Superman Family Adventures, Vol. 1
*Starred Review* The jokes fly faster than a speeding bullet in this introduction to the world’s greatest superhero family. Baltazar and Franco start off with a bang, working Superman’s powers, his costume, his cousins Supergirl and Superboy, and his job at the Daily Planet into the first four pages of the story—including a literal wink to the audience as Clark Kent explains why he and Superman are never in the same place at the same time. Iconic friends and foes make appearances, including Ma Kent, John Henry Irons, Lex Luthor, and Bizarro, all of whom help further the action and humor. The classic cartoon style of the artwork conveys the movement and emotions of the characters quickly and clearly, and the story’s fast pace helps bring new readers up to speed while not bogging down Superman fans with endless backstory. Adult readers will get a kick out of the clever homage to their favorite superhero, and kids will be powerless to resist the silly playfulness; colorful animated characters; and easy-to-follow, superpower-packed stories. A winning pick for kids and their Superman-loving parents. Grades K-3. --Eva Volin