SUPERWORLD

Z-Team rises once again to face Dr. Destructo in a climactic spankdown.

Falling back on tried-and-true themes of friendship and family ties, the Cheneys finish off their duology in an extended, exhilarating rush of comic-book violence. Events in the opener have left the archvillain powerful enough to transform Superopolis into Destructo World and drive its superhero residents into hiding. Consumed with guilt for letting it happen and shocked to find even his own school suddenly changed into a Villain Academy where bullies rule, uniquely un-super Noah resolves to get his gang of protective super friends back together for an assault on the villainous headquarters, Dr. Destructo’s Center for Peace Through World Domination. As hordes of minions armed with switching cannons that change superheroes into (for example) super sock-puppets and super-chickens await, ready to “kick some hero sit-biscuits,” the odds look steep. Still, after many a narrow squeak and high-tech mega blast, plus some unexpected help from both family members and an army of weaponized senior citizens, the day is saved. Cue the hugs! The illustrator crams much of the space around nearly every page of narrative with crowds or close-up views of soft-focus, matte-surfaced 3D figures, mostly in battle armor or dramatic costumes. Noah is light-skinned; the supporting super cast contains some racial diversity.

Rousing enough to get readers off their sit-biscuits.