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Superfail
Laser vision isn't so hot when you're cross-eyed, and supersonic flight's a real downer when motion sickness keeps you grounded.
Twelve-year-old Marshall Preston is a Defective--a person with superhuman abilities that are restricted by some very human setbacks. While other kids are recruited to superhero teams, Marshall's stuck in seventh grade with a kid who can run at super speed but can't turn a corner, another with a radioactive peanut allergy that turns him into a swollen Hulk, and a telepath who reads everyone else's thoughts out loud.
Defectives like Marshall aren't exactly superhero material, but when he uncovers a plot to destroy one of the greatest superhero teams of all time, Marshall and his less-than-super friends set out to prove that just because you're defective doesn't mean you can't save the day.
Twelve-year-old Marshall Preston is a Defective--a person with superhuman abilities that are restricted by some very human setbacks. While other kids are recruited to superhero teams, Marshall's stuck in seventh grade with a kid who can run at super speed but can't turn a corner, another with a radioactive peanut allergy that turns him into a swollen Hulk, and a telepath who reads everyone else's thoughts out loud.
Defectives like Marshall aren't exactly superhero material, but when he uncovers a plot to destroy one of the greatest superhero teams of all time, Marshall and his less-than-super friends set out to prove that just because you're defective doesn't mean you can't save the day.
208 pages, Unknown Binding
Published October 17, 2017
7 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 17, 2018
This comic book has a potential to make it big because not only kids but also adults, undoubtedly, will have a good laugh while reading this. I also love the positive lesson it wants to convey to readers; that it doesn't matter if we are defective or not perfect to be a hero — all it takes is the willpower to be. From now on, I'm adding this to my list of comics to be followed.
July 22, 2017
This book is perfect for anyone who's ever dreamed of being a superhero and for anyone who's ever felt, or been made to feel, not good enough. So, basically everyone.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the positive messages that shine through between the non-stop action and laughs. There was something to love about every character, even the villain. Max Brunner (author) and Dustin Mackay (illustrator) complemented each other so well to bring the story and graphics together it would be easy to believe that one person was responsible for both the words and pictures. Their collaboration on this book was seamless and I hope they team up again for future projects. The choice of fonts was in keeping with the style of book and the illustrations were brilliant. I loved the mix of black and white with selected areas of colour to make details pop.
This would be a fantastic gateway book for kids who aren't usually a fan of reading as they'll experience firsthand how much fun reading can be. If you buy this book for your child make sure you steal it from them to read it yourself as well. The laughs aren't just for kids. As I was reading I could easily imagine this book being made into a movie.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Running Press) in exchange for honest feedback. I'd recommend this book both to the young and the young on the inside, and I'll be rereading it again very soon. I really hope there'll be a sequel. There's no way the Defectives only have one story to tell!
I really enjoyed the storyline and the positive messages that shine through between the non-stop action and laughs. There was something to love about every character, even the villain. Max Brunner (author) and Dustin Mackay (illustrator) complemented each other so well to bring the story and graphics together it would be easy to believe that one person was responsible for both the words and pictures. Their collaboration on this book was seamless and I hope they team up again for future projects. The choice of fonts was in keeping with the style of book and the illustrations were brilliant. I loved the mix of black and white with selected areas of colour to make details pop.
This would be a fantastic gateway book for kids who aren't usually a fan of reading as they'll experience firsthand how much fun reading can be. If you buy this book for your child make sure you steal it from them to read it yourself as well. The laughs aren't just for kids. As I was reading I could easily imagine this book being made into a movie.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley (thank you very much to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Running Press) in exchange for honest feedback. I'd recommend this book both to the young and the young on the inside, and I'll be rereading it again very soon. I really hope there'll be a sequel. There's no way the Defectives only have one story to tell!
August 17, 2017
Ok... I thought this would be a funny read and I would totally crack up while reading it... oh well things did not turn out this way. If I was 12/14 I would have absolutely loved it, but the humour and the rest did not deliver to me not sure maybe I am ''defective'' too??
Anyway despite that it did not work out for me if you are between 12-15 you might really enjoy this graphic novel so go pick it up and read it. Cmon there are superheroes that are not your normal superheroes!!
P.S. The artwork is amazing though
Anyway despite that it did not work out for me if you are between 12-15 you might really enjoy this graphic novel so go pick it up and read it. Cmon there are superheroes that are not your normal superheroes!!
P.S. The artwork is amazing though
September 6, 2018
RESEÑA COMPLETA ➜ https://goo.gl/tNFZeg
Después de dos años sin escribir nada en este blog he regresado para hablarles de una historia que me ha hecho abandonar por un tiempito los videojuegos. Esta novela gráfica la conocí hace un año en la Quedada Bloguera Literaria y el chavo de Océano habló muy chido de ella y cuando hace poquito la vi en un correo que le mandaron a la China le dije que quería leerla y cuando llegó a la casa me la adueñé porque quería leer la historia de un Súper no tan Súper.
Después de del Capitán América, Thor y Iron Man la idea que todos tenemos de ser un súper héroe es muy clara, debe ser alguien con grandes poderes que lleve la palabra súper a otro nivel pero en este libro tenemos a unos súper defectuosos.
El personaje principal es Marshall, un chavo de 12 años que tiene visión laser y puede volar, estos son dos poderes que a cualquiera harían un súper pero Marshall tiene dos problemas porque está bizco y no es capaz de controlar a su ojo malo y cada que vuela termina vomitando todo. Esto hace que Marshall sea rechazado por los dotados, o sea El Superequipo que son los súper héroes más grandes del mundo.
Marshall no es el único defectuoso pues aquí conoceremos a muchos más súper desastrosos, como la chica capaz de gritar a niveles ultrasónicos pero la cual sufre de asma o al chico ninja que se teletransporta y es capaz de pelear de maravilla pero el cual es medio ciego y nunca acierta a su objetivo o que tal el chico que corre mucho pero que no logra frenarse. Como ven conoceremos a un equipo completamente desastroso pero el cual nos enseñará que no importa lo defectuoso que uno sea mientras luches en equipo y con todas tus ganas, cualquiera puede ser un súper.
NOTA Iza.- Como el Wero ya no quiso escribir más, me gusta comentarles acerca del humor de la novela y es que la historia está impregnada de un humor medio tonto pero uno que sabe llegar al lector sin importar la edad. Para mayor ejemplo aquí estamos el Wero y yo, de 13 y 20… y algo (xD) que disfrutamos por el igual la historia.
También tengo que hablarles de las ilustraciones las cuales me han parecido increíblemente detallistas.
Y bueno, como bien lo ha dicho el Wero, la novela deja el claro mensaje que nada es un impedimento para alcanzar tu sueño.
August 5, 2018
De lo más divertido, hace mucho que no me reía tanto con un libro. Super rápido de leer y además que vale la leer. Mucha enseñanza de una manera divertida.
July 3, 2018
It was ok, but a bit predictable for me. I also didnt like the layout and fonts used..
July 24, 2017
Have you ever been the odd one out in a class? Do you have any traits that make you stand out in all the wrong ways? Well, then, this is a story for you. Marshall Preston has superpowers that don't feel very super. Lasor vision is pretty hard to get right when you're cross-eyed and every time he takes flight everything in his stomach comes up, too. Marshall is a defective and he's not the only one. But when a supervillian with a notorious plan arises and no one believes him, will he be able to save the day with a band of defective friends?
I really enjoyed the message of Superfail and it's great for all ages. Through this story we can each learn to find strength in our weaknesses to become our own superheroes.
I really enjoyed the message of Superfail and it's great for all ages. Through this story we can each learn to find strength in our weaknesses to become our own superheroes.
August 16, 2018
In a world where it is normal to have super powers, some people have powers they can control and use to help others. Some have pretty cool powers, but they might be Defective--a person with a power that might be limited by basic human setbacks, such as being cross-eyed or having asthma.
Marshall has laser vision, but since he's cross-eyes, it's kind of hard to control where his lasers go; one might hitthe right target, but the other might hit a friend, or a building, or maybe a stray cat. You know, just a minor setback. And his friend Lewis can read minds, but only aloud. And he's a bit of an oddball, sticking things in his nose and licking...cars?
All Marshall really wants is to be like Superteen, a hero who is able to use his powers for good. When a Museum heist is evident, Marshall wants to take the chance to become a hero, to be the one to do something. But when heroics kind of go bad, thanks to Marshall and his team of Defectives, some might think that they're responsible for the bad things that happen at the museum.
When Marshall meets an old man called The Night Owl, he learns about a past nemesis, The Man With No Name. When other Defectives from Marshall's school start showing up and causing trouble, The Man With No Name might be closer than everyone realizes. Will Marshall get his chance to actually become a hero like his idol, Superteen?
Suferfail is a perfect book for middle grade readers. It emphasizes the importance of being different, and the book itself is a great combination of novel and graphic novel. The art is very vibrant and well done, and there's a great sense of humor in the writing. The characters are all unique and very fun to follow. You can't go wrong with (okay maybe you can, but you can't not like...) a kid who is superfast, but can't stop; a girl who can control animals, and in the city there's a bunch of gross rats and pigeons as her only options; a boy with a severe peanut allergy, who becomes enormous when he ingests the allergen; a weird ninja guy who can never seem to hit his target; a girl with an outrageously screeching voice, hindered by asthma; and of course, I kid with laser vision who happens to be cross-eyed. And that's not all of the Defective heroes this book has to offer. Just remember, you don't have to be perfect to be a hero!
Marshall has laser vision, but since he's cross-eyes, it's kind of hard to control where his lasers go; one might hitthe right target, but the other might hit a friend, or a building, or maybe a stray cat. You know, just a minor setback. And his friend Lewis can read minds, but only aloud. And he's a bit of an oddball, sticking things in his nose and licking...cars?
All Marshall really wants is to be like Superteen, a hero who is able to use his powers for good. When a Museum heist is evident, Marshall wants to take the chance to become a hero, to be the one to do something. But when heroics kind of go bad, thanks to Marshall and his team of Defectives, some might think that they're responsible for the bad things that happen at the museum.
When Marshall meets an old man called The Night Owl, he learns about a past nemesis, The Man With No Name. When other Defectives from Marshall's school start showing up and causing trouble, The Man With No Name might be closer than everyone realizes. Will Marshall get his chance to actually become a hero like his idol, Superteen?
Suferfail is a perfect book for middle grade readers. It emphasizes the importance of being different, and the book itself is a great combination of novel and graphic novel. The art is very vibrant and well done, and there's a great sense of humor in the writing. The characters are all unique and very fun to follow. You can't go wrong with (okay maybe you can, but you can't not like...) a kid who is superfast, but can't stop; a girl who can control animals, and in the city there's a bunch of gross rats and pigeons as her only options; a boy with a severe peanut allergy, who becomes enormous when he ingests the allergen; a weird ninja guy who can never seem to hit his target; a girl with an outrageously screeching voice, hindered by asthma; and of course, I kid with laser vision who happens to be cross-eyed. And that's not all of the Defective heroes this book has to offer. Just remember, you don't have to be perfect to be a hero!
September 3, 2018
Si te gustan las historias al estilo Kick-Ass, Sky High o Teen Titans, seguro te encantará Súper Fail .
September 26, 2017
Superfail combines graphic novel elements with a first person narrative from the perspective of the main character.
July 31, 2017
The entire time I was reading this book, I had a smile on my face. It's a fun graphic novel with an important message.
When I initially stumbled upon Superfail on Netflix, I wasn't sure what to expect. I admittedly don't read many Middle Grade novels, so I wasn't sure if this one would hold my interest, and yet, I found myself unable to stop reading once I'd started. Max Brunner has crafted such a fun story about a group of outcast superheroes that serves an important message of acceptance. (In fact, I immediately preordered a copy for my nephew once I finished reading it.)
The artwork is fantastic and truly adds to the story, yes, but it's the dialogue and the exploration of these characters that are so often pushed aside that makes this story shine. They may be Defectives, but this group of characters are a great bunch of superheroes in the end.
When I initially stumbled upon Superfail on Netflix, I wasn't sure what to expect. I admittedly don't read many Middle Grade novels, so I wasn't sure if this one would hold my interest, and yet, I found myself unable to stop reading once I'd started. Max Brunner has crafted such a fun story about a group of outcast superheroes that serves an important message of acceptance. (In fact, I immediately preordered a copy for my nephew once I finished reading it.)
The artwork is fantastic and truly adds to the story, yes, but it's the dialogue and the exploration of these characters that are so often pushed aside that makes this story shine. They may be Defectives, but this group of characters are a great bunch of superheroes in the end.
August 18, 2017
Yes, the book is as funny as the cover suggests. And I can see myself giving this book to any middle schooler or high schooler (or even upper elementary child or adult) and suggesting they read and enjoy it. Obviously, there is a wide span of ages this book could appeal to.
Part comic book, part picture book, this book has a touching side as it treats on the theme of fitting in and feeling like an outcast.
The mixture of the way author Max Brunner and illustrator Dustin Mackay have set this book up is highly attractive, colorful, and inviting. Perhaps even something that a reader who wants to straddle the fence between comic book and novel can enjoy? Even more so, this book speaks to those who us who sometimes feel defective.
Superfail is set to be released on November 14, 2017. A very clever book!
Part comic book, part picture book, this book has a touching side as it treats on the theme of fitting in and feeling like an outcast.
The mixture of the way author Max Brunner and illustrator Dustin Mackay have set this book up is highly attractive, colorful, and inviting. Perhaps even something that a reader who wants to straddle the fence between comic book and novel can enjoy? Even more so, this book speaks to those who us who sometimes feel defective.
Superfail is set to be released on November 14, 2017. A very clever book!
August 26, 2017
What a fun read for all of us regular human beings who dream of being a superhero! If there was a world where super powers were common, this is what it would look like. Just like middle schools social hierarchy, a very small group would look great and have perfect super powers while the rest of us would struggle along with all the flaws of being regular people- with goofy superpowers. The characters powers are offset perfectly by their faults and it makes for some great scenes of mayhem and comedy as our heroes keep getting in their own way. There were several laugh out loud moments for me and I was really pleased with the themes the writer infused into the story: Friendship, never give up, do the right thing. The illustration was a great fit and really helped define the story. A great choice for my kids.
January 10, 2018
Fresh, fun, and super empowering! A group of 12-year-old “defective” superhero kids attempt to thwart a supervillain while learning how to use their problematic powers. Cool format too: part comic, part written text, with some full-page illustrations peppered in.
October 11, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5
When you mix first person narrative with graphic novel elements you are bound to create something wonderfully entertaining for a reluctant reader. I could not help but laugh while reading this book because it was so entertaining. This is not your average superhero story. This book displays a positive message that will captivate any reader that has ever felt left out or just plain out flawed. It is about a group of teens that have defective super powers and how they overcome their disabilities to stop the man with no name from hurting the Superteam. Max Brunner (author) did a great job at giving these not so super heroes personality that over shines their disabilities. Dustin Mackay’s beautiful illustrations really brought the story to life and the subtle touches of color really made each character unique.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley after I attended a webinar Booklists hosted on Good Reads for Reluctant Readers. In exchange for this ARC copy I have provided an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope there will be a sequel.
When you mix first person narrative with graphic novel elements you are bound to create something wonderfully entertaining for a reluctant reader. I could not help but laugh while reading this book because it was so entertaining. This is not your average superhero story. This book displays a positive message that will captivate any reader that has ever felt left out or just plain out flawed. It is about a group of teens that have defective super powers and how they overcome their disabilities to stop the man with no name from hurting the Superteam. Max Brunner (author) did a great job at giving these not so super heroes personality that over shines their disabilities. Dustin Mackay’s beautiful illustrations really brought the story to life and the subtle touches of color really made each character unique.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley after I attended a webinar Booklists hosted on Good Reads for Reluctant Readers. In exchange for this ARC copy I have provided an honest review. I really enjoyed reading this book and I hope there will be a sequel.
December 6, 2017
In this simply adorable graphic novel we meet a ragtag group of superhero teens. In the town where most people have special powers, Marshall is among those but his powers are unable to be controlled. Due his lazy eyes, his lasers that shoot of his eyes cannot be controlled. In addition, his ability to fly doesn't work well for him due to his frequent motion sickness. Marshall assembles a group of superhero rejects including an aged old man who hoots like an owl, a boy who can stretch his limbs but has trouble retracting them, and a boy who grows giant after eating peanuts because he is allergic to them. The book is well written and is charming. This is an excellent graphic novel for middle grade readers.
August 7, 2017
I loved this funny book with a message, and I'd happily recommend it to readers of all ages.
Told from the perspective of so called "defective" Marshall Preston, a twelve year old kid whose superpowers don't work quite as intended, the book had me laughing from page one, with it's description of how dangerous laser vision can be if you are cross eyed , and the giggles kept on coming as the book went on. Despite being reluctant to use his powers because of the unintended damage that always happens, Marshall is forced into action when he realizes his town is under threat, and the "real" superheroes aren't taking it seriously. He teams up with several other kids with less than ideal control over their powers, as well as an elderly retired hero to save the town , but can this bunch of "misfits" really do it?
Smart and funny, with some really dynamic illustrations, this is a book that will appeal not only to children, but also to the inner child in all of us. Who doesn't love rooting for the underdog, and in this book the characters are really easy to relate to. Anyone who is familiar with writing for children knows that the "gross" factor is not something to be ignored and it's handled well here, just enough to be humorous without tipping over the edge. As I mentioned earlier, the book does have some valuable messages about the importance of trying even when it seems the odds are stacked against you, and the value of working with others, but these are deftly and subtly woven into the story .
Overall a really enjoyable and fun read for all ages, and hopefully we will have more adventures from "The Defectives" to enjoy in the future.
I read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley
Told from the perspective of so called "defective" Marshall Preston, a twelve year old kid whose superpowers don't work quite as intended, the book had me laughing from page one, with it's description of how dangerous laser vision can be if you are cross eyed , and the giggles kept on coming as the book went on. Despite being reluctant to use his powers because of the unintended damage that always happens, Marshall is forced into action when he realizes his town is under threat, and the "real" superheroes aren't taking it seriously. He teams up with several other kids with less than ideal control over their powers, as well as an elderly retired hero to save the town , but can this bunch of "misfits" really do it?
Smart and funny, with some really dynamic illustrations, this is a book that will appeal not only to children, but also to the inner child in all of us. Who doesn't love rooting for the underdog, and in this book the characters are really easy to relate to. Anyone who is familiar with writing for children knows that the "gross" factor is not something to be ignored and it's handled well here, just enough to be humorous without tipping over the edge. As I mentioned earlier, the book does have some valuable messages about the importance of trying even when it seems the odds are stacked against you, and the value of working with others, but these are deftly and subtly woven into the story .
Overall a really enjoyable and fun read for all ages, and hopefully we will have more adventures from "The Defectives" to enjoy in the future.
I read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley
October 6, 2017
*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3.5 stars.
Boys all over are gonna love this! I can already predict that. It is really good and its got nearly everything to make a great middle grade comic book. From a (mentally unstable) old man, to a boy who turns into the hulk when he eats peanut butter. A girl who can talk to animals and the 'hero' who can shoot lazer beams out of his eyes (but beware, hes cross eyed so they dont always work as he wants them to!) There is so much humor in this. Ohh and be warned...there is barfing. Lots of green barf. (Told you boys and prob girls, will like this). Its also a decent length at 226 pages. Very well done.
3.5 stars.
Boys all over are gonna love this! I can already predict that. It is really good and its got nearly everything to make a great middle grade comic book. From a (mentally unstable) old man, to a boy who turns into the hulk when he eats peanut butter. A girl who can talk to animals and the 'hero' who can shoot lazer beams out of his eyes (but beware, hes cross eyed so they dont always work as he wants them to!) There is so much humor in this. Ohh and be warned...there is barfing. Lots of green barf. (Told you boys and prob girls, will like this). Its also a decent length at 226 pages. Very well done.
September 10, 2017
A story about a bunch of misfit superheroes trying to save the day. The main characters have super powers, however, they don't work properly. Having superpowers that are defective makes for a funny and thoughtful comic. The message of the book, according to my son, is that if you work together anything is posible.
My son, aged 10, loved this boy. He said that it was a great and funny book. He hopes that there will be more books about these characters.
My son, aged 10, loved this boy. He said that it was a great and funny book. He hopes that there will be more books about these characters.
August 23, 2017
This book was a super fun read! It had lots of action, jokes, and witty comments. Loved the moral that being different does not make you any less! Being with special education students I love having books like this in my library! The author did a fantastic job teaching an important lesson in a way kids will want to receive it.
July 19, 2017
SuperFunny!
April 27, 2020
Marshall was born with superpowers, but they don't quite work well for him. He has laser beams he can shoot from his eyes, but he's also cross-eyed so he can't aim them and it usually ends in disaster when he tries to. He can also fly, but he gets motion sickness that results in puking any time he attempts this. His best friend is Lewis who is also a "defective." Lewis can read people's minds, but he always blurts out what they are saying and pretty much doesn't say anything else. This skill doesn't make him very popular. When Marshall visits his uncle at the hospital he finds himself mercilessly recruited by another patient, the former superhero the Night Owl. The Night Owl is now shockingly close to 100 years old, and probably needs a keeper, but when he hears that the Man with No Name is threatening the city he enlists Marshall and Lewis' help in apprehending his old nemesis. And given their track record, they are pretty sure this is going to fail spectacularly.
A goofy graphic novel with a twist on the normal superhero story. Marshall and Lewis are joined by a group of other kids who have...let's just say unusual manifestations of super powers. It's a fun underdog story and also a nerds vs the cool kid story. Definitely a reminder to not judge by outward stuff. The book is mostly graphic novel style but occasionally will have a paragraph or two of just text. It's a fairly quick read and should appeal to a broad range of readers.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but no one is seriously hurt. One boy grows giant when he eats peanuts and ends up in only his underwear each time this happens. There's some barfing and body odor gags.
A goofy graphic novel with a twist on the normal superhero story. Marshall and Lewis are joined by a group of other kids who have...let's just say unusual manifestations of super powers. It's a fun underdog story and also a nerds vs the cool kid story. Definitely a reminder to not judge by outward stuff. The book is mostly graphic novel style but occasionally will have a paragraph or two of just text. It's a fairly quick read and should appeal to a broad range of readers.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but no one is seriously hurt. One boy grows giant when he eats peanuts and ends up in only his underwear each time this happens. There's some barfing and body odor gags.
September 4, 2017
Fans of stories where the good guys may be just a bit too good to be true will find plenty to enjoy in this tale of kids with defective super powers. Imagine having laser blasts come from your eyes - but you are cross-eyed, so you can't aim properly. Or perhaps you can control animals, but you live in a city so your choices are limited to pigeons, mice, or cockroaches. Maybe you have super speed, but can't turn or stop. Well...you get the idea. Marshall (with the laser blasts) is taunted about his eyes in middle school, and has to see one of his jock tormentors become a member of the greatest superhero team ever. And when Marshall and his friends uncover a plot, no one will believe them. The defective powers of the group will have to be enough to save the day, or it may all be over for Superteam.
If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to have some sort of super ability, yet not qualify to be on the team, this story has your answer. And if you've ever felt like an outsider, or as if your best wasn't good enough, then you can easily sympathize with Marshall and the others with defective powers. But as they learn, "just because you're defective doesn't mean you can't be a hero."
Dustin Mackay (Disney animator and story artist) does a great job of bringing the scenes to life. Images of Marshall's lasers blasting everything but the villains, the elderly Night Owl hobbling to the rescue, or Marshall's little sisters chewing on his favorite video game all add to the humor of the story.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to have some sort of super ability, yet not qualify to be on the team, this story has your answer. And if you've ever felt like an outsider, or as if your best wasn't good enough, then you can easily sympathize with Marshall and the others with defective powers. But as they learn, "just because you're defective doesn't mean you can't be a hero."
Dustin Mackay (Disney animator and story artist) does a great job of bringing the scenes to life. Images of Marshall's lasers blasting everything but the villains, the elderly Night Owl hobbling to the rescue, or Marshall's little sisters chewing on his favorite video game all add to the humor of the story.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 22, 2019
I was not the target audience for this book, since I am an adult, which I feel I need to say at the outset. But I did not like it at all. It had the potential to be something I would have liked (I'm a sucker for superheroes and ragtag teams), but it was far too mean-spirited. I got the feeling that the author wanted people to think the book was about a bunch of kids who are labeled "Defective" but realize they're great just the way they are...but in the end I was left with the overwhelming impression that the narrator, and by extension the author, really did think that the kids were defective, broken, and useless because they weren't "normal". There's slightly snarky humor, and then there's mean-spirited snark for the sake of making fun of people, and this definitely felt to me like people were being laughed at.
I also didn't particularly care for the female character, whose name I've already forgotten whose "defect" was essentially being a "girly girl." She controls animals, but it's the city, so it's only rats and pigeons and cockroaches, which disgust her. Multiple times she's taken out of commission simply because her animals *might* end up touching her, and she's too busy freaking out about her hair.
I also didn't particularly care for the female character, whose name I've already forgotten whose "defect" was essentially being a "girly girl." She controls animals, but it's the city, so it's only rats and pigeons and cockroaches, which disgust her. Multiple times she's taken out of commission simply because her animals *might* end up touching her, and she's too busy freaking out about her hair.
August 23, 2017
Wow, this is a pretty dark premise for a children’s book: a kid with superpowers can���t use them because he’s cross-eyed and gets motion sickness, which is definitely worse than not having superpowers at all. And then an old has-been superhero enlists—blackmails—him to help deal with his archnemesis.
Some of the more interesting points:
“Fine, whatever. You hired me for my directorial experience, but you don’t listen to me. Don’t blame me when you don’t get any views on You Tube!” Henchmen have sure come a long way.
The blonde kissing the startled raccoon. . . on the lips. . .
Saw that last cross-eyed laser shot coming. . . but not the very last twist, which was inspired.
But there just wasn’t enough here to keep my interest. Seems like they go through every possible situation from comics and movies in pursuit of. . . halfway through I couldn’t remember what/who they were after. Can’t shake the feeling this could have been better, or at least more concise. The good moments were not enough to offset all the filler.
2.5 pushed up to 3/5
Some of the more interesting points:
“Fine, whatever. You hired me for my directorial experience, but you don’t listen to me. Don’t blame me when you don’t get any views on You Tube!” Henchmen have sure come a long way.
The blonde kissing the startled raccoon. . . on the lips. . .
Saw that last cross-eyed laser shot coming. . . but not the very last twist, which was inspired.
But there just wasn’t enough here to keep my interest. Seems like they go through every possible situation from comics and movies in pursuit of. . . halfway through I couldn’t remember what/who they were after. Can’t shake the feeling this could have been better, or at least more concise. The good moments were not enough to offset all the filler.
2.5 pushed up to 3/5
April 3, 2019
The positives: a bunch of differently-abled kids (Defectives, in this universe) who have probably been told their whole lives that they are screw ups by society who'll never be able to amount to anything still manage to combine their wonky superpowers and work together to defeat the villain when the time is right and their hearts are as one (corny, but appropriate. Also, none of this counts as spoilers if you've ever read/seen any story with even a remotely similar plot.) A good story for anyone who's been told they can't do something due to a lack abilities.
Also, the art is great.
The negatives: *rubs temples* It's probably evil of me to negatively review anything that lets an outcast prove to themselves "I can do it, too!", but, ...it's just not that great a book. The art is great, but most of it is in grayscale, with only a few colors to highlight certain (and often, seemingly random) aspects of any panel. I've read plenty of comics in black and white that look excellent without color, but the grayscale just mutes everything and makes things hard to see. The random bits of color make me focus on pointless things like T-shirts and stuff and actually makes it less likely to take in everything in a panel. The book isn't an honest through-and-through graphic novel: it's half novel and half comic. And there is Too. Much. Prose. I'm sorry, but they should have either made this a proper novel with illustrations or a proper comic. Reading the action in one paragraph and then viewing a couple art panels that may or may not show much of what the written words were building up to SERIOUSLY kills all of the momentum. Especially later on in the book, it's like they got tired of adding in so many art panels, so they just threw in written paragraphs. DURING THE RISING ACTION SEGMENT NEAR THE END. I imagine anyone who's grown up reading superhero comics would be seriously disappointed by having chunks of word fill up a lot of the book. I'm more than capable of reading a no-picture, word-only, "gotta use your imagination" novel and becoming engaged in the page-turning excitement of a good story, thank you very much for anyone who would like to insinuate a lack of proper literacy and having to cling to books with "pretty pictures" on my part. However, I'm also a strongly visual person when it comes to media, and I read comics because I love art and being able to see an artist's representation of movement and action. Most of my adolescence was spent reading action manga, so I know what I expect and want to see when you tell me "graphic novel with superpowers" (even if most of the characters can't utilize said powers to great effect) and this novel/comic hybrid just doesn't cut it.
Despite having grown up with Nicktoons, the sacrificing of action panels to include every possible instance of visual grossness (hint: the main character pukes when he flies) was just that: gross. Maybe great for your average eight year old boy (admittedly, likely the main target audience for the book), but again, how about more panels covering story, or character interaction, or even action instead of drawings of vomit and poop whenever feasible?
Also, the characters suck. Again, likely terrible of me, because these kids have a number of conditions that differentiates them from the regular social status quo. The main character is cross-eyed, one character suffers a severe peanut allergy, one's asthmatic, two or so have mental conditions. They've likely always been made an outcast at best, constantly bullied at worst. But most of them lack any of that really important thing when it comes to characters: actual characterization. They are their superpower, their lack of control of it, and haha, isn't it funny. That's about it. The villain is just a smug schmuck, and the main character, regardless of any psychological excuses he may have, is honestly pretty much either a) a boring Negative Nancy or b) a jerkass all of the time. (He's not ever shown even actually liking his "best friend" Lewis, instead mainly making snide remarks about him.) Oh, but when "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" segment comes around and he bands with the rest of the Defectives, they're suddenly all "his friends", even though he pretty much speaks maybe two lines to any one character throughout the entire book.
The Mentor Archetype character is bumbling, because the book is a "comedy" (I did chuckle every now and then) and has some barely fleshed out backstory, and there is never any true rapport between him and Main Character. (Marshall? I think. Can't even remember his name.) *shrug*
There are better stories of ragtag misfits conquering evil out there. There are better superhero graphic novels out there. There are surely better stories of kids with disabilities showing that they can save the world too, though unfortunately I'm drawing a blank here. Obviously there aren't enough, so this book will fill a much needed hole for a lot of people, but we really shouldn't have to settle for such an average product.
-----
EDIT (2019):
Having read Max Brallier's (no relation, I believe, despite somewhat similar names) The Last Kids on Earth, I think Superfail would have benefited from doing a similar format to that. Instead of this novel/graphic novel hybrid that practically wastes its terrific art on boring panels and Nickelodeon-level juvenile gross scenes, just keeping it primarily a novel but with lots of fun one panel illustrations every few pages would've been more exciting and have better kept the momentum going. In TLKoE, the prose is generally snarky narration, while action often interrupts the prose as an illustration to visually show the reader what's happening. It's quite fun and is far more snappy than "prose prose prose, insert comic panels here--mostly establishing shots, more prose prose prose". Still, with its high rating here, Superfail is obviously making some people (say, its target audience of under-twelves (*coughcoughnotmecough*)) happy, so who am I to complain?
Also, the art is great.
The negatives: *rubs temples* It's probably evil of me to negatively review anything that lets an outcast prove to themselves "I can do it, too!", but, ...it's just not that great a book. The art is great, but most of it is in grayscale, with only a few colors to highlight certain (and often, seemingly random) aspects of any panel. I've read plenty of comics in black and white that look excellent without color, but the grayscale just mutes everything and makes things hard to see. The random bits of color make me focus on pointless things like T-shirts and stuff and actually makes it less likely to take in everything in a panel. The book isn't an honest through-and-through graphic novel: it's half novel and half comic. And there is Too. Much. Prose. I'm sorry, but they should have either made this a proper novel with illustrations or a proper comic. Reading the action in one paragraph and then viewing a couple art panels that may or may not show much of what the written words were building up to SERIOUSLY kills all of the momentum. Especially later on in the book, it's like they got tired of adding in so many art panels, so they just threw in written paragraphs. DURING THE RISING ACTION SEGMENT NEAR THE END. I imagine anyone who's grown up reading superhero comics would be seriously disappointed by having chunks of word fill up a lot of the book. I'm more than capable of reading a no-picture, word-only, "gotta use your imagination" novel and becoming engaged in the page-turning excitement of a good story, thank you very much for anyone who would like to insinuate a lack of proper literacy and having to cling to books with "pretty pictures" on my part. However, I'm also a strongly visual person when it comes to media, and I read comics because I love art and being able to see an artist's representation of movement and action. Most of my adolescence was spent reading action manga, so I know what I expect and want to see when you tell me "graphic novel with superpowers" (even if most of the characters can't utilize said powers to great effect) and this novel/comic hybrid just doesn't cut it.
Despite having grown up with Nicktoons, the sacrificing of action panels to include every possible instance of visual grossness (hint: the main character pukes when he flies) was just that: gross. Maybe great for your average eight year old boy (admittedly, likely the main target audience for the book), but again, how about more panels covering story, or character interaction, or even action instead of drawings of vomit and poop whenever feasible?
Also, the characters suck. Again, likely terrible of me, because these kids have a number of conditions that differentiates them from the regular social status quo. The main character is cross-eyed, one character suffers a severe peanut allergy, one's asthmatic, two or so have mental conditions. They've likely always been made an outcast at best, constantly bullied at worst. But most of them lack any of that really important thing when it comes to characters: actual characterization. They are their superpower, their lack of control of it, and haha, isn't it funny. That's about it. The villain is just a smug schmuck, and the main character, regardless of any psychological excuses he may have, is honestly pretty much either a) a boring Negative Nancy or b) a jerkass all of the time. (He's not ever shown even actually liking his "best friend" Lewis, instead mainly making snide remarks about him.) Oh, but when "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" segment comes around and he bands with the rest of the Defectives, they're suddenly all "his friends", even though he pretty much speaks maybe two lines to any one character throughout the entire book.
The Mentor Archetype character is bumbling, because the book is a "comedy" (I did chuckle every now and then) and has some barely fleshed out backstory, and there is never any true rapport between him and Main Character. (Marshall? I think. Can't even remember his name.) *shrug*
There are better stories of ragtag misfits conquering evil out there. There are better superhero graphic novels out there. There are surely better stories of kids with disabilities showing that they can save the world too, though unfortunately I'm drawing a blank here. Obviously there aren't enough, so this book will fill a much needed hole for a lot of people, but we really shouldn't have to settle for such an average product.
-----
EDIT (2019):
Having read Max Brallier's (no relation, I believe, despite somewhat similar names) The Last Kids on Earth, I think Superfail would have benefited from doing a similar format to that. Instead of this novel/graphic novel hybrid that practically wastes its terrific art on boring panels and Nickelodeon-level juvenile gross scenes, just keeping it primarily a novel but with lots of fun one panel illustrations every few pages would've been more exciting and have better kept the momentum going. In TLKoE, the prose is generally snarky narration, while action often interrupts the prose as an illustration to visually show the reader what's happening. It's quite fun and is far more snappy than "prose prose prose, insert comic panels here--mostly establishing shots, more prose prose prose". Still, with its high rating here, Superfail is obviously making some people (say, its target audience of under-twelves (*coughcoughnotmecough*)) happy, so who am I to complain?
June 15, 2018
In a place where almost everyone ends up with a superpower of some sort, twelve-year-old Marshall Preston is frustrated, because he is a "defective" - a kid with super powers that don't quite work right. Like having laser vision, but with crossed eyes, or being able to fly, but having motion sickness. His dream is to get chosen for the Super Team, and he thinks that if he can stop a crime, he may just be able to get picked, but everything seems to go wrong. But with Marshall's fellow defectives, they may just find a way to beat the bad guys.
A fun graphic novel, and my twelve year old LOVED it. I read it to my five year old, because he begged me to, but I think it was a little too old for him. He still enjoyed it though. For me, it was fun, but graphic novels aren't my favorite thing, and it was definitely geared toward middle grade boys on up. The illustrations were great though, and it was a creative story.
A fun graphic novel, and my twelve year old LOVED it. I read it to my five year old, because he begged me to, but I think it was a little too old for him. He still enjoyed it though. For me, it was fun, but graphic novels aren't my favorite thing, and it was definitely geared toward middle grade boys on up. The illustrations were great though, and it was a creative story.
November 8, 2018
This was one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while – while the idea almost reminds me of the movie “Sky High” – the plot is different, and the characters are absolutely hilarious. The story is fun to follow as we watch the main characters come so close to succeeding (and, ultimately, falling short) that we have to keep trailing along, seeing them mess things up in the best possible way. There is some gross humor involved, but nothing that kids wouldn’t love to read about. The book is set up really neat, with part of the book told in prose, and the other told in a comic book format. It’s really fun to read. Reluctant readers would really enjoy this book, and I think Superfail is a great bridge between comic books and prose novels. Brunner and MacKay have a good thing going for them with this hysterical book, and I hope they follow it up with a sequel! Please note I received a free review copy of this book.
November 22, 2019
This is a fun idea, people with superhero like powers but something that makes them a little defective so their power is dangerous or useless instead of good. Marshall is one of these kids called "Defectives." When Marshall and his best friend discover a plot to destroy a whole team of superheroes, no one believes them and they have to strike out on their own to save the day.
The story itself is amusing (I imagine the target audience of middle grade readers would find it hilarious!), but nothing special. The formatting of the electronic book was so screwed up on my kindle that I had an extremely hard time enjoying the pictures. I would definitely recommend this one as a print book, not an e-book. If you're a fan of silly or superhero books, give this one a shot.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story itself is amusing (I imagine the target audience of middle grade readers would find it hilarious!), but nothing special. The formatting of the electronic book was so screwed up on my kindle that I had an extremely hard time enjoying the pictures. I would definitely recommend this one as a print book, not an e-book. If you're a fan of silly or superhero books, give this one a shot.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 21, 2017
Well, that was the best young adult book I’ve read in a long time.
The whole feel of the book is sharp and clever.
The character designs, names and backstories are just flat out fun. The character names, their power sets and the unique defects each one had are smart and clever.
The artwork is fantastic - I was reading along minding my own business when the Crash/splash/busted page shows up and stopped me in my tracks – that double page spreads are incredible and the perspective is unbelievable – amazing
The story is good wholesome fun. It should easily entertain anyone who likes a good story with characters that have to overcome their own challenges to achieve more than they think they ever could.
Thanks for words, the pictures and standing up for the defectives of the world. Bock Bock Bock
The whole feel of the book is sharp and clever.
The character designs, names and backstories are just flat out fun. The character names, their power sets and the unique defects each one had are smart and clever.
The artwork is fantastic - I was reading along minding my own business when the Crash/splash/busted page shows up and stopped me in my tracks – that double page spreads are incredible and the perspective is unbelievable – amazing
The story is good wholesome fun. It should easily entertain anyone who likes a good story with characters that have to overcome their own challenges to achieve more than they think they ever could.
Thanks for words, the pictures and standing up for the defectives of the world. Bock Bock Bock
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