Common Sense Media Review
By Kyle Jackson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action ramps up as Hilo battles robot on distant planet.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE GREAT BIG BOOM: HILO, BOOK 3, the titular robot boy from space must again save humanity from impending doom at the hands of the evil robot overlord Razorwark. This time, however, the target is not Earth but rather a distant planet in a different dimension, one dominated by mechanized-armor-clad reptiles called the Scale Tail Clan. Flanked by his loyal friends DJ and Gina -- as well as their spell-casting feline friend, Polly, whom they met in Book 2 -- Hilo must search deeper within himself to unlock the hidden memories that hold the answers to how to defeat their foes. More of Hilo's mysterious origins are revealed in Book 3, though there are seemingly plenty of secrets left to uncover in future episodes.
Is It Any Good?
This installment takes a turn for the formulaic, settling into a comfortable rhythm of battle sequences, mysterious flashbacks, and moments of preteen angst. Behind the lovable characters and creative creatures that inhabit Judd Winick's beautifully rendered interdimensional universe, there's a central message of the power of teamwork, trust, and friendship in the face of danger and overwhelming odds. Some of these conceptual elements are a little less obviously present in The Great Big Boom than in its predecessors, as it focuses instead on the action and science fiction, but the heart of the story remains the dynamic among DJ, Hilo, and Gina.
The Hilo books are first and foremost funny and exciting, featuring lots of juvenile humor and cartoon butt-kicking awesomeness sure to keep kids entertained. The Great Big Boom is charming, compelling, and easy to read -- great for fans and newcomers alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of friendship and loyalty in The Great Big Boom. Why do you think DJ, Gina, Polly, and Hilo feel so attached to one another? What does each friend offer to the others?
Many of the comics and cartoons loved by kids are centered on superheroes and science-fiction fantasy. Why do you think these types of stories are so popular and relatable to kids and tweens?
What do you think is going to happen in the next book? Will Hilo and his friends ever defeat the evil Razorwark?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : February 21, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 197
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate