Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad (Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad #1)

A frog and a tadpole superhero team fight the villains of a contaminated swamp in this quirky graphic novel by Reese (Cave Dada Picky Eater). The high-octane series launch begins with one of the amphibian duo waking up in the middle of an unfamiliar marsh. The confused frog is immediately embroiled in a battle with Hater Gator, an antagonistic mechanical alligator who dubs the protagonist Fantastic Frog. A page turn sees Fantastic Frog joined by his apparent tadpole sidekick Tad Lad, who’s similarly befuddled by the pair’s superhero getups and their newfound abilities to speak and stand on their hind legs. Following a swift defeat by Hater Gator, Fantastic Frog finds himself once again regaining consciousness within the swamp—except this time, he’s greeted by the retreating shadow of a humanoid figure. As Fantastic Frog and Tad Lad work together to defeat their robotic nemesis, they face repeated setbacks and ponder their heroic origins. Fluid line art renders action-filled panels bustling with slapstick and occasionally existential humor. This enjoyable comic—divided into two episodic adventures, plus an intermission—revels in its silliness while exploring themes of environmental stewardship and self-discovery. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)