Superheroing with a curfew.

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Goodreads.)

Nine-year-old Andrew Ryan worships the local superhero Defender: his bedroom wall sports a Defender poster, he watches Defender's exploits on television whenever possible (meaning whenever his jerk of an older brother Tommy will let him have the remote), and he has Defender's official video game. He even goes as Defender for Halloween, even if it is just a homemade costume his mom Helen cobbled together using an old pair of long johns and his grandfather's WWII goggles. (Punch ALL the Nazis!) But only in his wildest dreams could Andrew imagine fighting crime like his idol.

http://www.easyvegan.info/img/smash-trial-by-fire-01.jpg

When Defender's arch enemy Magus tries to drain Defender's powers so that he can harness them for his own nefarious purposes, the machine explodes in a not-so-freak accident (it was a prototype, after all) - sending Defender's powers straight into bystander Andrew's body. With Defender dead, it's up to Andy to step up and protect a city left, well, undefended. But how can a nine-year-old defeat bank robbers, robots, and minions, when he already has bullies, a sullen older brother, an absentee dad, piles of homework, and a curfew to deal with?

Smash: Trial by Fire is a cute comic, though not terribly memorable. The story line is engaging, if a little predictable. I think part of the problem, at least for me, is that Smash's intended audience is quite a bit younger than myself - in the middle-grade range, most likely. The "kids can effect change / but don't be afraid to accept help" message is simple yet effective.

http://www.easyvegan.info/img/smash-trial-by-fire-03.jpg

I really liked the art, which has a retro vibe to it. Defender is your typical square-jawed, muscle-bound gorilla of a man; he feels like a throwback to the superheroes of the '50s. Sparrowhawk/Smash's costume has a fun vintage aesthetic. The goggles really make the outfit, and I love how they seem to be following you around from the cover of the book.

Book One also has some unexpected moments of levity - bordering on absurdity - such as when Defender's contemporary the Wraith explains the circumstances surrounding his retirement to Andrew:

http://www.easyvegan.info/img/smash-trial-by-fire-02.jpg

This would probably be a good pick for younger readers who are just starting to get interested in comic books.

http://www.easyvegan.info/2018/07/31/smash-trial-by-fire-by-chris-a-bolton/ ( )

Read this book with my near-5-year-old boy and we both enjoyed it (though I enjoyed more of the subtext and irony re: superhero tropes while he took it at face value). ( )

I don’t read many graphic novels, but I’m happen I took the chance with this one.

I enjoyed the concept of having a ten year old character become a superhero. Most of the heroes of our modern mythology are in their late teens, at the youngest, and while that always brings with it real-life issues to go along with those of being a superhero, I think a ten year old can bring a fresh batch of obstacles to the mix. Andrew/Smash has to deal with a school bully, his older brother (also a, more mild, bully…like all brothers tend to be), and all the other “problems” of being young and not really fitting in. How can a kid that young juggle his normal life with his new superpowers? Well, this is something I hope future Smash books will explore.

In this first installment of the series, I felt that it was a strong début for the character and story. It’s a great origin story for Smash, with hints at many different sub-plots I can’t wait to see explored as well. I also liked the villain, Magnus. I see him as a strong and powerful foe. There wont’ be any easy battles for our young hero.

I think this, overall, is a great story with great artwork and while I feel it’s aimed at a younger audience (especially with today’s push toward educating kids about bullying), more seasoned superhero fans should enjoy this little guy. I’m looking forward to future Smash books. ( )

The first installment in the adventures of a 5th grade crime fighting superhero. ( )

I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway. ( )