School Library Journal (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 3–8 —It's the day of the big science fair at school, and new kid Stanley spills Gene the Genius's project, leading to an accident that leaves both boys invisible. While Gene uses his new ability to wreak havoc around town, Stanley becomes Invisible Boy and spends his time helping others however he can. Desperate to find an antidote, Stanley visits Gene's lair and activates several of his inventions, leading to a bubble bath explosion, a robot Owl, freeze bombs, and more. When the invisible boys begin to work together to prepare the antidote, they discover the power of friendship and collaboration. This graphic novel is a quick read with fast-paced dialogue and inner-thought narration. With vibrant, cartoon-style illustrations of various sizes and panel designs, readers will stay engaged with the exciting adventures of the characters. Despite the light, comic tone of the superhero plotline, Horner skillfully delves into deep themes such as parental expectations, social acceptance, and self-worth in a manner that will resonate with middle graders. The exciting build-up to the epic climax of the story will keep readers wanting more and eager for the promised follow-up. VERDICT Packed with witty humor and thrilling adventure, this graphic novel will draw fans of "Captain Underpants" and belongs on middle grade library shelves.—Angie Jameson

Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Starred Review Moving to a new school is never easy, and Stanley's first day is particularly rough. Not only does he feel isolated and awkward, he accidentally turns invisible at his school's science fair. Determined to use his powers for good, Invisible Boy squares off against an evil boy genius in an epic showdown for a cure to their shared invisibility before it becomes permanent. While Horner hits all the familiar notes involving superheroes and invisible adventures, his unique humor throughout the text provides genuine laughs and unexpected character reactions. Sight gags, like a giant Eiffel Tower made of Q-tips next to a giant Q-tip made of Eiffel Towers, are sprinkled strategically throughout the book, adding freshness to the crowded juvenile graphic novel field. Horner pulls back for moments of serenity, as the two protagonists struggle with making friends and finding their place, which further adds to the charm and authenticity of a story that could easily have become cliché. His artistic style feels reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes, giving a simple and timeless feel to the book while simultaneously adding to the ridiculousness of the situations and the superhero action. A surprise hit.

Kirkus Reviews

Two dramatically different boys acquire the power of invisibility, with raucous results.Stanley is anxious about starting a new school-it's the middle of the year, and everyone else already knows each other. He's also poorly prepared for the Science Fair, for which he creates a wonky robot cobbled together from recyclable materials. Gene, an aspiring scientist with a collection of crackpot inventions, has a far more ambitious entry: a powerful stain remover. Both Stanley and Gene become drenched in the mixture and are rendered invisible. Stanley, in stealth mode, explores his new town and enjoys relief from social pressures. Meanwhile, Gene, incensed that Stanley's robot has won first prize, takes revenge, secretly wreaking havoc by vandalizing bikes and destroying Stanley's treehouse. Though Stanley's search for justice and an invisibility antidote drives the plot, the book's buzzy energy relies on Gene's zany creations. The conflict between aspiring hero and eager villain reaches its apex in Gene's basement laboratory, where the two battle each other using Gene's collection of contraptions in a broadly comical, captivating denouement. In the wake of this destruction, the boys' final reconciliation opens the door for more creative adventures. Action-packed artwork feels reminiscent of comic strips or animated shows; Stanley recalls a particularly earnest Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes), while Gene is reminiscent of the titular character on Dexter's Lab. Both Stanley and Gene are white.A fun-filled adventure that celebrates the true superpowers of the middle-grade imagination: chaos and creativity. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)