Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Batman's future sidekick soars in early adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As THE LOST CARNIVAL opens, aerialist Dick Grayson wants to quit his family's failing circus act. His parents aren't ready for him to venture into the outside world, so he's especially interested when a rival company comes to town. He falls in love with the mysterious Luciana, even as she holds him at arm's length. But when monsters attack the carnival and Dick's best friend is badly hurt, he must figure out whether to remain loyal his parents or to a beautiful girl.
Is It Any Good?
It can be illuminating to see a young superhero-in-the-making discover his powers, and this early adventure of a comics favorite presents intriguing action and character revelation. Written by Michael Moreci and illustrated by Sas Milledge, The Lost Carnival presents its protagonist in an interesting new light, just beginning to master the powers he will later need to survive as Batman's teen sidekick. The trouble is, Dick is kind of a jerk -- impulsive, stubborn, needy, controlling. In the end, he comes through for his friends and parents, implying that he will eventually achieve Boy Wonder status. The fantasy plot doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but the narrative moves with enough energy to obscure its implausibility.
Milledge captures the tawdry flash of the carnival setting, choreographs elaborate action episodes, and designs expressive characters. This is not the best of the recent YA graphic novels from DC, but Batman and Teen Titans fans will likely enjoy its retro ambience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Lost Carnival presents circus life. Why were carnivals popular at the turn of the 20th century? Why are they hard to find today?
What kinds of effects can the comics medium produce that can't be done in prose alone? Why have graphic novels become so popular?
How do teens establish their independence from their parents? How can kids and parents find common ground when discussing their plans for the future?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Sas Milledge
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : DC Comics
- Publication date : May 28, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 14
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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