Horn Book Review
Veteran superhero Captain Amazing is getting old, and when he decides to hold auditions for a new sidekick, his pets -- a dog, a hamster, and a newly acquired chameleon -- hope to win the role. They each train seriously for the next month, but while fighting crime they often get into more trouble than they bargained for. On one such escapade, they run into a mysterious cat who turns out to be Captain Amazing's erstwhile pet and sidekick. Meanwhile, Captain Amazing's nemesis, Dr. Havoc, has recently been released from prison and has stolen a powerful belt that jeopardizes the entire city. Of course, only with the combined help of all the sidekicks does the aging superhero prevail. Santat, who has previously illustrated picture books and chapter books, breaks welcome new ground here with what should be a popular graphic novel, thanks to the genre mash-up (animals and superheroes) and the appealing, cartoonish artwork with bold geometric shapes and bright primary colors. Young readers, moreover, may relate to the pets that simply yearn to spend more quality time with their overextended, workaholic owner. jonathan hunt (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A veritable bonanza of capes, heroes and pets with superpowers abounds in illustrator Santat's first solo graphic novel.Captain Amazing, the muscled hero of Metro City, is aging, and after a botched takedown of four nefarious villains, he decides he is in need of a trusty sidekick. Unbeknownst to Captain, his own pets are clamoring for the job (and for more quality time with their beloved owner). Fluffy, his hamster, has yet to discover his superpower, but this rodent has a lot of heart. Manny the cat (who has the ability to electrocute bad guys) had run away after his beloved toy Nummers went missing, but the prodigal cat returns just in time to help the Captain. Roscoe (a.k.a. Metal Mutt) has a gruff exterior but is fiercely loyal. Shifty, the newest addition to the family, is a color-changing chameleon who adds a dose of comic relief. The lovable menagerie of crime-fighting pets offers lots of laughs and a boisterous and exuberant storyline; Santat's illustrations are clear, engaging and neatly stacked into easy-to-read panels. While there is no mention of a sequel, subsequent volumes would certainly fly off the shelf faster than a speeding bullet, so here's hoping.A vibrant volume sure to zoom, pow and swoosh its way into the hands (and hearts) of young superhero fans. Extremely entertaining. (Graphic fiction. 8-12) ]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
