Atomic Lucas
This short graphic novel opens with a stereotypical bullying scene – Lucas, our main character, duct-taped upside-down to his locker by the bullies and his “friend”, eco-warrior Julia hiding in her locker. Lucas, a skinny little kid with pale skin and huge glasses, is determined that nothing is going to ruin his thirteenth birthday, but soon finds himself stuck in detention with Julia. Julia, a tall, stocky girl dressed in all black with white hair dyed green that contrasts with her brown skin, is exasperated by Lucas, but goes along with his escape plan and helps him get home in time for his birthday dinner.
She’s startled by the tiny, run-down house where Lucas lives, but drops him off. Lucas enters and the house is revealed as a giant, maze-like mansion, complete with stuffy elderly butler. As Lucas searches for his parents, readers find out why he’s so excited about his birthday: Family tradition rules that he takes control of the magical Gloom Stone that grants wishes when he turns thirteen. He’s shocked and outraged when his parents, a wildly eccentric duo who are wrapped up in their own projects and his baby sister, decide he’s not mature enough to handle the stone.
Naturally, things get even more chaotic from this point with Lucas promptly proving his parents’ point, a talking stuffed cat named MewMew (sorry, majestic red panda), foolish wishes old and new, and even Julia getting mixed up in the story as she tries to get everyone to care as much as she does about climate change. Lucas optimistically thinks he can fix everything, until the true secret of the stone comes to light – even his optimism may not be enough to fix this disaster!
This graphic novel originates in France and the art and story have a slightly European flair. Lucas is a very young thirteen, especially compared to the graphic memoir-style comics like Raina Telgemeier. He wears a puffy-sleeved jacket, shorts, and has a mop of messy blue-black hair. His eyes always seem to be surprised and shocked by the consequences of his actions. Julia is a somewhat one-sided character; her aggressive “friendship” and gloomy demeanor are paired with her more mature appearance and it’s only near the end of the story that she shows concern for Lucas as a person outside her focus on climate change and teaching people, including Lucas, “a lesson.” The villain is a Victorian stereotype, complete with tall hat, mustache, and world-conquering plans.
This is a quick, fun read with plenty of humorous touches and a cliffhanger that leaves room for sequels. The comic panels are smaller and more detailed with a lighter palette than many kids are used to reading, but the book still pulls the reader along from each fresh wish and the disaster it brings. A light-hearted, humorous fantasy about the dangerous of wish-fulfillment that will attract readers who enjoy graphic novels and short, quick reads.
Atomic LucasÂ
By Pirate Sourcil
Art by Francesca Carita
Andrews McMeel, 2026
ISBN: 9798881601720
NFNT Age Recommendation: Middle Grade (7-11)
