Don “TheDragonWilson” Jones and Sam Steadman are star-crossed lovers, quite literally when those stars are caused by punches and kicks, in this ode to young love, 80s culture, and martial arts movies.
Karate Prom is a young adult graphic novel about a boy and a girl who meet at a fighting tournament, go to prom, fall in love, and cannot seem to escape fighting for their lives every moment they are together.
At the All City Karate Tournament, Don Jones rushes into his first fight of the tournament and is shell-shocked by the beauty of Sam Steadman before she knocks him out with a flying kick. Sam is then defeated by Don’s ex-friend Luke, who also happened to be her date to the prom until he dumped her. Bonding over snow cones and martial arts, Don and Sam make a connection that leads to Sam asking Don to be her date to prom instead…and then the real action begins.
In retaliation for humiliating him during his attempt to interrupt Sam and Don’s snow cone date, Luke hires reinforcements to help pummel Don and Sam at prom. From there, the story is one humorous and off-the-wall action extravaganza. Character and plot take a back seat to non-stop brawls and showdowns. Each opponent Don and Sam face are references to 80s martial arts movies. The eponymous prom is the initial location for the chaotic fighting action; however, the story, and more fighting, continues to the prom after-party and even to graduation, where the ultimate showdown occurs.
Kyle Starks’ art in Karate Prom is vibrant and cartoonish, a style that lends itself well to the humorous and over-the-top plot. In some panels, the art feels a little too rushed, and not in an intentional way, but the story is so action-oriented that it still works.
One minor issue, which seems silly to address considering Karate Prom is an homage to 80s martial arts films, is the inclusion of ninjas as nothing more than a faceless group hired by the main adversary. To be fair, the plot and characters as a whole are not overly deep, but Starks redeems several characters throughout the story. To portray the ninjas as a simple callback to enemy lackeys attacking the heroes seemed like a missed opporunity.
Though the dedication to action over character and plot leaves the story lacking, Karate Prom is such a fun ride that the lack of development can be forgiven. Starks imbues the characters with just enough heart and personality that they are more than simple caricatures. And truthfully, if it had more plot and less action, it would not exactly be honoring 80s action movies, would it?
Karate Prom has a publisher rating of ages 14-18. While the art gives the appearance that the book is silly and comedic, which it is, there are several scenes and innuendos throughout that gear the story to an older age group. Adults who are looking for a light read with a nostalgic vibe might enjoy Karate Prom as well.
Karate Prom
By Kyle Starks
Macmillan First Second, 2024
ISBN: 9781250868664
Publisher Age Rating: 14-18
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18)
