Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson (review)

Young Chester is terribly bored and his ghostly pal Simon refuses to play, instead frantically typing away at a detective story. The relentless Chester finally manages to catch Simon's attention with a dusty old jacket and deerstalker hat; now the game is afoot as the two novice sleuths take on the "Case of the Mysterious Pug" after an adorably pudgy pug turns up in their kitchen. Chester is sure some simple fliers would work, but Simon gets the red string and bulletin board out, crafting an elaborate backstory for Von Curly Tail and setting himself up for emotional downfall when it turns out the dog belongs to Chester's grandma's friend. This gem of an early grade graphic novel balances blatant goofiness with droll humor, and the straightforward plot gives it easy appeal but also makes for some entertaining sendups of the gumshoe genre, with Simon obsessing over crafting just the right kind of moodiness for their new office and reading far too much into obvious clues. The art recalls the gleeful effervescence of Winick's Hilo series with slick, saturated color and focused action, and marshmallow-like Simon is parallel only to Von Curly Tail in cuteness. Aspiring detectives may not find a professional mentor in the two pals, but they'll find plenty of good fun.