Nick the Sidekick

by Dave Whamond

When Nick signed up to be a superhero, it seemed like a terrific idea. He was flattered to be chosen by Super Fantastic Guy --- picked for his intelligence, his investigative skills and his super-amazing hearing abilities. But as Super Fantastic Guy's assistant, Nick (who, by the way, hates being called a sidekick) didn't realize that he would have to do all of the work --- and get none of the credit. All Nick wants is an opportunity to prove himself. So, when he overhears a group of criminals planning an enormous bank heist, he knows his big chance to save the day has finally arrived. Or has it?

With a fresh take on the ever-popular theme of superheroes, award-winning author and illustrator Dave Whamond's graphic novel is the perfect adventure for emerging readers. Whamond's wacky sense of humor and illustrative talent are on full display in this book's laugh-out-loud, comically irreverent tale, while the twists and intrigues of the plot keep the pages turning --- fast. Nick is a sympathetic character whose situation will resonate with any child who knows someone who likes to steal the limelight or take credit for the work of others. Nick's approach and coping style, along with the support of his best friend, Tess, speak to young children's budding self-awareness and social development. This book also works for character education lessons on initiative, empathy and perseverance.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Superheroes, Humor, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2018

About the author

Dave Whamond is an award-winning illustrator and cartoonist whose work has appeared in books, magazines and newspapers.

Reviews

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Nick the Sidekick is a lighthearted read that will delight readers of all ages. I like how Nick's tale tells us that it doesn't matter what abilities we have; as long as we have the willpower to achieve our dream, we can make it happen. Also, about Super Fantastic Guy's personality of always taking the credit reminds everyone not to follow his example.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few moments of original humor pointed at superhero tropes, but aside from the protagonist, the character stereotypes abounded and the plot was pretty well worn.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through Edelweiss and NetGalley.

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick has super hearing and believes he’s ready to become a superhero. Currently, though, Nick is a sidekick. He’d much prefer you refer to him as a superhero assistant.

Nick was recruited by Super Fantastic Guy, who is big on superhero clichés. Nick hates superhero clichés.

Nick also isn’t a fan of doing all of the work and getting none of the credit.



I expect young readers will enjoy the action sequences and Nick’s superhero training fails. This story is full of superhero clichés, often pointed out by Nick. The ending would have worked better for me if Super Fantastic Guy had realised the error of his ways and voluntarily given some credit to Nick.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to read this graphic novel.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter what Nick does, Super Fantastic Guy uses him for his brains and super hearing, viewing him as a sidekick...rather than a partner as they capture the bank robbers.

A little bit of dark humor for kids in this graphic novel of a flawed superhero who isn't all that he's cracked up to be...and takes credit for solving the crimes that should rightly go to Nick. The dark colors and cartoonish illustrations will have beginning readers seeking for this little gem. It will be a useful title to help kids learn what empathy is -- and why it is and important quality to have.

For grades K-3.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little comic. And some of the parts made me literally LOL. And the meta-awareness of the superhero cliches was kind of fun.

It was a bit silly, and might be enjoyed more by someone a little younger. I’m thinking maybe mid- to late-elementary? I’ll have to find out what my 10-year-old thinks.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Scieczka and Dav Pilkey fans will enjoy "Nick the Sidekick". Nick has amazing hearing from his big ears. Since that is his only super power, he knew he could not be a super hero so he became a super hero sidekick. He prefers to be called super hero assistant but other people do not hear as well as Nick and he has trouble getting the respect he deserves. There are a lot of laughs and there is a lot of action in this graphic novel for elementary readers.

[Margie Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick the Sidekick is a cute and predictable short book. Not a chapter book, but presented in a "beginning chapter book-sized" format that would appeal to reluctant readers who want to appear they are reading "more" than a picture book. Nick is self-conscious about his large ears and does not want to be called a "sidekick" to a superhero who takes all the credit! Lots of humor! The illustrations are appealing and colorful!

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel will appeal to readers of all ages. It’s bright comic illustrations and bold print make an easy and fun read. Nick has a super powers, intelligence and amazing hearing. What he doesn’t have is the muscle and the glamour. When he teams up with Super Fantastic Guy, he solves the crime but gets none of the credit.

[Paula Lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute comic for elementary age kids. The graphics are awesome. I like the boy/girl friendship. Super Fantastic Guy is engagingly oblivious. I wish that Nick had tried a little more aggressively to stand up for himself, but his revenge is silly and nonharmful. Lots of kids will love this.

I received an eARC from NetGalley.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has the not so subtle message of how it is not cool to take credit for things that you did not do. In this story, Nick the Sidekick is doing all the work while Super Fantastic guy takes the praise. At the end, Super Fantastic guy learns the lesson that this is wrong. However, the ending is abrupt.

[Jaymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Cute graphic novel with a superhero theme. Calls out all of the superhero clichés. Kids will get a kick out of this one!

I received an electronic review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Quintina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick’s superpower is super hearing but it’s not super enough to be a superhero so he becomes the assitant to Super Fantastic Guy. (He hates to be called a sidekick.). Clever, funny, and action packed Nick the Sidekick will have kids cheering for the assistant rather than the superhero!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

funny. son loved it and had me read it over and over again to him.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This elementary-level graphic novel tells the tale of Nick who has super large ears (which leads to much teasing) and super hearing. Superhero Super Fantastic Guy recruits Nick to be his sidekick (or as Nick prefers: superhero assistant). This is a true underdog story because Nick is often the one who saves the day and Super Fantastic Guy always take the credit. It’s a fun story and the illustrations are top-notch.

[Bran Pendergrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my son named Nick and we thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters are witty and the storyline will appeal to young readers! There were numerous times that we laughed out loud and my son wanted to reread pages so we could laugh again! This little comic was action packed! Nick cannot stand being called a sidekick and he does everything that he can to prove himself!