Review by Booklist Review
In a world filled with superpowers, regular kid Leon can't help but feel a little ordinary. But that won't stop him from trying as he attempts to not only be a hero without any abilities but also navigate the difficulties of middle school and the hectic work schedule of his mom. The overall story of overcoming bullies and believing in yourself to save the day treads over familiar ground at this point, but the focus on kindness and modern sensibilities is certainly a welcome addition, and it's a refreshing change of pace to have a kid hero who's Black at the center of the story. Supersize panels with bold coloring truly make the stylized character designs pop and the action sequences come to life with plenty of classic superhero action. The various body types and skin tones represented in the artwork underscore the narrative that anyone can be a hero. Kids who loved Chad Sell's Cardboard Kingdom (2018) or Jason Reynolds and Raúl the Third's Stuntboy, in the Meantime (2021) will likely find Leon just as enjoyable.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Superheroes and supervillains alike populate a fictional metropolitan city in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel by debut solo creator Nicholas (Fist Stick Knife Gun). Black fifth grader Leon only wants two things: to get a smartphone, and to be a superhero. Though he has no powers of his own, Leon and his comics enthusiast best friend Carlos, portrayed with brown skin and square specs, use well-crafted zingers and book smarts to contend with bullies at Guillaume Elementary School ("My common sense is tingling," Leon says during a confrontation with a "jerk face" tormentor). When Leon's former best friend Clementine, a shape-shifter whose parents are heroes, deploys a cruel prank on Leon, he gets discouraged. But after noticing his classmates obsessing over a mobile video game that's turning them into zombies, he uses his common-sense skills to save his peers. Full-page spreads of supers fighting giant villainous plants--coupled with Leon's internal dialogue, which is often presented as flowcharts, putting a meta spin on classic superhero narratives--are rendered in bold, poppy palettes. Nicholas's innovative tale, brimming with fully fleshed out characters and bombastic battle sequences, is one to revisit again and again. Ages 8--12. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Oct.) ■
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A young boy tries to figure out how to prove himself in a world of superheroes in this graphic novel series opener. When he's not inventing his own problem-solving gadgets, Leon is studying superheroes, daydreaming, and hanging out with his best friend, Carlos. In this universe, some people just have superpowers and some don't. Clementine, the bully hall monitor, for example, can shape shift, and one-eyed Thaddeus grapples with the legacy of his villain grandfather. To his dismay, Leon himself doesn't have any superpowered abilities, though he dresses in a spiffy matching ensemble of bright green glasses, cape, and gloves. He wonders about his place in the world as an ordinary person and his ability to make a positive difference. Thankfully his loving mother is there to offer support. In addition, something strange is happening with students who can't look away from their cellphones, and Leon might be the only one who can help save the day. This is a silly and fun-filled story with a heartwarming throughline about not needing special abilities to have an impact on one's community. The art uses exaggerated features and expressions to produce a comical, cartoony style that fits with the jovial plot. Leon is Black, and the supporting cast is racially diverse. A solid, action-filled comedy with a crucial message. (Graphic fiction. 8-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
