ALA Booklist
(Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)
A trio of siblings with wild red hair is starting at a new school that has its fair share of bullies and kind new friends. But Matt, Lily, and Benji have more than the usual reasons for wanting to fit in. They've escaped to Earth from another planet, and they're trying to hide their ample superpowers. Matt, the oldest, is in favor of blending in, but Benji and Lily are proud of the powers and want to use them, and when retribution is too tempting to resist, they risk getting caught. On the surface, this slim graphic novel seems like a run-of-the-mill superhero story (comparisons to Superman seem inevitable), but subtle commentary about what really counts as justice as well as the experience of being a true outsider give it depth. Dawid's art is the star of the show, with a rich, jewel-toned color palette; dense backgrounds with lush, fine lined detail; stylishly exaggerated character designs; and many quiet moments of thoughtfulness and introspection in illuminating wordless stretches. An artful superhero story with room to grow.
Publishers Weekly
(Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
Left behind on planet Earth, Matt, Lily, and Benji are trying to live normal lives as school-age children and to avoid relying on their superhuman abilities. Benji believes that they should use their powers for good, while Matt wants to avoid any undue attention for fear of discovery. Even though Benji and Lily sometimes test Matt-s limits, he tries to be the best older brother he can while attempting to connect with humans. Maupomé-s new series has the familial charm of The Incredibles and a good share of Spider-Man-s awkwardness; these kids can do amazing things, but also struggle to fit in in their daily lives. Dawid-s watercolor art keeps the story-s tone light, while dialogue-free flashbacks in a subdued palette show much of the kids- origin story in a more frantic tone. Maupomé-s affable tale may include superhumans, but it-s really about kids growing up in a world that isn-t of their own choosing, something to which every reader can relate. Ages 8-up. (Jan.)
School Library Journal
(Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)
Gr 4-7 Starting at a new school can be hard for anyone, but it's especially tough for Matt and his younger siblings, who are originally from space and have superpowers. Matt worries that if anyone discovers their abilities, or that they have no parents, they'll have to go into hiding again or "end up a lab rat." If that means Matt can't fight back when he's bullied, so be it. But when disaster strikes the city, their alien superpowers may be just the thing needed to save the day. Featuring heartfelt and realistic sibling relationships, school drama, and a fiery mystery, this story has wide appeal. The panels are neat and filled with warm and inviting colors and art. A French import, this first in a trilogy won the Youth Award from ACBD (French Association of Comics Critics). Readers will be left wanting morehere's hoping the publisher translates and releases the other titles soon. VERDICT An enticing series start for graphic novel fans. Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL