Association of Comics Critics) and reading this high quality almost all ages book, you can definitely see why.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Frederic Maupome
Art by; Dawid
Published by; IDW / Top Shelf
Author Profile
- 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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