NICK THE SIDEKICK

Nick never gives up faith in his own abilities even when others try to relegate him to the sidelines in this oddball, quick-paced graphic novel.

In a dramatic, full-page panel, readers are introduced to caped hero Nick, silhouetted against the moon, standing atop a building—or is it a garbage can? The omniscient narrator shifts gears: If he’s not a superhero, Nick must be a sidekick. But Nick rejects the typical role, breaking the fourth wall and forcing the narrator to backtrack. Left turns and surprises such as this abound in this irreverent romp, which features a mostly white cast. Readers are treated to a colorful retelling of Nick’s early life and his special ability: excellent hearing powered by superbig ears. While those ears appear comical—and boy, does Nick hear about it—they can be used to good effect. Often cranky, sometimes dispirited, Nick will impress readers most with his bounce-back, never-give-up attitude, especially when he’s paired with vainglorious buffoon Super Fantastic Guy. Well-paced panels, vibrant colors, and tongue-in-cheek asides keep the action popping along. In most scenes, Super Fantastic Guy dwarfs Nick, but no one outranks him. In fact, the duo might just start to work together—just not before one gets his comeuppance and the other his reward. Nick, Super Fantastic Guy, and the villains all present white, with people of color largely limited to one journalist and bystanders.

A light read with a not inconsiderable punch.