Horn Book Review
Yang and Liew have crafted an origin story for the Green Turtle, a little-known (he only lasted five issues) World War II-era comic superhero created by cartoonist Chu Hing in 1944. Much about the series remains a mystery, as Yang shares in an author's note, but according to rumors Hing wanted his star to be Chinese, and, not surprisingly for the era, his publishers balked at the idea. Now seventy years later, Yang and Liew vindicate the cartoonist by imagining the Green Turtle as "perhaps...the first Asian American superhero." In the Chinatown of noir-ish San Incendio, a fictional "coastal city crowded beyond capacity," teenaged Hank wants nothing more than to quietly follow in his father's footsteps: run the family store, play a little mahjong, enjoy a quiet existence. But his mother has higher aspirations for Hank: she wants her son to be a superhero. Hank toils through the requisite trials and tribulations of the superhero-in-training, but Yang and Liew keep it fresh with abundant humor, strong characters, and cracking good action. As usual, Yang's nuanced portrayal of Chinese American culture adds depth to what might otherwise have been just another normal-kid-turned-superhero story. sam bloom (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A golden-age comic superhero returns with a brand-new Asian-American origin story.In 1944, a Chinese-American cartoonist created the Green Turtle, a World War II superhero who may have had a Chinese secret identity. Seventy years later, Yang (Boxers Saints, 2013) and Liew (Malinky Robot, 2011) have updated the Green Turtle with an openly Asian-American heritage. Growing up in Chinatown, Hank Chu dreams of becoming a grocer like his father. His mother makes other plans for his future, however, after she sees the local, white superhero in action. She sews Hank a costume, tries to help him acquire superpowers and even arranges for him to learn kung fu. Despite her efforts, Hank's superhero debut is a disappointmentone with tragic consequences for his family after it makes them a target for a local gang. Yang's funny and perceptive script offers clever riffs on familiar tropes and explores themes of identity, heroism and belonging. For example, Hank's mother is a hilarious spin on the "tiger mother" stereotype, and in his costume, Hank is often mistaken for "one of those gwailo superheroes." Liew's playful illustrations, especially his characters' cartoonishly exaggerated expressions, complement the story's humor. The first issue of the original 1940s comic book is included in the backmatter.An entertaining and intelligent response to classic superhero stories. (author's note, original comic) (Graphic adventure. 12 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
