Review by Ian Keogh

Before their deaths, Bruce Wayne’s parents funded a school for superheroes, which he’s allowed to attend despite lacking super powers. It’s not a happy existence for him, and his best friend is several years younger, the acrobatic Dick Grayson. When he writes an essay explaining how he wants to be a vigilante he’s hauled before the principal who shakes him down for a new coffee machine.

There are some serious points to Not Super, but for the most part children’s author Stuart Gibbs is playing for laughs through what’s a coming of age story of Bruce Wayne finding himself. See Berat Pekmezci’s sample art for some of the alternative costumes Bruce creates before settling on a more homemade version of the bat-inspired costume he wears on other worlds.

It’s not quite the Mad Magazine version of Batman, but Gibbs isn’t shy of pointing out the more ludicrous aspects of Batman and his world, such as wondering why anyone would build their mansion on top of a cave system. Rather than the smooth progression of becoming Batman by training with the best around the world, this Bruce Wayne becomes Batman via training with Alfred in the lonely mansion.

Exaggeration forms a part of Pekmezci’s art, but only enough for humorous effect staying the right side of totally ridiculing DC’s primary property. The cover shows his ability to draw a variety of people who’re easily distinguished from one another, and although the variations of superheroes are primarily confined to the opening chapter, Pekmezci draws viable younger versions of them.

Anyone who’s been reading Batman for years will predict the overall direction, but Not Super isn’t aimed at them, it’s aimed at younger readers aware of Batman and who’ll appreciate a good giggle at him starting out. They’ll find a generally good natured romp confirming that all is right with the world as good triumphs in the end.