Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission

Super Sons #2

by Ridley Pearson, Ileana Gonzalez (Illustrator)

In the aftermath of The PolarShield Project, Jon Kent and Damian "Ian" Wayne, the respective sons of Superman and Batman, are on the run! With their hometown in ruins, and in the absence of their heroic fathers, Jon and Ian are on a mission to find a sample of the deadly virus that's threatening Wyndemere and Jon's mother, Lois Lane. Meanwhile, Candace follows clues that hold the key to her destiny, and her journey is filled with twists and turns as she unlocks powerful abilities she never knew existed. While their quests threaten to divide the three of them, it's only through teamwork and trust that they can succeed.

The Foxglove Mission is the rare sequel that takes everything readers love about Super Sons and raises the stakes without losing any of the charm or sense of wonder. Join New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson (Kingdom Keepers) and artist Ile Gonzalez as they introduce new settings, new allies and villains, and an all-new adventure in this latest action-packed chapter!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2019

About the author

Ridley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.

Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

For a book made for children, this was impossible to follow. The story flits back and forth between a gazillion characters and they are traveling through numerous made up countries. This really could have used a map. This book has so many strange editorial decisions. Why would you put Metropolis and Gotham in a made up country? And then make up several other countries? And then call Damien Wayne, Ian, so he has no connection to Robin at all? I know, one thing, after reading this, I have no desire to ever read any of Ridley Pearson's other books.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Ridley Pearson, and DC Entertainment for the opportunity to read Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission in exchange for an honest review.

The first volume was okay, and I was curious as to where the story would go, mostly because of my interest in Candace. She seemed like she would have interesting character development, and she did, I suppose.

And...uh, what's the plot here? Something about finding a cure to a thing? The title comes from Candace and four other girls who all have the ability to control some type of animal. By far the most interesting point of the book...

The pacing is odd... it's swift in a negative way, with constant shifts between scenes with little/no transition. At least the art is decent!

[Matthew Noe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just not great. The writing is stiffer than a board and the transitions between scenes are... well it's like they didn't consider how to transition.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon Kent and Ian Wayne, the sons of Superman and Batman, are teaming up again to help their friend, Candace, find out more about her mysterious past. She has had a vision that she must return to her home country, and the super sons help her to escape. Four creepy girls have been watching Candace for their own evil purposes, and Candace must find a way to outwit them before they catch up to her.

This book has the same good and bad elements as the first book in the series. I liked the colorful artwork, and the interesting characters, but the plot jumps around too much and was difficult to follow. The scenes don't flow naturally and the pacing is awkward. I was left with too many questions, and there are so many things that are not explained.

I really wanted to see more character development for Jon and Ian in this second volume, but they feel sort of stagnant. Instead of their friendship growing and the two boys learning to trust each other more, they spend most of the book fighting and arguing. It's only Candace's need that finally gets them working together to help her.

I'm not sure if I want to continue reading this series. I find it so difficult to read and follow what is happening in the plot, and there are so many holes in the story. It is good, but I think it could be better.

One thing I really loved was Candace's story line and her discovery of more of her past. That mystery really intrigued me, and I enjoyed reading about her.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission is a graphic novel and is written by Ridley Pearson and illustrated by Ile Gonzalez. The super duo of Jon Kent and Damian "Ian" Wayne continue their adventure in this sequel to Super Sons: The Polarshield Project.

Damian "Ian" Wayne and Jonathan Kent take are on the run, as they are on a mission to find a sample of the virus that is threatening Wyndemere. The boys are chased from town to town as they chase an army of generic evil scientists and team up with their friends Tilly and Candace.

Candace is the third main part of this story, and this mysterious girl from the fictional nation of Landis, who can control birds. Her enemies have sent a quartet of teenage girls as their assassins, who incompetently bumble from one evil plan to another.

Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission is written and constructed rather mediocrity. The pace of the narrative is both frantic and leisurely, as Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne bip-bop from one chaotic scene to another without accomplishing much. Gonzalez's artwork is vivid and crisp, riffing on a classic comic style.

All in all, Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission is a mediocre continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to continue in the very near future.

[Khurram · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slightly better than the first book, or was it just that my expectations were lower?

The sons continue on a journey, good artwork again I hate Batkid's skaterboy costume. Another question is there are 3 characters on the covers but there are 4 main characters one has not been really explored other than se is there and has a crush on Jon. Her "costume" is freeky.

Not many more answers here just a quite confused story. I did get some hope with the conversation between Batman and Ian.

Not really loving this series. The artwork and potential is really keeps me coming back. I am just interested enough to see ho it ends.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, I was less than impressed with this series. The plot's practically all over the place and part of the time I don't know what's going on. I get that the general premise is find the cure for a deadly virus and help a powered princess from her evil council; but nothing makes sense. Ian and Jon's friendship is just as messy; one moment they're good friends, the next Ian's being a butthead. For something called the Super Sons, they sure don't even fit into the overall plot that much. If anything, it's Constance's story more than anything and even that's not much. So much just goes on that plots and methods change on the fly. I don't know if reading the first volume would've helped but I doubt it would've helped.

[Aeicha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Kent, son of Superman; Ian Wayne, son of Batman; and their friends Candace and Tilly return for another action-packed, fast-paced adventure in Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission! Once again, Ridley Pearson explores the enthralling, tense Superman/Batman dynamic for a younger audience, through the eyes of their sons. Exciting unfolding action, likable characters, cool powers and gadgets, and engaging illustrations smash together in this fun, hip graphic novel.

The various settings and story arcs will keep readers absorbed and eagerly turning pages, while the timely and thought-provoking topics explored will engage the minds of young readers. Jon and Ian prove to be compelling young heroes, while Candace and Tilly continue to shine as strong, capable heroines.

Fans of the world of Batman and Superman, and younger readers not yet ready for that intense world, will both be captivated and impressed with this sequel!

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[tony dillard jr · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Superman still in outer space and Bruce Wayne God knows where, it’s up the sons of Clark Kent and Batman to get to the bottom of all these mysteries surrounding them! The virus attacking the people of Wyndemere, and Lois Lane, is getting worse. With time running out, the Super Sons need to procure a sample of the germ- and fast!

Meanwhile, the deadly sisters from Candace’s mysterious past in Landis are on her trail. Everytime is appears that Candace has escaped them, a small little miracle alerts her pursuers to her whereabouts. Dozens and dozens of birds just seem to flock to the mysterious young lady. Does Candace have special powers?

Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed with this second chapter in the Super Sons story. According to sources, Ridley Pearson’s alternate take on Damian Wayne and Jon Kent is supposed to be 3 volumes long. With time running to tell the story out, I felt that Pearson tries just way too hard to cram everything into this book. There’s just too much going on and it’s quite confusing.

If I remember correctly, volume 1 had a map of Coleumbria and surrounding territories. This volume really needs it as Jon and Damian AND Candace seem to keep going all over the place. Sometimes back and forth! It was all rather quite hard to keep up with!

While I am looking forward to the final chapter, I have some apprehension that the conclusion is going to be even more confusing with just too much to keep straight.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a big fan of Ridley Pearson. I loved his Peter and the Starcatchers series that he wrote with humorist Dave Berry. But even then, you could tell that Pearson and company just had so many great ideas. Yet, the writers had 4 huge volumes to work with. A trio of 140- some odd paged graphic novels just isn’t enough space to sufficiently cover all of the plot points that are going on with the sons of the World’s Finest.

The finale has got to be super massive (and super clear and concise If not; what started out as a modern day classic is going to become a disaster of epic proportions.

[Aritra Dasgupta · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is pure bs. I'm sorry kids but just read the proper comics. Please avoid this. Not only has the writer totally got the two main characters fully wrong, this has subtle racist stereotypes I am so sick of watching. The plot is disjointed and constantly skips from location to location as if that will stick some life into this dead boring story. While I criticised the first book's shoddy handling and forced foray into Climate change issues, this one just is so so worse.

First of all, the main characters. Damian or Ian(WHY?) is just a rich brat here. The Super Sons have always been characterised by Jon's naive brawn and Damian's cunning brains. But here Ian is given this god-awful costume and only acts as this rich guy who supplies the gadgets and the access to planes and places. Idk why Tilly exists, she could easily be cut out and her duties handed out to Jon or Damian. Idk what is up with Candace after two volumes and the mystery isn't exactly the most fun here. Jon can't fly and is the smarter of the duo so yeah just so disappointing.

Plus Cray Ving, the asian genius is conveniently a bad guy. I am so sick of making Asians appear as these geniuses and then making them the villain here isn't great too. The story lacks proper pacing and is just flat out boring. It's boring. None of the villains are particularly interesting or frightening and just act like dummy sticks who could be replaced by toasters, acting just as conflict generating machines.

The art and panelling and all are just fine. The dialogue is bad.

Terrible book. Please stop. Why does someone who has no idea of comics or anything have this job? I would have loved a fresh interesting take on the characters but this guy just uses the names and the characters don't have the same personality or powers and hey let's also remember that Ian is white-washed. A terrible book with subtle racist tendencies, boring dialogue and brick characters.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

   Jon, Ian, and Tilly help Candace get on a ship so she can get back to Coleumbria, but the Four Fingers are still in hot pursuit. Between Avryc plotting from her jail cell, and recent events at the Polarshield Project, it’s clear the bad guys are up to nothing good while both Batman and Superman are occupied. Plus Lois Lane is still in the hospital from getting poisoned, so the Super Sons have their work cut out for them to get a large enough sample of the virus so that an antidote can be made. Meanwhile, Candace is finding unexpected allies in her journey to follow her mother’s clues, but will they be enough to help her face off against the Four Fingers?
   With so many different groups to follow (the Super Sons, the scientists at Polarshield, Avryc, the Four Fingers, Candace…) this book ends up being very choppy, as the story frequently jumps from one group to another, keeping the reader continually on their toes and switching gears. These jumps even happen in the middle of events at times, and sometimes also involve weird time lapses for the same group, which makes it all the more confusing. For example, on page 70, Tilly, Jon and Ian have just gotten through security to visit the bridge construction site, where they stand looking over the broken bridge. Then it cuts to Candace briefly, and the very next time we get back to the trio on page 76, Tilly and Jon are asleep in her room with Ian calling them to come meet him.
   I felt like my mind was doing acrobatics trying to keep all the storylines straight or even just to follow them, never mind the passage of time and events. Part of this might be attributed to how long it has been since I read the first volume, in that I remembered precious little of the first volume’s events and thus was relying heavily on the “previously…” and character bio sections to reorient myself. Even considering that, though, this volume itself was still difficult to follow with the frequent jumps (I’m not sure any given “scene” lasted more than 10 pages at a time, and that’s a very generous estimate – most seemed to be 3-6 pages long at the longest). This also meant that the storytelling itself suffered – there was too much going on, and the character development which was accomplished felt inserted and abrupt. It felt more like it was relying on a default characterization rather than an evolution of the character. On the plus side, it did manage to give us a bit more characterization to the Four Fingers, so we get a better idea of their personalities and that all is not mutually agreed upon between them; even they are capable of differences of opinion for the best course of action to take. The character bios at the beginning are integral to having an idea of who these people are, and it really could have used a map of all these various places everyone is going to to help keep it straight.

[Vincent · Rating 2 out of 5]

In The Foxglove Mission, Tilly and Candace continue to be major characters, who's place in the story is just as important as the boys'. It is misleading to title it only "Super Sons".

I thought this book was overstuffed. There is a great deal of plot and running around to different locations. However, because Pearson uses all new, invented geography, we don't have any sense of how far away or in what direction anything is, and what cultural expectations to have about them. I vaguely feel like the cities that aren't welcoming to "floodrunners" are supposed to be midwestern, and conservative, but based on names like Wyndemere and Cinapolis I'm not really sure. Compare this to DC's existing Central City.

Also, like monthly comic books, The Foxglove Mission only tells you a small part of the overall story, and this is even more apparent here than in the first book , The Polarshield Project. I might expect that with regular comics, but I had a different expectation for a "book".

This might be my stopping point for the series.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from DC Zoom in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Super Sons was such a success at our library. Everyone just loved how Batman and Superman had their sons Damian Wayne and Jon Kent looking for adventure and saving the day just like their dads. With their father's captured and the city in almost ruins, in this sequel it's up to Jon and Ian to not only save the city but Jon's mother Lois Lane. Ridley Pearson does it again with more compelling dialogue and plot twists that made this comic more enjoyable to read each time. In this case, the sequel was definitely better than the first.

We will consider adding this title to our JGraphic novel collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Zachary King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very lukewarm on the first book, but this one really didn’t hit it for me. I’m relieved to see other reviewers mention the disjointed pacing, because I really thought my copy was missing pages. The story bounces to and fro without orienting the reader, and I’m even more put off by the fact that these characters don’t behave like their comics counterparts. The plot is spinning its wheels before the third (and ostensibly final) volume, but I don’t know if I’m interested enough to see it through.

Put another way, did he who made the Kingdom Keepers make thee? (Because I love those books!)

[Maggie Librarian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not follow what was happening in this graphic novel which does not bode well for less advanced readers. Batman and Superman's sons are still on an adventure, with two girls, one of who is on the run from 4 other girls- because they want her to join them? I think. So she keeps trying to escape by traveling to small islands near Gotham. Makes sense? Oh! And there's a virus that's infected Louis Lane (aka little super's mom) and the super sons are on a mission to find a sample of it so she can be cured (not sure why they can't use her infected blood). The last young protagonist assumes a creepy doll alter ego, for... reasons? The good guys win in the end, and the bad guys loose. I honestly would skip this series if I were you.

[Raven Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series should be read back-to-back. It had been at least a year since reading book one and I had forgotten the action/plot of the book. This addition is obviously the "middle book" where it has all the buildup, some action, but in the end, you know it is the diving board to finish the series soon with only minimal plot/story itself. It is not a standalone title. Ages stronger 6-7 can do, but probably best for 8 to 10 who like superheroes and is looking for a graphic novel/superhero story with a more modern feel.

NOTE TO PUBLISHER: pleas but all books out in one collection. Please and thank you.

[Steven]

I was slow getting to this second volume in Pearson’s Super Sons trilogy, mainly because the first volume was so scattered. Well…this one’s even *more* scattered, adding wild abilities for Candace as well as the Four Fingers antagonists. The names continue to jar, and for no apparent reason Pearson has Tilly adopt the costumed ID of Puppet Girl…who does nothing that Tilly doesn’t do normally. Also, Bruce Wayne’s assistant Patience leaps into action midway…and does nothing. So, it’s a mess. I have no idea if this appeals to the younger kids; certainly I doubt it’s interesting to teens. The art’s cute, mind you.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book kind of confirmed that I won't be continuing with the series. The plot is still all over the place, and the characters still act like they've just met.

I also didn't note this in my first review but I was super disappointed that Damian appears to be whitewashed, and in the second book the black women are more overtly shown as the villains.

I really wish the book would go more into any of this, because it's a huge mess that doesn't explain anything. I hope it'll get better from here, but for now I'll be setting this down.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon Kent and Damian Wayne along with Candace and Tilly are hunting for the virus that laid Lois Lane low. They end up traveling and fighting with the Four Fingers and try to foil the unknown criminals who are working on taking over the world. Candace manages to find relic hid by her mother and now needs to return home to claim her kingdom. Will have to see if the third volume is as much fun as the second in the AH DC world.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The super sons of Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent find themselves on the run while trying to find a cure to the virus that threatens mankind, and has Lois Lane in a bed ridden come. Meanwhile Candance is trying to figure out the clues left behind by her mother to discover her destiny. As all three converge on answers, the plot thickens as Dr. Ving and the four fingers plot to stop the super sons and Candance at any cost.

[Mel Almazan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to like this but in the first book they supersons were hiding their powers but this skipped over some "coming out" moments. What did I miss? I hope I stupidly missed out a book or something and the continuity problem is my fault entirely. The art is beautiful and I really want to find new lines to share with the kiddo but I am left confused and hating myself wondering how messed up.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Graphic novel
The story of the Superman and Batman's sons continues. They are getting closer to finding the virus and saving Lois Lane. Candace finds the special oil she will need to become the Empress. Tilly c0ntinues to problems solve and rescue the others.
The artwork draws readers further in to the storyline.

[Michaela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much like the first book in this series, I found this story hard to follow. The characters are not developed at all and I often had no idea who some people were or what was going on. I also don't think the climate change story line was well. Mostly this left me confused and uninterested in continuing on with the series.

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second volume of this series finds the young duo and their friends trying to unravel the mysteries of Lois's illness and climate disasters. I love the diversity in this series and how the stories are related to current events.

[Jake Hawkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had all the problems of the first one but ramped up. The pacing is horrible and too much is accomplished/learned off screen and too little is explained. They again need another 50-60 pages at minimum.

[Gabrielle L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

[Ajmal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book that I read in my life

[Hapsari Darmastuti · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's another DC Ink graphic novel about Superman and Batman's son teaming up. It's okay, but too fast-paced for me and also too childish to my liking.

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much going on and no solutions.