Fantasy Sports No. 1 by Sam Bosma (review)

In this oversized graphic novel, Wiz-Kid, a girl who’s a smart wizard intern, wants to work with the massive Mug, who kills first and asks questions later, about as little as he wants to be paired with her. Nevertheless, the powers that be think the two could be good for each other, so off they go to raid tombs together. They soon encounter an ominous and cunning mummy who guards a temple filled with untold riches. Wiz is brilliant and Mug is fearless, and the two finally find their rhythm, realizing the complementarity of their strengths over the course of an epic game of basketball that will result in either their deaths or their glory. This offers excitement from the first page and plenty of vigor, crude and otherwise (a raised middle finger is a key, if understated, moment), to appeal to readers of a wide range of ages and abilities. The expressive illustrations reinforce the dramatic, action-driven text; color choices pair perfectly with each of the characters, with sizzling reds and oranges for angry, brutish Mug, lighter hues for pages featuring the calmer Wiz, and bruised greens for the pages where they encounter the ancient, decaying mummy and his minions. A sequel can’t come quickly enough, and fans across genres (fantasy, sports buffs, comics fans, and adventure readers) will likely all be eagerly waiting for it.