Leon the Extraordinary: A Graphic Novel

Leon the Extraordinary #1

by Jamar Nicholas

Leon is an ordinary kid who becomes extraordinary when he fights a supervillain to save his school! "Leon is a superhero, whose powers are kindness and common sense. It's a really good book about a really good kid!" -- Jerry Craft, author and illustrator of New Kid "A heartfelt and hilarious hero’s journey. LEON is super!" -- Lincoln Peirce, author and illustrator of Big Nate In the city where Leon lives, superheroes -- and supervillains -- are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day. Equal parts New Kid and The Incredibles , the first graphic novel in this action-packed, heartfelt, and joyously funny series by Jamar Nicholas reminds readers that when it comes to being a hero, you just need to believe in yourself.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics, Humor, Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2022

About the author

Jamar Nicholas is a Philadelphia-based artist and educator. He has dedicated his career to empowering young people, helping them create their own comic books and cartoons.

He shares a home with his lovely girlfriend and their cat, who has a heart-shaped patch of fur on her chest.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get a preview copy of LEON at Comic-Con, and love Nicholas' art, characters, and humor! Leon is a normal kid who wants to be a super hero, but a lack of powers seems to get in the way. But by using his brain and following his heart, Leon and his friends save the day from student Zombies.

This is the first in a series, and I am positive it will be a hit with kids 7-10!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leon lives in a works where there are supers (superheroes) and villains living among ordinary people. He is convinced he has super powers and when the kids at his school start turning in to phone zombies, he’s determined to use powers to stop it.

A clever story and a fun graphic novel.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unconventional superhero story with good characters and world-building but unimpressive artwork.
(3.5 stars)

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer to 3.75 stars.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super adorable, lots of personality with Leon. Loved the artwork and need to read book 2 now!

[Sam (world’s gassiest) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this!! A bit episodic in weird ways but I think quite funny and has a good message (if a bit obvious). Even though he’s a fifth grader I think it’s definitely geared toward younger readers; a fun alternative to Dog Man, and companion to Max Meow and InvestiGators.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicholas’ Leon graphic novel series is a solid purchase for grades 3-5. The school setting with it’s mix of races, interests, abilities, and body shapes will feel familiar to readers, but the presence of super-powered characters will allow them to slip into a fun fantasy world. Leon does not have super powers and neither does his best friend Carlos, but his school is filled with them and rules about non-discrimination and acceptance of both power-filled and power-less provide a framework for an inclusive environment. But the reality is that Leon yearns to be super, classmate Thaddeus wishes that he wasn’t judged by his parents’ villainous activities and former best friend Clementine uses her powers to gain control of others. Readers will be caught up in the quick-moving plot of a mind control phone app/game and Leon’s attempt to be super and may even be surprised by a few twists along the way. Representation of characters’ physical traits is somewhat exaggerated, adding to the cartoon-feel and will be full color throughout in the final copy. No profanity, sexual content and violence is almost old Batman in its crash-boom-splat style. In fact, Leon’s utility belt takes me back to that era as well, but his tools don’t work as well as Adam West’s gadgets did!

Thanks for the print arc, Scholastic Graphix.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Leon's world, supers and regular people all live together. His mom says his common sense is his power, and throughout the story, he uses a flowchart to help make the correct decisions. I wish this was used more than 3 times to emphasize it and demonstrate its strengths to readers. He still wants to be a hero and stands up to bullies, whether they are a regular person or a super. Because he doesn't have a phone and notices things others might not, he's the first to realize that something weird is going on with kids and their phones, turning them into zombies. I wasn't a big fan of the style the faces were drawn, they felt a bit over the top, but maybe that makes sense for a graphic novel about supers. For fans of Hilo, Sort of Super, and Cardboard Kingdom.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was fun! Leon wants to just do good… but when everyone’s against you, how can you? I really enjoyed the bold, bright spreads. Looking forward to the story continuing in the next one!

[Quade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Jamar Nicholas
Publisher: Scholastic (OCtober 4, 2022)
Genre: Middle Grades 3-7, Age: 8-12Format: Graphic Novel

Leon the Extraordinary is a Graphic Novel, written by Philadelphia based artist and educator Jamar Nicholas. It was great to meet Jamar in person at San Diego Comic Con in July 2022 for an article for Scholastic Kids Press. Jamar has a warm, contagious laugh that made me feel happy. Its no surprise that he has created a character that will make kids feel the same way. Leon the Extraordinary is the first book in a series published by Scholastic.

Summary: Leon is a 5th grader that lives in a world where many people are born with superpowers. He is raised by a single, working mom that encourages him to embrace a life where he uses his own gift for solving problems using common sense. Leon is a likable, relatable character who has integrity and acts with both courage and kindness. I would recommend this book to all elementary school librarians and readers from grade 3-6. The graphics and text are engaging, fun and carry some important positive messages for young readers.

One of the great twists in the story is the creative way Jamar uses the cell phone. While many kids want the mobile phone, kids may think about how these tools can become dangerous if they are not used wisely. Plot twist at the end is amazing and an awesome nod to Jamar's mom, Eula Nicholas. "Leon is not me, but we share some similarities," Jamar said. "Growing up it was my mother and I against the world, always wanting to do better." The book is dedicated in memory of his mother who he calls "his hero."

The second book of the series will be released in Summer of 2023. Who will he be.... Leon the Confident? Adventurous? Compassionate? Persistent? Since Leon promises to be all of these, I look forward to reading whatever Jamar Nicholas creates next.
 
Thanks to @scolasticinc for the ARC.

[Toni · Rating 1 out of 5]

DREADFUL!!

Art style is excellent, reminiscent of old-school Nickelodeon cartoons a la Rugrats & Doug, et al.

However…

This author/artist should stick to drawing. He has NO IDEA how to tell a story. These characters make zero sense, their motivations aren’t provided, and whenever we do know/discover why a character has done something (a vanishingly rare occurrence), it is typically based on something you’d find in this author’s outline or notes rather than a fleshed-out story bear.

The PLOT?! If we can even call it such. Which, we can’t. Things in this book just…happen. And none of it drives the story forward until the last third of the book, by which point nothing else that has happened could possibly convince the reader that these plot points all belong in the same storyline.

Furthermore, that plot TWIST??? The one about Leon’s mom??? Utterly nonsensical. Because it comes out of NOWHERE. (Much like the entire plot, so at least he’s consistent…)

This isn’t a case of a book being written on the level of a child, thus alienating grownup readers. This isn’t Dog-Man—an actually GOOD story!—where the plot works best for 10-year-olds.

No. This book’s plot isn’t a plot. It is a bunch of ideas thrown onto the page, lacking all narrative pulse or purpose.

Quite literally the worst book I’ve read in a very long time.

0/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND.

[D.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

+ I enjoyed the story.
+ Loved that Leon literally had the power of common sense
+ For MHA fans, Leon is basically Deku. A sweet child who knows everything about the heroes. c:
+ The mother-son relationship! there’s a little depth with Leon feeling lied to about his mom’s super identity, and she explains with foreshadowing why heroes keep that secret. I wasn’t expecting this, but it was nice.

- Clementine was too much. I get she was acting out, but she had like full-blown hatred that didn’t make sense. she only got attention for acting poorly… okay… her parents were celebrity superheroes who didn’t have time for her, but why did she hate Leon so much??? Hopefully, the next book covers their fallout.

- The artwork could feel unfinished at times. As an artist myself, I’m in no ways discounting the gruesomely tedious hard work it is to create anything especially a graphic novel. But too many times, Chalmers was left completely unshaded next to shaded characters. And Clementine was draw off model at times.

I love stories that center around superheroes and/or superpowers. I would read the sequel.

2.5

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't have superpowers but I want to help people and do good. Can't I be a super, too?"

Leon the Extraordinary is a middle grade graphic novel about Leon (or Lee Yawn as his arch-nemesis/frenemy Clementine calls him) who lives in a world where superheroes and supervillains are real and apart of everyday life. But Leon is one of the few born without special abilities and often feels out of place. Leon will prove that even an ordinary kid like himself can become the hero he wants to be and that you don't have to have super abilities to be a true superhero.

This graphic novel is perfect for fans of Stunt Boy, in the Meantime, My Hero Academia, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, and Dogman too! I loved diving into Leon's world of superheroes and was impressed by both his extensive knowledge of the superheroes that exist in his world such as Electric Eric, Good Guy, The Educator, Ms. Magnificent, and Fast Lane. His use of common sense to combat any problems he had to solve was clever and had me rooting for his triumph over the supervillain who’s reveal I didn’t expect. I will definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out and will be hunting down a copy of Leon: Protector of the Playground while I wait for it.

Rating: 🧁🧁🧁🧁/5 (4 delicious 😋 Krunk cupcakes out of 5)

[KD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though there were times this graphic was a touch ridiculous (cue half the characters, especially the mean girl), it mirrored the style of Captain Underpants and Dogman, so it functioned. To me, it was a bit overdramatic and hard to swallow. I did love Leon’s insistence on being a superhero, especially when he had no powers, and how he’s just GOOD—also the eventual twist is pretty clever and well-earned. The villain is also not exactly who you expect and easily defeat-able, which is always fun. Certainly contains traditional comic book charm!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
Leon is an Ordinary who wants to do good just like the Supers. Readers meet him, his mom, his friend Carlos and his former friend, Clementine. They will connect to his activities and school days and recognize the various types of students. In the end, Leon figures out how to take on his archenemy and save the students from their zombie phone state. The artwork is colorful and detailed to support the story. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an adult reader, I note the lack of sophistication, etc. But for kid reader, this hits just the right notes with a hero blessed with a superpower of common sense and a commitment to solving problems using his brain rather than brawn. Leo stands up for the bullies, even when he is in way over his head. And he figures it out. The title also features and interesting aside about the nature of villainy.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting superhero story that shows, just because you do not have "Super Powers," that does not mean you are not a Superhero. But of course, the reverse is true too, you might have "Super Powers" but that does not mean you are a Super Hero. Diversity mixed in with a familiar story of fitting in, friendships, and judging before all the facts are in, this as young as 8 up to around 14 graphics novel has something for most readers.

[Jeff Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leon is a true hero! A new addition to my elementary library - I had to read it once I peaked at the fantastic art work and coloring inside. Common sense is Leon’s super power - more kids need to read the book and realize how good thinking and thoughts does the world some good. This will definitely be a book I’ll talk up to my students.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one with Lucas, and we enjoyed the super story of Leon, who shows that we don’t need super powers to be an everyday hero. Leon goes from wanting a cell phone and to be a super to realizing his common sense and a kind heart can help him stand up to bullies and make a difference in his school and community.

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

Really fun story about a young boy without powers making a difference in a world of super powered individuals. I loved the art in this book and the lovely message of everyone having the power to make a difference.

[Heather B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in a series, this graphic novel introduces us to Leon and a world of characters with and without super powers. I think it will have an appeal for those younger graphic novel readers who aren’t quite ready for a more complex storyline.

[Brigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool story about a kid who wants to be a superhero, living in a world where superheroes are real - sometimes a little too real. Bright colors, fast-paced story with a real Saturday morning cartoon vibe.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did -- I just didn't care for the art, wasn't in the mood for superheroes, and felt like it needed a more interesting story. Clearly, I'm not the intended audience and I think they'd like it a lot.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute. Action-packed storyline that kids will enjoy reading again and again.

[Katie Coppola · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old loved his and it was a joy to read to him

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley or Edelweiss

[Jgramley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get Leon. Who doesn’t want to be known for being a superhero especially when regular life is tough? Yet, Leon with his common sense shows how super regular kids can be.

[Amber Wineinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow for me, but being an educator I liked how it made connections to doing what’s right. We need to do what’s right even when no one is looking.

[Sonic656 · Rating 3 out of 5]

👍