Pets United States Graphic novels Comic books, strips, etc Superheroes
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6--Middle-aged superhero Captain Amazing is looking for a new sidekick after his superpowered house pet and former cohort Static Cat runs away. His dog, Roscoe, is posing as superhero Metal Mutt in order to audition for his replacement, while his other pets--a hamster and a chameleon--train secretly with Static Cat as well. The artwork has an easily accessible style, and the characters display a distinctly identifiable design; they are rendered in such a way that makes them seem both solidly dimensional and appropriately cartoony. The story has a strong narrative continuity with a number of small details returning with dramatic importance later on, and each character has a particular arc of exploration and discovery. Full of inoffensive broad comedy, and providing a number of characters to relate to, Sidekicks is perfectly enjoyable, while still lacking the particular spark or inventiveness that would make it memorable. It should come as no surprise that Santat also created Disney's The Replacements, as this story has the tightness and pacing of a cartoon feature---Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-6--Middle-aged superhero Captain Amazing is looking for a new sidekick after his superpowered house pet and former cohort Static Cat runs away. His dog, Roscoe, is posing as superhero Metal Mutt in order to audition for his replacement, while his other pets--a hamster and a chameleon--train secretly with Static Cat as well. The artwork has an easily accessible style, and the characters display a distinctly identifiable design; they are rendered in such a way that makes them seem both solidly dimensional and appropriately cartoony. The story has a strong narrative continuity with a number of small details returning with dramatic importance later on, and each character has a particular arc of exploration and discovery. Full of inoffensive broad comedy, and providing a number of characters to relate to, Sidekicks is perfectly enjoyable, while still lacking the particular spark or inventiveness that would make it memorable. It should come as no surprise that Santat also created Disney's The Replacements, as this story has the tightness and pacing of a cartoon feature---Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Publishers Weekly
Santat brings the world of superhero pets to life in this charming story. Captain Amazing is an aging human super-hero who announces to the world that he needs a new sidekick. His animal companions agree and each thinks he is the right creature for the job. Fluffy, a hamster; Shifty, a chameleon; Manny, a cat; and Rosco, a dog, compete, with all sort of interspecies rivalries emerging. When Captain Amazing's life is on the line, however, they find a way to come together. Santat's lively, colorful illustrations convey the action and humor that infuse the tale. The book functions both as a parable of sibling rivalry and overworked parents stretched too thin, and as a rollicking adventure tale. Ages 8 12. (July) Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.
Dan Santat is a #1 New York Times Best Selling Author author/illustrator of over one hundred titles which include “The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend” which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. Other titles include, Are We There Yet? and After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). His graphic memoir “A First Time For Everything” recently won The National Book Award for Young People's Literature. He is also the creator of the Disney animated hit, The Replacements. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and various pets.
