Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge: (A Graphic Novel) by Gavin Aung Than

Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge: (A Graphic Novel) Reviews

• 
  Hwee Goh

  I have been reading up on the massive problem of plastic waste in our oceans and am so chuffed to see this by Gavin Aung Than!
  
  An exciting good vs evil adventure that teaches our young reader about the huge garbage dump in our oceans, and taking responsibility for it.
  
  Tiamata, the Mother of the Seas is fed up with what the humans have done to her oceans, and it’s time she takes revenge. She’s abducted earth’s superheroes and sentenced the world’s leaders for crimes against the ocean.
  
  It’s really now up to the Super Sidekicks, Junior Justice and Flygirl to not only save the innocent people but figure out how to make amends on behalf of humanity.
  
  A fun, funny, compact tale that gets our young readers up to speed on the massive problem of plastic waste, in a non-didactic way. Super like! We need!
  
  📚: Times Distribution
• 
  Crystal ✬ Lost in Storyland

  Tired of humans polluting the oceans, Tiamata, Mother of the Seas, decides to get revenge on humanity. She abducts the superheroes and world leaders, opening the way for her creation to lay waste to human cities. With the superheroes gone, the Super Sidekicks must save humanity from the ocean’s wrath—in their first official mission.
  
  Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean’s Revenge introduces the issue of ocean pollution in a simple, straightforward way—through both images and words—young readers will understand. While this book portrays the widespread issue of ocean pollution, it also gives the issue a personal nature through the introduction of Tiamata, who grieves over the damage wrought upon her home and her children, the victims of humans’ thoughtless actions. And her path to vengeance gives us a hint of what humans have done to the ocean, in destroying sea creatures’ habitats.
  
  Like Super Sidekicks #1: No Adults Allowed, Ocean’s Revenge delivers its story through bold, colorful images. While the children still outsmart and outwit the adults, and the adults are still foolish and insensitive, the story explores some more complex nuances of good versus evil. The “supervillain” is a Mother seeking to protect her home and her children, while the world leaders, who need saving, are the ones enabling humanity to pollute the ocean. These complexities provides an opening to discuss pollution with young readers.
  
  In fact, the end of this book provides tips on three ways readers can eliminate waste—and be a hero. Another page provides directions on how to draw Dinomite and Goo.
• 
  Pam

  Graphic Novel
  I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
  The Side Kicks/Junior Justice group returns to take on a new adventure. Something has kidnapped all of the superheroes and stripped them of their powers. This being then takes the world leaders and holds them as well. The only ones who can save the planet from the giant plastic being are the former sidekicks who have banded together. Readers see them learn as they go and make smart cooperative decisions to rescue everyone and save the cities. They make an agreement with the "evil" opponent to have everyone - superheroes and leaders - work together to clean up the seas.
  Aung Than uses a soft touch to emphasize the underlying theme of plastic destroying the ocean habitats. From the first illustration, readers see the plastic floating everywhere. The artwork is creative and supports the story line. Looking forward to the next adventure.
• 
  D.T.

  This series is still fun and manages to include tension. The story doesn’t treat kids like they’re stupid and the threat of danger is very real; it doesn’t censor the word “kill” or its implications. But, of course, everything is still overall lighthearted.
  
  In this volume, there’s a strong environmental message, and the villain has a believable background. The characters, humor (some particularly funny digs at the slowness or lack of change in government/politics), and the story are charming.
  
  4.5
• 
  Amy

  Such a cute read. Bought this for my nephew, and while one might call it a little on the nose with its focus on ocean pollution and the plastic problem, I liked it. I think it’s really important for kids to see the big picture of what our waste and misuse of resources is doing to our planet, and I thought this story was a cute way to bring awareness.
• 
  Zac

  This is a totally underrated series that is perfect for fans of The Bad Guys. It’s funny, the characters are great, and the illustrations are fun. The eco message of this book is a great way for kids to understand the impact of plastic in our oceans. It’s informative without being preachy.
• 
  Andréa

  Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
• 
  Michelle Halber

  2.5 stars
  
  Had a LOT of promise, but the graphic novel became just too preachy. Will definitely look into other volumes of the series as a possible recommend for kids, though.
• 
  Matt Haynes

  These are always good!
• 
  Sean

  Good; focused, entertaining, and with a compelling message delivered in a vital manner.
• 
  Olivia

  Cute as heck with a fantastic message for children. Drawings are absolutely adorable especially the dinosaur 🥺🦖
• 
  Shankar B.

  I liked how the Lizard's power was.