Karate Prom by Kyle Starks (review)
2024; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 77; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2024.a927674
ISSN1558-6766
Tópico(s)Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education
ResumoReviewed by: Karate Prom by Kyle Starks Aaren Tucker Starks, Kyle Karate Prom written and illus. by Kyle Starks First Second 2024 [176p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781250868657 $25.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9781250868664 $17.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 6-12 It's love at first kick for Don TheDragonWilson Jones (yes, that's his full name—his father is a fighting fanatic) when a beautiful girl knocks him out in a karate tournament. Although wary at first, the girl, Sam, agrees to go out with Don, and the two hit it off, even though their date is interrupted by Sam's bullying ex Luke. Unfortunately, Luke's thirst for revenge is hardly quenched, and he puts out a hit on Don, so when Don and Sam later head to prom, the dance is swarmed by an increasingly absurd string of fighters for hire, including Don's evil ex-girlfriend and her mafia family. Can Don and Sam protect each other and their goofy gang of friends from insurmountable odds and learn to fight for what really matters? Hitting all the beats of a 1980's teen movie (complete with closing "where are they now" montage), this action rom-com is surprisingly wholesome despite the Looney Tunes level of violence. Don eschews action hero stereotypes by openly and enthusiastically expressing his affection for Sam, and the book's overall message is about fighting to protect the people you care about. Approachable paneled art stylistically echoes Rick & Morty, and a sweet romance is a cheery companion to the speed and force of the action scenes. The style and humor will be a hit with those older readers [End Page 376] who've outgrown Dav Pilkey, but this zany genre mash-up and its dose of positive masculinity has broad enough appeal to belong in every collection. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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