The O.D.D. Squad Rise of Invisidog

It’s still early in a new year and already young readers have been treated to some great new graphic novels, see Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey for example or Andy Riley’s Action Dude. Stuart Heritage and Vincent Batignole’s new series, The O.D.D. Squad, which opens with Rise of Invisidog, is certain to be another favourite with those who like their reading fast, funny, metafictive and highly illustrated. Set in Justice City, it introduces us to three unlikely superheroes, veterans Quack Attack (a duckling) and Detective Octopus (an octopus – you probably guessed that – she struggles rather with crimes that take place on dry land), plus eager newbie, Invisidog. Young Invisidog’s superpower is invisibility, but he’s yet to find a way to use it effectively to right wrongs. Their enemies are the suitably wicked Captain Bad who, of course, has a plan for destroying the world, and his sidekick Daniel, the latter handicapped by his inability to differentiate ‘evil’ and ‘slightly annoying’. As casts of characters go, they make an unusual and pleasing set. There are jokes and funny situations throughout while chapters end on cliffhangers and often with a comment from the book’s author. Sharp and comic, these work a treat in making readers feel part of the action. The action itself is a zany as you’d expect from a book starring a crime fighting octopus, and will be much enjoyed by its audience.