Reviews

Superman of Smallville by Franco, Art Baltazar

thebookishlibrarian's review

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Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.

Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent is thirteen years old and hiding the fact that he is Superman from his parents. He can rescue people from fires and runaway tractors. Then objects in Smallville begin to disappear, and Clark’s parents think he’s to blame. He insists he isn’t though, and is determined to find out who is!


libraryrobin's review

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4.0

Contemporary version with Clark Kent/Superman as a middle schooler. Fun. Love the art!

pmileham's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mzrachelsuperlibarian's review

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5.0

A must read for young fans of the original superhero. This short, easy to read graphic novel tells the tale of a young Clark Kent and his friends. Clark wants to use his powers all the time (with mixed results) and like every child must learn, eventually discovers the importance of moderation and thinking before acting.

agentshellfish's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

clairewrobel's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

libraryelf's review

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3.0

Full disclosure: I'm not a fan of Superman personally.

As far as origin stories and stories of favorite heroes, this is an excellent addiction to library shelves. It makes a Superman story, an origin one at that, accessible to elementary ages kids who want their DC Heroes. Superman can come off as a bit full of himself and immature but he is in middle school in this story. A solid pick for library shelves. Give to fans of Superman and Tiny Titans.

authorlibrarianrachel's review

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5.0

A must read for young fans of the original superhero. This short, easy to read graphic novel tells the tale of a young Clark Kent and his friends. Clark wants to use his powers all the time (with mixed results) and like every child must learn, eventually discovers the importance of moderation and thinking before acting.

etienne02's review

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3.0

I didn’t like this book at all. For me it was a generous 2/5. That being said, I totally see the potential for younger reader. It was an easy, colorful and fun origin story of Superman. It is nothing out of a super-hero comic, but it’s more of a kid cartoon involving teen Clark. Can be good to introduce a new generation to superman. Like I said, good for kids but not sure the old school comic book veteran like myself will find much in it. Potential for kid 4/5, I will go with an average of 3/5.

prationality's review

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4.0

A fun, light hearted take on a very familiar topic. Anyone familiar with Art Baltazar and Franco's other works (Tiny Titans, Lil Hellboy) know they take very well established characters and plots, but give them a G friendly spin.

Of course Superman is about as wholesome as it comes, but seeing him take on normal kid issues like first day of middle school, chores, and new classmates is always enjoyable.

It's a quick read, brightly colored and I can't say I disagree with the Kents...
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