Kirkus Reviews

Veteran comic-book artist McLeod presents an alphabetical gallery of newly minted superheroes—from Astro-Man, who is "Always Alert for An Alien Attack" to the Zinger, Zanily Zigzagging through the Zero Zone. A can-do crew of hunky men and buxom women (plus the occasional animal or alien) properly decked out in loudly colored, form-fitting spandex, these crime-fighters bring a range of outrageous abilities to their work. Bubble Man, for instance, "Blows Big Bubbles at Bullies," while Rain Man "Rains on Random Robbers," Goo Girl "shoots Great Gobs of [green] Goo at Gangsters," and, grossest of all, Volcano Man—well, let's not go there. This frothy mix of laughs, giggles and expertly drawn, melodramatically posed Good Guys zeroes in on its target audience with superhuman accuracy and action. (Picture book. 5-8)

Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2006)

Starred Review In this ABC book turbocharged with fun for both new and capable readers, McLeod lines up a roster of superheroes kids won't find in existing cartoons or comic book: Astro-Man, "Always Alert for an Alien Attack" despite his asthma; Goo Girl, whose weapon of choice is Great Gobs of Goo; and Odor Officer, monitor of playground farts. McLeod, who has decades of experience drawing for major comics from Marvel and others, has chosen a theme that is well suited to the ABC format, as each entry's alliterative annotation seems entirely in keeping with the genre's usual predilection for stylized, faintly hokey text. Also borrowed straight from comics are the onomatopoeic outbursts ("GAA!" "QUUF!") and the skintight (though never overtly revealing) leotards worn by guys and gals alike. McLeod's adherence to such conventions is precisely what will draw comic-book fans, who will pore over the slick, dynamic compositions on oversize pages, and will savor the occasional, sly references to familiar characters. This book's superpower? It will dazzle reluctant readers and disappear right off the shelves. For occasions when demand exceeds availability, pull out Jeff Weigel's Atomic Ace (He's Just My Dad) (2004), also by a comics veteran.

School Library Journal Starred Review

PreS-Gr 2-An alphabet's worth of superheroes, from Astro-Man to the Zinger. There's strong appeal here for the youngest comic-book fans, with many doses of humor along the way. Each figure has special powers, of course, which readers learn about through alliterative captions and action-packed illustrations. Danger Man, for instance "Does Daring Deeds Every Day." A spread shows how "He Duels with Dragons" against a futuristic landscape filled with bright greens, reds, and pinks. The added information that "He Doesn't Have a Dog!" contributes to the lighthearted tone while extending the alliteration, which effectively emphasizes letter sounds. Many of the characters possess traditionally heroic powers, like Ms. Incredible's ability to become "Invisible In an Instant." Others are sillier, such Laughing Lass and Upside Down Man (who "wears his Uniform Under His Underwear"), while the Odor Officer and the Volcano (he "Vomits on Villains") add just the right touch of grossness. There are several females in the bunch, along with one child (Sky-Boy), one animal (Power Pup), and two teens (The Tiny Teen and Tony Terrific, who are Twins). The cartoon illustrations show the figures in action with bold colors, word balloons, and block letters in an attractive comic-book style. Imaginative readers might be inspired to imagine their own alphabetical creations to add to the ranks of Goo Girl, Huge Man, and Multiplying Mike.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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

McLeod translates his adult comic book renderings for the preschool crowd in this cleverly conceived ABC. Drawn in vivid bright colors that capture the eye, his heroes practically leap from the pages. He represents each letter of the alphabet with an original superhero who saves the day by committing heroic acts that begin with—what else?—that very letter (e.g., "Astro-Man is Always Alert for An Alien Attack"). One character is more inventive than the next, from the "Quiet Knight [who] Keeps Kindergarten Kids safe" to the superhero Volcano (sporting a V on his chest and V-patterned shorts; he "Vomits on Villains"). McLeod is not only a master at creating entertaining figures, but also at introducing youngsters to vocabulary words that go beyond the average spelling list, and with phrases ideal for introducing alliteration ("Water-Woman Weaves below the Watery Waves"). In a single bound, McLeod is sure to gain a new generation of comic book fans—and may well entertain his lifelong followers as they introduce their offspring to this clever primer. Ages 3-6. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Feb.)

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2006)

When her father, King Cupcake, is kidnapped by aliens, Princess Spaghetti takes the royal rocket to find him in outer space, where his captors are threatening to eat him. The story has the requisite kid allure (a princess heroine, comical villains with multiple googly eyes, desserts), but it adds up to a little less than the sum of its parts.