From Image Comics comes a new feature-length graphic novel, Everyday Hero Machine Boy, written and drawn by Tri Vuong and Irma Kniivila. Breaking new ground as the first-ever Middle-Grade release from Skybound Comics, Machine Boy could be at the forefront of a new era of all-ages adventures.
Everyday Hero Machine Boy begins with the titular character Machine Boy arriving in MEGA-416, a futuristic domed city occupied by people and anthropomorphized animals. After the chaos that ensues in the wake of his crash-landing, Machine Boy dedicates himself to becoming the best hero he can be. He tries to discover his place in the city. Navigating threats, friends, and enemies in an unfamiliar world, Machine Boy weaves a tale of courage, redemption, boybands, and spaghetti sauce, brimming with potential for future sequels.
Vuong and Kniivila have delivered an incredible performance in the writing of Everyday Hero Machine Boy. They hit most of the classic coming-of-age story beats without feeling stale or overly moralistic. They even pull off a few impressive fake-outs to keep the plot buoyant and unpredictable. Impressively, Vuong and Kniivila strike a balance between whimsy and severity that is reminiscent of the tone of beloved franchises like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Adventure Time. The comic is told from the perspective of a child protagonist; however, the world around the young characters never feels simplistic or sanitized. Machine Boy’s development is incredibly compelling, bolstered by the charming cast of characters that support him.
The art, which is also a synthesis of the work of Vuong and Kniivila, is gorgeous and oddly homely, creating a comforting, nostalgic feeling with expressive lines and exaggerated proportions. The aesthetic choices behind the world of MEGA-416 really sell the tone of low-fidelity futurism, a retro flavor of sci-fi that is at once familiar and quite novel for the genre. The action feels fluid and high-octane, and the excellent character designs make it all the more compelling. All the characters have a distinct visual presence that reflects their individual personality with undeniable charm.
Vuong and Kniivila utilize a gorgeous assortment of colors to bring the world of Everyday Hero Machine Boy to life. Their soothing pastel tones make moments of darkness, violence, and tension stand in stark visual contrast. The art is foreboding and impenetrable, often with unexpectedly beautiful undertones of red or purple. The color palette is a perfect mirror of Machine Boy’s emotions, transposing the hero’s experience beyond the writing into the texture of the comic itself. Vuong and Kniivila’s lettering is varied and expressive, emblematic of the small but loving details that overflow from this comic. There is also some brilliant integration of the art and special effect lettering, creating a huge impact visually and narratively.
Everyday Hero Machine Boy is a real triumph for the all-ages demographic. It’s a joyously heartbreaking meditation on growing up, personal responsibility, and the weight of love. It’ll make the audience smile and laugh, but it definitely still packs a punch. Machine Boy brims with verve, imagination, and thoughtfulness, a worthy and compelling read for comic fans of all ages.