Along Came Spider: The Making of a Superhero is a children’s graphic novel that delivers a heartwarming message of inner courage. The story centers around Spider Monroe, a student at the local elementary school, and his best friend, Lacey Daniels, who has been blind from birth. Their close bond is tested when they encounter two relentless bullies, Chuck and Elroy, who wreak havoc on the school, terrorizing students and disrupting charity events. With the teachers unaware of the chaos, Spider must summon his inner hero to protect Lacey and their friends.

Despite the title’s potential to be mistaken for a biography about Stan Lee or the origins of Spider-Man, the characters and concepts in this book are entirely original to the author, Michele L. Sayre. Drawing inspiration from popular comic book themes, Spider Monroe and his friends stand out as unique and captivating characters. The low-key superpowers and straightforward narrative style make the comic accessible even for beginners. The text is primarily narrated by Spider through easy-to-follow text boxes, reminiscent of the classic style of Prince Valiant, which adds to the readability.

The diversity of the characters and the deep friendship between Spider and Lacey are particularly commendable. A.P. Perez’s bright illustrations, influenced by popular comic book art, add a gentle twist suitable for young readers. The story’s setup effectively introduces the world and the antagonists, with Chuck and Elroy being memorable villains. Spider’s journey to thwart the bullies is a perfect blend of heroics and vigilantism, delivering justice in a satisfying manner. The narrative wraps up well while leaving plenty of room for future adventures.

Along Came Spider, Michele L. Sayre’s debut comic book, is a high-quality addition to her previous works, suitable for readers aged 7 and up. It offers positive messages about inner strength, friendship, courage, and justice. I eagerly look forward to more adventures in this incredible world.

Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0D2M2Y78Q