ThunderBoom by Jack Briglio is a graphic novel about 11-year-old Logan and the adventures he has in his imagination. Which seems normal enough, but Logan’s neurodivergence creates a take on life that makes his relationship to the world and his family and the people around him, hard on him. And hard on his family, too.
The nice part of the story is the realism of his parents. They are both overprotected and concerned, but also allow Logan to dominate his environment. It has a modern take where Logan is the center, and his needs are catered to, instead of the trying to make him “fit in normally.” There were bumps for me in the storyline, but the illustrations were delightful.
The story is that Logan, mostly nonverbal (sounds and sign his main form of communication) does not like masks, dogs are iffy, loves parades, and really loves trains. He is excited to be going on the train to the parade, and this excitement is shown through the wide eyes, smiles, and body language. He does typical things a special needs kid does: does not listen, gets in people’s space while trying to be friendly, misreads needs, stands too close to the do not cross line at the train station, gets frustrated when the child proof locks won’t allow him to open the door, and has a fun time at the parade. Until he runs off and gets lost. This is the first event we see ThunderBoom, his alter ego that helps protect him and allows him to make some sort of sense of the world. This superhero will come out in later situations.
Claudia Davila’s illustrations are sweet, simple (not simplistic) and not overly colorful, but not underwhelming either. While the story is based on Briglio’s own son, I am wondering if Davila had that in mind when creating the art. They seem like they could keep a special needs child’s interest without overwhelming with too much color or details. And the lightheartedness of the imagery shows the busy mind of a child like Logan.
Read via an Edelweiss reader copy. Due May 2023