ALA Booklist (Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2019)

The prolific Pearson expands into graphic novels, inaugurating DC's new Zoom imprint, marketed for third- through seventh-grade readers. Free from standard DC continuity, we find Jon Kent (Superman junior) and Ian Wayne (Batman junior) relocated to the city of Wyndemere as their fathers contend with the fallout of climate change in a near-future world. Pearson knows how to keep up the pace with well-rationed action and mystery as the boys pursue the cause of a mysterious virus affecting many, including Jon's mother, Lois Lane. The developing friction and style of competitiveness between the innately honest, friendly Jon and the terse, guarded Ian lends itself to a solidly boy-centric tone. Refreshingly, however, Pearson bolsters the cast with a pair of well-rounded tween girls, including Candace, whose royal African heritage looks likely to become a focus in future volumes, and, most satisfying, has Jon follow in his mother's footsteps as an investigative reporter. Gonzalez produces slick visuals with a line and texture most akin to contemporary animation, which contributes to this very market-savvy package with wide appeal.

Kirkus Reviews

The super duo of Jon Kent and Ian Wayne make their middle-grade debut.The friendship/rivalry of Jonathan Kent (son of Lois Lane and Clark Kent) and Damian Wayne (son of Talia al Ghul and Bruce Wayne) has led to many silly and thrilling comic-book adventures, most notably in Peter J. Tomasi and Jorge Jimenez's heartfelt and emotionally honest Super Sons series. Fans won't find much resemblance here: Pearson has drastically reimagined Damian and Jonathan and moved the story to an alternate timeline with little to offer lovers of DC Comics lore. This is a book designed for newcomers, but it doesn't make any exciting choices or craft thrilling action sequences to draw readers in. Jon and Damian (now going by Ian) live in a world haunted by the specter of climate change. Superman is dispatched on a mission to retrieve some dust from an asteroid that may help save the Earth. With Superman gone for months Jon is left to attend school in Wyndemere, where he's quickly drawn into Ian Wayne's orbit, and the teens bicker as they uncover a global conspiracy and partner with the mysterious Candace, a classmate with secrets that may be relevant. The dialogue is flat, the compositions are bland, and while the colors pop, there doesn't seem to be much thought to how they contribute to the art as a whole. (Jon presents white; Ian has beige skin; and Candace is black.) The book lurches forward with little dramatic propulsion and ends on an infuriating cliffhanger.These super sons deserve better than this drab outing. (Graphic adventure. 8-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Damian Wayne and Jonathan Kent may be the offspring of Batman and Superman, but they are still too young to follow in their fathers- footsteps. While their superdads attempt to save the world from coastal devastation caused by climate change, Damian and Jon team up with two other friends, Candace and Tilly, to find out who or what is behind the outbreak of an illness infecting, among others, Jon-s mother, Lois Kent, née Lane. Not only are they new at this whole superhero business, they must navigate their new partnership, all four with something to hide. Pearson integrates timely elements through the focus on climate change and allusions to the refugee experience, while Gonzalez-s artwork is vivid and crisp, riffing on a classic comic style. Though the protagonists are inexperienced heroes in the making, action scenes evoke some of the best of their fathers- adventures, albeit on a more modest scale. Pearson and Gonzalez-s take on the iconic figures offers good fun, especially for young readers who are just discovering the DC universe. Ages 8-12. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary. (Apr.)