Awesome Man

July 15, 2020
There's a newcomer in the Fortress of Awesome, and Awesome Man doesn't (want to) like it one bit. Having given their costumed legend-in-his-own-mind both anger issues to work through and a (poorly preserved) secret identity in The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man (2011), Chabon and Parker truck in a new challenge. Rumors of a rival superhero coming to town (who could it be? Steel Tornado? Glue Girl?) pitch Awesome Man into a funk. At first it looks like his worst fears are realized. Losing his colorful costume and chiseled physique in the shiny, bright scenes to become a seemingly ordinary lad, he accompanies younger sib "Sister Sinister" into the house to meet...bald, ultratiny Captain Stinky. Awesome Man is unimpressed--until, that is, the interloper exhibits multiple superpowers, including an impressive scream and a green and mucky Slime Blast. "Maybe the new kid is going to be okay!" The parentally suggested prospect of being followed around by an adoring little brother confirms this attitude change ("I didn't know I was getting a sidekick!"), and by the end, Captain Stinky has been transformed to Awesome Boy. The transition occurs with unlikely speed, but most young crime fighters and world savers with growing families of their own will both understand Awesome Man's anxiety and agree that family changes are better embraced than fought. Wears its agenda on its sleeve--but not heavily enough to tear the spandex. (Picture book. 5-7)

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September 1, 2020

Gr 1-3-Awesome Man and Awesome Dog are used to being the only superheroes in Awesome town. They fight bad guys, fix stuff, try to help people-and that's just the way they like it. Unfortunately, they've heard that a new superhero is about to show up and they are not happy about it. The truth is that they are afraid that maybe the townspeople will like the new guy better. In fact, what if they like him so much better that they forget Awesome Man's birthday? As Awesome Man, resplendent in red cape and blue mask, continues to fret about this turn of events, we see him transform from a buff superhero to a young boy (he is white, but other superheroes are shown to be a diverse bunch, and all the people Awesome Man helps are of many races and backgrounds). Of course, the new superhero is none other than a baby brother who is bald and tiny and pretty much incapable of doing anything. Pretty soon however, Captain Stinky (Awesome Man's moniker for him) has worked his charm on our superhero, and he realizes he doesn't have a rival so much as a worthy sidekick. VERDICT A fun follow-up to The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man along with delightfully retro illustrations by Parker. Recommended for purchase.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI

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