A Look at Failstate

I'm not the only one who writes Christian Superhero Fiction. John W. Otte had a book come out last year called Failstate.

I hope there are many more superhero books. Here's my review:

Failstate by John W. Otte

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What do you get when you combine reality TV, superheroes, a coming of age story, and sibling rivalry in one package? You get Failstate.

Robin Laughlin has amazing mental powers that he fears played a role in the death of his father. Determined to make good, he enters a reality TV contest to become America's next superhero adopting the identity of Failstate. He struggles in the competition with his homemade constitution and superpowers that lack the excitement of scrapping physical heroes like Gauntlet (who is also his brother) and the fact that his Failstate costume looks like it was put together from a dozen thrift stores doesn't help.

He's invited to go on patrol with one of the frontrunners in the contest. When she's found brutally murdered, suspicion goes everywhere including on to Failsafe himself. But what about the show's producer or a rival contestant? Suspects abound and Failstate has to figure out who to trust.

Overall, Otte did so much right in this book.

First of all is the character of Failstate. In many ways, he reminds me of the earliest incarnation of Spider-man. He's unsure of himself and often struggles, receives unfair blame. He's hard luck hero. Of course, there's a thin line between "hard luck hero" and "loser." Early on, I was worried he was heading too far into the latter territory, but by the time you're a quarter way through, he's got his character well-established and what you have a kid a lot like Peter Parker who people can truly identify with and cheer for and really becomes an endearing hero throughout the book

Secondly, I think he created a wonderful fictional setting. This isn't anything like the DC or Marvel universe. Their superheroes are regulated and indeed, the whole reality show centers around a quest to get a license. So, it's not a traditional comic book world as much as it’s a world that's adjusted to the existence of superhuman crime fighters and the concept works very well.

Third, I loved of all the interplay between the characters, particularly between Failsafe and his brother was very well done. There are so many conflicts woven into the story that make more than just a Superhero action story. I also appreciated how the faith element really fit organically into the story.

Finally, I think the inclusion of a real sure enough mystery requiring actual investigation was a great touch and as I'm a fan of detective stories, so it was a great add-on.

Compared to my enjoyment, my issues with the book are trifling. The reality TV segments were somewhat cheesy even by reality TV standards for missions. Thankfully, events take the reality TV element off center stage. The book seems to suggest a gulf between "reality TV" and "reality" as Robin struggled on the contrived challenges, but finds his stride in addressing a real life menace.

Some of the superhero and villain names seemed a bit including Meridian but I know firsthand how many of the good names have all been trademarked by Marvel, DC, and their ilk.

The end was good, but it doesn't lend itself easily sequel. That's too bad because Otte has created a good world I'd love to see more of.




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