August 1, 2023
Gr 3-7-Jack, Quint, June, and Dirk of Brallier's ongoing hybrid graphic-prose series "The Last Kids on Earth" (Netflix-adapted, with the ninth installment publishing this fall) get a symbiotic graphic spin-off here-because they need to make their own comic(al) series. They've just realized they've thoroughly, unbearably, run out of issues starring their favorite superhero, Z-Man: Protector of Apocalyptia. But wait! "We'll write the next issue of the series," June declares. They'll create their very own superheroes to save Z-Man, last left on a cliff-hanger. Quint becomes Super Inventorist Dude Doc Baker; June is Moonstar, the Quasar Warrior (and her dog sidekick, Meepu, too!); Dirk is Savage Aloner; and Jack is Boy Lightning (who already has official merch to sell). Uhh, but what about Z-Man? Daymond's unflagging energy is admirable, but with such a vast cast, his solo show doesn't quite embody every character evenly-or affectingly. Without the one-color/full-color delineations (real time versus the quartet's brave new worlds, respectively) provided on the page, audiences might struggle to distinguish who's who and what's what. VERDICT "Last Kids" fans will, of course, request immediate access. Newbies without series history can also enjoy as a fresh read.
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