School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-At first glance, these titles appear to be small, hardcover comics. They are, in fact, colorful, action-packed chapter books with loads of appeal. All are original, modern works, but firmly based on the comics that inspired them. The brevity of each volume results in a quick-moving plot with a minimum of development. The writing is generally clear and doesn't come across as dumbed down. Although background information about the characters is provided, it is assumed that readers are already fairly familiar with these well-known superheroes. Each title includes discussion questions and writing prompts, upping the classroom-connection opportunities. The bold, vibrant illustrations have a crisp, retro style that pairs nicely with the adventures. Sound effects are displayed in expressive fonts that stand out from the rest of the text. Light, brisk pleasure reading that students, particularly reluctant readers, will be clamoring for.-Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
This offering in Stone Arch's new DC Super Heroes series, a set of chapter books based on familiar comics characters, is as good a place as any for young readers to get to know the most famous superhero of them all, Superman. The story follows the established backstory of a boy named Kal-El sent to earth from the dying planet of Krypton, where he is plucked out of a Kansas cornfield by a friendly farmer couple and renamed Clark Kent. A handful of colored, full-page illustrations highlight the action and establish characters, and the basic text gentle enough to be reassuring and exciting enough to hold attention is livened up with the occasional sound effect, rendered much as it would be in a comics panel. While other volumes (starring Superman and Batman, and one with Wonder Woman on the way) might feature more superhero action and crime-fighting capers, this one has the bonus of being an ideal launching pad into the vast world of Superman comics. Discussion questions and writing prompts at the end help make this a nice choice for classrooms as well.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2009 Booklist