05/27/2024
In Gil’s uproarious but informative middle grade graphic novel, five adults trapped in kids’ bodies rollick through S.T.E.M. based adventures, conducting scientific research while completing top-secret projects for the government. Known as the Whiz Kids of D.A.R.P.A (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), physicist Isaac, computer scientist Cody, mechanical engineer Quentin, Wade—a biologist and behavioral scientist trapped inside a bear’s body—and linguist Rosie escape tornadoes, study animals’ body chemistry as a form of communication, visit the “Spacecraft Cemetery” Point Nemo, and more in their pursuit of scientific quests tasked by the U.S. Space Force.
The unique blend of sarcasm and intellectual wit with complex science makes this graphic novel, the first in the series, stand out. Gil’s characters are deliciously diverse—both in their personalities and fields of expertise—and their tasks, from freezing mud to prevent a building cave-in to harnessing soundwaves when fighting a forest fire, create a no-holds-barred scientific adventure that never slows down. “Science Check” components at the end of every section sum up the facts and spell out the history behind each lesson, like how Leonardo DaVinci influenced propeller blades or the background of satellites, and Gil (author of graphic novel Last Knight in the City, among others) includes QR codes for more information.
The Whiz Kids definitely have their work cut out for them, but Gil’s fun, inviting text makes the job as entertaining as it is important. Whether it’s investigating reported alien sightings in Arkansas or the group helping Wade navigate how to be a talking bear and a scientist at the same time, readers will find much to love here. Serious moments dot the landscape as well, particularly Cody’s experience with gender dysphoria, which Gil handles respectfully, stirring powerful emotions for readers as Cody bravely tells his parents “I have a second chance to live my life truer to how I feel inside!”
Takeaway: Fun-filled, S.T.E.M-heavy graphic novel for middle grade readers.
Comparable Titles: Matthew McElligott's Mad Scientist Academy series, Otis Frampton's Oddly Normal series.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
"Ramon Gil is a writer who treasures his craft." - Tom DeFalco, Writer/Editor"It is an honest pleasure to find not only a science fiction title out there, but one produced by a writer who seems to understand that drama doesn't have to be all dramatic, and humor doesn't have to be all belly-laughs." - Robert Sodaro, The Examiner.com"Clever, funny, a guy who's willing to put his money where his mouth is." - Mike Gold, Comic Mix
2024-04-22
Author-illustrator Gil’s middle-grade anthology of educational comic strips offers humor, compassion, and scientific facts.
This collection contains 10 stories starring four adults who’ve been transformed into younger versions of themselves—along with one, biologist and behavioral scientist Wade Cross, who’s become a talking bear. (It’s all related to an “incident” involving time travel.) Each character is an expert in a particular area, and they all work for the U.S. government’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. The stories vary in length, with some spanning multiple pages and others told in just two.Some provide additional backstory about a particular member of the cast, which includes physicist Isaac Juan Lee, who’s autistic; computer scientist Cody Krilienko, who’s transgender; linguist Rosie Stone; and mechanical engineer Quentin Branch. Each story, or chapter, concludes with a brief explanation of the featured scientific topic, from “Ground Freezing” to “Artificial Intelligence.” The comics’ tones vary, which works successfully; some are humorous, while others are more serious, such as one that explores the concept of a bone marrow transplant. The book also includes metafictional jokes that older readers will enjoy, including references to copyright infringement, and even a story that features former President Barack Obama. However, the comic strip panels’ formatting, often six to a page, lacks much variety. The cartoon-style illustrations are fun, though, with saturated colors and organic lines. The characterization is also surprisingly well developed, considering the book’s short length, with some exploring mature relationship dynamics. Specifically, Wade and Rosie must navigate changes in their relationship, which was romantic before the transformation.
A fun collection that accessibly presents complex concepts to a young audience.
