Captain Freedom

By G. Xavier Robillard
($13.99, HarperCollins)



You may believe that comic book superheroes are just that, but where do you think the stories come from? Naturally, they come from the real adventures of superheroes with special powers. Reading this book will reveal that their comic book contracts require they save the world a few times and perform extraordinary feats that can be translated onto pages for their adoring, buying public.

"Captain Freedom" is the debut novel of humorist G. Xavier Robillard, who writes for Comedy Central among other venues. In it, he captures the tongue-in-cheek humor in everyday occurrences, along with the usefulness of potholes in defeating a non-flying opponent in New York City. His satire is both social and political, as one nemesis proclaims, "There are cheaper ways to threaten geopolitical stability. Trick the United States into a war, for example."

We're entertained with the Captain's training of his sidekick, struggles against retirement from the comic industry, coordination of his own crime-fighting and secret-identity outfits, and the difficulties of finding a suitable arch-nemesis. Through it all, we realize his mantra, "Keep Freedom Free." What a concept.

Mary Burns is the owner of The BookWORKS, located at 1510 Third Street, downtown Marysville, 360.659.4997, or online at www.marysvillebookworks.com. Comments or requests are welcome at [email protected].