Pope, Paul. Battling Boy.

Pope, Paul.  Battling Boy.  Macmillan/First Second  2013  202p  $15.99  ISBN 978-1-59643-145-4    ms/hs  Graphic novel  VG-BN

To complete his rite-of-passage ceremony, the teen demigod, Battling Boy, defends the city of Acropolis from monsters using abilities gained from super-powered tee-shirts.  When the local superhero meets with an untimely death, the citizens turn to this mysterious young boy and a vigilante’s daughter to deal with the monster menace.  Unlike many superheroes, Battling Boy is willing to admit his uncertainties.  He’s brave and funny.  Readers who enjoy teen super-hero comics will eat this up -- and Paul Pope has a loyal following from his adult graphic novels.  It’s an all-ages adventure with fluid illustrations.  An engaging, action-packed story makes this a quick read.  Battling Boy is certain to be the first in a successful series.

Summary: Acropolis is desperate, but when help comes in the form of a 12-year-old demigod, no one is more surprised than Battling Boy himself. 

Superheroes-Fiction                                               --Hilary Welliver