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Sidekicks Initiative #1
The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure
Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Featuring anaphylactic shockwaves, unexpected hippos, and an aggressive man shouting at butterflies, The Sidekicks Initiative is the first book in the action-packed new series from internationally bestselling Space Team author, Barry J. Hutchison.
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Featuring anaphylactic shockwaves, unexpected hippos, and an aggressive man shouting at butterflies, The Sidekicks Initiative is the first book in the action-packed new series from internationally bestselling Space Team author, Barry J. Hutchison.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 17, 2018
288 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Barry J. Hutchison
48 books737 followersBarry J. Hutchison is an award-winning author, screenwriter and writer of comics. Having written over 70 books for children and teenagers, Barry is now writing books for adults. Space Team is his first grown-up novel.
Barry lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and irritatingly upbeat dog.
Barry lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and irritatingly upbeat dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 22, 2019
http://booknest.eu/reviews/charles/14...
5/5
THE SIDEKICKS INTITIAVE is one of the funniest books I've read in the past few years, let alone this year. It's definitely a book I would have put on my Top 20 Recommended Superhero books if I'd read it before now. It's a ridiculous world and all the more effective for its silliness. It has a general sense of humor similar to my THE RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY series but a bit more subdued (plus on the hero side of things).
The premise is Sam is an unlucky divorced loser who works as a data-entry drone. He's also the former sidekick of the world's Superman equivalent. When the world's greatest heroes are all killed horribly by an unknown force, he's forced into a government project consisting of three sidekicks recruited from civilian life then given armored super-suits. Unfortunately, well, they're all a bunch of idiots.
Sam is Kid Random and possesses the power to alter reality at will but he can't control what happens so he just makes oddball stuff happen (he's a god with none of the perks). There's Anna, Allergy Girl, who is an alcoholic former heroine with the surprisingly useful power of giving people allergic reactions. Finally, there's Randy who is quite possibly insane but has a useless powe of talking to butterflies.
None of them are remotely qualified to be superheroes anymore and the plan to have them take on the person who massacred the greatest hero team in the world. However, the government doesn't have plan for dealing with the end of the world and clearly didn't update this one very well. The fact they insist on manipulating the "heroes" despite the fact they would have come around on their own is a terrible idea. The humor is sometimes a little too hard on the fact that Randy is a complete lunatic who is trying to be a superhero despite having no powers (and not bothering to develop any Batman-esque skills). Also, Sam's patheticness approaches the Nicholas Cage' Weatherman but these are small complaints as best.
The action in the story is an excellent mix of comedy and (semi)intelligent use of everyone's powers. The heroes are morons, or at least totally inexperienced with their powers, but that has its own benefit given no one can actually predict what they're going to do. As one famous martial artist said, fighting a complete amateur is often more dangerous than someone who actually knows what they're doing.
I also really enjoyed the villain and the revelation about his motivations as well. The entire concept of the sidekick as a child being carried into battle by adult superheroes has not aged well. This satire of them works well despite it. Yeah, it may make the original superheroes look terrible but that just shows why the Sidekick Initiative is all the more heroic.
The only real complaint I have about the book is the character of Kapitain Nazi, who was apparently a brainwashed political dissident who became a Nazi supersoldier and murdered thousands of innocent people in ridiculous ways. He's meant to be a character who everyone acts like he should be irredeemable (and may be) but I think making him a (former?) Nazi was a bridge too far.
So I very much recommend this book.
5/5
THE SIDEKICKS INTITIAVE is one of the funniest books I've read in the past few years, let alone this year. It's definitely a book I would have put on my Top 20 Recommended Superhero books if I'd read it before now. It's a ridiculous world and all the more effective for its silliness. It has a general sense of humor similar to my THE RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY series but a bit more subdued (plus on the hero side of things).
The premise is Sam is an unlucky divorced loser who works as a data-entry drone. He's also the former sidekick of the world's Superman equivalent. When the world's greatest heroes are all killed horribly by an unknown force, he's forced into a government project consisting of three sidekicks recruited from civilian life then given armored super-suits. Unfortunately, well, they're all a bunch of idiots.
Sam is Kid Random and possesses the power to alter reality at will but he can't control what happens so he just makes oddball stuff happen (he's a god with none of the perks). There's Anna, Allergy Girl, who is an alcoholic former heroine with the surprisingly useful power of giving people allergic reactions. Finally, there's Randy who is quite possibly insane but has a useless powe of talking to butterflies.
None of them are remotely qualified to be superheroes anymore and the plan to have them take on the person who massacred the greatest hero team in the world. However, the government doesn't have plan for dealing with the end of the world and clearly didn't update this one very well. The fact they insist on manipulating the "heroes" despite the fact they would have come around on their own is a terrible idea. The humor is sometimes a little too hard on the fact that Randy is a complete lunatic who is trying to be a superhero despite having no powers (and not bothering to develop any Batman-esque skills). Also, Sam's patheticness approaches the Nicholas Cage' Weatherman but these are small complaints as best.
The action in the story is an excellent mix of comedy and (semi)intelligent use of everyone's powers. The heroes are morons, or at least totally inexperienced with their powers, but that has its own benefit given no one can actually predict what they're going to do. As one famous martial artist said, fighting a complete amateur is often more dangerous than someone who actually knows what they're doing.
I also really enjoyed the villain and the revelation about his motivations as well. The entire concept of the sidekick as a child being carried into battle by adult superheroes has not aged well. This satire of them works well despite it. Yeah, it may make the original superheroes look terrible but that just shows why the Sidekick Initiative is all the more heroic.
The only real complaint I have about the book is the character of Kapitain Nazi, who was apparently a brainwashed political dissident who became a Nazi supersoldier and murdered thousands of innocent people in ridiculous ways. He's meant to be a character who everyone acts like he should be irredeemable (and may be) but I think making him a (former?) Nazi was a bridge too far.
So I very much recommend this book.
March 17, 2019
An enjoyable, if somewhat standard, story about the other guys, the sidekicks called in when the A-Listers are killed on their space station.
The best part? This is the first audio I've ever listened to with a blooper reel. 😅 Very funny.
The best part? This is the first audio I've ever listened to with a blooper reel. 😅 Very funny.
Read
August 21, 2018This is supposed to be a comedy but I found it extremely sad and depressing. The 'comedy' aspect was more 'forced slapstick' than anything and came across as pathetic attempts to lighten what was, in reality, a story of sacrifice and sadness, of lost childhoods and torture, of hopelessness and insecurity.
I had profound misgivings over the inclusion of a character who (as a brain-washed Nazi) had tortured and killed thousands of people. Yes, he had been forced to do those things, but really - a 'Nazi'? Was that necessary? It left a very bitter taste in my mouth, even though the character redeemed himself (somewhat) later on.
I did, however, like Sam and Randy. Randy was a wonderful character and it was mostly Randy who had me reading to the end of this book.
The end of the book - with pages and pages (I flicked through three pages and stopped reading in disgust) of names of the people killed by the brainwashed 'Nazi' was just awful. I have NO idea why the author thought it was appropriate to include those - was it a ploy to get readers to read more pages? Whatever, it didnt work.
A comedy? I don't think so.
I am considering my rating. In some ways this could have been a solid 5 stars, but it was touted as a 'comedy' and in that respect, it fell way short of my expectations and some aspects were just plain 'wrong'.
I had profound misgivings over the inclusion of a character who (as a brain-washed Nazi) had tortured and killed thousands of people. Yes, he had been forced to do those things, but really - a 'Nazi'? Was that necessary? It left a very bitter taste in my mouth, even though the character redeemed himself (somewhat) later on.
I did, however, like Sam and Randy. Randy was a wonderful character and it was mostly Randy who had me reading to the end of this book.
The end of the book - with pages and pages (I flicked through three pages and stopped reading in disgust) of names of the people killed by the brainwashed 'Nazi' was just awful. I have NO idea why the author thought it was appropriate to include those - was it a ploy to get readers to read more pages? Whatever, it didnt work.
A comedy? I don't think so.
I am considering my rating. In some ways this could have been a solid 5 stars, but it was touted as a 'comedy' and in that respect, it fell way short of my expectations and some aspects were just plain 'wrong'.
May 7, 2019
The author tells the story of completely incompetent individuals and calls it comedy. Personally I don't find it funny to be told repeatedly that the MC is incompetent. He is joined by two other sidekicks in being promoted to hero when all the heroes are killed. These two are also incompetent. It would be one thing if the author told an interesting story with some humor but he doesn't. He tells an uninteresting story that we are supposed to laugh at. I assume that "A Comedy Superhero Adventure" is included in the title because otherwise people would be uncertain.
I got 70% through this book before I decided to take the author's word for it and determined that his MCs really are incompetents. So I gave up and stopped reading. Now I wish I wouldn't have wasted my time to begin with.
Bottom line: Go read SuperGuy by Kurt Clopton for an example of actually good writing in this genre.
I got 70% through this book before I decided to take the author's word for it and determined that his MCs really are incompetents. So I gave up and stopped reading. Now I wish I wouldn't have wasted my time to begin with.
Bottom line: Go read SuperGuy by Kurt Clopton for an example of actually good writing in this genre.
August 12, 2021
Absurdly funny. Often laugh-out-loud funny - which is heightened by the fabulous narrator in the audible version I listened to. There's even outtakes at the end!
Look this book is great - funny characters, funny names, funny dialog, and an absurd plot. It was genuinely great. But like all great, funny books it was poking at a serious topic. Good vs. Evil. What does that mean? What's good and what's evil? Where do you draw the line? Who gets to draw the line? Does going good deeds make you good? Does doing bad deeds make you evil? Are evil people redeemable?
Good grief, the bad guy was named Savior! And one of the good guys was a former Nazi. And for those reviewers saying that having a nazi character was a step too far... you missed the point completely.
Is this great literature? I guess most people would say no. It's not Faulkner, but, I think Vonnegut might approve.
Look this book is great - funny characters, funny names, funny dialog, and an absurd plot. It was genuinely great. But like all great, funny books it was poking at a serious topic. Good vs. Evil. What does that mean? What's good and what's evil? Where do you draw the line? Who gets to draw the line? Does going good deeds make you good? Does doing bad deeds make you evil? Are evil people redeemable?
Good grief, the bad guy was named Savior! And one of the good guys was a former Nazi. And for those reviewers saying that having a nazi character was a step too far... you missed the point completely.
Is this great literature? I guess most people would say no. It's not Faulkner, but, I think Vonnegut might approve.
August 13, 2020
Written by the author of the hilarious 'Space Team' series, this book combines both reverence for the subject matter with an understanding of how absurd that subject matter is. It plays with all the tropes of the superhero genre - poses, quips, suits - as well as posing the question 'Why do supervillains keep escaping?', something that has irked me too. It's a joyous romp and genuinely funny and a must for anyone who loves the genre.
(And it screams 'Make me into a movie!)
(And it screams 'Make me into a movie!)
August 8, 2019
I don't know that I've ever laughed so hard during a book
March 2, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, I’m not sure if it was narrator that killed it for me, or just the lacklustre writing. In any case I finally gave it up about 40% into it, something I rarely do.
August 13, 2021
5/10 sometimes i feel like there were jokes where they shouldn’t have been so that some moments were more dramatic or sad. It was a kind of weird book imo, but some parts did make me laugh. Also overly descriptive at times of violence which generally creeped me out, but not descriptive enough of how people looked which lead to me viewing randy as an old man throughout the whole book
March 29, 2019
This book was absolutely hilarious, and I loved every bit of it. This isn't your typical superhero novel. It's just a pure comedy book that happens to be set in a crazy world of superheros that embraces the weirdest part of comic books.
It's an easy read and I was hooked from the very beginning. It's pure immature, awkward, ridiculous fun the whole way through. The plot isn't all that original, but they way the characters behave is different enough that I didn't care one bit and just wanted to see what they would do next.
There were so many lines in this book that I couldn't believe I was reading, and I ended up laughing out loud multiple times. All of the characters are funny, but Randy is ridiculous (I know I'm over using that word, but it is fitting for this book) in a way that is predictable but still funny despite that.
This book was perfect for me, because it had Superheroes and ridiculous humor. I think people who appreciate either of those things in a book would like this one. I don't know if more books are coming in this world, but either way this was a definite stand alone. If there are more coming I will definitely read them. If not, I enjoyed this one a lot and don't feel like anything important was unresolved.
It's an easy read and I was hooked from the very beginning. It's pure immature, awkward, ridiculous fun the whole way through. The plot isn't all that original, but they way the characters behave is different enough that I didn't care one bit and just wanted to see what they would do next.
There were so many lines in this book that I couldn't believe I was reading, and I ended up laughing out loud multiple times. All of the characters are funny, but Randy is ridiculous (I know I'm over using that word, but it is fitting for this book) in a way that is predictable but still funny despite that.
This book was perfect for me, because it had Superheroes and ridiculous humor. I think people who appreciate either of those things in a book would like this one. I don't know if more books are coming in this world, but either way this was a definite stand alone. If there are more coming I will definitely read them. If not, I enjoyed this one a lot and don't feel like anything important was unresolved.
July 8, 2019
This was a lot of fun to read. Even better to listen to (for those who do both). Truly enjoyed this story, with laugh out loud moments
July 4, 2020
As always, I love Barry J. Hutchison's sitcom-like comedic stylings.
The Sidekicks Initiative is engaging and funny with likable characters and a stable plot. Sure, every story beat feels familiar if you've ever seen a superhero movie before, but it all lines up and makes sense (which is more than can be said for many superhero movies).
Sam used to be known as Kid Random, the orphan sidekick of Earth's greatest superhero, Doc Mighty. But that was a long time ago. Now he's a middle-aged loser in a dead-end office job barely making ends meet. But when a new threat destroys the A-team of superheros, the government activates "The Sidekicks Initiative," bringing the old second-bananas back into action. And hilarity ensues.
I thought all of the random super heroes invented for this book were really funny and clever. I laughed out loud when Randy was showing off his scars and said, "That was Millennium Bug. Got his suckers into me real good back in ninety-nine."
Basically, if you like the Deadpool movies, but with the dial turned away from "sex and violence" and more toward "Perfect Strangers reruns," The Sidekicks Initiative is the book for you!
The Sidekicks Initiative is engaging and funny with likable characters and a stable plot. Sure, every story beat feels familiar if you've ever seen a superhero movie before, but it all lines up and makes sense (which is more than can be said for many superhero movies).
Sam used to be known as Kid Random, the orphan sidekick of Earth's greatest superhero, Doc Mighty. But that was a long time ago. Now he's a middle-aged loser in a dead-end office job barely making ends meet. But when a new threat destroys the A-team of superheros, the government activates "The Sidekicks Initiative," bringing the old second-bananas back into action. And hilarity ensues.
I thought all of the random super heroes invented for this book were really funny and clever. I laughed out loud when Randy was showing off his scars and said, "That was Millennium Bug. Got his suckers into me real good back in ninety-nine."
Basically, if you like the Deadpool movies, but with the dial turned away from "sex and violence" and more toward "Perfect Strangers reruns," The Sidekicks Initiative is the book for you!
July 19, 2018
kindle unlimited, liked it well enough, as in ok, but since amazon insists that is 'negative' going with 4 because of amazon for both, pulled this up because huge hutchinson Space Team fan, even have Splurt shirt, but was never much of one for superhero things {although the room mate is, so hoping he'll give me his take on it when he's finished reading}, if you like superhero 'stuff' assume you'd like this
Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
June 29, 2020
I don't know where Barry comes up with these amazing stories. The author got the list of death names from members of the Team Space Team Facebook group. I was "Shane Phillips - Molested by Nazi wolves. Then eaten" so cool.
November 5, 2019
Hilarious! I laughed out loud almost every paragraph, and listening to the narrator’s blooper outtakes at the end? Seriously, I laughed to actual tears. Highly recommend!
November 15, 2019
Honestly my favourite audiobook ever!!! The outtakes at the end had me in stitches
July 5, 2023
Goofy, oddball, hilarity. The audio version is hands down the funniest book I have ever listened to. Phil Thron as narrator is spot on perfection. I so want an action figure of The Butterfly King!
June 10, 2023
Over the last year I have read nearly 40 stories by Hutchison under the three names he publishes under. The first were his adult crime thrillers under the name J.D. Kirk, while reading them I discovered that Kirk publishes children’s books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. I have read 23 stories published under the Kirk Name. This is the sixteenth under the two Hutchison variations. He has published 200 books across the three pen names, and some unattributed works. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. I have enjoyed all I have read from his pen and this one was no different.
The description of this novel is:
“Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Featuring anaphylactic shockwaves, unexpected hippos, and an aggressive man shouting at butterflies, The Sidekicks Initiative is the first book in the action-packed new series from internationally bestselling Space Team author, Barry J. Hutchison.”
It does have the feel of the Space Team novels, it also echoes the movie Wanted starring James McAvoy, and to be honest I could not help but picturing him as Sam aka Random Boy. The world is in danger; the superhero’s have all been wiped out. And a secret government plan in just such a case was to pull the sidekick’s out of retirement and turn them into the heroes the world needs. Unfortunately some are dead, a few have been lost and the three they have tracked down … well lets just say they are not as impressive as at first hopped. We have The Butterfly King who believes he can communicate with and control butterflies. We have Allergy Girl who can trigger allergic reactions in people and we have Sam, Random Boy, and to be honest his powers are not clearly explained but he does have some, maybe even the best. When a former villain is brought in to help with their training, things go from underwhelming to disaster.
Sam is the lynchpin but from his internal dialogue we are aware he fears his powers and letting them out. But something happens to trigger his sense of self, and his desire to protect, start with his son, his ex-wife, and eventually the whole town. But will it be too little too late? To find out read this hilarious adventure.
There is some language in this one. And Some frat house humour. But overall a good read. I can see how it fits in the Canon of Hutchinson’s works, and it is listed as book 1 but we have yet to see the next volume. I would not hesitate to pick it up and give it a read. In some ways it read like a more adult version of his The 13th Horseman Afterworlds Book 1. It contains a lot of jokes, a lot of slapstick and a whole lot of good intentions. A pretty fun read overall.
The description of this novel is:
“Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...
When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US Government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.
Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.
Assuming they don't kill each other first.
Featuring anaphylactic shockwaves, unexpected hippos, and an aggressive man shouting at butterflies, The Sidekicks Initiative is the first book in the action-packed new series from internationally bestselling Space Team author, Barry J. Hutchison.”
It does have the feel of the Space Team novels, it also echoes the movie Wanted starring James McAvoy, and to be honest I could not help but picturing him as Sam aka Random Boy. The world is in danger; the superhero’s have all been wiped out. And a secret government plan in just such a case was to pull the sidekick’s out of retirement and turn them into the heroes the world needs. Unfortunately some are dead, a few have been lost and the three they have tracked down … well lets just say they are not as impressive as at first hopped. We have The Butterfly King who believes he can communicate with and control butterflies. We have Allergy Girl who can trigger allergic reactions in people and we have Sam, Random Boy, and to be honest his powers are not clearly explained but he does have some, maybe even the best. When a former villain is brought in to help with their training, things go from underwhelming to disaster.
Sam is the lynchpin but from his internal dialogue we are aware he fears his powers and letting them out. But something happens to trigger his sense of self, and his desire to protect, start with his son, his ex-wife, and eventually the whole town. But will it be too little too late? To find out read this hilarious adventure.
There is some language in this one. And Some frat house humour. But overall a good read. I can see how it fits in the Canon of Hutchinson’s works, and it is listed as book 1 but we have yet to see the next volume. I would not hesitate to pick it up and give it a read. In some ways it read like a more adult version of his The 13th Horseman Afterworlds Book 1. It contains a lot of jokes, a lot of slapstick and a whole lot of good intentions. A pretty fun read overall.
April 15, 2019
Plot:
Set in a superhero universe Earth's mightiest heroes die due to some unknown enemy which may or may not come back for world domination. To keep the status quo going a shady and very illegal section of the government seeks out past sidekicks in order to fight off the forces of evil.
Characters
Sam is the main character and his powers are pretty weird and pretty fun if he ever got the idea to use them. While I can't go into his powers without ruing some of the plot I can say that Sam is one of the lamest and saddest members of the group. He is the character that you go, “Stop talking duffus.)
While he does try to do the heroic thing he is just bad at it. He constantly tries to get out of the hero business but uses his adopted son as an excuse to jump right back in. Unable to act when he needs to, constantly forces himself to remain on guard. While relatable, Sam is that logical part of us that holds us back at the worst possible moments.
Anna is the heroine of the team, capable of causing her enemies to have often entertaining allergies reactions. She drinks in order to suppress her powers.
The Butterfly King is a Batman wannabe who has the ability to communicate with butterflies. Randy (I think that's his secret identity.) acts as the comic relief of the book and is the but of the jokes. He is incapable of living a life outside of being a vigilantly and is often more of a danger to himself than to others.
What I like:
I don't normally like superhero books but I did get into this one. The humour is very slapstick. Most of the time I silently kept thinking, “No don't do it.”
What I don't like:
I'm not going to lie. You are either going to like the characters our you aren't. There are some cringe worthy moments.
Overall: Enjoyable. At least I found it enjoyable. It is a one time read and I don't think this needs to be a series book. It's a good stand-alone novel.
Set in a superhero universe Earth's mightiest heroes die due to some unknown enemy which may or may not come back for world domination. To keep the status quo going a shady and very illegal section of the government seeks out past sidekicks in order to fight off the forces of evil.
Characters
Sam is the main character and his powers are pretty weird and pretty fun if he ever got the idea to use them. While I can't go into his powers without ruing some of the plot I can say that Sam is one of the lamest and saddest members of the group. He is the character that you go, “Stop talking duffus.)
While he does try to do the heroic thing he is just bad at it. He constantly tries to get out of the hero business but uses his adopted son as an excuse to jump right back in. Unable to act when he needs to, constantly forces himself to remain on guard. While relatable, Sam is that logical part of us that holds us back at the worst possible moments.
Anna is the heroine of the team, capable of causing her enemies to have often entertaining allergies reactions. She drinks in order to suppress her powers.
The Butterfly King is a Batman wannabe who has the ability to communicate with butterflies. Randy (I think that's his secret identity.) acts as the comic relief of the book and is the but of the jokes. He is incapable of living a life outside of being a vigilantly and is often more of a danger to himself than to others.
What I like:
I don't normally like superhero books but I did get into this one. The humour is very slapstick. Most of the time I silently kept thinking, “No don't do it.”
What I don't like:
I'm not going to lie. You are either going to like the characters our you aren't. There are some cringe worthy moments.
Overall: Enjoyable. At least I found it enjoyable. It is a one time read and I don't think this needs to be a series book. It's a good stand-alone novel.
July 9, 2020
I loved this book. My normal genre is cozy mysteries but I like super hero films and when I fancied a change I thought I would give this book ago. So glad I did, I loved it and if this is was I have been missing I might have to change which category I look in for my audio books. I loved the humour and one lines that run though out the book. The action was well spaced and enough to keep me interested until the end, it kind of makes me think of dead pool and his misfit friends. The story was well written and takes a tongue in cheek look at super heros that I can easily see being made into a film. It was the characters that stole the show though with there very unique personalities and powers. I would be hard pressed to choice a favourite character. I hope there are more books in this series to come because I for one will be keeping a keen eye out for the next book.
What do you do when all the super heros get wiped out? You turn to the sidekicks and hope for the best. Retried or just disillusioned heros aren't the best option, especially when just normal human thugs can take them out. But when every super villain realises no body is protecting the world you have to give the world some hope. In steps in reluctant Sam aka Kid random, drunken Anna aka allergy girl and well Randy aka butterfly king and to whip them all in to shape they turn to an ex evil super villain John. What could go wrong?
Wow I have never heard a narrator enjoy himself so much (and I don't just mean all the out takes at he end of the book) and his voices were amazing, each and everyone very different from the last. Defiantly a very good choice.
What do you do when all the super heros get wiped out? You turn to the sidekicks and hope for the best. Retried or just disillusioned heros aren't the best option, especially when just normal human thugs can take them out. But when every super villain realises no body is protecting the world you have to give the world some hope. In steps in reluctant Sam aka Kid random, drunken Anna aka allergy girl and well Randy aka butterfly king and to whip them all in to shape they turn to an ex evil super villain John. What could go wrong?
Wow I have never heard a narrator enjoy himself so much (and I don't just mean all the out takes at he end of the book) and his voices were amazing, each and everyone very different from the last. Defiantly a very good choice.
January 14, 2020
An idea with potential. But instead of being cleverly funny while sharing a good story about interesting characters with the reader.... This takes all the weaknesses of superhero comics and turns them up to 100 on a scale of 10. The outright and absolute stupidity of too many parts of this story are not only impossible to ignore, take as funny asides, or anything positive but they actively annoy the hell out of me.
I was putting more effort into actually finishing this then I have in a long time. I still didn't make it half way. The only people I can imagine enjoying this book are those who absolutely hate superhero comics and would enjoy their downs sides blown way out of all reasonable proportion. And that is just the hooks and tropes. The characters? No redeeming qualities were displayed by the point in the book I had gotten too. If there are some that come up later I don't give a damn... It's not worth slogging that far to find out.
Sorry if the review seems a bit frustrated and bitter... It's because I am a bit at the moment. Still I tried to convey the issues I had with the book without any spoilers. I hope they help those that would be put off by the same things save some of their time. And those that really want to actively exercise their hate of superhero comics to find a great release for it! Good luck all!
I was putting more effort into actually finishing this then I have in a long time. I still didn't make it half way. The only people I can imagine enjoying this book are those who absolutely hate superhero comics and would enjoy their downs sides blown way out of all reasonable proportion. And that is just the hooks and tropes. The characters? No redeeming qualities were displayed by the point in the book I had gotten too. If there are some that come up later I don't give a damn... It's not worth slogging that far to find out.
Sorry if the review seems a bit frustrated and bitter... It's because I am a bit at the moment. Still I tried to convey the issues I had with the book without any spoilers. I hope they help those that would be put off by the same things save some of their time. And those that really want to actively exercise their hate of superhero comics to find a great release for it! Good luck all!
September 23, 2018
Funny
The superheroes have all been killed and the sidekicks, now middle-aged, have been recalled. The world is in trouble with these three - Allergy Girl, Butterfly King, and Kid Random. Sam, Kid Random, has god-like superpowers that he doesn't know how to control because they are random. For example, there's a holdup at a hot dog stand at the beginning and he is there with his son. A gun is pointed at his son and he turns it into butter. Allergy Girl gives people allergic reactions and she keeps accidentally using them on Sam. Butterfly King, Randy, says he can communicate with butterflies, but who knows? We do know he is annoying.
These three are responsible for saving Cityopolis being middle-aged, out of shape, and being trained by a former supervillan who tortured Kid Random. Their various successes and mishaps were really funny. I couldn't put it down. There is a lot of adult language which should be noted, but it was thoroughly entertaining.
The superheroes have all been killed and the sidekicks, now middle-aged, have been recalled. The world is in trouble with these three - Allergy Girl, Butterfly King, and Kid Random. Sam, Kid Random, has god-like superpowers that he doesn't know how to control because they are random. For example, there's a holdup at a hot dog stand at the beginning and he is there with his son. A gun is pointed at his son and he turns it into butter. Allergy Girl gives people allergic reactions and she keeps accidentally using them on Sam. Butterfly King, Randy, says he can communicate with butterflies, but who knows? We do know he is annoying.
These three are responsible for saving Cityopolis being middle-aged, out of shape, and being trained by a former supervillan who tortured Kid Random. Their various successes and mishaps were really funny. I couldn't put it down. There is a lot of adult language which should be noted, but it was thoroughly entertaining.
February 22, 2019
In a world without Super Heros, the sidekicks have to kick it up a notch.
I don't really care for super hero stories. I don't watch the movies, I don't read comic books, I don't watch the shows. This book has popped up on several of my lists lately, so I decided to give it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised. I rated it 4, but it's really more of a 3.5+. The story was good, but predictable. The characters were entertaining, but annoying at times. The book was funny, but snicker not laugh. The story was long, but not too long. It was better than average, but if the story wasn't so run of the mill, or if it was stronger on the comedy, then it would have been great.
I would recommend this book, especially the audio book, as the narrator Phil Throng is exceptional (also check out Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warrior). And I would really like a second one, maybe a little funnier and less predictable.
I don't really care for super hero stories. I don't watch the movies, I don't read comic books, I don't watch the shows. This book has popped up on several of my lists lately, so I decided to give it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised. I rated it 4, but it's really more of a 3.5+. The story was good, but predictable. The characters were entertaining, but annoying at times. The book was funny, but snicker not laugh. The story was long, but not too long. It was better than average, but if the story wasn't so run of the mill, or if it was stronger on the comedy, then it would have been great.
I would recommend this book, especially the audio book, as the narrator Phil Throng is exceptional (also check out Post-Apocalyptic Nomadic Warrior). And I would really like a second one, maybe a little funnier and less predictable.
September 6, 2019
The absurdity of this story is beyond measure. The writing of Barry J. Hutchison had me screaming, hooping, hollar'in, and moaning and the brilliance of narrator Phil Thron just increased the hilarity and nonsensical content of this story! As for the story, the three primary characters, Anna, Randy, and Sam were beyond and one could not help but to fall hopelessly in like of the unlikely super hero's. There was so much that I liked about this story...even though I will admit that I wanted to reach through the speakers and throttle Sam and his self-perspective at times...it all worked and it was awesome. Each one, whether it be Butterfly King, Allergy Girl, or Kid Random has such endearing qualities...but just like doing the potato test or being surrounded by huge plastic phalluses or longing for a nice sized tissue...I loved this story and I so recommend...especially if you are a Super Hero Nerd like me!
December 14, 2020
It started off good with a funny introduction to all these characters and some fairly dark comedic moments.
My main issue was that this book felt like it was super wordy. Too much small talk. And felt somewhat slow.
I understand the need to worldbuild but I felt like it would take chapters just to lay down a single brick when I feel like it could have been done much quicker.
The comedy was kinda the same in tone consistently that after a while it could get boring once the novelty of it wears off. I think i can only giggle about incompetence and quirks so often before I sorta run out of steam for the same type of joke.
I admittedly kinda saw that coming though. That seems to be the trend with these type of alternative superhero genre of books. I was just hoping maybe this did something a little different.
The dark comedy though was fun. For that alone, I'd still recommend this. Just have to tough through a lot of slow world building and small talk to get to it.
My main issue was that this book felt like it was super wordy. Too much small talk. And felt somewhat slow.
I understand the need to worldbuild but I felt like it would take chapters just to lay down a single brick when I feel like it could have been done much quicker.
The comedy was kinda the same in tone consistently that after a while it could get boring once the novelty of it wears off. I think i can only giggle about incompetence and quirks so often before I sorta run out of steam for the same type of joke.
I admittedly kinda saw that coming though. That seems to be the trend with these type of alternative superhero genre of books. I was just hoping maybe this did something a little different.
The dark comedy though was fun. For that alone, I'd still recommend this. Just have to tough through a lot of slow world building and small talk to get to it.
June 28, 2023
Superheroes are currently big business in the world of ingested media….. but what if they were s**t? I don’t mean bad people(The Boys has that covered), just really frigging bad at it.
And here we have the sidekicks initiative, drafted mostly against their will to save the world.
So this is lighthearted. It’s funny, like laugh out loud funny, but also carries a pretty good story throughout that didn’t just feel stupid(though it was!). There was enough depth here to know that you’re reading a comedy writer than makes a good story funny, as opposed to making funny carry the story.
Seriously this was a great read with excellent humour and excellent characters. Just read it. I don’t want to spoil anything but Randy is just the best! Totally perfect as a character! 🙌🏻
I really enjoyed this, and I would also absolutely recommend the audiobook version as well( Phil Thron does a great job bringing everyone to life).
It’s not serious, but it’s fun!
And here we have the sidekicks initiative, drafted mostly against their will to save the world.
So this is lighthearted. It’s funny, like laugh out loud funny, but also carries a pretty good story throughout that didn’t just feel stupid(though it was!). There was enough depth here to know that you’re reading a comedy writer than makes a good story funny, as opposed to making funny carry the story.
Seriously this was a great read with excellent humour and excellent characters. Just read it. I don’t want to spoil anything but Randy is just the best! Totally perfect as a character! 🙌🏻
I really enjoyed this, and I would also absolutely recommend the audiobook version as well( Phil Thron does a great job bringing everyone to life).
It’s not serious, but it’s fun!
August 27, 2024
Good ending, weak middle.
I don't much like books with angsty, weak, indecisive main characters and that was something this book was built around. Yes there is a character arc and heroes journey etc. etc. and it does culminate in a great ending that was really satisfying but you have to get through a lot first.
I find endless incompetency more frustrating than funny so much of the bumbling idiot humour of the first half didn't land for me. I also figured out the "mystery" element with almost 4 hours to spare because it was so obvious. I never normally do that in murder mystery books and the like so it was a novelty for me even if it did take the excitement out of the book a bit.
The narration was really top notch though. Overall, I'd say this book is a decent read for people who have some knowledge of superhero genre stuff but it's not a book that should be on anyone's bucket list.
I don't much like books with angsty, weak, indecisive main characters and that was something this book was built around. Yes there is a character arc and heroes journey etc. etc. and it does culminate in a great ending that was really satisfying but you have to get through a lot first.
I find endless incompetency more frustrating than funny so much of the bumbling idiot humour of the first half didn't land for me. I also figured out the "mystery" element with almost 4 hours to spare because it was so obvious. I never normally do that in murder mystery books and the like so it was a novelty for me even if it did take the excitement out of the book a bit.
The narration was really top notch though. Overall, I'd say this book is a decent read for people who have some knowledge of superhero genre stuff but it's not a book that should be on anyone's bucket list.
April 13, 2023
Superhero story about three former sidekicks pulled out of middle-aged anonymity when their former bosses, the in-universe equivalent of the Justice League, are all abruptly murdered. The plot is obvious and the "big twist" highly telegraphed but it's the funniest comedy novel I've read in a long time.
The sidekicks are generally not very good at their new job, particularly the former Butterfly Kid, Randy, now an incompetent butterfly-themed Batman wannabe. Nevertheless, they bumble together towards heroism.
To some extent I can see readers experiencing tonal whiplash, since much of the comedy derives from what I think of as Joss Whedon style puncturing of a mood: for example, the violence is pretty violent, but scenes of grisly death are likely to be interrupted by a joke. That it's a "comedy superhero adventure" doesn't mean it's always light.
The sidekicks are generally not very good at their new job, particularly the former Butterfly Kid, Randy, now an incompetent butterfly-themed Batman wannabe. Nevertheless, they bumble together towards heroism.
To some extent I can see readers experiencing tonal whiplash, since much of the comedy derives from what I think of as Joss Whedon style puncturing of a mood: for example, the violence is pretty violent, but scenes of grisly death are likely to be interrupted by a joke. That it's a "comedy superhero adventure" doesn't mean it's always light.
July 18, 2018
Not just any super hero book
This isn't just any book about Super Heroes. Mainly, because it's about their Sidekicks, but more than that, it's about the Sidekicks who had been forgotten for the most part and who preferred to remain a distant memory (Except for Randy, but we'll ignore him). Until, they were the last, best hope for humanity.
Heaven help humanity.
As always, Hutchinson delivers a solid story with lovable characters, plenty of wit, and outright gawruffing moments.
The characters were written with so much depth and feeling, I felt as if they were my friends. In fact, I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to hang with them awhile longer. I hope Hutchison writes more in this new world soon!
This isn't just any book about Super Heroes. Mainly, because it's about their Sidekicks, but more than that, it's about the Sidekicks who had been forgotten for the most part and who preferred to remain a distant memory (Except for Randy, but we'll ignore him). Until, they were the last, best hope for humanity.
Heaven help humanity.
As always, Hutchinson delivers a solid story with lovable characters, plenty of wit, and outright gawruffing moments.
The characters were written with so much depth and feeling, I felt as if they were my friends. In fact, I didn't want it to end. I just wanted to hang with them awhile longer. I hope Hutchison writes more in this new world soon!
July 19, 2018
Its not Space-awesome!
It's not Space-awesome, but close enough. I hope there'll be more of the Sidekicks. But even more I really want more Space Team.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't anywhere near as LOL as Space Team or Dan Deadman, but it's still an awesome read. Well worth the ridiculously low price and then some. Most Amazon published stuff is terrible and just horribly written, but Barry pulls them off so well that I love Space Team more than Harry Potter and it is my favourite book series. I just wish Prime Video would see that and turn it into a series rather than making so much of the rubbish they do make. And a Sidekicks movie would be great if Barry gets final day of course and he doesn't try a Rowling with the selling out.
It's not Space-awesome, but close enough. I hope there'll be more of the Sidekicks. But even more I really want more Space Team.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't anywhere near as LOL as Space Team or Dan Deadman, but it's still an awesome read. Well worth the ridiculously low price and then some. Most Amazon published stuff is terrible and just horribly written, but Barry pulls them off so well that I love Space Team more than Harry Potter and it is my favourite book series. I just wish Prime Video would see that and turn it into a series rather than making so much of the rubbish they do make. And a Sidekicks movie would be great if Barry gets final day of course and he doesn't try a Rowling with the selling out.
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