By Rashad Doucet and Jason Reeves
My best friend’s son (JP) is a big reader. He loves comic-style books, action/adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction. He also loves sports and is just an all-around cool kid.
I was THRILLED when Oni Press sent over an ARC of a debut graphic novel for JP to read and review. I did not coach him on his review and it is 100% written by him (it’s honestly so good and thorough that said I feel like I need to rewrite all of my past reviews and possibly hire him to be my copy writer for upcoming review posts ).
Thank you Authors and Oni Press for this Advanced Reader’s Copy. This book is set to publish August 3, 2021!
Goodreads Description:
When it comes to the kitchen, no one knows cooking better than twelve-year-old Pax Samson. He’s a hero when it comes to testing recipes and supplying copious amounts of Dragon Noodle Soup at his family’s cookouts. It’s tough being a master chef, though, when the rest of his family are world-famous superheroes, and they expect Pax to take up the beacon to keep the world safe with his telekinetic powers.
Pax’s home planet of Soltellus is home to all walks of life, including humans, gods, as well as elves, orcs, dragons, sprites and other fantasy races known as the “Enchanted” all living in a modern society similar to our own. Among them is the Samson family, led by the fearless and mighty Grandma Samson, the greatest superhero to ever live and the person responsible for always saving Soltellus when trouble strikes. She’s been doing it for hundreds of years, but she’s ready for the younger generation of Samsons, including Pax, to step up.
When the mad god Odin, long-time enemy to the Enchanted race and arch-rival to Grandma, resurfaces in another attempt to regain power, Pax will attempt to put his training into practice, but ends up just making things worse. Tempted to hang up the superhero cape and stick to the kitchen, Pax faces the toughest decision yet when a legendary savior of the Enchanted people arrives, along with a startling discovery that there might be parts of the Soltellus history that are wrong. Pax, determined to protect his family and friends, will do everything he can to stop the new threats set on disrupting the peace between humans and the Enchanted.
Pax Samson Vol.1 The Cookout
Review by J.P. C., Age 10
In O.K. Town, on the planet Sotellis, humans and enchanted people live together. A long time ago, an enemy of the enchanted, Odin, tried to enslave humans. The hero, Lionstar, defeats Odin, saves the planet, and is celebrated each year for his victory.
Pax is part of the Human race but has superpowers and loves to cook. His specialty is Dragon Noodle Soup which he makes each year at the celebration for Lionstar. Pax worries he gets in everyone’s way because he’s not as good at using his power as he is at cooking. As Pax learns about his family’s past, he is proud of his super abilities. He practices to get better and learns he can enjoy cooking and be a good superhero.
When Lionstar is summoned from his death and the humans of O.K. Town are in danger, you question if Lionstar is the actual hero. It’s up to Pax, his family, and his best friend, Azul to save the humans.
My favorite part is near the end when Pax, his family, and Azul fight Lionstar by working together to attack his magical army.
I liked the illustrations because they made it easier to understand what was happening in the story.
I wish there were more details about what happened in the past when Lionstar first saved the planet.
Kids ages 9-11 who enjoy comic books, adventures, and superheroes would enjoy this book.
I give this book 3.5 (rounded to 4) stars.
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