Mister Miracle: The Great Escape

February 15, 2022
A teenage upstart desperately attempts to escape the hostile planet of Apokolips. Orphaned and with no memories of his parents, Black student Scott Free has no fondness for Apokolips or the Goodness Academy, Granny Goodness' school where most students end up in military service or, worse, the X-Pit. After surviving the prison maze of beasts and deadly traps, Scott was informally adopted by Himon, a genius Black inventor and the school janitor. Himon's granddaughter, Bekka, is sick and a cure may be available on Earth if Scott can pull off this escape. Scott's roommates believe he can help them get out as well, but they are unaware of Himon's role in the plan. Complicating matters, a new Fury has arrived: Big Barda. The Furies, Granny Goodness' chosen warriors, are an all-female group of students who keep the peace. As Bekka's health declines, Scott will need a miracle to escape from Apokolips. Johnson's sharply observed Mister Miracle origin story flows across each page, enhanced by Isles' surgically precise linework. Johnson's characters struggle with decisions and the weight of their consequences. Not one of them gets it right all the time, but through their attempts, readers witness truth, teamwork, and trust. Isles' future-forward character design and liquid movement reveal in brilliant ways mood, urgency, and the scale of the choices each person makes. This is an exciting read that will leave readers hoping for a continuation of the story. A slick, funny, and fresh revamp of an old hero. (Graphic science fiction. 14-18)

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Starred review from January 1, 2022
Grades 8-11 *Starred Review* Best-selling author Johnson and artist Isles have done an excellent job reenvisioning Jack Kirby's iconic Mister Miracle universe for today's young readers. Some things are familiar: versions of such characters as Big Barda, Granny Goodness, Kalibak, and Himon are present and prominent; the setting, the planet of Apokolips, continues to be violent and oppressive; and the main character, Scott Free (aka Mister Miracle), is still determined to escape his troubled circumstances and create a better future. But Johnson and Isles' Scott Free is a young Black student attending a repressive soldier-training school and plotting an escape to Earth, and the story includes several significant themes that will resonate with tween and teen readers. Bullying, class inequity, forbidden love, racism, coping with trauma, and what it means to be a true friend are thoughtfully woven into a plot that is built around a long-standing feature of the Mister Miracle universe--Scott Free and Big Barda's tight friendship, relationship, and steadfast loyalty to each other. Overall, the inclusion of these issues; an action-packed, witty, and well-paced story set in a futuristic world; a diverse and compelling cast of characters; and illustrations combining elements of steampunk, futurism, and manga position this title well to continue DC Comics' recent efforts to recast popular characters from their superhero universe in stories grounded in common teenage concerns. A great entry point for readers interested in superhero comics.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 18, 2022

Gr 6 Up-Black student Scott Free has a knack for miraculous escapes-he's the only person who's ever lived through the onslaught of beasts in Granny Goodness's X-Pit. So can he manage to escape from the Goodness Academy and bring his companions along with him? With no memory of his parents or of life before he was left orphaned at the school, Scott projects confidence while internally struggling with self-doubt. What are the odds that he'll find a way to modify the surgically precise plans of the Black genius janitor (and secret scientist) Himon to not only bring Himon's sick granddaughter Bekka to Earth, but also manage to hide away his three roommates? His own scheming might go a little smoother if Granny Goodness's goons, the Furies, would give Scott some peace...or if he could squelch his overwhelming need to mouth off to the Furies's leader, Big Barda, whenever presented with the opportunity. The clock is ticking for the great escape; Bekka's health deteriorates by the day, making the situation increasingly urgent as Scott and his friends close in on graduation day, when they'll be automatically drafted into the army. Mister Miracle's origin story flows smoothly from panel to panel, bursting with expressive characters and a classic comic book vibe. The muted tones and crisp linework let Johnson's storytelling shine. The ending leaves plenty of room for adventures to continue. VERDICT A recommended first purchase.-Abby Bussen

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