Review: Anti/Hero

"Anti Hero"
Writers: Kate Karyus Quinn and Demitria Lunetta
Layouts: Sam Lotfi
Finishes: Maca Gil
Color Artist: Sarah Stern
Letterer: Wes Abbott

Review by Tony Farina


Let's begin with a brief set up, excerpted here from DC Comics:

Piper Parajo and Sloane McBrute are two 13-year-old girls with very different lives but very similar secrets. At school, Piper is pretty and popular, upbeat and always willing to help out her friends, whereas Sloane is a loaner, smart and snarky but with zero friends and zero interest in having any. Outside of the classroom, Piper is strong, really strong, like ripping the doors off of cars strong. She longs to be a superhero and tries to use her powers to do good, even if she tends to leave a massive mess in her wake. Sloane on the other hand is smart, like evil-genius level smart, and in order to provide for her mother, she puts those smarts to use for her villainous grandfather.
Where do I even begin to sing the praises of Anti/Hero?

Writers Kate Karyus Quinn and Demitria Lunetta have created two such likeable and realistic teenage protagonists. They're flawed for sure and make huge mistakes. These girls hold grudges and do things that teenagers do, but they own it. They grow and are are just delightful role models.


I loved the social commentary in this book as well. I don't want to overdo it here, but there are some heavy ideas going on in this story; about class and race, and the assumptions that go along with those things.


Because this book is geared toward young and middle readers, some of those heavy topics may end up causing some serious conversations at home. That is GREAT! Books are supposed to do more than just entertain us. The genius of Quinn and Lunetta is that they know kids can handle this material and they don't shy away from it. In fact, some adults could learn a thing or twenty from Sloane and Piper.

Sam Lotfi and Maca Gill, along with colorist Sarah Stern, have created a world that jumps off the page. I love that the preview pages don't have words on them so you can simply take your time to see the beauty. The expressiveness of the characters is amazing and we always know where they stand, even without any words. It's simply stunning.


There are multiple splash pages in this book that are poster worthy. Here's just one example.

Conclusion

Anti/Hero is honestly just what the world needs right now. In a scary time where we don't know who to believe or who to trust, this book reminds us that there's always someone on whom you can rely.


This is a beautiful tale of heroism and friendship and is a perfect book for kids of all genders and all ages. Order your copy now!

Images May Be Subject To Copyright

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review: George R.R. Martin Presents: Wild Cards: Now & Then

Thought Bubble 2024 convention & festival dates announced

Fantastic Universes Interview: Madison, Matthew and Macsen Lintz From 'The Walking Dead'