By J. Torres, Dean Trippe
Oni Pres, $12.99, 40 pages

Some people are literally what they eat. Power Lunch introduces us to Joey, who gains super-powers based on what he eats; trail mix gives him super-speed while bubble gum gives him flight. On his first day at school, he meets Jerome, and shares his problem as Jerome shares his. Jerome has a bully problem, which is eventually dealt with by the end of the book. Joey must also decide whether or not to join the soccer team.

Although dressing Jerome as Jimmy Olsen was a nice touch, the two lessons are debatable. The bully is dealt with by force, making it seem that might equals right, dealing with the problem same manner it was created. Somehow this typically super-heroic solution feels wrong here. Joey also tries out for the soccer team, rationalizing that everyone eats, so gaining power from what he eats is okay. This is a young man learning to use his abilities in at least marginally selfish ways, and it feels just a little off. Otherwise, the art is beautiful; seeing Dean Trippe’s simplistic and almost retro art style is always cool. This is a good start to a series; here’s hoping it gets better.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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