Superb: Life After The Fallout - David F... I really wanted to like Superb: Life After The Fallout, but unfortunately it just never clicked with me. The majority of this can be put down to the fact that when it comes to these types of stories, it’s very hit or miss with me. I really loved the graphic novel I read previous to this – Generation Gone – so I was hopeful, but ultimately disappointed.

I liked the diversity represented in Superb: Life After The Fallout. The Down Syndrome representation is, to my knowledge, ground-breaking in superhero graphic novels. That, combined with Kayla being African American, and Abbie (who plays a lesser role) being a heavier-set Asian, definitely checks a good number of ‘representation needed’ boxes. On the actual representation of someone with Downs Syndrome, I can only assume- given the nod from the National Down Syndrome Society in the back of the book - that is accurate and/or believable. I have no relationships or interactions to draw experience from personally.

I had trouble getting into the first couple of issues in Superb: Life After The Fallout. It felt very run of the mill, and just wasn’t particularly the type of story that draws my interest. The third issue hooked me, though, and I was definitely paying more attention from then on out. The last issue in the volume threw me off because it involved none of the characters we knew. Instead it was devoted to the detailing the Event that changed everything. Including a revelation that – sorry -- wasn’t even close to being surprising.

There was supposed to be some ‘awkward steps of rekindling their friendship’ but there wasn’t, really. It amounted Kayla just assuming they were best friends again right away, Jonah saying no, they weren’t, not really – and then, presto, stressful events bond them together into a somewhat argumentative superhero team (trio if you count Abbie).

The art for Superb: Life After The Fallout was solid. It’s a realistic style complemented by rich colors when possible. The dialogue is kind of bland. I didn’t encounter anything particularly quote worthy. In terms of things that happen within the story, I did appreciate that Jonah was underestimated because of his having Down Syndrome. Like having an extra chromosome automatically means you can’t kick butt as a superhero.

I can’t say I was interested enough in Superb: Life After The Fallout to pick up any further issues, but I am very glad it exists. For children with Down Syndrome, having a superhero that has the same thing that they have must be a fantastic thing. I hope the series brings lots of joy to them.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for review consideration.

I’ve been hearing good things about Lord’s books for a couple of years now and finally actually read one! Oddly enough, this is set in a suburb of Indianapolis, with a setting that felt very much like the suburb of Indianapolis where I work. Both setting and voice are an interesting contrast with The Fault in Our Stars; perhaps unsurprisingly, I vastly prefer The Start of Me and You. Paige’s story is thoughtful and nuanced, with a lot of care shown for all the characters. Plus, Paige has a strong group of girl friends, and I loved they way they interact and grow together. Add in a slow, careful romance, and a quiet and realistic depiction of healing from trauma. I will definitely be looking for more of Emery Lord’s books!

My friend Kate gave me this one for my birthday and I really liked it! It’s a 1950s mystery, set in a hotel, and featuring a young detective. There are so many black and Latinx characters, which is nice to see, and the comic does deal with privilege and prejudice to a certain extent. I also really liked the art! It felt very fresh and clean and bright, which fits Goldie’s character well.

Every time I read a new volume of Ms. Marvel, I think that it couldn’t possibly be as good as the last one (because the last one was so good). But every time I am wrong! If I had to only read one comic series for the rest of my days, it would be Kamala, no questions. I love the depth of relationships shown here, the way Kamala’s family and culture and faith influence but don’t define her, the balance of hope and struggles. It’s just so good.

Look, I just really love the Wells & Wong books. They’re 1930s-set middle grade mysteries, which sounds pretty simple on the surface. But Stevens actually tells a really complex story, and there’s a lot about friendship and identity and privilege woven into the whole series. This third book started off a little slow, but it ended up being possibly my favorite yet as we see both Daisy and Hazel dealing with their family histories and the realities of growing up. (ARC read through Edelweiss)