Pepper Page Saves the Universe!

The Infinite Adventures of Supernova #1

by Landry Q. Walker, Eric Jones (Illustrations)

The year is 2421. Awkward and shy, Pepper buries herself in the universe of the classic fictional superhero Supernova to avoid dealing with the perils of the 9th grade. But then fate intervenes when Pepper stumbles into a volatile science experiment run by a sinister substitute teacher named Doctor Killian.

Pepper is flung into another dimension, bringing her face to face with an order of cosmic beings who declare her to be the steward of their great power, champion of harmony in the universe, protector of worlds present and past. Pepper is pretty sure they got the wrong girl.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Comics, Fantasy, Childrens, Adventure

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 16, 2021

About the author

Landry Q. Walker is a New York Times bestselling author of comics and books. His work includes Star Wars stories, Batman and Supergirl comics, and the Project Terra series of novels. He also co-created a Saturday morning cartoon called Scary Larry. He likes castles and robots and also pop-tarts. Most days he sits in his office and pushes buttons on a keyboard until stories somehow happen.

Reviews

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son also read this book and he was surprised that it's a comic within a comic. The quick explanation is, we are reading the comic strips about Pepper Page while she read the comic magazine about Supernova. Pretty neat because she's a big fan to the superhero. I loved the entrance in the sky. Flying bus to school was super cool. Traveling to another dimension sounds cool as well. The cat took on an important role was unexpected though awesome. Attached are few of my favorite pages from this graphic novel.


This graphic novel followed Pepper Page, 15, as she enjoyed reading her comic book. Then she caught the flying bus to school. On the bus, she was bullied by Strona but she didn't stood up for herself. In school, Pepper continued to read her comics and didn't pay attention to class so one of her teachers, Professor Killian bullied her. Strona and her gang threw balls at her when she missed the school game again. Luckily she had friends Tally and Zola on her side. When they were on the run to escape the balls, they came upon the science building and caught Professor Killian performing an illegal experiment that send something or someone to another dimension and unfortunately as Pepper was attempting to rescue the cat, she caught herself in it and was sent off.


Pepper Page Saves the Universe! was a great read! An orphan who didn't fit in and couldn't stand up for herself, but who will do what's right. She saved the cat even if there's a chance that she might get caught. She couldn't believe she could do something but she did it when the time called for it. Pepper Page was not a role model for being a good student because she read her comics all day in every class. However, she could be relatable to many readers who aren't interested in sports and who lacked of self esteem. I enjoyed the humor and friendship. I do recommend everyone to read this book!

xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details

Many thanks to First Second for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a charming YA sci-fi graphic novel about an orphaned teen girl obsessed with comic books about heroine Supernova as a way to escape bullying and dreary classes with a jerk of a science teacher. But when something goes wrong, she is flung into space with a cat sidekick where new powers are awakened within her and she must decide who she wants to become. I liked the art style and how the pages from Peppers comics felt like classic comic books.

This definitely reads like a love letter to comic book nerds, as Pepper can quote EVERYTHING from any volume of Supernova, and is well versed in different timelines and renditions. Her friends tell her she can't live in a fictional world forever, but what's great about this story is they are only half right. Pepper does have to step into the real world and find herself, but her beloved comics are actually really helpful in that process. I love the messaging for teens that it's not bad to deeply love something, just that it can be important to find yourself through it, not lose yourself in it.

I felt like the bullying in the story was a little underdeveloped in terms of nuance, and I wanted a bit more from the plot, but I think this is a strong start to a potential series. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Jay G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

Pepper Page, a shy ninth-grader in the year 2421, hides between the pages of a comic book about a superhero called Supernova. When a science teacher at her school goes rouge during one of his experiments, she is transported into another dimension where she becomes Supernova herself.

This was cute for what it was, but I didn't find it to be anything particularly memorable. Pepper was an okay character, and her cat sidekick was a lot of fun. I liked the overall message of self-acceptance this graphic novel puts forward to its audience. I also enjoyed the artwork and colours chosen.

Overall it was cute, and had a great message.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is SPECTACULAR in this! I was honestly blown away by it and felt myself really soaking in every single panel that I was reading! I really liked the overall message behind this coming of age story and I really appreciated all of the little easter eggs towards Marvel/DC comics! I need a Mister Mckittens in my life though, he was the greatest<3

However, even though I appreciated all of the little easter eggs with other comic books I also felt that it was a little bit TOO close to already existing comics. The names, the plot lines, a lot of terminology that was very similar to the popular comics we all know and love or have seen in the movies. I would have loved to see more of an original story with the comics with just those minor easter eggs like one panel shows "Supern" on a comic cover and it looks like it's about to say Superman and I thought that was a little fun one! The other ones were just a little too blatantly obvious.

Overall, I really appreciated this futuristic world and the flying buses in this very tech savvy time period! I think this is a great read if you are a lover of comics & artwork and if you want a short, cute story of a young girl overcoming her fear of standing up for herself and becoming her true self.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to First Second and Macmillan Children's Publishing for gifting me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Pepper Page is a quiet girl who only wants to be left alone to read her comics. When she finds herself caught up in an evil science experiment conducted by Dr. Killian her life changes in a way she never dreamed of. Suddenly Pepper is face to face with cosmic beings that tell her she is actually her favorite superhero Supernova. Pepper is pretty sure they're wrong but only time will tell.

This was such a fun story. Pepper Page is a truly lovable character. She is fun, quirky, a little nerdy and absolutely charming. I adore her. I think she's a great character that will be loved by comics lovers everywhere. Her story focuses on self acceptance and friendship. It's absolutely charming and is sure to win the hearts of her audience. 

The artwork is fantastic! It's bright, colorful and crisp. The story really comes to life through the detailed pictures. The Story and the artwork fit so well together, they just merge into one beautiful masterpiece.

My daughter and I read this book together as a bedtime story and we had the greatest time. Granted, my daughter is technically too young for this book but she seemed to really enjoy it and you're never to young for superheroes right?

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, fast paced graphic novel for any middle grade and up comics fan.

Pepper Page is a high schooler from the future who is obsessed with Supernova comic books and discovers she has the makings of a superhero.

Story is fast paced almost to the point where you barely know any of the characters. Pepper is a decent heroine but lacks any confidence until the last few pages. The side characters (and even the villain) get very little screen time so you don’t care for them. Good start, and I expect to see more!

[Becky H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Page is a teen that loves comic books and often gets distracted by them. Then one day she is transported through space and time only to become her favorite comic book hero...Supernova. Read this one with my daughter and she loved it.

#BookQuest categories=From a display, animal (talking cat), and first book (in the series).

[Michael Beyer]

This is an excellent graphic novel, especially for the kind of reader you might find in your average middle school, especially among the female potential readers. It has great artwork, an interesting plot, a challenging villain, and overall an excellent read.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Page is an orphan. She has always felt like an outsider, like she doesn’t belong. The one place she does feel at home is within the pages of Supernova comics. Supernova is her hero and inspiration, though Pepper hardly has the guts to stand up to her personal bully let alone fight supervillains. But when she gets sucked into a Professor’s mad scientist experiment, she finds herself tested like never before. Does she have what it takes to be a real superhero?

This was a very fun twist on the average superhero origin story. Pepper is a likable character, and you really do feel for her. I love how the art and story combined to make such an imaginative future world. The artwork is AMAZING. You are totally allowed to pick this book up just to look at the pretty pictures. I know my students are going to go crazy for Pepper Page and her adventures, and of course, Mister McKittens. I really hope there will be more coming in the future. Hand this to your favorite superhero fan and scifi graphic novel fan.

Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Some superhero cartoonish battles.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the future when the magical ideas of fantasy and fiction are a distant memory and the world focuses completely on science and technology, orphan Pepper Page is worrying about all of the usual high school issues. I related to the idea of losing yourself in a book, the way Pepper hides in her comic books. There were a little bit too many cliché plot points for me - the orphan, the reluctant hero, science gone wrong. That being said, the artwork is beautiful. The explosions and action scenes in space are dazzling. The hero is likable. Graphic novel fans, especially those who love sci-fi and fantasy will enjoy this graphic novel.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you Macmillan publishing for sending me a paperback copy of this!

This is a middle grade futuristic superhero story about a shy comic book geek becoming her own superhero inspiration! :)
It follows a girl whose life is suddenly turned upside down when she transforms into her favourite fictional superhero, Supernova. But Pepper, the MC quickly learns that escapist fantasy and reality are two very different things…
This was a great read! And I could totally see this being adapted into a tv show.
The MC is such a relatable character that you can’t help but root for her to succeed! I’m happy she got to discover who she is and find a place where she belongs. This was really a “coming to age” story.
As much as I love the MC, you can’t forget about how awesome her friends are <3 They are such supportive friends! The MC is so lucky to have them and hope they reappear in later issues.
This was such an action packed book. Thanks to the writers for the diversity in this!
This is beautifully drawn and written and I cannot wait to see what will happen next.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a graphic novel with script by Landry Q. Walker and art by Eric Jones. It is currently scheduled for release on February 16 2021. The year is 2421. Awkward and shy, Pepper buries herself in the universe of the classic fictional superhero Supernova to avoid dealing with the perils of the 9th grade. But then fate intervenes when Pepper encounters a strange cat named Mister McKittens and stumbles into a volatile science experiment run by a sinister substitute teacher named Doctor Killian. Pepper is flung into another dimension, bringing her face to face with an order of cosmic beings who declare her to be the steward of their great power, champion of harmony in the universe, protector of worlds present and past. Now, in the 21st Century, Pepper finds that she herself is the real Supernova. But as Pepper soon learns, escapist fantasy and reality are two very different things.

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a graphic novel for middle grade and older readers that is a fun read, but still covers some of the emotional aspects of the age group. Pepper is an orphan that is bullied and just does not feel she fits in, so gets lost in comic books. I think this feeling- that of being left out and looked down on- is one that most people can relate to on some level, even if they are not really outside the more popular peer groups. I thought the story set up and execution was very well done, with some good twists and nice resolution. The artwork nicely matched and enhances the story. The color choices were on point, as were the details and expressions. Since I was reading a digital proof, there were some pages that were clearly not the final product, and I think the final version will be absolutely wonderful. I am hoping that this series continues and I get to read more about Pepper Page.

Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a fun and entertaining graphic novel that I think many readers will enjoy.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pepper Page Saves the Universe is a superhero origin story of a teenage girl who is shy, bullied, and loves reading comics about her favorite superhero, Supernova. I liked the concept, but I had a lot of trouble staying interested in the story. A lot of scenes felt too long or repetitive and I sometimes found myself growing bored. The pre-superhero part was good for setting up Pepper's character, but it really dragged on - I got the idea of who she was early on, and I think a lot of this set up could have been cut. In comparison, the fight against the villain was extremely short and the whole thing seemed to end very quickly.

Also, it's a small thing, but one of the characters speaks in yellow font. I found it really difficult to read. Maybe it'll be easier in a print version (I read the ebook) but yellow font, specially on a white background, is typically not great for accessibility. Other than that, I thought the artwork was great.

Overall, I think Pepper could be an empowering character for kids who dream of getting powers that allow them to stand up against bullies who seem so much stronger than them. However, there are a lot of pacing issues and many kids who pick this up because it's a superhero story may lose interest due to the relative lack of superhero content, especially in the first half.

Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the eARC.

[Freddie&#x1f3f3;️‍⚧️&#x1f400; · Rating 3 out of 5]

While exploring comics, I find myself exploring alot of unfamilar genres. This comic was sci-fi which I don't read/watch too much stuff in that genre. So I enjoyed getting to try out a new genre, that aside... this comic wasn't too good. The sci-fi elements were cool I guess though, and the ending is pretty good, it's just kinda nothing special, outside the concept.

Art: The best element of the story. It's really clean and just overall really well done, alot of effort is put into the panels to make them feel lively. It also has a unique enough style and some good colors. It just checks alot of my boxes. It's a good reference for aspiring comic artists I think.

Story: Not really a fan of the story, it was enjoyable, but really nothing special, but with good execution. The begining kinda shows you it's not going to be anything too special already, but it does have a nice flair with the sci fi world, which is cool and junk. And of course Pepper's love of comics. The comic aspect is a nice little gimick, but it feels like a plot device and also one-note. Because Pepper only reads one comic series. I wasn't too fond of the conflict either, it was very YA tropey, again nothing special. The ending though was very good and had a nice lesson, but all in all not much else. It is enjoyable though.

Character: I probably liked the side characters of Pepper's friends better than Pepper. Pepper is a standard shy punching bag protag, I think I'm just too tired of seeing that kinda character. She's fine, it's just a boring trope.

Anyways yeah it's alright, I'd reccomend it more too younger readers.

[Stephanie Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper Page is a shy orphan who does not quite fit in with the 23rd century world she lives in; preferring to immerse herself in old vintage comic books about the superhero, Supernova. Running away from bullies, she and her friends stumble across a teacher, Professor Killian, about to perform some unknown experiment on a cat. Pepper tries to stop him and she and the cat disappear only to appear in a new dimension where she finds out she is Supernova. When she and the cat, now with the ability to talk and a demand to be called Mr McKittens, end up in the 21st century she refuses to accept that she is the real Supernova. And then Dr Killian shows up with her two friends who have been brainwashed and a plan to take over the universe, Only Supernova can defeat him and save the universe but can Pepper overcome her fears and accept her destiny?

A nice origin story with lovely artwork. While the target audience is 8-12 years of age this adult still had a good time reading this graphic novel. I look forward to more adventurers with Supernova.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper is an orphan girl who is a total comic book geek. She’s bullied by some jocks at school bc she’s a part of their sports team but manages to forget to go to games for one reason or another (usually bc she’s immersed in her comics and just doesn’t care about the game). She lives and breathes her comics and knows every single detail of her heroine Supernova. While running from the bullies, Pepper and two friends stumble upon their strange teacher’s science experiment and Pepper is thrown into a whole new sci-fi adventure.

I had to give this book 5 stars bc the pictures were amazing. There’s a combination of the vintage comic book look as well as full color pictures that pull you into Pepper’s sci-fi world. There was also just something so relatable to how Pepper, like many of us, imagines herself to be the heroine of her favorite story and is called to do something for the greater good. Loved it!

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children's graphic novel is set in the future and Pepper Page is a big time fangirl of Supernova comics much to the detriment of her school work. Hardnosed and judgmental Prof. Killian has offered Pepper a job and she is initially excited because she thinks its to become a research assistant, but come to find out it's janitorial. Pepper and her friends stumble upon Prof. Killian doing an experiment on a cat but Pepper won't let him and inadvertently is falling through space time and is then recruited by the Overlords of Order who want her to save the universe, but Pepper tries to convince them that she's not a hero. They send her to the 21st century with the cat, who now talks and is name Mr. McMittens where Pepper must decide if she wants to be a hero or not. Nothing really new here but an entertaining read for 10-14 year-olds who like their superheroes on the lighter side.

[Talie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Macmillan Children's and First Second Books for the complimentary copy of this book.

One sentence review: Pepper Page Saves the Universe! is a fun graphic novel that would be fantastic of girls that love superheroes.

The graphic novel is set in a future where technology rules. Pepper Page is a young orphan who lives in an orphanage ran by robots. She loves to escape into the world of her favorite superhero Supernova. Pepper is bullied and in general feels like as an orphan she really just doesn't belong.

I'll leave the rest of the plot vague other than to say it involves time warps, multi-dimensions, and a supervillain.

Overall I think this is a fun book that would really appeal to young girls.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: g+ super hero comic level violence, no profanity, no sex, 6th and up
Recommend: marvel fans looking to branch out.

This was just cute, cute, I really liked its innocence and level of clean.
Courage and loyalty and being brave for the sake of others, and learning something about yourself in the meantime. I would read more of these.
I loved when she pepper was reading comics about herself and criticizing their accuracy - it reminded me of the dime novels from the late 1800s, when the Wild West was so popular, and the people were real ;)
And I always love it when the authors / artists let us peek at some of their extra work. It’s a fascinating and intense process.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not one for superhero stories, even ones that aren't your well-known superheros. I could not get into this graphic novel myself but I know that the kids I see at my library would probably enjoy it. The art is really good. The text is easy to read, which I like. The story seems interesting, with lots of friendship and action. You see some bullying as well, which I guess happens even in the far future. I think kids will like this glimpse of what the future may hold; that flying school bus was pretty cool. (Read a digital ARC from Netgalley.)

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying to branch out into other genres once in a while. I don’t think reading is emphasized or promoted enough for young readers. Pepper Page Saves the Universe captures the creativity and imagination of readers who like science and super heroes. It has a villain, a capable cat, and a young girl who has been then victim of teasing and ridicule until she submerges herself into a different realm. The graphics are great and the reading is interesting and engaging. I think kids will snap this book up. Thanks to First Second for the ARC.

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free review copy from the publisher. This graphic novel was a fun start to a new series, a great option for upper elementary readers. The book started slow for me, and I was wondering if I would ever be invested in the characters and story, but about 1/3 of the way through the book took a strong turn. I especially loved the ending: bold and heartwarming, full of strong female friendship and a female hero reminiscent of all we love in Zita the Spacegirl. A great setup for the sequel as well.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not that this book was bad (in fact, I usually like everything that First Second publishes), but I couldn't get into it and had to force myself to finish. I think it's the art style--it has more of a comics/superhero style which I'm not as into. But also, the storyline (girl in the future falls into an alternate dimension and becomes the superhero that she read about in old comic books) wasn't that interesting to me. I don't have too much to say about this one. It wasn't bad, it's just a personal preference.

Ages 11-14

[Rachel Buckley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a good concept, and I feel like this book just scratched the surface of what this concept could be. It felt very quick, and I almost wanted this to be longer. We covered Pepper’s origin story here, and that was explained well. However, the transformation from normal girl to superhero was way too quick for me, and the fact that she immediately mastered her powers is a thing in superhero works that always bothers me. I had high hopes for this since this is one of my students’ favorite books and the idea seemed like such a good one, but I was disappointed with the execution.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

Positif :

- Le dessin, les couleurs
- L'univers de colons de l'espace qui fait rêver

Négatif :
- Je n'ai pas aimé le personnage de Pepper qui passe la moitié du livre à refuser la situation sans vraiment agir, ça finit par en devenir agacant.
- Je n'aime pas l'étalement de mots liés à l'espace et au lore de la science fiction pour prouver que tout est rationnel et clair alors qu'on a juste l'impression d'entendre du grand n'importe quoi pour combler des trous scénaristiques. J'ai même trouvé que ça avait tendance à se répéter

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orphan Pepper Page hates school and loves comics, especially those about Super Nova. Her arch nemesis is Professor Killian. Her best buds and cat Mr. McKittens are there to help. She is Super Nova only hidden in time. Killian trying to take over the world. Uses buds to reassure her. She resists. Cat is her mentor. She defeats the professor; accepts her fate. Sends friends back to their time. Becomes Super Nova.

Okay. Art was fun. Story okay.

[Anna Rost · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book was AMAZING!!! I love it so much! I especially love the middle part and I thought that it was all going to be in her head when she was still reading the comics. Isn’t that so funny? Haha! Yah so the point is, I love this book. And I think it has a lot of great artwork and some beautiful details. And I just love it so much!! I especially love the end and the friendship. So that’s it!” -

By Maddie, Age 7, 2nd grade 💗

[Sam Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My negative views of superheroes is highly influenced by Watchmen or Amazon's The Boys. However, looking at this teenagers entusiasm for the experience of actually feeling the superheroic adventures with paper comics in a futuristic world unrecognizable to our own overrides my superhero cynicism. Oh and also the boredom of being forced to learn about stuff you don't care about. That is another thing that I can relate to.

[Sesana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just didn't do it for me. The villain doesn't seem to have any motivation, and the backstory doesn't really make senses. At one point, Pepper either gets sent to an alternate universe or back in time, and I don't know which. I enjoyed the nods to Golden Age comics, but I'm not sure if the middle grade target audience will get them.

[Tasha (Amaysn Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong start to a new young adult graphic novel series.

Pepper Page is an orphan who feels she doesn't fit in at her school. She loves reading about her favorite superhero Supernova.

This is a superhero origin story and it was so much fun. There is so much potential for where this series can go.