How can you not instantly fall in love with a story that starts with a respectable superhero drop kicking a villain in the crotch and launching them hundreds of meters skyward? …and it just gets funnier from there. I don’t remember the last time I enjoyed (and giggles at) a superhero story as much. A irreverent romp through the world of superheroes that still manages to treat the the world of superheroes with loving reverence.
“The Sidekick Initiative” comes across as a mash up between the “Venture Bros.” and “Mystery Men” (with a touch of MIB thrown in). A replacement group of superheroes trying their inept best with their questionable powers to save the world from the rampaging hordes of super villains after the real superheroes are mysteriously killed. More fun than a barrel full of monkeys hopped up on cheap moonshine (although there are a few points where those monkeys do sober up, but don’t fret, they quickly fall back off the wagon soon enough)! DONT expect a thought-provoking deconstruction of the superheroes tradition. DO expect a gigglefest of a of witty dialog and snicker worthy situations. Definitely worth a few repeat listens in the very near future.
I discovered Barry J. Hutchison on a random fluke and was really taken in by his cleaver writing style. I would not consider this a YA story. It’s far too nuanced and with too many nods to obscure references to qualify as YA. If you don’t love this tail within the first 90 minutes it’s doubtful that you will ever warm up to it. But if you’re like me, and it immediately tickles your funny bone, you will not be disappointed. It holds its humorous irreverent pace throughout. I also feel I need to give shout out to Phil Thorn’s excellent and diverse narration style. He manages to capture each character with its own unique voice and inflection that enhances the character beyond on the written word… (but I’m sure he damaged his vocal chords after any protracted narration involving the Butterfly King… and trust me, I appreciate the sacrifice!)