As we enter the last week of 2025, I think a little fun and amazingness would be just the right thing to add to our final books for the year. Granted, this one doesn't really release until March 2026, but I still like putting books onto your radars. Pre-joy is half the fun, right? Well, if this book is worth that. Anyway, it's the first in a new graphic novel series for middle grade readers and hits upon...
Ready for this?
Superheroes! I mean, is there anything more compatible with graphic novels than superheroes? So traditional. I do hope that this one is a lot of fun. However, I'm also a little bit hesitant due to the title because I definitely am on the lookout, right now, for books which center on the joy of reading and not complete messaging front-and-center. Speed Reader has me crossing my fingers hard that it stays in the exciting adventure direction and not a pure call for kids to read.
So, let's keep those fingers crossed, open this one up, and take a look.
SPEED READER, VOLUME 1
by Matthew Cody
Illustrated by Zack Giallongo
Andrews McMeel
Middle Grade Superhero / Graphic Novel
160 pages
ages 8 to 12
COMING MARCH 3rd!!!
When Zander Fast discovers an old book that gives him the power of super speed, he finds himself the last in a long line of heroes. But is the world ready for a hero right now? The Flash meets The Bad Guys in this all-new, action-packed graphic novel series from the award-winning creator of the Cat Ninja books!
Zander Fast is always last—last to complete an assignment, last to finish reading, and last to the bus. Even worse, his Great Uncle Merv is constantly embarrassing him with his cheesy catchphrases and tall-tale stories. But when Zander receives a mysterious book in the mail, all of that changes. Suddenly, Zander has the speed (and popularity) he’s always wanted––and Uncle Merv’s stories no longer seem so far-fetched.
Between navigating the perils of middle school and balancing his newfound powers with his studies, Zander, his best friend Tanya May, and his trusty dog Spike must protect their hometown as it transforms into a wacky world of ex-heroes and villains. Will a mind-controlling villain have his way with the people of Cape City? Or will a new generation of heroes emerge to defeat him?
Zander Fast is always last—last to complete an assignment, last to finish reading, and last to the bus. Even worse, his Great Uncle Merv is constantly embarrassing him with his cheesy catchphrases and tall-tale stories. But when Zander receives a mysterious book in the mail, all of that changes. Suddenly, Zander has the speed (and popularity) he’s always wanted––and Uncle Merv’s stories no longer seem so far-fetched.
Between navigating the perils of middle school and balancing his newfound powers with his studies, Zander, his best friend Tanya May, and his trusty dog Spike must protect their hometown as it transforms into a wacky world of ex-heroes and villains. Will a mind-controlling villain have his way with the people of Cape City? Or will a new generation of heroes emerge to defeat him?
MY TIDBITS
What happened to all the superheroes and villains? This is the world Zander lives in, but it might take a fun flip in a direction he never expected.
Zander isn't exactly the star of anything. He's not great at sports, isn't great at school, and isn't popular... or even well-liked. When his uncle comes to class and tells of his adventures as the mechanic to a past superhero, the uncle's awkwardness makes Zander's already skim standing at school take a complete nose-dive. When he arrives home after school, he discovers a package on the doorstep with a book about speed reading, which is weirdly on-point since his teacher has informed him that the only way he'll pass his English class is to join the reading competition and pound away at a ton of books. But the book isn't what deserves attention; the gem inside is about to turn his entire life on its head.
This read melds the feel of traditional, superhero stories with a modern, middle grader's world. Zander is anything but special and wins the sympathy of readers quickly, especially since he's just trying to get by and isn't mean or even overly depressing. He even makes a new friend before the adventure kicks off. The idea that superheroes and villains were once commonplace in the town adds a smooth connection between the familiar, daily life and the fantasy. Plus, seeing an ex-villain at a cafe, enjoying coffee while wearing his flamboyant style (which hints at his earlier life) adds just the right touch to set the atmosphere. The beginning lets the reader sink into Zander's world without growing boring, and then, shoots off into adventure and excitement as he gains his powers and, suddenly, faces an entire slew of villains, who were waiting in the shadows. It's well-paced with everything needed to create a fun read.
The illustrations bring across the scenes with the needed emotions and give a slight reminder of past, superhero comics with occasional sound effects. The expressions on the characters add the last zest. The text is balanced with the images and flows well.
It's a fun beginning to what promises to be a quick-paced series for superhero fans.
And here he is...
Matthew Cody is the author of several popular books, including the award-winning Supers of Noble’s Green trilogy: Powerless, Super, and Villainous. He is also the author of Will in Scarlet and The Dead Gentleman, as well as the graphic novels Zatanna and the House of Secrets from DC Comics and The Bright Family from Epic/Andrews McMeel. He lives in Manhattan, New York, with his wife and son.
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