The lost carnival A Dick Grayson graphic novel

Gr 7 Up--Moreci and Milledge offer a version of Dick Grayson we don't often see: Dick as a restless teenage acrobat in Haly's Circus, performing with his family, the Flying Graysons. When an alluring new circus sets up in town, Dick finds himself caught between loyalty to his own circus family and attraction to the Lost Carnival. Complicating matters is the beautiful, powerful, and mournful Luciana, a young woman mysteriously intertwined with the Lost Carnival. To save his friends, Dick will have to solve this supernatural mystery and face betrayal from someone he trusts. Even those with no familiarity with the DC universe or characters will appreciate this one-shot, stand-alone story. In content and tone, this tale is reminiscent of titles in the DC Ink imprint, such as Danielle Paige's Mera: Tidebreaker and Lauren Myracle's Under the Moon. Milledge's expressive art has a brooding feel; clear and easy to follow, it makes effective use of panel positioning and sizing. The palette shifts to indicate changing scenes. VERDICT A solid introduction to the creepy side of the DC universe. Those who enjoy this book may want to explore other mystical DC tales, such as those starring Zatanna or John Constantine.--Tammy Ivins, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Welcome, one and all, to the marvelous Haly's Circus, home of the dazzling Flying Graysons! Summer's arrived for young Dick Grayson, who feels trapped performing alongside his mother and father as part of Haly's legendary act. Dwindling attendance numbers, however, offer much to worry about. Haly's fortunes take a turn for the worse when a competing carnival sets up nearby. Crowds flock over to the Lost Carnival, a world "of unexplainable delights, and unfathomable dangers." Dick quickly falls hard for the magical Luciana, a girl with a tragic, mysterious past, and the smitten pair soon embark on a summer romance destined for heartache. As tensions flare up between the circus and carnival, Dick notices something off about the otherworldly carnival. When his best friend, Willow, falls prey to a powerful spell, Dick must unearth the truth. In this brooding coming-of-age tale, Moreci's portrait of Dick from the early days before he met Batman gives prominence to his relationship with his parents and, by extension, his life at Haly's and the independence he craves. Though Luciana exists more as Dick's dream girl than a fully fledged character, their professed hopes and doubts prove to be startlingly moving. The moody artwork--awash in glum blues for Dick and golden yellows for Luciana--nicely reinforces the tale's themes. Both Luciana and Willow are girls of color in an almost entirely white cast. A must-read for fans of a blossoming hero. (Graphic fantasy. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.