The Last Comics on Earth

February 15, 2023
Four self-invented superheroes battle each other as well as two giant supervillains in this triple-threat outing. In a comic-within-a-comic episode with plenty of Captain Underpants in its DNA (albeit more polish in the art) light-skinned Last Kids Jack and Dirk, along with brown-skinned buds June and Quint, are bummed to discover Z-Man, their favorite zombie superhero, left literally dangling off a cliff at the end of his comic's last issue--and so they concoct secret identities of their own. In pages that switch from monochrome to full color, they dash off on separate rescue attempts with doggy sidekick Meepu tagging along. Unfortunately, the rivals not only fail, but get in one another's way even while the burg of Apocalyptia is ravaged in turn by glutinous nihilist Muto the Unsympathetic and video gamer gone bonkers Final Boss Bob. Along with nifty costumes and distinctive powers (June, for instance, as Moonstar the Quasar Warrior, can shoot Starburst Snot Rockets), each hero comes with distinctive special gear, a full origin story, a secret hideout, and even a line of (fictive, at least so far) merch to peddle. And, after many a setback and snarky comment, the four do get their acts together in time to team up and save the town. They then return in triumph to their original limited-palette visuals and treetop clubhouse to plot out future episodes...cooperatively. Creative, quip laden, and replete with manic mischief to lighten the message. (Graphic fiction. 8-13)

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May 1, 2023

Gr 3-7-"The Last Kids on Earth" fans will be excited for this graphic novel spinoff. Jack, Quint, June, and Dirk are reading a volume of their favorite comic, all about Z-man saving Apocalyptia, when they realize that they have reached the end of what has been written. Not wanting to be left wondering what would happen next, the four friends decide to write their own comics and create their own superheroes. Even though each superhero wants to be the star, the four will have to find a way to work together to save Apocalyptia, which proves to be a challenge. This graphic novel has the same humor and action that the original story has, but, because much of the action occurs within the comic itself, it has new characters and is set in a different world. Pages in the world of the comic are full color while those depicting the four writers are monochromatic shades. The illustrations are fun and add to the story. The superheroes are well thought out, including their costumes and in-depth background stories. VERDICT Readers who have been long-time fans of "The Last Kids on Earth" will enjoy, but anyone could jump right into this story and be able to follow along.-Michelle Lettus

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