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G-Man #1
G-Man Volume 1: Learning To Fly
From the creator of the sold-out Mini-Marvels digests comes the first G-Man digest Writer/artist Chris Giarrusso continues his signature Mini-Marvels brand of comics with G-Man and his pals, the next wave of all-new kid super-heroes Collects the sold-out G-Man one-shot, the G-Man Christmas Story, an extensive collection of Comic Bits comic strips, and more.
96 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews
October 30, 2020
This book was hilarious. This story follows G Man as he learns to fly and develop his other super hero abilities to fight crime. There is some questionable humor but it is not presented in a way that seems to encourage students to repeat the behavior. It is presented in a way that most readers would agree is wrong (like G Man's older brother constantly making fun of him). I would recommend this to students in second grade during independent reading time.
August 4, 2012
I definitely enjoyed this one, and I had to keep grabbing it back from my sons (who were reading it multiple times).
While it seems like a silly "Kids hero" comic, it really packed in a lot of intriguing concepts. It has the whole multiple universes concept going toward the end, which would be an interesting way to introduce those physics concepts.
Only real drawback? Zero female characters. You see some in passing during a hero camp, but they aren't ever in the forefront. This is only volume 1, so maybe in future volumes?
While it seems like a silly "Kids hero" comic, it really packed in a lot of intriguing concepts. It has the whole multiple universes concept going toward the end, which would be an interesting way to introduce those physics concepts.
Only real drawback? Zero female characters. You see some in passing during a hero camp, but they aren't ever in the forefront. This is only volume 1, so maybe in future volumes?
October 1, 2015
I think the book really surprised me by how he had wrote the adventure and how hard thing where when he was trying to learn how to fly.
In the beginning of the book G-man was reading a book how to fly, because he had a really had a passion to fly. So the next day G-man had a magic cape that had made him fly, and so hi dad is grumpy,mean,and weird so if someone had stepped on his grass he would have made a big deal out of it, but he had on the magic cape. So his dad had started screaming that you are on my lawn but G-man told his father that he was flying,then his father had looked down and than his dad was surprised that he was flying. While G-man was in the air he had met some mean robot and a captain "the captain had said the sky is my turf so go away or else I will zap you".Then after a while while they where talking the captain had zapped G-man,then G-man had fell from sky to ground.His brother (Dave) had came along the captains turf and the captain had said the same thing "this is my turf" then the captain had zapped Dave,but Dave was resistance to electricity so mean while Dave had beat up captain thunder man.
In the beginning of the book G-man was reading a book how to fly, because he had a really had a passion to fly. So the next day G-man had a magic cape that had made him fly, and so hi dad is grumpy,mean,and weird so if someone had stepped on his grass he would have made a big deal out of it, but he had on the magic cape. So his dad had started screaming that you are on my lawn but G-man told his father that he was flying,then his father had looked down and than his dad was surprised that he was flying. While G-man was in the air he had met some mean robot and a captain "the captain had said the sky is my turf so go away or else I will zap you".Then after a while while they where talking the captain had zapped G-man,then G-man had fell from sky to ground.His brother (Dave) had came along the captains turf and the captain had said the same thing "this is my turf" then the captain had zapped Dave,but Dave was resistance to electricity so mean while Dave had beat up captain thunder man.
August 7, 2013
A super-fun, very cute middle grade gateway book into the world of superheroes. This is more an omnibus-style book than anything, with two longer-form stories and a pile of small two-page tales about a young boy who gets superpowers and his superhero friends.
It's really a throwback to when I remember getting Richie Rich and Lil' Devil comics when I was younger, with goofy 3rd grade humor and slapstick comedic violence with massive guns and massive heroes/villains to go with it. I probably read the entire thing with a massive smile on my face, and I was actually pretty sad when it was over. Volume 2 can't come soon enough.
Great for anyone who likes superheroes. Great for anyone who knows kids who love superheroes. Great for anyone.
It's really a throwback to when I remember getting Richie Rich and Lil' Devil comics when I was younger, with goofy 3rd grade humor and slapstick comedic violence with massive guns and massive heroes/villains to go with it. I probably read the entire thing with a massive smile on my face, and I was actually pretty sad when it was over. Volume 2 can't come soon enough.
Great for anyone who likes superheroes. Great for anyone who knows kids who love superheroes. Great for anyone.
June 13, 2015
Because this collection has short stories, single-page stories and even single strip cartoons (along with a longer story), I think it would make a good mentor text for the students' comics in Bitstrips. http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/
July 17, 2019
This is pretty close to a perfect kid's comic: funny with a good bit of action and relatable characters that mock the genre and suburban life with just the right stingy touch.
October 17, 2024
Similar to the Tiny Titans. A little older and less funny.
June 24, 2009
Had I realized when I met him that this was the person who did Bullpen Bits, I probably would have fangirled out and been escorted from the premises. As it was, I simply thanked him for the ARC and told him that teens and kids in libraries adore comics and graphic novels and that it is nice to see more geared toward them.
This volume has the same humor as Bullpen Bits/Mini-Marvels, fully fleshed world and characters, but silly almost slapstick jokes and situations. It's pretty much a delight. This volume includes an origin story, several short vignettes and one longer plot (involving alternate universes and other classic comic tropes!)
The nature of child superheroes that act both like heroes AND like normal children make it a perfect read for children, but the riffs on comic cliches make it a great read for comic fans of all ages. It would be interesting to read this along with Scott Pilgrim in a Teen program, so you can explore "geek culture" in everyday life, what is an homage and what is a parody, discuss if something works ONLY if you know the source material or if it is successful as a cold read etc.
This volume has the same humor as Bullpen Bits/Mini-Marvels, fully fleshed world and characters, but silly almost slapstick jokes and situations. It's pretty much a delight. This volume includes an origin story, several short vignettes and one longer plot (involving alternate universes and other classic comic tropes!)
The nature of child superheroes that act both like heroes AND like normal children make it a perfect read for children, but the riffs on comic cliches make it a great read for comic fans of all ages. It would be interesting to read this along with Scott Pilgrim in a Teen program, so you can explore "geek culture" in everyday life, what is an homage and what is a parody, discuss if something works ONLY if you know the source material or if it is successful as a cold read etc.
August 7, 2019
We found G-Man after reading Giarrusso's Mini Marvels, a set of tales about Marvel Universe characters. G-Man is his creator-owned series about two brothers who acquire superpowers from a magic blanket. Their last name is G, so they become G-Man and Great Man. The first book is a compendium of short stories, then the second book kicks off a longer story arc that continues into the third book. It's so fun, and so funny. Giarrusso really knows what he's doing as both a writer and an artist.
There are a couple of warning labels on this one from us to you, though. (1) It's very realistic about the fighting between siblings. Almost too realistic. Like, since my son has no siblings and we read this to him when he was very young, we actually skipped the "Mean Brother / Idiot Brother" mini-comics that present as drawn by the kids, because I just didn't want to introduce that vibe to his life. (2) He did get completely spooked by part of the third book, where the art style changes and the brothers think they're dead. When he re-read it a couple years later, he read it with no issues.
There are a couple of warning labels on this one from us to you, though. (1) It's very realistic about the fighting between siblings. Almost too realistic. Like, since my son has no siblings and we read this to him when he was very young, we actually skipped the "Mean Brother / Idiot Brother" mini-comics that present as drawn by the kids, because I just didn't want to introduce that vibe to his life. (2) He did get completely spooked by part of the third book, where the art style changes and the brothers think they're dead. When he re-read it a couple years later, he read it with no issues.
March 16, 2014
This is a compilation of the initial comic stories about how G-Man and his brother, Great Man, get super strength and the ability to fly. Intermingled between sections are some comic bits, such as cartoons 'drawn' by the main characters. I did enjoy seeing the Savage Dragon from the Image comic universe; I used to collect a lot of Image comics when they started back in the '90s.
I liked the artwork quite a bit. Nice, clean line drawings with bold, colorful inkwork. It's very appealing visually, and that's what drew me in. Still, while I often laugh at things meant to get a young kid or middle schooler to chuckle, the humor in G-Man didn't do it for me. The storyline was also just okay for me.
My 7th grade son that loves graphic novels didn't even want to read this one (it looked too silly), so I can't tell if it's just me and my age that made things less-than-funny for me. Still, I'm guessing that this will go over well with the younger set, especially fans of graphic novels/comics and kids as superheroes.
I liked the artwork quite a bit. Nice, clean line drawings with bold, colorful inkwork. It's very appealing visually, and that's what drew me in. Still, while I often laugh at things meant to get a young kid or middle schooler to chuckle, the humor in G-Man didn't do it for me. The storyline was also just okay for me.
My 7th grade son that loves graphic novels didn't even want to read this one (it looked too silly), so I can't tell if it's just me and my age that made things less-than-funny for me. Still, I'm guessing that this will go over well with the younger set, especially fans of graphic novels/comics and kids as superheroes.
June 15, 2010
I picked this up from Chris Giarrusso at HeroesCon, mostly because I felt guilty asking for a free headshot sketch and not giving him any money. I've been a fan of his hilarious "Mini Marvels" strips for a long time, with their gentle mockery of Marvel characters and plots, but I wasn't sure how I'd feel about his original work. Luckily, I had no reason to be worried. G-Man is hilarious, all-ages fun, with well-paced jokes and cleverness that makes light of both superheroism and the trials and tribulations of being a kid -- annoying siblings, homework, bullies, and more. My only complaint is the lack of female characters -- this is very clearly a book for little boys, and it makes me sad that little girls (who I believe could really enjoy this) don't have a similar point of identification. But for what it is, it's a really great collection of stories and strips, and I recommend it to all Mini Marvels fans.
March 25, 2013
I read a good but short review of this that got me to check it out, then let it sit around for a while since the cover and packaging didn't get me very excited. I should have trusted the review and dove right in, because it was much better than I expected; not just better, it was good.
The first third of this volume is a single, complete story, with the rest being a series of shorter (and mini) stories about the same characters. G-Man lives a world where everyone has superpowers. In that sense, this is a mild send-up of superhero comics, with plenty of jokes about the conventions of the genre. Since everyone is super-powered, though, situations and interpersonal dynamics end up being very relatable and realistic. G-Man enjoys hanging out with his group of friends and constantly fights with his older brother. They deal with bullies, a demanding dad, crushes, celebrity worship, summer camp, and more. Entertaining and engaging.
The first third of this volume is a single, complete story, with the rest being a series of shorter (and mini) stories about the same characters. G-Man lives a world where everyone has superpowers. In that sense, this is a mild send-up of superhero comics, with plenty of jokes about the conventions of the genre. Since everyone is super-powered, though, situations and interpersonal dynamics end up being very relatable and realistic. G-Man enjoys hanging out with his group of friends and constantly fights with his older brother. They deal with bullies, a demanding dad, crushes, celebrity worship, summer camp, and more. Entertaining and engaging.
March 25, 2013
Mikey is determined to unlock his powers--specifically his power to fly, and in this hilarious first volume, he manages to do just that with the help of how-to book. Oh, and of course--the magic blanket. There are a few bumps along the way, but he is soon soaring into super-hero history. Laugh-out-loud funny, with tons of boy appeal. My only complaint is the relatively short story was supplemented with lots of strip-style short stories. I enjoyed them all, but I would have preferred one or two longer stories.
July 6, 2009
I liked this comic because it had funny adventures, like the christmas tree of doom, and levitate. This is about a boy in a super hero world, but he has no powers, so he reads a book that's called 'how to fly', he suddenly learns, that al he needs is his magic blanket, so he puts it on as a cape. And he flies to school with a proud atitude. But lightning shocks G-man, it was Kid Thunder, the son of Captain Thunderman. To be continued...
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March 16, 2011How don’t more people know about this book?! From the creator of Mini-Marvels (which I LOVE). Crazy funny, and surprisingly realistic portrayal of what it’s like to not exactly get along with your sibling...well, plus a lot more super powers. My fav: The comics drawn by the characters themselves, scenes from two points of view. The “Stop Hitting Yourself!” one in particular is genius! (Strip #3 on this page: http://www.chrisgcomics.com/mbib.html)
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March 16, 2011How don’t more people know about this book?! From the creator of Mini-Marvels (which I LOVE). Crazy funny, and surprisingly realistic portrayal of what it’s like to not exactly get along with your sibling...well, plus a lot more super powers. My fav: The comics drawn by the characters themselves, scenes from two points of view. The “Stop Hitting Yourself!” one in particular is genius! (Strip #3 on this page: http://www.chrisgcomics.com/mbib.html)
July 3, 2015
This was a very fun graphic novel about kid superheroes in a world where superpowers are common. This would be great for an elementary-aged kid (grades 3-6) who likes The Incredibles, or who might like prose novels The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy or Powerless & sequels. There's quite a lot of sibling banter in here too, which might go over well with fans of Raina Telgemeier's Sisters.
September 11, 2009
Wonderful, fantastic comedy about kid superheroes. Giarrusso's goofy sense of humor makes every page of this book sharp, funny, and a wonder to behold. This is a truly rare comic -- it'll be just as funny for the adults as it will for the kids. If you miss Giarrusso's work on the Mini-Marvels, you need to pick this up.
October 4, 2012
Let me start with this - if you like superheroes and you like to laugh, or at least grin and giggle a little bit, I recommend this series. G-Man and his brother, Great Man, are fledgeling superheroes, dealing with both the world of superheroics and the world of elementary school. The comedy is quite funny while being appropriate for children. this was an enjoyable read from start to finish.
July 16, 2015
I meant Chris Giarrusso at ALA and was wondering why I had not heard of his work prior to now. I picked up this one and found I really enjoyed the longer story and the single strips by the characters. The comic bits are more like reading a series of comic strips and though they were fun, I found myself wanting more of the longer story. Definitely will look for more of them.
November 22, 2015
I didn't want to rate this lower than a 3 because it's definitely a matter of personal opinion. I've finally gotten into graphic novels and this one reads more like a comic book, which apparently doesn't jive well with my comprehension skills or general interest. Would love to hear what a kid thought of this... For me, all over the place and hard to read.
September 28, 2010
Good art with some pretty good gags. My favorite part was how Giarrusso nails the brother's relationship, and their dad was classic. Superior to Tiny Titans in my opinion.
July 28, 2011
Really cute. Not just for kids...
April 7, 2012
G-Man is hilarious! And it has a pretty fun plot too. The characters are great. Full marks all round for G-man
June 4, 2013
A great book for young readers or comic book fans.
August 18, 2013
I'd never heard of this book before but am so glad I grabbed it from the library. My 3-year-old and I had a blast reading it and we'll be looking for more by Chris Giarrusso soon.
August 28, 2018
A cute story that I think the younger audiences will enjoy and maybe relate to. A good start if you're looking to get children to read graphic novels.
June 6, 2015
Good superhero graphic novel--best for probably grades 4-6.
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October 31, 2017it was good i wish it was longer
Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews