Star League: Lights, Camera, Action Hero

Star League: Lights, Camera, Action Hero by H.J Harper and illustrated by Nahum Ziersch (Random House)

PB RRP $8.95

ISBN 978-1-8647-1866-9  

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Star League is a new series for younger readers. It’s fresh, engaging and filled with little comic illustrations. Lights, Camera, Action Hero focuses on the leader, Jay Casey. He’s a child version of Arnold Schwarzenegger, doing action films since he was in nappies. His only family is his uncle who also doubles up as his agent. But it’s a lonely life for Jay away from the cameras. He doesn’t have any friends, let alone kids to hang out with.

That all changes when he gets to audition for what he thinks is an action movie. It turns out that he’s been invited to lead an awesome superhero group. He’s joined by Connor the werewolf, Asuka the ninja, Roger the zombie, S.A.M the robot and Leigh, someone who can control animals. Why would he be chosen to lead this bunch of freaks? Unfortunately he doesn’t have much time to wonder because the Star League is thrown into its first mission. They have to save Jay’s uncle from the clutches of Professor Pestilence.

The book’s a comic in words with loads of action. The slick illustrations are manga-fused and help propel the story along. Jay’s a natural born leader but he’s also got doubts. Readers will be beside him in every scene. The story is easily accessible for younger kids and will especially appeal to boys looking for something original that is not based on a TV show, not yet anyway! 

The other members of the Star League each get their own book in the series, though this one is a great place to start. Once kids finish this book, they’ll be hungry for more. Star League is recommended for ages 8 and up.