JP Book Review: SUPER DINOSAUR Trade Paperback #1
SUPER DINOSAUR Trade Paperback #1
Written by: Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by: Jason Howard
Published By: IMAGE Comics
Where to buy: IMAGE Comics, Amazon, ebay
Ages: 5 - 12
NOTE TO READERS
What a GREAT cover!
SUPER DINOSAUR was originally published by IMAGE COMICS as a series of comic books beginning in 2011 and had a 23 issue run concluding in December of 2014. The issues were collected in a series of 4 trade paperbacks that are available in both softcover and in kindle ebook format. The term “trade paperback” refers to a compilation of comic books and they are generally available at comic book stores, through comic book publishers, online and in some book stores.
Why review this “old” book? Because the content is solid gold and copies are available at very good prices on Amazon and ebay. As I am writing this, I am looking at a used copy in excellent condition selling for $2.99 on Amazon. If you are on a budget, (or even if you’re not), this softcover collection of the first five issues in the series delivers fantastic entertainment value for the children in your life that love dinosaurs.
Your local library is unlikely to carry this book, so you will have to buy a copy, but you will not be disappointed. My review of the first five issues is below.
REVIEW
Back in the 60’s dinosaur comics were very much a part of the comic book mix. Titles like TUROK, STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES, KONGA and GORGO were among the comics that focused on dinosaurs, giant gorillas and giant monsters. Comic books have changed a lot since then and many are now skewed toward teens and adults rather than children. Walk into many comic book stores and the majority of customers are men, with children nowhere to be seen. I am happy to report that SUPER DINOSAUR turns back the clock with stories that will have boys eagerly turning pages and looking forward to a new issue every month.
Conceived by writer Robert Kirkman (the creator of THE WALKING DEAD) and artist Jason Howard, SUPER DINOSAUR is an “all ages” comic book – meaning that the content is appropriate for children. Issue #1 is the origin special and sets up the back story. The last ten pages are devoted to character breakdowns and resemble what you’d see in a treatment for an animated television series. Things get a little confusing here because there is a second issue #1 which contains a story that takes place after the origin issue.
In the origin issue we learn that two scientists, kindly Dr. Dynamo and evil Dr. Maximus, discovered dinosaurs in a hidden world under the surface of the earth along with an amazing power source. Dr. Maximus returns to the surface with a T-rex egg and alters the hatchling against the wishes of his partner, making it highly intelligent and endowing it with the ability to speak. As the T-Rex matures, the scientists create a metal harness with two large mechanical arms that the T-Rex operates with joy sticks using his much smaller arms. The T-Rex’s name? Super Dinosaur!
Dr. Dynamo and his brilliant ten year-old son Derek have no idea that all of this is just a test run for evil Dr. Maximus who has concocted a secret plan to use the technology that created Super Dinosaur to take over the world with an army of Super Dinosaurs! When they find out . . . well, I won’t spoil it for you because that’s when all the dino-action starts!
SUPER DINOSAUR will appeal to boys in the 5 to 12 age bracket. It’s packed with action, it’s extremely well drawn and the dialog is perfect for boys. The lead character, Derek, is smart, brave and loyal, and his saurian counterpart, Super Dinosaur, embodies the same noble characteristics.
Comic books can be a challenge for kids to track down. To buy them, they either have to make a purchase online or travel to a comic specialty shop. And that may involve a special trip by car with mom or dad. Trade paperbacks purchased online offer a convenient alternative and home delivery! Make a note to add this great book to your gift list for someone special.