Everyday Hero Machine Boy

Starred review from July 18, 2022
A weaponized robot resembling a 14-year-old human, the titular Machine Boy, struggles to navigate mortal life in Kniivila and Vuong’s quirky, action-packed graphic novel. Though Machine Boy’s destructive emergence resulted in her husband Goh’s death, retired dojo owner Mei takes Machine Boy in after he crash-lands in the domed city of Mega 416. There, he learns karate, runs various errands, and attempts to acquire concert tickets for a mysterious rock-star group—his favorite band, Orphan Universe. Mei eventually enrolls him in high school, where he befriends reclusive Bea Sharpe, who wears a pink hoodie that covers most of her face. But Machine Boy’s misadventures are plagued by emotional upsets, including his and Mei’s occasionally tense relationship as they manage grief over Goh, citizens’ continued wariness regarding Machine Boy’s sudden appearance, and Bea’s seemingly nefarious ulterior motives. Clever framing—such as panels spelling out “BOOM!” simultaneously depicting bombastic action and onomatopoeia—blends together seamlessly with soft, rounded linework, a bold color palette, and distinct character designs. The creators’ warmhearted tale and its gentle robot protagonist are a balm for those seeking connection, belonging, and hope. Ages 9–12.

July 1, 2022
Grades 4-7 The city of Mega 416 is guarded by a protective dome from the regular barrage of meteorites that strike from the asteroid field intersecting the planet's orbit. When, instead of a meteor, Machine Boy crashes down, his destructive nature is corrected by an elderly karate instructor, who takes a beating at Machine Boy's hands and promptly dies--but not before activating the boy's kind heart. The man's wife adopts Machine Boy, and this sweet Supermanesque origin story is followed by a frenetic series of adventures, as the boy races to claim concert tickets, adopts a mysterious bit of living meteorite, struggles to make friends, and is pulled into a powerful boy band's quest to protect the city from being destroyed for the 416th time. The anime-inspired blend of martial arts, sf dystopia, and cosmic fantasy is energized by high-octane action and character expression. Fast-paced storytelling adds oomph to the many fight scenes, though some of the logistics get lost in the brisk paneling. Good, weird fun that middle-grade readers will adore.

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Starred review from February 1, 2022

A powerful robot called Machine Boy falls from the sky and proceeds to rampage across the domed city of Mega 416, destroying everything in his path. The city's inhabitants (a mix of humans and anthropomorphic animals) despair, until a retired karate instructor rushes to the rescue and, after defeating Machine Boy, manages to alter the robot's programming so his demeanor shifts to that of a sweet young boy. Thus transformed, Machine Boy is plagued by guilt for his destructive abilities and sets out to redeem himself through service to his new neighbors. Complications accrue: Our hero adopts a tiny, adorable robot, only to discover it possesses an insatiable appetite and no impulse control; he begins attending public school but ends up battling hideous beasts in the sewers beneath the building; and he runs afoul of Orphan Universe, Mega 416's premier musical group/superpowered defenders. VERDICT Creators Kniivila (Year of the Dog) and Vuong (The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn) present a funny, uncommonly charming mash-up of martial arts, superhero, and sci-fi comics. The rare all-ages title that will entertain, and perhaps even enthrall, adolescents and adults alike.

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