Faith

*Starred Review* Faith Herbert is starting over, with a new job, a secret identity, and a calling patrolling Los Angeles as the superhero, Zephyr. When people who have psychic tendencies start to disappear, Faith comes across a conspiracy that impacts her new life while also digging up remnants of her old one. Faith is that rare beast, a spin-off superhero title that stands fully on its own. Though Faith's past adventures as part of the Harbinger comics are acknowledged, they aren't required reading. Faith herself is a masterpiece, whereas she could easily be a caricature. She's plus-sized in a completely realistic way, though her curves in no way affect her ability to fight or fly. She's also an unabashed nerd girl, a fact celebrated gleefully by the creators in minute detail, from references to actor Chris Evans to the TV show Buffy to even a swear word from Madeleine L'Engle's A Wind in the Door (1973). The art is bright and cheerful when Faith is happy, hazy when Faith is daydreaming of rescuing hunky guys, and darkly dramatic when showing action scenes. This combination of great storytelling, wonderful characterization, and strong art makes this next-generation superhero a must-have for graphic novel collections.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2016 Booklist

Gr 7 Up-Faith Hebert, a psiotic (or person with superpowers) known as Zephyr, has relocated to Los Angeles in search of a fresh start. Once part of a group of psiotic humans (Harbinger Renegades), she now works as an unassuming entertainment blogger, Summer, eager to make her mark (as a journalist and superhero) yet conflicted about attracting attention. When her telekinetic powers (and the hacking ability of a friend) unearth other inactive psiotic beings who have mysteriously disappeared, Faith investigates. This is a modern twist on the classic superhero tale. Faith doesn't have the typical superheroine body type, dismantling stereotypes about what it means to be superpowered. While the plot doesn't deviate too far from the average superhero story, Faith is a self-aware protagonist, commenting on the common superhero tropes, and this selection is sure to spark conversations about body image and women in comics. VERDICT Recommended for all graphic novel fans and those interested in body positive characters.-Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Schools, IL © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.