In 1984, we were introduced to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in a comic series by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Just three years later, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premiered in an animated series and millions of kids fell in love with these lovable heroes.
The sequel also introduced us to one of the most lovable and admired characters in the movie, Keno, played by Ernie Reyes Jr. Keno is a high school kid who delivers pizza regularly to April O’Neil, which led him to befriend her and eventually the Turtles.
Later in the movie, he becomes a sort of sidekick, helping the Turtles take on the Foot Clan.
This character was made specifically for this movie as Keno was not a character that existed in the comics universe prior to this point. But since then, Keno hasn’t appeared in a movie, television show, or comic.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) franchise and they’ve always held a special place in my heart.
I have fond memories of the cartoon show and watching the movies in theaters, looking forward to watching them with my friends and families, then imitating their ninja skills when I got home.
When the movie sequel came out, I absolutely idolized Keno. Here was someone who was closer to my age than any of the other human characters who not only got to meet the Turtles but fought alongside them! This was a dream come true for any kid at that time.
And Ernie Reyes Jr. was so great at playing this character (after all, the producers from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles specifically created the character of Keno for him!). His enthusiasm and martial arts skills instantly made you gravitate to his character, and he was definitely one of the breakouts of the movie.
So why hasn’t he made another appearance in any medium of the TMNT franchise since then? No idea.
But I’m hoping that with your help, we can change this. I made a TikTok video recently about this fact and how I wanted to change this. And to my surprise, I had so many people commenting on it, agreeing with me and stating they would like to sign the petition!
So starting today, let’s try to make this happen. Sign and share this petition, and start reaching out to those at IDW Publishing to let them know that you want to see this lovable character make its debut in the TMNT comicsverse!
With Multiverse of Madness hitting Disney+ earlier this week, fans are rewatching the MCU film again and noticing things they may not have on the first watch.
One thing fans certainly noticed was the third eye Strange got at the end of the film.
Our very own MrMARVELite had some insight into why this is… and it’s not so he can see better!
MrMARVELite explains that this physical change is similar to Wanda’s in the film, as the Darkhold affected and stained her hands black among other physical changes.
“We’re finally getting to see a Dr. Strange, who receives a physical toll for the use of dark magic,” he said.
Until week 3 of Ms. Marvel, fans of the comic book character had been raving about the inclusion and uniqueness the show, especially as it pertains to representation of the Muslim faith.
But in week 3, the Djinn were introduced as antagonists to the show’s title character and with that, many feel that was a major misstep.
Kamran’s Mother, Najma, is mentioned in association to Kamala’s great grandmother and the source of her powers, the Clan Destine and Djinn.
Though some of this was walked back this week, using religious beings (Djinn) that millions of Muslims hold as a part of their faith, in a trivial manner can only sour the experience for what has been an otherwise promising series.
We spoke at length about the implications of this inclusion of the Djinn, but also the positives the show still represents and brings forth to a wide audience. Watch the full discussion below!
Let us know what you think about episodes 3 and 4, and what you’d like to see moving forward.
If you’re any bit familiar with the world of anime, then you’ve probably heard of an anime called Spy X Family. Based on Tatsuya Endo’s ongoing manga of the same name, this is the anime to watch this summer season!
Meet The Unconventional Family of “Spies”
Spy X Family follows a peculiar group of characters: Loid Forger aka Twilight, a skilled spy; Yor Forger aka Briar or Thorn Princess, a professional assassin; and Anya Forger, a mind reader.
In order to prevent an all-out war from happening between two rival countries, Loid is assigned to Operation Strix, a mission meant to obtain and maintain closeness with a prominent political figure. However, this requires him to form a faux family involving the likes of Yor and adopting Anya. What starts as a simple mission immediately grows into a collection of hilarious situations and unexpected outcomes.
Tatsuya Endo/Shueisha, Spy x Family Project
Why Spy X Family Has Taken Over The World
With the anime just having ended Part 1 of its first season on Saturday, June 25, Spy X Family certainly feels like a combination ofslice of life and spy fiction. While it does seem to be an odd pairing, it works perfectly given the tone and context. It’s clumsy on purpose and sets up high stakes for a comedic payoff.
To support it all, it has a main cast of characters that everyone can love and there’s almost no point in resisting their charm. But it’s not just our main characters that get to shine! Several side, or supporting characters are guaranteed to make you giggle here and there.
Spy vs Family
While it is guaranteed to make you laugh, Spy X Family still keeps Operation Strix present in every episode. Some episodes, especially the first two, involve some intense moments as a way to introduce Loid and Yor. It fits the overall tone given both characters’ professions and what they need to do to stay discrete in their line of work. It’s not all fun and games…until Anya is in the picture, of course.
Tatsuya Endo/Shueisha, Spy x Family Project
After having watched all 12 episodes that are out, it’s been really difficult to pick my favorite part of the anime so far. I have to say though, episodes 4 and 5 had my stomach hurting and in a good way! There are so many moments in both episodes that you’ll think are meant to be serious because it is a spy anime after all. However, the characters will do a compete 180 and you find yourself facepalming in laughter.
Final Thoughts – Stop What You’re Doing and Go Watch Spy x Family
I think if you’re in need of a pick-up or if you just want a short and easy anime to watch, Spy X Family is a perfect choice. It’s fun, it’s adventurous, and you’ll love each character as you continue to watch. And best of all, Part 2 of Season 1 is coming out on October 4, 2022. Now’s the time to check it out!
Spy X Family is now streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
World peace is at stake and secret agent Twilight must undergo his most difficult mission yet—pretend to be a family man. Posing as a loving husband and father, he’ll infiltrate an elite school to get close to a high-profile politician. He has the perfect cover, except his wife’s a deadly assassin and neither knows each other’s identity. But someone does, his adopted daughter who’s a telepath!
In a world where individuals are unworthy, crime runs rampant in the — No. Wait. Wrong storyline. Ha, had you for a second right? This isn’t a story just about me — It’s about us and how being a “nerd” can change our entire lives.
Hi guys I’m Samantha, most just call me Sammi though. Bear with me because I’m not very good with words or talking about myself. But I wanted to share with you my love of all things art and nerd-related, to better help people who maybe were like me or see their passions as something to be hidden.
Yep this is me in a nutshell
Gotta Catch Em All!
My specific form of ”nerd” falls under art and anime. Anime is something I’ve loved since I was a child. I remember vividly experiencing Pokemon for the first time when I was maybe around five. It was all downhill from there.
Everything from video games, to clothing, to even the music I like can be linked to my love of Pokemon, something I still love to this day, more than 20 years later! It’s even better now that I can share this with my child, who loves these things just as much as I did at his age. His favorite character is Eevee, a great choice in my opinion!
The Nerdy Inspiration
Aside from a mild obsession with that fantasy monster you catch and fight to gain money and glory, anime helped spark my passion for drawing. Everyone has a specific work of art that inspired them to push forward and hone their craft, I am no different.
But instead of people like da Vinci, Michelangelo, or the wondrous Bob Ross, I had people like Naoko Takeuchi, creator of Sailor Moon, Tite Kubo, creator of Bleach and Burn the Witch, or the famous Hayao Miyazaki founder of Studio Ghibli and creator of works such as Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro and, Princess Mononoke. I can thank those brilliant and beautiful works and creators for shaping and really helping me discover my love and passion for drawing.
Hitsugaya Toshiro by me, Sammibelle
The Truth About Being an Artist — It’s TOUGH
I now share my art with millions of people online, however popular or unpopular it may be. I would like to believe that I am … a freaking prodigy, I recreated Starry Night at the age of six, the Mona Lisa at seven, and then topped it all off with a perfect self-portrait at eight. But that’s definitely not what happened, I just like joking around.
I had to work hard at my art and push through my low points. Unlike some who have the ability to be able to take lessons and attend schools specifically designed for the arts, all I had was a pencil, paper, a bunch of manga, and how-to guides. I’m proud of the fact I’m 100% self-taught, which makes me appreciate my creations that much more.
You and Me Against The World
Art, like any skill, is learned, so the more you keep at it, the better you become. I’ll show you guys my humble beginnings at a later date … trust me it’s rough. But you have to start somewhere. From stick figures or mandalas. To little doodles in the margins of your school papers or shapes that make up the most imaginative buildings. Art grows with you and much like my favorite icons and even myself, anyone can do it with dedication and persistence. So, if this is your passion like it is mine, don’t give up.
I’ll leave you guys with my favorite quote – one that helped me in different aspects of life.
“In this world, perfection is an illusion. Regardless of all those who utter the contrary, this is all the reality. Obviously mediocre fools will forever lust for perfection and seek it out. However, what meaning is there in perfection? None. Not a bit..After perfection there exist nothing higher. Not even room for creation which means there is no room for wisdom and talent either.”
Can you believe that came from a manga about a teenage boy who fights spirits with SWORDS!?
Wild, am I right? Perfection is unachievable, it doesn’t exist, so all I want to get across to you all is what you do, no matter what it is, doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to be proud of it. Unless it’s world domination, please do not try that.
Jokes aside thank you all for coming along and helping this community grow, this is going to be much more fun the more people we have with us. Till next time nerds.
Did Kamala’s Khan’s origin take a dark and problematic turn?
There were so many wonderful aspects to Ms. Marvel episode 3. The beautiful depiction of Aamir and Tyesha’s wedding including a great insight in Muslim tradition and Pakistani culture, not to mention the amazing dance scenes! We get a great fight scene between Kamala and Najma’s clan. Marvel continues to pull panels right off the page including the heartfelt moment where we have Sheikh Abdallah give some powerful words that will propel Kamala toward being the hero we all anticipate her becoming.
Yet there were also some moments that many feel was a misstep for the series and the origin of our first Pakistani-American superhero. Mainly the reference to the Clan Destine and Djinn.
The Clan Destine
After the cliff-hanger of episode 2 and the revelation that Kamala had a vision of Kamran’s Mother, Najma, two terms were mentioned in association to Kamala’s great grandmother and the source of her powers, Clan Destine and Djinn, and there lies the problem.
The Clan Destine and Djinn in the comics have been intertwined as the children of Adam of Destine and a Djinn named Elalyth also considered an angel in the comics.
There has been much concern that Ms. Marvel would provide an honest representation of Muslims in the MCU and though much was done correctly, many feel that this is a major step back. Though this has only been mentioned in one episode, using religious beings (Djinn) that millions of Muslims hold as a part of their faith, in a trivial manner can only sour the experience for what has been an otherwise promising series.
TheAmiraReview, fellow contributor and creator on Tiktok gives insight to the concern:
The problem lays in the misuse of the concept and also the fact it could fall into the usual orientalist trope. Muslims hold dear their religious beliefs and using those as red herring is problematic. Misusing them and separating the religious concept from its true meaning is also seen as disrespectful.
TheAmiraREview
What happens next in Ms. Marvel episode 4 will possibly answer some questions, and could expand on the current concerns of many. As much as I have enjoyed this series, I respect the calling out of problematic issues that many have been brought up regarding this topic. I hope that they do not continue with the Djinn story and instead use this moment to disconnect some of the historically wrong representation that has been depicted in comics.
But what really has me floored and in shock are the stories and responses we’ve gotten from founding members on what this community means to them and how they’ve longed for such an open, supportive forum.
So, I wanted to quickly detail exactly what Nerd Initiative is. Sure, we are a site and medium bringing you news, reviews and commentary about pop culture, comics, movies and more.
But really what we are isn’t all about content.
1 – A Safe Space
I protect and cherish this notion more than anything else in our mission and values.
One thing we will never do is allow anyone to be toxic or hateful to another member just because of an opinion about a movie, character or show.
To me, toxicity is when constructive commentary veers off a discussion about a fictional topic and into a personal attack.
Here, we want to allow for all perspectives, no matter who you are, and protect our members at all costs.
Obviously commentary that is racist, homophobic and toxic in nature is not protected.
But if you liked a movie or a show that most fans did not enjoy, that is absolutely your right and we actually want that perspective so we can see a different side!
2 – We Do Things Differently
Another aspect that we really want to get across is we do NOT want to do things like everyone else.
I’ve said this 100 times in the past two months, but my dream is the day when we’ll have five different stories on the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale or on Ms. Marvel, episode 2.
We don’t want to be a one and done type site and instead, we encourage multiple people to do stories on the same topic. Why not?
The chances are multiple creators will have enjoyed projects in different ways and that’s a beautiful thing.
3 – We Believe that Representation Absolutely Matters
We need to learn from each other.
But how can you do that if we aren’t asking questions and listening to what our fellow fans and creators have to say.
— Nerd Initiative 🔜 NYCC (@nerdinitiative1) June 22, 2022
That’s why we actively want to hear from those creators from all walks of life and genuinely listen.
We want to grow, evolve and just be better humans.
4 – We Want to Hear YOUR Story
Sure, it’s fun to interview and speak to actors, producers and other “stars,” but to us, the creators are also stars. We want to hear about your journey first and foremost.
Now we all know buying comics can be a bit difficult, many have questions like “What’s releasing this week, what’s the book about?”. Well, team Nerd Initiative has your back!
Welcome to the official comic book buying list of every title DC Comics has coming out this week!
ACTION COMICS #1044
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Phillip Kennedy Johnson David Lapham
Artist
Riccardo Federici David Lapham
Cover Artist
Lucio Parrillo
Summary
The Warworld Revolution is here! With the Genesis Stone feeding Kal-El a portion of his long-dormant powers, the quest to overthrow Mongul’s tyrannical rule is well underway…but can Superman convince the war-torn combatants of this hellish nightmare planet that kindness can best cruelty? All this, plus Midnighter stabs some fools who had it coming! Then, in A World Without Clark Kent, Lois, Jon, and John Henry Irons (a.k.a. Steel) convene to unlock the secrets of the mysterious Genesis tech…and Thao-La awakens…
AQUAMEN #5
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Chuck Brown Brandon Thomas
Artist
Sami Basri
Cover Artist
Travis Moore
Summary
Our heroes race to construct a new deactivation spire as the Atlantean sleeper agents continue to awaken worldwide. Can the Aquamen Family hold them off long enough for construction to be completed? Not if the Scavenger has anything to say about it!
BATMAN/CATWOMAN #12
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Tom King
Artist
Clay Mann
Cover Artist
Clay Mann
Summary
Wedding bells are finally ringing for Batman and Catwoman! As our story concludes, the lovers prepare to take the next steps in their lives together by trading everlasting vows. The Bat/Cat wedding is here, and knowing Bruce and Selina, it’ll be anything but conventional. You won’t want to miss this final chapter of Tom King’s Batman epic!
BATMAN: BEYOND THE WHITE KNIGHT #4
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Sean Murphy
Artist
Sean Murphy
Cover Artist
Sean Murphy
Summary
The hunt continues as Bruce Wayne searches for the most dangerous offspring in Neo-Gotham, the daughter of The Joker! Little does he know the new Batman is right behind him, waiting for just the right moment to strike and put an end to the older generation of heroes in the city. All seems to be going according to plan for Derek Powers, as his true intentions are revealed. Plus, Ace the Bat-Hound joins the story!
BATMAN: FORTRESS #2
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Gary Whitta
Artist
Darick Robertson
Cover Artist
Darick Robertson
Summary
Batman and the Justice League are working desperately to save innocent lives after the arrival of a mysterious alien ship that has destabilized the entire planet. After all attempts to communicate with the unknown invaders fail, they’re left with no alternative but to fight! But can even the combined might of the Justice League and all the world’s militaries repel such an overwhelmingly superior force?
DC VS. VAMPIRES – KILLERS #1
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Matthew Rosenberg
Artist
Mike Bowden
Cover Artist
Hicham Habchi
Summary
In the shadow of the new Vampire World Order, Harley Quinn rules the human underworld in this age of darkness. She has survived by only looking out for herself…but she might have just found the key to saving the world.
DEATHSTROKE INC. #10
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Ed Brisson
Artist
Dexter Soy
Cover Artist
Mikel Janin
Summary
Slade Wilson’s blood-drenched past and exploits are well chronicled, but how did Slade become the infamous assassin and mercenary known as Deathstroke? What dark turns did his life take that set him on the path of destruction that would tear his family apart? Find out as “Deathstroke: Year One” begins…
DETECTIVE COMICS #1061
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Mariko Tamaki Nadia Shammas Sina Grace
Artist
van Reis Danny Miki David Lapham
Cover Artist
Ivan Reis Danny Miki
Summary
Mommy’s home! With Talia al Ghul back in town, anything can happen…and the mother of Robin is here to lay down the law. Meanwhile, the Riddler’s scheme to turn Batman’s sacred city into a twisted riddle of life and death has at last been revealed…and Edward’s going to use whatever and whoever he can to turn Batman’s life upside down. Then, in the finale of Gotham Girl, Interrupted, Claire Clover unravels the mystery behind the Gotham Girl website…so why doesn’t she believe what she finds in the process? It’s betrayal, healing, and punches galore!
HARLEY QUINN #16
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Stephanie Phillips
Artist
Riley Rossmo
Cover Artist
Riley Rossmo
Summary
You know how the whole villain origin story is usually about the “one bad day” that changed everything? I think it’s Tuesday most of the time. But what if it’s, like, a lot of bad days, and some of them were even caused by me, Harley Quinn? Well, that would be a recipe for one pretty bad villain, right? The secret origin story of a brutal new villain, Verdict, is revealed here! Though I guess it won’t be very secret once we reveal it, huh?
ROBIN #15
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Joshua Williamson
Artist
Roger Cruz Norm Rapmund
Cover Artist
Simone Di Meo
Summary
Damian Wayne is back from the Shadow War and licking his wounds the best way a Wayne knows how…brooding (duh). But in light of the shocking death in the al Ghul family, Robin resolves to dig deeper into the world of the Demon…and a return to Lazarus Island—with Flatline at his side—leaves him with yet another shocking revelation!
ROGUES #3
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Joshua Williamson
Artist
Leomacs
Cover Artist
Sam Wolfe Connelly
Summary
“Book III: The Heist”! Captain Cold had a plan to steal from Gorilla Grodd. A plan that was going to make the Rogues rich and change their lives for the better. But now that plan has exploded, and Rogues blood is splattered all over Gorilla City. If the remaining members are going to survive, they need to think fast and work together. But a betrayal by one of the Rogues brings the heat to a whole new level! Continuing this groundbreaking neo-noir take on some of the DCU’s greatest villains!
TASK FORCE Z #9
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Matthew Rosenberg
Artist
Eddy Barrows Eber Ferreira
Cover Artist
Eddy Barrows Eber Ferreira
Summary
Are we the baddies? After the shocking (but not really) betrayal by Mr. Bloom, the new Task Force Z are public enemy number one. All of Gotham is hunting for them. They are out of money, out of friends, and out of Lazarus Resin. But now they will have to face their most dangerous foe yet-and it’s one of their own!
TEEN TITANS GO!: UNDEAD?!
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Michael Northrop
Artist
Erich Owen
Cover Artist
Erich Owen
Summary
Jump City is full of strange, shambling creatures muttering about sales and dead set on brains. The Teen Titans saw a comet fall from the sky and can think of nowhere better to hang out and see what happens than the mall. If their theory is correct and people start turning into zombies, they want to be prepared-and we all know zombies love the mall! But as the situation grows ever more dire, Robin and his team take to the streets, trying to save the city from the bargain-hungry undead. But these zombies really bite: the cemetery isn’t safe, the H.I.V.E. Five are not alive, and Robin’s teammates are about to succumb to shopping fever! Can Robin keep it together long enough to cancel this apocalypse?
THE SWAMP THING #14
T
Published
Jun 28 2022
Writer
Ram V.
Artist
Mike Perkins
Cover Artist
Mike Perkins
Summary
As the corruptive force of industry eats away at the Earth, the Green has called upon a deadly form of alien flora in a desperate and misguided attempt to wipe the slate clean. Swamp Thing’s attempts to save the planet from this alien plague quickly prove inadequate; it’s time for someone more experienced with spacebound threats to enter the fray: the Green Lantern!
Well …
That’s a wrap on the DC Comics this week, wow we really got a lot of excellent titles to look forward to! I seriously hope this weekly list helps everyone out in knowing what new comics are releasing every week. Thank you for reading and see you all next week For another post of “This Week In Comics: DC Edition.”
Welcome to the official comic book buying list of every title Marvel Comics has coming out this week!
Iron Man/Hellcat Annual (2022) #1
Published
June 29
Writer
Christopher Cantwell
Artist
Ruairi Coleman
Cover Artist
Logan Lubera
Summary
Spinning out of the pages of IRON MAN, Hellcat travels to San Francisco to get her house in order…only this house is an aging Victorian manor left to her by her mother Dorothy.
The house and its secrets will reunite Patsy with old friends like Hedy Wolfe – as well as others she’d hoped to leave dead and buried. When a supernatural crisis arises, will Hellcat and Iron Man combined be enough to beat back the flames of Hell itself?!
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #24
Published
June 29
Writer
Greg Pak
Artist
Marco Castiello
Cover Artist
Paul Renaud
Summary
Someone’s been to Polis Massa. Someone’s heard Padmé’s last words. Someone knows Vader’s deepest secret. What happens when the Dark Lord of the Sith finds out?
Meanwhile, a colony of refugees from a certain sandy planet struggle under the rule of an Imperial governor. Will their connection to Vader’s past be their salvation – or their doom? Plus: the shocking return of two of Anakin Skywalker’s oldest friends!
Star Wars: Obi-Wan (2022) #2
Published
June 29
Writer
Christopher Cantwell
Artist
Luke Ross
Cover Artist
Phil Noto
Summary
“DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan answer the distress call of an outpost on the edge of the galaxy. What’s the secret behind the devastation wrought upon the terrifying moon base? Will whatever plunged it into darkness pull a Padawan off his enlightened path?
Thor: Lightning and Lament (2022) #1
Published
June 29
Writer
Ralph Macchio
Artist
Todd Nauck
Cover Artist
Ron Lim
Summary
The Mighty Thor has abandoned Asgard in her greatest hour of need, leaving the Realm Eternal in the hands of his half brother Loki, in the absence of its rightful ruler, Odin.
With Asgard under assault by legions of trolls, and the Lady Sif hovering near death due to a possibly fatal wound suffered in battle, can anyone save the Golden City from annihilation?
Venom: Lethal Protector (2022) #3
Published
June 29
Writer
David Michelinie
Artist
Ivan Fiorelli
Cover Artist
Paulo Siqueira
Summary
DAVID MICHELINIE AND IVAN FIORELLI’S TOUR DE FORCE THROUGH YESTERYEAR CONTINUES! Brains are back on the menu, as VENOM returns to his violent and spectacular roots in this bone-chilling and bone-crunching issue. BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE, TRUE BELIEVERS!
This ain’t your parents’ Venom, and David Michelinie’s return to the symbiote he co-created is about to show why Venom is one of the biggest and baddest characters in the history of the Marvel U — and he just might give the Wicked Web-Slinger a new look and powers while he’s at it!
Well …
That’s a wrap on the Marvel Comics this week, wow we really got a lot of excellent titles to look forward to! I seriously hope this weekly list helps everyone out in knowing what new comics are releasing every week. Thank you for reading and see you all next week For another post of “This Week In Comics: Marvel Edition.”
Being the number one superhero in the world, the stories of Spider-Man has been told in many forms: comic books, movies, tv shows, video games, etc. In the past few years, however, writer Preeti Chhibber has taken to telling his story in the form of Young Adult novels. Her newest book, Spider-Man’s Social Dilemma, is sure to be a hit with young readers!
The first in a three-book middle grade novel series by Spider-Man’s number one fan and hilarious fiction writer, Preeti Chhibber! Peter Parker has been swinging and thwipping his way through New York City as Spider-Man for just a few months, and balancing his double life is complicated. He goes to school and tries not to embarrass himself in front of his crush, MJ; he takes photos for the Daily Bugle and tries not to embarrass himself in front of his boss, J. Jonah Jameson; and he fights crime in the evenings and . . . well, he’s kind of always trying to not embarrass himself. Easier said than done when you’re a teen with spider powers you’re still getting used to. On top of all that, the notorious villain the Sandman is acting more strangely than ever, social media seems to be taking a toll on MJ, and someone keeps trying to steal an artifact that’s supposedly powered by alien matter . . . which can’t be good. Something eerie is going on, and Peter is determined to figure out what it is before things go from weird to dangerous. Told with Preeti Chhibber’s incomparable voice, which balances wit and charm with teenage earnestness and vulnerability, this series is full of action-adventure, humor, friendship, and, of course, heroism.
I had the chance to get early access to read the book, and I can’t say enough great things about it! The audience for this book is elementary and middle school readers. Still, even as an adult, I appreciated the new story of the web-slinger, the Easter eggs, and how relatable it is to see more of Peter Parker as that awkward high school kid trying to figure out how to balance the challenges he faces as a teenager and as a superhero.
Chhibber has done a phenomenal job of being able to write to her audience to have the stories relate to the real challenges that they face in school today. One of my favorite moments in this book is how she is able to capture some of the challenges and emotions that young readers experience with technology and how social media can unknowingly change their mood and outlook in their surroundings.
Very rarely does a book show how such things can impact even a lovable and level-headed character like MJ and it gives the reader a chance to self-evaluate if they have had similar experiences as well.
Writing a beloved comic book character in a Young Adult novel is no easy task, especially with a character with such vivid visuals. But Chhibber definitely knocked it out of the park with her writing. Not only does she capture the visual descriptions so well, but she also captures the essence and personalities of every character from the world of Spider-Man so perfectly that from page one, you feel like this is another story in the existing Spider-verse.
I know that I plan on getting this book for my own child and I can’t wait for them to read it.
