Written by Derek Fridolfs & Illustrated by Dave Bardin
SUMMARY:
Published by Scholastic Inc. and DC Comics in 2019, this 176-page adventure re-imagines Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman as middle schoolers at Gotham City’s Hero Prep Academy. Among the new participants this time is Diana’s new friend: classmate Etta Candy.
Narrated by Diana Prince, the trio’s latest adventure involves 31st Century’s Irma Ardeen (aka Saturn Girl) introducing them to the Legion of Super-Heroes. Diana is evidently targeted by a mysterious time traveler with a personal vendetta. With Irma’s help, Diana, Bruce Wayne, and Clark Kent chase the culprit from the 31st Century to the past during a pivotal time in Diana’s young life. In a deliberate nod to Back to the Future, the trio must discreetly revisit the events of the first book, Study Hall of Justice, to ensure that Diana’s destiny isn’t irreparably corrupted.
Note: This title is available in both hardcover and paperback formats.
REVIEW:
Visually, Dave Bardin’s artwork holds its own with Super Hero Society’s original artist: Dustin Nguyen. Besides the usual in-jokes, Bardin throws in sporadic comedy bits resembling Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid for good measure. The complicated plot, however, isn’t as endearing as the first few books, but it logically assumes that fans will appreciate more of a challenge.
The time-traveling hijinks later in the game muddle the series’ continuity (at least, temporarily). Yet, writer Derek Fridolfs still does a wonderful job (pardon the expression) finally rotating Diana into the lead role. Per Diana’s self-reflective journal entries, her opportunity is well-played. The book’s concluding moral is also ideal, as far as developing empathy for others and unselfishly sharing spotlight opportunities. The book’s best moment is Diana’s awe upon glimpsing the legend she will one day become. The way Irma gently helps reverse Diana’s understandable mode of thinking is definitely a series highlight. For that reason alone, DC Comics Super Hero Society # 5: Field Trip Disaster is worth the journey further exploring these young heroes-in-progress.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Like the previous books, the final page reprints brief bios on the creative team.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
