"The Accidental Hero" by Matt Myklusch
Jack Blank lives in a dreary orphanage, thinking he is going to grow up and become a toilet brush cleaner. The administrators have done their best to squash the hearts and souls out of every child there, but they do not know that Jack has a secret stash of comic books hidden in the library, lively books which feed his imagination and make him yearn for the hero's life.
Of course, when Jack comes in with the story of a Robo-Zombie attacking him and destroying the orphanage's power generator, his imagination only discredits this tale. But someone believes him, and comes to take Jack away from his stifling life, revealing that he belongs in the wonderful world that comic books only at. In the Imagine Nation, with its superheroes and villains, aliens, fantastic technology, and access to a marvelous universe, all of Jack's dreams could come true . . . if it weren't for the dark shadows that lurk in the recesses of the city . . . and in Jack's own future. For Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability - one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.
Ahem. Excuse that dramatic summary, but I felt like I should try and cast this book in a good light. That last line was stolen, by the way, from the actual official book summary.
I really enjoyed this book. The first time I tried reading it, I was really put off by how this was obviously Matt Myklusch's first book--the writing clearly intimated this--so I found myself skipping to the end and being incredibly intrigued by the ending I found there. This second read-through gave me a greater appreciation for it, because while this book has its flaws, it is still awesome.
This book was written for twelve-year-old boys, and that much is obvious (I mean, "the Imagine Nation"? Heh, yeah). I really enjoyed the plot, characters, and the morals that could be squeezed out of it.
The plot I'll speak on only briefly, since that was the first thing that first interested me and I don't want to give much away. There are several mysteries floating around in this book: one Robo-Zombie wants Jack dead, but the rest want to capture him? Who are Jack's parents, and who left him in New Jersey? Why does Jack's arrival in the Imagine Nation coincide with more and more sightings of the Robo-Zombies? Who is the real Great Collaborator? The plot really kept me hooked throughout the book.
The characters: There is quite the cast of characters to be found in this book. Jack Blank, the protagonist, a twelve-year-old who will not shut up, even why I was sure talking was just going to get him in more trouble. Jazen Knight and Blue, the android and police officer who stand by Jack's side when no one else will. Allegra, a timid alien from a race of people renowned for their fearlessness and bravery. Skerren, who has his own reasons for hating Jack. Stendeval, the 500-year-old super who knows more than he's telling. Jonas Smart, the smartest man in the world (and the first to let everyone know that). Horvath, Virtua, Speedrazor, Mr. Calhoun . . . the list goes on. I am really interested to see where these characters go in the next book.
There are so many good thoughts in this book, about superheroes, villains, and the nature of destiny. The main idea, I believe, is about how everyone controls their own destiny. This theme runs throughout the book, from Mr. Calhoun's standardized tests to Stendeval's insistence that the future is not set in stone. Jack, after figuring that Stendeval probably knows who his parents are, hounds him for information, while the superhero keeps on telling to be patient. A section from the book goes like so:
"I already know who I am," Jack said. "I don't need you to tell me that anymore."
"I see," Stendeval said, nodding. "However, I don't recall ever saying I was going to tell you who you were. I believe I told you to have patience," he said. "I seem to remember saying that one day you would tell me the answer to that question." (pg. 457)
Stendeval knew that Jack had to make his own future.
IDK, guys, I'm just having a lot of Jack Blank feelz right now. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested, especially if you have younger children.
Jack Blank website: http://www.jackblank.com/
