45

by Andi Ewington

Journalist, James Stanley, is faced with the imminent birth of his child. Having decided to forego the test that would determine whether his child is carrying the all-important "Super-S" gene, which differentiates the genetic makeup of a superhero from that of a normal person, James sets out on a quest to interview forty-five super-powered individuals in the hope that their experiences may better prepare him for the birth of a child that is potentially gifted with extraordinary abilities. On his journey, he encounters characters from all walks of life; from single mothers struggling to raise gifted children, to rebellious super-teenagers, all the way through to those reaching the end of their lives. But what starts as a voyage of personal discovery becomes something far more ominous when he crosses paths with an organisation known as XoDOS.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, Fantasy

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2009

Reviews

[Yaakov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantastic stand-alone trade that really thinks outside of the box. The "interviews" are fantastic, the artwork is superb and the entire concept is really well done, well thought-out, and the fact that the interviews are held together by a common storyline makes the entire collection come together in a really cool way. I read an article about this trade well before it came out and had eagerly awaited it's release, and I have to say that the wait was definitely worth it. Seeing superheroes as fallible human beings with gifts that don't magically make those fallible humans into perfect people is a great concept, and while it's certainly been done before, it hasn't been done in this way. A really great read.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical graphic novella, as it it more like an illustrated novella or short story. The author's wife is about to give birth to their first child. In a world where children can be tested to see if they will develop super powers he goes on a world tour interviewing supers of all ages, sex, and sexual orientation to decide whether he and his wife should have their baby tested, and if powers are a curse or a boon. Through the interviews the world is more fully developed, shadow conspiracies are hinted at that cover 50 years of history, and the characters are portrayed as people. While he could write more stories set in this world, I will be quite content if he lets this installment stand alone.

[Rob Hermanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool concept - forty-five separate interviews (and illustrators) with wildly different super-powered individuals, in a parallel universe divided into Normals and Super-S's. Strongly recommended for fans of graphic novels and comics who want a different, thought-provoking experience. Thanks to my friend (Goodreads author) Brandice Schnabel for the recommendation and loan!

[Hillingdon Libraries]

Find this book at Hillingdon Libraries

[John G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. Original. Highly recommended! Super Heroes portrayed as people with feelings and failures and uncertain futures. Numerous fine artists.