Anti/Hero by Kate Quinn and Demitria Lunetta

Series: N/A
# of Pages: 160
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication: April 14th, 2020
Source: Copy Provided by Publisher
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
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A new graphic novel for middle-grade featuring all original content and characters found here in Anti/Hero! As if middle-school wasn't tough enough, two students who are sworn enemies run into big problems when a freaky event makes them switch places! Now they must work together if they want their old lives back, but the journey of being in someone else's shoes may bring some BIG surprises. Don't miss out on this new original graphic novel from author Kate Karyus Quinn known for her work on Not Hungry, The Show Must Go On, Down with the Shine, Another little Piece and more

Happy Tuesday everyone! I'm back with another DC Zoom review. I've done several other reviews for their new middle grade series. Check out Diana, Princess of the Amazons here, The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid here, and Black Canary Ignite here. Each of these books were phenomenal and Anti/Hero proves to be no different. This graphic novel follows two very different, yet similar middle school girls: Piper and Sloane. Piper considers herself a hero, but has such a difficult time controlling her strength while Sloane is more of an antihero who conducts a series of crimes for a very important reason. It is during a competition and a heist that their worlds collide forcing the two girls to see past their own lives and build empathy for one another.

While the other graphic novels were based on characters that have had a presence in DC comics, Anti/Hero introduced new and exciting characters. Piper is from a Latinx background and lives with her abuela and uncle instead of her parents. She has super strength and considers herself a hero, yet struggles with how to effectively help the people in Gotham City. In addition, she struggles with academics and coping with the absence of her parents. In contrast, Sloane lives with her single mom who struggles to maintain a job and pay bills. While weak physically, Sloan is extremely intelligent and commits petty crimes to help support herself and her mom. As a result, she spends a great deal of time alone. At first glance, it appears that these two characters are complete opposites, but throughout the graphic novel the reader finds that they have more in common than initially perceived. I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two girls. Their relationship was authentic with successes and failures. There were times when they got along really well and there were times when they could not see eye to eye. What Quinn and Lunetta managed to do successfully was illustrate the importance of empathy. By the end of the graphic novel, each girl had a different level of respect for the other's background and circumstances.

Like the other graphic novels, Anti/Hero had a quick paced plot with various twists and turns. While there were some aspects of the plot that were obvious, there were others that I did not see coming. There was a Freaky Friday element to the book that added such an interesting element to the character development. I did want to know more backstory about Sloane's family particularly her grandfather and his ties to Gotham city; however, I can understand the writers not wanting to delve too much into to side characters for the sake of the length of the comic as well as consideration for the intended audience. With the being said, the plot of the story is incredibly accessible and one that I think will be enjoyed by children of all ages.

One last component of the graphic novel that stood out to me was the artwork. I'm a sucker for a comic book/graphic novel that uses bright colors and Anti/Hero illustrator, Maca Gil, definitely uses a beautiful array of colors to portray the story. Outside of inking, one of the most important tactics that Gil utilizes to illustrate the relationship between the two girls is through panel work. There were several times when Gil would use a full page and divide the panels into contrasting pieces of art to show the different lifestyles and characteristics of the main characters. It's such a remarkable attribute of the story.

Overall, I thought that this was an amazing introduction to new DC characters with a fast paced plot, great characters, and beautiful artwork. I hope that this won't be the last time that we see Sloan and Piper.