YOUNG BLOOD

In this prequel set in the world of the popular Netflix series, teenage superheroes’ first ordinary night out turns into another Umbrella Academy mission to save the world.

A group of adopted siblings, trained to use their superpowers to fight crime, have been going on missions ever since they were preteens. After rescuing earthquake victims—and dispensing justice to the oil execs whose illegal fracking probably caused the disaster—the teens decide to sneak out and finally have some “normal” fun at a college party. Even non-superpowered sibling Viktor is invited to go along, since he’s the only one with practice being a regular person. For everyone else: “No powers tonight.” That promise goes out the window, however, when they realize they’re partying with a threat to both the college students and the Earth’s rotation. If they don’t step up and work together as a team for their first solo mission, everyone in the world could be in danger. While the premise is exciting, this story serves more as a character introduction and vehicle for repetitive teen angst than a well-paced adventure. There’s almost no action until the halfway point, and even then, it’s short lived. A publisher’s note indicates the respectful care taken to collaborate with actor Elliot Page and the show’s creators in the portrayal of Viktor in this story set prior to his transition. Main characters are diverse in race, gender, and sexuality.

Melodrama and meandering pacing overshadow a relatable cast of characters.