The Incredible Rockhead

This is a fast-paced comic that reminded me of a bit of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (nerd w/nerdy friend who want to be something more and are bullied) but with the super power/government experiment twist and with far less charm and humor. Of course, in a comic aimed at younger kids, character development is almost non-existant and the parents of any kid involved in the experiment are nowhere to be found. I understand that, and don't think it detracts from the adventure.

There was an obvious shout out to the Hulk as the school is named Banner Elementary and Chip's main super hero move is the Rockhead Smash. I found myself underwhelmed that his entire super power existed of having someone give him a push forward so he could smash into things. Especially when his first super hero act was to rescue all of his classmates from escaped zoo animals by smashing into them and dazing/injuring them enough to render them harmless for a while. It was underwhelming.

I was confused as to how the general in charge of the experiment could sneak into Chip's school, tie up the nurse, and give Chip a shot of experimental stuff but then couldn't manage to take Chip captive like he did every other kid he experimented on. The solution the general finally comes up with is silly in many ways.

However, that's me responding to this as an adult. As a young kid? I'd probably eat this up with a spoon. Kids with superish powers all joining together to take down the evil grown up AND the school bully? Yes, please. So, take what I have to say with a grain of salt if you're looking at this for younger readers.

I'm a huge fan of comic books and graphic novels, and I usually enjoy the illustrations in Capstone's books, but this time I found the illustrations as underwhelming as the story. Some strange geometric stuff going on with Chip's face. And a lack of nuance and detail in the background and in the color scheme that left me wanting more.

Overall, this is a middle of the road book for me. I didn't hate it, I didn't love it, and I think it might be the right book for a different reader.