Unicorn Boy

Starred review from January 8, 2024
Roman (the Astronaut Academy series) concocts a fanciful journey of self-discovery in this charming and introspective graphic novel. Brian Reyes—the eponymous Unicorn Boy who is depicted with brown skin—is an ordinary kid who finds his world turned upside down when, one day, a mysterious bump on his head morphs into a sparkling, singing unicorn horn. Brian’s newfound spike initially shakes his confidence, but when his pale-skinned, nonbinary best friend Avery is kidnapped by shadow creatures, Brian intuits that his powers are a gift meant to save them. An eclectic cast of misfits, including a life coach by way of a talking breakfast muffin, a sassy black cat looking to spare one of its nine lives, and an underworld gondolier who accepts payment via app, enliven the goofy premise while providing useful life lessons to Brian as he slowly accepts his unique mission. Roman’s cartoony illustrations are zesty, and irreverent dialogue juxtaposes a serious moral core with silly puns and wordplay. Underlying themes of self-love, friendship, and acceptance, and the responsible use of great power, make this superhero-adjacent series opener ideal for readers seeking an upbeat blend of magic and character growth. Ages 8–12.

Starred review from January 15, 2024
A boy inexplicably sprouts a unicorn horn and performs fantastic feats for the sake of friendship. Brian Reyes initially tries to ignore the horn and the taunts of "Unicorn Boy." But he ponders the protrusion's potential when a muffin starts talking to him and he realizes he can soar through the air; he also instantly grows a pink-purple mane. His abilities are brought to bear when his best friend, Avery Henson, is sucked into a backyard vortex. Avery has always been shy Brian's protector, but now Brian must summon his courage and rescue his friend. He bravely follows, his self-confidence growing as he descends ever deeper into an underworld occupied by mythical characters and talking cats. Will Unicorn Boy be able to face off against the cruel, controlling Skull-King? This promising series starter benefits from Roman's cartooning talents. His streamlined, bold, and bright artwork immerses readers in Brian's world. The story zigzags between characters and mini-challenges, providing thrills even as Brian's quest and Avery's fate seem dire. Gentle throughlines emphasize the value of devoted friendship and the joy of understanding oneself through storytelling; Unicorn Boy's legend is literally written in a magical book he carries as he delves deeper into his own story. Brian is olive-skinned and cued Latine; Avery presents white and is genderfluid. At once a silly, sweet escapade and a dramatic tale of self-discovery in one's own powers. (Graphic fantasy. 8-13)

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Starred review from March 1, 2024

Gr 3-8-Brian Reyes is "totally normal" for the first few years of his life...but then he grows a unicorn horn, meets a talking muffin that is actually a cursed wizard, and his best friend Avery is taken by the Skull-King. Comics-loving, nonbinary Avery has always been a staunch friend, so naturally Brian has to travel to the underworld with a black cat to rescue them. Fortunately, Mandrake Maggie and Lorraine, the Gran Reaper, are on Brian's side. Brian's unicorn horn provides a soundtrack to the adventure (it sings), and along the way, he learns to believe in magic and in himself and use his powers to help others. His actions as narrated omniciently into a volume called "The Legend of Unicorn Boy" (a la Seven-Day Magic by Edward Eager), and with a lot of blank pages at the end, there's room for a sequel. Most pages have five panels, with vibrant colors, except for the Skull-King's backstory, which is sepia-toned. Brian has brown skin and dark brown hair; Avery has pale skin, blond hair, and earrings. VERDICT With the humor of Meggie Ramm's Batcat and the layered hero's journey of Ben Hatke's Things in the Basement, this is a true hero of a tale.-Jenny Arch

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