Michael Midas Champion, Book 1 by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Benefiel

Michael Midas Champion: Book One by Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Scott Benefiel (Illustrations) ISBN-13: 9780425280782 Paperback: 114 pages Publisher: InkLit Released: August 4, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As Champion, the crimson guardian of his hometown Urbana Falls, Michael Midas battles vengeful samurai, wicked sorcerers and evil creatures, earning the gratitude of the people he saves—and the heart of Dani, the woman he loves.

But being a superhero doesn’t pay the bills. All of Michael’s super-strength and stamina is defenseless against the daily trials and tribulations of making ends meet. Beneath his colorful costume, he’s another struggling blue collar worker, full of lingering self-doubt about his role as Champion.

Michael’s super and civilian identities collide when he’s confronted by Truck, his grade school bully and romantic rival. His long-time nemesis has evolved into an endlessly adaptable, monstrous supervillain, determined to destroy the world—and he’s got the power to do it.

Torn between fulfilling conflicting responsibilities to his family and to mankind, can Michael Midas Champion find the power to be a hero at home as well as on the job?


My Review:
Michael Midas Champion is a superhero comic with the hero's story being told to a boy who's upset with his father. Book one is mainly about a bullied boy who has an all-star athlete as a rival for a girl's affections. Both rivals gain superpowers and keep on fighting over the girl. The underlying theme is that Michael feels insecure in his relationships and like he can't be a hero both on the job and at home. Michael was a likable character, and the graphics and text told the story well.

However, the story jumps around a bit. We start in one place, then jump back in time to the origins of our hero. We're left at the end of Book One with the ongoing dilemma repeating itself as the climatic last scene. It came across as a comic that fathers wish their wives and kids would read rather than an adventure in itself. It was a fun read, but I wasn't hooked into wanting to read the next book as it didn't seem like it held anything new in store.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt.