Legend of the Mantamaji: Book 1
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Superhero graphic novel has African mojo, lacks clarity.
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What's the Story?
Hot-shot Assistant District Attorney Elijah Alexander thinks a lot of himself, but he doesn't begin to understand the most important fact about his past. He's actually not human; he's the last of the Mantamaji, a race of warriors who protected humankind in the distant past. When a rogue member of the Mantamaji surfaces in New York City, Elijah must use his newfound magical powers to foil a villain who will stop only at the destruction of all humankind.
Is It Any Good?
THE LEGEND OF THE MANTAMAJI: BOOK 1 presents an intriguing take on the superhero tale, delivering an ethnically diverse cast and a lead character with African roots. But the storytelling is muddled both in the writing and the illustration. Talky, static conversations are followed by battle sequences in which it's difficult to follow the action. A little more clarity would help determine whether this is a three-volume journey that many comics fans will want to take.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why graphic novels appeal to such a wide variety of readers. What effects can the comics medium achieve that are more difficult in prose?
Why do so few superhero comics feature lead characters of African descent? What might be done to encourage more diversity within the comics industry?
Do parents ever hide important facts from their children? When, if ever, as they justified in doing so?
Book Details
- Author: Eric Dean Seaton
- Illustrator: Brandon Palas
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Superheroes, Adventures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: And...Action! Entertainment
- Publication date: October 8, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 17
- Number of pages: 216
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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