The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth

by: Charles R. Smith Jr.; Illustrated by P. Craig Russell

Published by: Little, Brown Young Readers

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

The gods and goddesses of Greek mythology and the legends that surround them are the stuff of superheroes. Arrow-and-lightning-bolt-slinging good guys and bad guys with super powers. They are helpful and vindictive, jealous and generous. Their stories are fascinating.

The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth tells the stories of twelve of the gods and goddesses and some of the other major players in Greek mythology. Illustrated in almost a comic book style (it isn’t boxed out, but the drawing style is similar), you really get the superhero feel of these legends. You see the light versus the darkness and the clash of personalities.

I have to say that the poetic style of the stories didn’t work well for me. While the stories are interesting, they would have been more effectively told in straight prose. I could never zero in on the meter to make the read just flow naturally, so I found myself trying to make the cadence work rather than understanding the story. Also, the illustrations are masterful, but many are disturbing. Granted, the subject matter is creepy–Mothers become vampires and eat their children, Medusa seduces sailors to their deaths, Hades and his dog Cerberus. Bloody weapons and “evil” eyes. Ick.

So, though it is a well-made book, and I can appreciate the creativity of both the author and illustrator, I’m not a big fan of the final product.

Armchair Interviews says: Scary subjects in a picture book and geared to ages 9-12 seem like a genre mix-up.

Author’s Web site: http://www.CharlesRSmithJr.com