The Mega Awesome Notebook by Kevin Minor is an awesome graphic novel about an equally awesome graphic novel. It tells the story of a teenage cartoonist whose drawings come to life through a radioactive cloud of awesomeness after he accidentally microwaves his notebook at breakfast. Radioactivity, however, is the least of his worries as he is faced with boring algebra, bullies and a lack of self-confidence in what seems to be a normal day for him. Dud, the main drawing in his notebook, quickly forms a love-hate relationship with the artist in an attempt to become independent. Through their spats, more details about the boy’s life are revealed to the reader – a crush, divorced parents who don’t seem to have much time for their child and an incapacity to deal with these issues appropriately.
Both written and illustrated by Kevin Minor, this touching glimpse into the mind of an angst-ridden teen is nothing short of brilliant. The Mega Awesome Notebook delighted me in its ingenuity and creativity and delivered a laugh on every page despite its sometimes emotionally charged subject matter. Minor’s capacity to switch from one artistic style to another at the stroke of a pencil is quite remarkable and the mark of true artistic talent. The main characters, both the teen and Dud, were touching, entertaining and brought the story to life in the way only very beautiful drawings can. I feel that this graphic novel is suited to readers of all ages with its life-like art and brilliant social commentary. I am blown away by the sheer talent of Kevin Minor – he has a new fan in me!
Review originally written for and published by Readers’ Favorite.
