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Super Sidekicks #1
Super Sidekicks #1: No Adults Allowed
Superheroes have it easy. They don't have to clean their secret headquarters, wash the alien bloodstains out of their costumes or be responsible for taking Super Mutt out for a walk. No, they leave all that for their sidekicks like me, while they get all the credit!
I'm Junior Justice, but you can call me JJ, and I think it's time we made our own team.
The Super Sidekicks!
Are you with me?
Being a superhero sidekick isn't as fun as you think. You do all the work, beat the bad guys and save the planet, only for your grown-up partner to get all the credit. Junior Justice is sick of it, so he and his sidekick pals, Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo, have decided to form their own super team.
But before they can start saving the world they'll have to prove to the adult heroes that they're more than just sidekicks. And once the evil Dr Enok discovers his favourite pet Goo has left him to join a super team, the world might need saving sooner rather than later!
I'm Junior Justice, but you can call me JJ, and I think it's time we made our own team.
The Super Sidekicks!
Are you with me?
Being a superhero sidekick isn't as fun as you think. You do all the work, beat the bad guys and save the planet, only for your grown-up partner to get all the credit. Junior Justice is sick of it, so he and his sidekick pals, Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo, have decided to form their own super team.
But before they can start saving the world they'll have to prove to the adult heroes that they're more than just sidekicks. And once the evil Dr Enok discovers his favourite pet Goo has left him to join a super team, the world might need saving sooner rather than later!
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2019
18 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Gavin Aung Than
19 books106 followersGavin Aung Than is a freelance cartoonist based in Melbourne, Australia. After working in the corporate graphic design industry for 8 years he quit his unfulfilling job at the end of 2011 to focus on his true passion, drawing cartoons. Gavin launched Zen Pencils at the start of 2012, a cartoon blog which adapts inspirational quotes into comic stories, and hasn’t looked back since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 26, 2019
Junior Justice (JJ) is sick of being the sidekick of the most famous superhero in the world so he decides to form his own team. Together with Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo, these heroes are ready to prove to the adults that they’re capable of doing more than laundry.
JJ is the world’s greatest martial artist, a master in multiple disciplines including Mongolian tickle fighting. Flygirl is the world’s most acrobatic flyer. Dinomite has a degree in quantum mechanics and can speak 47 languages but all anyone wants him to do is transform into different dinosaurs. Goo is, well, pink goo. When Goo is kidnapped by evil Dr Enok it’s up to his new friends to rescue him.
The illustrations are a lot of fun. I love that this new superhero team is based on Sydney; the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are featured in several images. I particularly enjoyed the expressions shown on the chapter pages; each chapter number is covered in Goo and they show how he’s feeling in that chapter.
JJ is the world’s greatest martial artist, a master in multiple disciplines including Mongolian tickle fighting. Flygirl is the world’s most acrobatic flyer. Dinomite has a degree in quantum mechanics and can speak 47 languages but all anyone wants him to do is transform into different dinosaurs. Goo is, well, pink goo. When Goo is kidnapped by evil Dr Enok it’s up to his new friends to rescue him.
This graphic novel had some great messages for young readers, including looking out for your friends and working together as a team. I found Goo adorable and couldn’t wait for .
The illustrations are a lot of fun. I love that this new superhero team is based on Sydney; the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are featured in several images. I particularly enjoyed the expressions shown on the chapter pages; each chapter number is covered in Goo and they show how he’s feeling in that chapter.
I would have devoured this graphic novel as a kid and am looking forward to the Super Sidekicks’ next adventure, Ocean’s Revenge.
July 30, 2021
Junior Justice (JJ) is tired of being a sidekick. His mentor, Captain Perfect, makes him clean his secret headquarters, do his laundry, and stay in the shadows while he takes all the credit. So, he decides to form his own team. Joining him: Flygirl, who’s stressed by the unpredictability of Rampagin’ Rita; Dinomite, who’s tired of turning into a Tyrannosaurus Rex for Blast Radius to ride into battle; and Goo, who’s escaped his creator and tormentor, the evil Dr. Enok. Before they can establish their new headquarters, however, their superheroes arrive to take back and sidekicks, and Dr. Enok to seize his creation.
The story is straightforward: the sidekicks are good and tired of slaving under their superhero-overlords. The superheroes are comically insensitive and self-centered. And Dr. Enok is a classic scientist-inventor supervillain. Young readers will enjoy watching as the sidekicks outsmart the adults, overcome adversity, save the world, and establish their own team.
Bold, colorful artwork brings the characters and story to life. The bright palette is perfect for a humor-filled superhero book. The panels are easy to read and follow, great for readers who may be new to the graphic novel format. And I love how the chapter numbers are illustrated in the shape of Goo. Such a fun detail!
Bonus: At the end of this book, instructions have been provided on how to draw JJ and Flygirl. This is a nice touch for fans who would like to learn how to draw their favorite characters. (Note: Book 2 provides instructions on how to draw the other members of the Super Sidekicks.)
The story is straightforward: the sidekicks are good and tired of slaving under their superhero-overlords. The superheroes are comically insensitive and self-centered. And Dr. Enok is a classic scientist-inventor supervillain. Young readers will enjoy watching as the sidekicks outsmart the adults, overcome adversity, save the world, and establish their own team.
Bold, colorful artwork brings the characters and story to life. The bright palette is perfect for a humor-filled superhero book. The panels are easy to read and follow, great for readers who may be new to the graphic novel format. And I love how the chapter numbers are illustrated in the shape of Goo. Such a fun detail!
Bonus: At the end of this book, instructions have been provided on how to draw JJ and Flygirl. This is a nice touch for fans who would like to learn how to draw their favorite characters. (Note: Book 2 provides instructions on how to draw the other members of the Super Sidekicks.)
April 22, 2019
Cartoonist Gavin Aung Than’s graphic novel champions the underdog in the super hero world, the sidekicks. When Junior Justice -JJ decides he wants to be a superhero instead, he calls a special meeting at a secret warehouse location. He’s tired of his subordinate role and wants to stop cleaning up after Captain Perfect, washing his costumes and organising his headquarters. It’s time to turn things around.
He chooses Flygirl who’s tired of being sidekick to Rampaging Rita who loves to destroy everything. Dinomite brings his communication skills – he can speak 47 languages and has a quantum physics degree. Watch him transform into any shape and size dinosaur, a flying pterodactyl or large and menacing T-Rex. Goo’s slippery, slimy body allows him to fill spaces, block gaps and help fight crime. He’s run away from evil Dr Enok’s laboratory and is willing to help JJ and the other child super sidekicks.
After a cheesy photo and chocolate chip cookies, the sidekicks share their fantastic array of skills. When confronted by their angry adult superheroes who want their offsiders back, an all-out battle ensues, while Rampaging Rita bashes everything in her path, Blast Radius shoots lasers into the melee. When Dr Enok captures Goo and takes him back to the lab, Junior Justice, Dinomite and Flygirl, creatively work as a team to rescue the sticky creature.
Than’s action-packed cartoons showcase the cast of quirky characters and their special abilities. He’s created a world reminiscent of the 1960s superhero shows, as good and evil battles against each other. JJ and his friends learn to value each other’s skills, develop their friendship and utilise their problem-solving skills. No adults allowed is a super-exciting cartoon novel just right for super-hero loving readers.
He chooses Flygirl who’s tired of being sidekick to Rampaging Rita who loves to destroy everything. Dinomite brings his communication skills – he can speak 47 languages and has a quantum physics degree. Watch him transform into any shape and size dinosaur, a flying pterodactyl or large and menacing T-Rex. Goo’s slippery, slimy body allows him to fill spaces, block gaps and help fight crime. He’s run away from evil Dr Enok’s laboratory and is willing to help JJ and the other child super sidekicks.
After a cheesy photo and chocolate chip cookies, the sidekicks share their fantastic array of skills. When confronted by their angry adult superheroes who want their offsiders back, an all-out battle ensues, while Rampaging Rita bashes everything in her path, Blast Radius shoots lasers into the melee. When Dr Enok captures Goo and takes him back to the lab, Junior Justice, Dinomite and Flygirl, creatively work as a team to rescue the sticky creature.
Than’s action-packed cartoons showcase the cast of quirky characters and their special abilities. He’s created a world reminiscent of the 1960s superhero shows, as good and evil battles against each other. JJ and his friends learn to value each other’s skills, develop their friendship and utilise their problem-solving skills. No adults allowed is a super-exciting cartoon novel just right for super-hero loving readers.
October 24, 2020
Well, this was brisk and lively fun. Three sidekicks to superheroes meet up together and tell of the stress, woe and denigration they get in their underling role. Unfortunately, their main baddie's subsidiary character, a lump of pink slime stuff, turns up too – but only because he feels the same as them, and is no longer evil. But more unfortunately, their adult bosses turn up and demand they get back to the job of being sidekick. And even more unfortunate – perhaps the most unfortunate possible – the evil scientist baddie comes, and demands his Goo back. What are three young whippersnappers to do?
This then is a commendable series opener. It is a little obvious we're diverting from a full-sized drama to build the world and introduce the characters, but the book does manage to get just enough mileage out of its derivative elements and fashion something fresher. And as I say this is a good, well-paced adventure for young readers, meaning this series bodes well. I'm seeing it this late as the publishers are only just making this Australian piece global (in fact it was a big surprise to find we're in the setting we are so late in the day in these pages), meaning the original market have three books already out there. I can't see why they could not all be as fun as this. A strong four stars.
This then is a commendable series opener. It is a little obvious we're diverting from a full-sized drama to build the world and introduce the characters, but the book does manage to get just enough mileage out of its derivative elements and fashion something fresher. And as I say this is a good, well-paced adventure for young readers, meaning this series bodes well. I'm seeing it this late as the publishers are only just making this Australian piece global (in fact it was a big surprise to find we're in the setting we are so late in the day in these pages), meaning the original market have three books already out there. I can't see why they could not all be as fun as this. A strong four stars.
April 19, 2019
I think kids are going to love this book about 4 superhero sidekicks who are sick of being ordered about by their adult superhero partners. They decide to break free and form their own crime fighting group. But what happens when one of them is kidnapped, on their first day?!
Lots of fun humour in this black and white graphic novel.
Lots of fun humour in this black and white graphic novel.
March 21, 2020
This is a lot of fun. Junior Justice, Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo are fed up of being side kicks, so they team up to fight Dr Enok and his robot army. Junior Justice seems to be East Asian; I would have loved this book in my classroom, since the Vietnamese children I taught rarely saw themselves in books. I will be looking out for the sequel.
December 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
Super Sidekicks #1: No Adults Allowed by Gavin Aung Than is about superhero sidekicks (Junior Justice, Flygirl, Dinomite) who form their own team to get recognition, but chaos ensues when Goo, a shapeshifting sidekick to the villain Dr. Enok, joins them, leading to a battle where the sidekicks must rescue Goo and prove they're heroes too. It's a humorous graphic novel about friendship, teamwork, and proving your worth, perfect for young readers.
Since I'm so behind on writing my reviews, I'm going to do somewhat less than I would normally do when writing a review. Just until I catch up (just 20 or so more to go...) So what I am going to do now is just talk about what I think the best thing about the book is and what the worst thing about the book is. I'll start with the best thing: this is such a fun, humorous tale of found family and friendships made even with big differences.
My least favourite thing: probably just the length. Maybe this was aimed at a slightly younger audience than Creature Clinic (another fabulous Gavin Aung book), but I would have liked for it to have been longer!
Four stars.
Super Sidekicks #1: No Adults Allowed by Gavin Aung Than is about superhero sidekicks (Junior Justice, Flygirl, Dinomite) who form their own team to get recognition, but chaos ensues when Goo, a shapeshifting sidekick to the villain Dr. Enok, joins them, leading to a battle where the sidekicks must rescue Goo and prove they're heroes too. It's a humorous graphic novel about friendship, teamwork, and proving your worth, perfect for young readers.
Since I'm so behind on writing my reviews, I'm going to do somewhat less than I would normally do when writing a review. Just until I catch up (just 20 or so more to go...) So what I am going to do now is just talk about what I think the best thing about the book is and what the worst thing about the book is. I'll start with the best thing: this is such a fun, humorous tale of found family and friendships made even with big differences.
My least favourite thing: probably just the length. Maybe this was aimed at a slightly younger audience than Creature Clinic (another fabulous Gavin Aung book), but I would have liked for it to have been longer!
April 5, 2020
Justice Junior likes to be called JJ. JJ is angry. Really angry. He’s had enough. Enough of being second best. Tired of being a side kick. It’s over, no-more side kick for JJ.
JJ calls a meeting with his friends Flygirl and Dinomite. Together they decide to form their own superhero gang and save the world together. Trouble is an intruder has found the gangs head-office. Goo wants in. Isn’t he the enemy?
Goo has escaped evil Dr Enok. Will JJ, Flygirl and Dinomite let Goo join their superhero gang? Can they escape the evil Dr Enok?
The new superhero gang heads out to do super deeds. On no. Side kicks have bosses. Bosses who want to keep their side kicks. Who’ll do all their jobs if they don’t have sidekicks? Can JJ, Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo escape from the dastardly grasp of their not-so-nice super bosses? Can they be a superhero gang?
A fun read for early and middle grade readers 7+ The carton style of the book makes it fun for all.
Published by Penguin Random House Australia 2019
Read and reviewed by Judy Wollin April 4 2020
JJ calls a meeting with his friends Flygirl and Dinomite. Together they decide to form their own superhero gang and save the world together. Trouble is an intruder has found the gangs head-office. Goo wants in. Isn’t he the enemy?
Goo has escaped evil Dr Enok. Will JJ, Flygirl and Dinomite let Goo join their superhero gang? Can they escape the evil Dr Enok?
The new superhero gang heads out to do super deeds. On no. Side kicks have bosses. Bosses who want to keep their side kicks. Who’ll do all their jobs if they don’t have sidekicks? Can JJ, Flygirl, Dinomite and Goo escape from the dastardly grasp of their not-so-nice super bosses? Can they be a superhero gang?
A fun read for early and middle grade readers 7+ The carton style of the book makes it fun for all.
Published by Penguin Random House Australia 2019
Read and reviewed by Judy Wollin April 4 2020
July 13, 2021
“Tired of doing a thankless job. Tired of being overshadowed and overworked.”
Junior Justice (JJ) is sick of Captain Perfect; Flygirl is tired of Rampagin’ Rita’s temper tantrums; and Dinomite (the morphing dinosaur and quantum mechanics expert) feels Blast Radius is nothing but a buffoon. They decide to form their own superhero group. Into this picture enters Goo, the sidekick of the evil Dr. Enok. At first, they see Goo as the enemy, but soon Goo convinces them that he is tired of Dr. Enok and his mistreatment and wants to join their group. It’s not going to be easy because, afterall, the adult super heroes want them to continue to do their bidding. And Dr. Enok is not just going to let Goo go over to the good side. But by working together and relying on their strengths and each other, these sidekicks might just become a force to reckon with.
Junior Justice (JJ) is sick of Captain Perfect; Flygirl is tired of Rampagin’ Rita’s temper tantrums; and Dinomite (the morphing dinosaur and quantum mechanics expert) feels Blast Radius is nothing but a buffoon. They decide to form their own superhero group. Into this picture enters Goo, the sidekick of the evil Dr. Enok. At first, they see Goo as the enemy, but soon Goo convinces them that he is tired of Dr. Enok and his mistreatment and wants to join their group. It’s not going to be easy because, afterall, the adult super heroes want them to continue to do their bidding. And Dr. Enok is not just going to let Goo go over to the good side. But by working together and relying on their strengths and each other, these sidekicks might just become a force to reckon with.
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January 2, 2021These young sidekicks are done with their days serving superheroes. They can do so much more than washing laundry and trying to clean up their superheroes messes. Junior Justice, Flygirl, Dinomite, and Goo are determined to form their own super team...but everything goes wrong when supervillain Dr. Enok realizes that Goo is missing from his laboratory! Soon Dr. Enok and all of their old superheroes are determined to track them down and put their sidekicks back to work--but the Super Sidekicks know that they have the power to save the day.
A cute, laugh-out-loud graphic novel that will appeal to all young superhero fans, especially fans of Max Meow or the Investigators. Looking forward to more!
A cute, laugh-out-loud graphic novel that will appeal to all young superhero fans, especially fans of Max Meow or the Investigators. Looking forward to more!
March 31, 2019
What fun this book is! It will appeal to kids who love the super hero genre, as well as fans of Bad Guys & Dog Man. It is done in a big graphic novel style format that the kids are loving these days.
We have a team of sidekicks who are sick & tired of doing the ‘dirty’ work whilst the heroes get the glory. They quit being sidekicks to form their own super group. What happens next reminds us of the resilience of kids, the power of friendship and the fact that when you work as a team you can achieve goals.
Super Sidekicks will be great for kids 6+ to be read to and 8+ for independent readers. Fun for the whole family and works well as a read aloud.
We have a team of sidekicks who are sick & tired of doing the ‘dirty’ work whilst the heroes get the glory. They quit being sidekicks to form their own super group. What happens next reminds us of the resilience of kids, the power of friendship and the fact that when you work as a team you can achieve goals.
Super Sidekicks will be great for kids 6+ to be read to and 8+ for independent readers. Fun for the whole family and works well as a read aloud.
May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this! It was a quick, fun read. The illustrations married perfectly with the words and comedy was communicated well through the characters’ expressions.
The story is about a group of sidekicks that are fed up of how their superhero’s treat them and so decide to start their own operation. I liked how each Sidekick had a power that was unique. This was an ensemble piece and I got the sense that each character was responding the way they would specifically respond to a situation, which shows their individuality whilst still being part of the team. This is a genuinely hilarious book that can be found funny by adults and children alike and I really enjoyed reading it!
The story is about a group of sidekicks that are fed up of how their superhero’s treat them and so decide to start their own operation. I liked how each Sidekick had a power that was unique. This was an ensemble piece and I got the sense that each character was responding the way they would specifically respond to a situation, which shows their individuality whilst still being part of the team. This is a genuinely hilarious book that can be found funny by adults and children alike and I really enjoyed reading it!
January 1, 2021
This is a great graphic novel for skilled early readers. I am adding this series to our graphic novels collection. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I am positive it will keep readers wanting to read the next one in the series.
January 24, 2021
Absolutely charming and action-packed! I love stories that deal with superheroes/people with superpowers, and, here, the sidekicks are fed up. The predicament with Goo is handled as seriously as a Marvel movie, and I loved it. Light-hearted fun packs a punch here! I’ll be reading book two.
November 24, 2020
This was a cool story!
December 11, 2020
Considering how much I love Zen Pencils, of course I enjoyed this. Even better that I get to enjoy this with my daughter.
April 22, 2021
This is a cute read! No Adults Allowed is the first book in a new series from author Gavin Aung Than. Junior Justice, JJ for short, is tired of being mistreated by his superhero partner, so he decides to form his own league, the Super Sidekicks. Joined by Dinomite, Flygirl, and Goo, JJ and his new team must prove that they can be superheroes on their own, and their first mission is sooner than they thought.
Beautiful illustrations and an easy to follow plot are just a few of the reasons kids will be drawn to the story. The action and oftentimes funny scenes will keep them engaged. Parents will be happy with the positive themes of the book such as working as a team and standing up for what is right. My ten year old read the book in one sitting, not wanting to sit it down, and giggles were heard throughout the house as he read through the Super Sidekicks’ adventure.
Kids who enjoy Captain Underpants and The Bad Guys will enjoy Than’s illustrations and story. We are looking forward to book two Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge.
**I received a copy of this book through YA Books Central. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.**
Beautiful illustrations and an easy to follow plot are just a few of the reasons kids will be drawn to the story. The action and oftentimes funny scenes will keep them engaged. Parents will be happy with the positive themes of the book such as working as a team and standing up for what is right. My ten year old read the book in one sitting, not wanting to sit it down, and giggles were heard throughout the house as he read through the Super Sidekicks’ adventure.
Kids who enjoy Captain Underpants and The Bad Guys will enjoy Than’s illustrations and story. We are looking forward to book two Super Sidekicks #2: Ocean's Revenge.
**I received a copy of this book through YA Books Central. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.**
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July 11, 2021I borrowed this and the second book in the series from the library. The kids devoured them, then we were at a book shop and they bought the third book - obviously a big success!
November 1, 2021
En spennende start på en ny gruppe superhelter.
November 7, 2021
A cute tale of sidekicks starting their own team full of respect for one another after getting tired of dealing with their adult heroes. The team's greatest power? Friendship!
November 25, 2021
pretty fun and good lol
January 11, 2022
Fun graphic novel! Loved the teamwork, and believing that people can change. Goo was my fave! (But Dinomite does have a thing for first editions of books so big fan of him, too!)
September 13, 2023
Read this for work. Really adorable and quite funny!
February 27, 2024
JJ, Dinomite, FlyGirl, and Goo tired of being sidekicks to their adult superheroes and leave them to form their own squad. Action packed adventure.
April 26, 2024
A good light reading, the story is super cute!!
August 20, 2024
I like that it was a graphic novel. It shows that kids can stand up to adults by being brave to stand up due to being treated wrongly. It was cool. It shows that you can go from bad to good.
August 20, 2021
No parents allowed to read this book!!!!!!!!!!!
July 30, 2020
read as a judge for Aurealis awards for 2019
Well written, appropriate to age group, rather formulaic, but I can see that as an advantage given the target demographic. A number of aspects that could have been handled slightly better, because they are subtly reinforcing bad behaviour I dont' want to see modelled to kids.
Well written, appropriate to age group, rather formulaic, but I can see that as an advantage given the target demographic. A number of aspects that could have been handled slightly better, because they are subtly reinforcing bad behaviour I dont' want to see modelled to kids.
July 29, 2020
Funny, clever and modern story. There is enough "kid humor" to keep the readers laughing and actually has a bit of charm for the adults. Over all a fun new series in graphic novels
December 30, 2020
Really fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews