Writer: Scott Zirkel
Artist: Courtney Huddleston (pencils), Mike Garcia (colors)
Publisher: Viper Comics
This graphic novel may not be perfect, but it’s definitely an entertaining and refreshing take on superpowers and superheroes in general.
The story surrounds a young boy named Owen, a pretty normal kid whose parents seem to favor their business engagements over their son. Soon, though, Owen discovers that he’s displaying a few superpowers—super speed, flight, shooting laser beams out of his eyes, and a few others that develop over time. He decides that he should fight crime with his new powers, but soon discovers that his abilities don’t always work properly, or at least not in the way you would expect. He soon finds out the truth about his parents and what they really do for a living, and he has to learn how to use his powers correctly (without getting himself--or someone else--hurt, of course).
Probably my biggest complaint with this book was the dialogue. Overall it was passable, but sometimes it was fairly awkward; now and then Owen says or thinks something that doesn’t sound at all like a kid. When that happens, it’s obvious that an adult is trying to convey the voice of a child. It always makes for uncomfortable reading when that happens.
But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the charm of this little superhero tale told from the viewpoint of the enthusiastic Owen. The fact that his powers don’t work quite right, that he has to figure out ways to enable them to function, is amusing and unusual. The story addresses superpowers and the “career” of fighting crime in a simplified, uncomplicated way. As any children’s story should, it made me feel more childlike upon reading it.
The art was skillful and adept at conveying the innocent tone of the entire book. Mr. Huddleston’s pencils are scaled down and somewhat animated looking, but very effective. Mr. Garcia’s colors are similarly soft and straightforward in feel, and it works.
Hopefully there will be more of A Bit Haywire. Despite its few faults, it would be a great comic for kids who are open to superheroes in general but have never read comics before. But really, who am I kidding? It’s a fun comic for any age.
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