Written by: Darin S. Cape
Art by: Zeno DeCrux, Hiorsh Gabotto
Lettering by: Stephen Kok
Cover by: Tony Fleecs
Published by: SHP Comics
Summary:
This graphic novel jumps straight into action as the main character, Zicky, rolls past a few rat guards while self-narrating. He’s quick and nimble on his feet, but the rat king finds a way to slow him down and capture him. His sword is taken away from him, yet he still escapes by using clever tools, such as the grappling hook and the ring that transforms him into a normal boy.
I find the idea of a ring transforming a boy into a ninja superhero is a fun concept and easy for kids to latch onto. Zicky tries to explain to his brother and sister that the rat empire is real, and not a figment of his imagination. Zicky uses the ring later on to visit his tickle robot, while in the real world, he struggles to tell his family that he is a real superhero in another world.
A rat escapes into his world and tries to take the powerful ring attached to his necklace, but is at a disadvantage as he is an actual rat. Zicky’s parents realize that he has disappeared, so they call the police to start a search. Zicky returns, but his mind is one foot in the real world, one foot into the world of the rats. The rest of the book focuses on the pressure that he has to save the day but also enjoy being a boy.
Artwork is great, and it switches from an anime-influenced style to a more rudimentary style to show the differences in Zicky’s worlds: the real world and the world of the rats. I think this book is perfect for grade school children, as it’s a fun tale to read with your children.
Overall: 8.5/10
India Williams is a comic writer and reviewer based in Florida. She is a lifelong comics fan, with favorites including Thor, Conan, G.I. Joe, and Speed Racer. When she’s not writing comics or reviewing them, she enjoys toy photography.
