Written by Chris A. Bolton, Illustrations by Kyle Bolton
Book one of Smash is Trial By Fire, an action-packed graphic novel with perfect illustrations and an adventurous story line. Andrew, a normal fifth grader, is a huge fan of Defender, the crime fighting superhero. When the Magus, evil criminal mastermind, destroys Defender, his powers are transfered to Andrew and his life is changed forever. Cleverly hiding his identity, he holds back from fighting the school bully, but takes on the task of fighting crime as his idol would have. Although he wanted to be called Sparrowhawk, the media calls him Smash and the name sticks. An old superhero, the Wraith, enters the scene and tries to convince Smash he needs some training to refine his newfound powers. Will he take his offer? The young readers will be anxiously waiting for book two.
Review by Sally Johnson, Woodrow Wilson Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-6
Comic Series Website: smashcomic.com
Smash: Book 1, Trial By Fire
Written by Chris A. Bolton, Illustrations by Kyle Bolton
Candlewick Press
145 pages
Release Date: September 10, 2013
ISBN: 9780763655969 (hardcover)
