Recess Warriors: Hero Is a Four-Letter Word

A caped crusader, a quick-witted adventurer, and a solitary cowboy face off against zombies, pirates—and scariest of all—cooties in a trio of comics set in a schoolyard. Emerson, creator of the self-published Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja series, taps into the imaginations of children who come together for fantasy adventures that feel entirely real, skillfully moving his story back and forth between the fantastical and the mundane. While Bryce/Scrap (the superhero), Caitlyn/Yoshi (the adventurer), and cowboy Clinton are at the center of the stories, Emerson cleverly keeps readers up to speed as their classmates provide backstory through faux news broadcasts, Twilight Zone–esque monologues, and more, as well as serving as villains. Dramatically angular cartooning, a vivid palette, and dynamic shifts in perspective keep the focus on the over-the-top action; the school and playground make rare appearances, occasionally reminding readers of the “real world” that underpins the kids’ adventures. While it’s hard to compete with recess, this book serves up enough excitement to be a close second. Ages 7–10. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Apr.)