Johnny Hiro--Half Asian, All Hero

September 15, 2012

Things happen to Johnny Hiro, like when a Godzilla-type monster snatches Johnny's girlfriend Mayumi because her mother had humiliated the beast with a mecha-enhanced knockout blow decades earlier. Or when an innocent night at the opera coincides with a dust-up involving 47 office workers acting like avenging ronin. Or when his boss at the sushi restaurant orders Johnny to steal a special lobster from a rival chef. Or when New York's Mayor Bloomberg intercedes with Judge Judy in a lawsuit about the damage the monster did to Johnny's apartment building. Chao shines at detailed, sublime chaos, dealt out bit by bit in slightly cockeyed line art. Throughout, Johnny manages all at once to be heroic, an everyman shlub, and a sweetheart of a boyfriend to chirpy, new-immigrant Mayumi--who specializes in goofy Gracie Allen quips. VERDICT This guilty pleasure offers occasional existential wisdom, like this from Johnny's pal: "When things are calmest, I shouldn't forget to dig a bit so I bring more to the table. It just makes things richer." Chao's funny, acrobatic, and sweet treat should appeal to Japanophiles, New Yorkers, and lovers of slapstick action from teens through adults.--M.C.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.