The Adventures of Invisible Boy

October 16, 2023
Horner (This Might Hurt a Bit) channels vintage Cartoon Network–esque tomfoolery in this hilarious graphic novel romp. The eponymous Invisible Boy, also known as Stanley, is the new kid in town. Stressing over his unpreparedness for the upcoming school science fair and feeling lonely due to his seeming inability to make friends, Stanley yearns to disappear, believing that all his problems would be solved. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for him, classmate Gene (short for “Genius”) has concocted a goo that could be the world’s best spot cleaner... or perhaps the first-ever disappearing serum. In a madcap chain of events, Stanley is covered in globules of the vanishing stuff and becomes invisible. But with his newfound power comes unexpected responsibility. Horner’s straightforward illustrations are inviting, and the plot is replete with clever gags stuffed into every panel—as when the aforementioned stain remover suddenly loses the all-important “I” once Stanley is doused—making for an easy-going, fun-to-read treat that juxtaposes belly laughs with thoughtful explorations of anxiety. Stanley and Gene are rendered with pale skin; the supporting cast is portrayed with varying skin tones. Ages 8–12.

November 15, 2024
When a strange foe comes to town, two youngsters put their newly discovered superpowers to the test. Erstwhile rivals Stanley and Gene, having become friends in the first installment of this graphic novel series, have finally figured out how to control their powers of invisibility--sort of. And how better to use those skills than by fighting crime in their community? Unfortunately, even with Stanley's robot scanning the streets for bad guys, there's not much action brewing; accidentally purloined pens and fashion crimes are the best they can do. Suspiciously soon, a towering, shadowy nemesis appears, assisted by a goofy pair of carnival workers turned henchmen. Next, Stanley's dad's hardware store, the family's livelihood, is ransacked. Stanley opens a pancake smoothie stand to raise funds for the shop; later, he and Gene engage in high-energy battles against the henchmen. The cartoon action is frenzied and fun, right till the last absurd, clever turn; the choice to set the fights at a minigolf venue is particularly inspired, with the combatants looking like giants towering over a trembling town. A clever video game-inspired sequence sees the boys going up against the henchmen in the abandoned carnival grounds. Stanley and Gene are light-skinned; there's some diversity in their community. Hilarious, hectic, and gleefully unpredictable.(Graphic fantasy. 7-10)

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January 10, 2025

Gr 3-6-This graphic novel sequel begins with a quick recap to catch readers up on former enemies, now friends, Stan and Gene. After an accident with Gene's enhanced stain remover, both boys have the power to tun invisible whenever they burp or sneeze. While their powers aren't new, their ability to control those powers is unique to the sequel, leading to Stan wanting to use his now-controllable invisibility to save their town from crime and become a superhero. However, a few problems delay his quest: Gene isn't interested in being a superhero, and he makes fun of Stan's dreams. While Stan tries to brush this aside, the lack of real crime in their town makes it difficult to save the day. Just as Stan is about to give up, a new villain joins the adventure. While the side plot exploring Gene and Stan's friendship provides a bit of depth, this sequel doesn't stand on its own. Plot holes abound that might have been answered in the first book but won't make sense to new readers, such as how they manage to follow each other through town when they can't see each other. The villains' journey to evil is less impactful when readers don't have a full understanding of their back story. Fans of series like "Hilo" or "The Last Kids on Earth" might try their luck with Invisible Boy's first volume, instead. VERDICT While this graphic novel will appeal to fans of the first book, it doesn't quite hold its own.-Annamarie Carlson

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