When Defender falls victim to one force he can’t repel, Andrew is in the right place at the right time - or maybe it will turn out to be the wrong place at the wrong time.
Andrew accidentally inherits Defender’s super powers and has to learn how to use them - birds can be quite inconvenient when you are trying to get the hang of flying. Who killed Defender and will they come after Andrew when they discover a young boy has gained his much sought after superpowers?
Smash is a comic book collaboration between brothers Chris Bolton and Kyle Bolton, and began as a free webcomic. Switching between Andrew’s normal life and that of his new alter ego - soon dubbed Smash by the media - the story and its smooth, clean artwork are classic comic book style, and easy to read.
There’s something appealing about Andrew in his homemade superhero costume - hooded cape, belt, big boots and goggles - and as any true superhero should, he dodges baddies and fights to save the day. Smash: Trial By Fire is book one in this graphic novel series which is marketed at a broad age range, and is all around fun for L-plate superheroes in waiting.
Title: Smash: Trial By Fire
Author: Chris Bolton
Illustrator: Kyle Bolton
Publisher: Candlewick Press, $24.95 RRP
Publication Date: September 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780763655969
For ages: 8+
Type: Graphic novel
