Broken Frontier

All-ages books are beginning to make a comeback and this book by Debbie Huey is the perfect example of that trend.

Bumperboy and his friend Gordy are preparing for the big marble tournament that=s coming up later in the day. Gordy is feeling a little nervous, so Bumperboy decides that the two friends should go to the park to practice. On the way to the park, though, Bumperboy is attacked by Frederik and loses all of his marbles, including his grandma=s prized shooter. Can Bumperboy find all of his marbles and then win the tournament?

This story was originally a series of self-published mini-comics by Huey. Thankfully, the wonderful Xeric Foundation allowed for the publishing of this book, in association with AdHouse (and with that association comes the publisher=s wonderful design sense and quality). Debbie Huey has created an interesting and imaginative world full of fun, eccentric characters, and she uses these characters to their fullest extent. Bumperboy is an excellent hero, confident and cheerful. His friend Gordy, meanwhile, plays nicely off of that confidence with his self-doubt. The villain in this story, Frederik, is delightfully wicked. Meanwhile, creative ideas like Aborping@ and AOnomatoland@ add to the story=s already considerable charm.

The actual story is not exactly complicated, but it works, largely thanks to Huey=s execution. The pacing is neither to slow, nor too fast. Huey, in fact, actually manages to build up a feeling of suspense towards the end of the book with the increased pacing as the actual marble tournament takes place. The ending neatly wraps up every aspect of the story while also being an ending that may take a few readers by surprise. The bonus story at the end of the book is a cute little addition, as well.

Debbie Huey matches her story with her gorgeous art. Her designs suit her characters perfectly B having Frederik fly in a motorized chair adds to his evil demeanor, while Gordy=s socks make him all the more adorable and sympathetic. Although the world of Bumperboy is not quite as fully realized as it could be, that is the art=s only flaw. Huey=s clean line-work allows for clear storytelling and bold, evident emotions. Debbie Huey is a new name to me, but the fluidity of her artwork leads me to believe she=s spent a good bit of time in the comic industry.

Charming, sweet, and fun, Bumperboy could easily be an excellent Saturday morning cartoon. As it is, it=s an excellent graphic novel. Be sure to visit Huey=s site at www.bumperboy.net and support Bumperboy!