You see the title “Sensation: A Superhero Novel” and you think it’s another comic book, right? Actually no.
Sensation by Kevin Hardman is well done, readable, funny book about a kid born with a plethora of super powers in a world where super heroes are organized into teams, have an academy and training camp for young would-be heroes. I remember as a kid wanting to fly – and then wondering, what on earth would you wear to fly? Why pick a cape and tights? It’s cold way up there! I never did figure the whole costume thing out and never learned to fly either.
Sensation by Kevin Hardman actually covers this important point. Kid Sensation, aka Jim, mentions his special-made clothes. And covers the need to not go to super speed indoors (to avoid carpet damage) and points out that you really need telescopic vision if you’re going to have super speed (since otherwise you’ll run into things).
The whole book is like that. Funny, with an engaging character, classic villains, realistic (once you accept the notion of super heroes) dialogue and plot trails. Jim has a few moments of growing up, finding his place in the world, but this is not a classic coming of age novel, nor is it a sketchy comic. Jim’s super powers are on the fantastic side, but they work the way you would think they should, if you spend any time thinking vs. enjoying.
This is a complete novel that stands on its own. Of course it sets Jim up to have many further adventures and includes a wealth of other characters we can get to know, but it’s written to be a full story on its own, not just the first book of a trilogy (why do all fantasy authors write trilogies anyway?) nor the first in a series.
The book I read recently that comes the closest to this is The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey reviewed here. A big difference though is that Sensation is not a kids’ book or YA fiction either. The main character is a teenage boy, but it is aimed at a broad audience that enjoys fast action, plenty of fun, and interesting characters.
Sensation is a fast read. I think it took me under two hours to finish, but I was laughing and eagerly looking for the next page all the way.
I highly recommend this if you are in the mood for something completely un-serious and fun.
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