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Book Information

Title: Fort Solitude – Secret Hero Society

Author: Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen

Series: Yes – Book #2

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genres: Graphic Novel, Superhero (DC), Action and Adventure, Mystery, Humor

Publisher & Published Date: Scholastic Inc. 2017, 175 pages

Book Summary

“Clark Kent is thrilled when he receives an invite to a spring break academic retreat. After taking down the villains of Ducard Academy the previous year, going back to life on the farm was a bit dull. Better yet, his friends Bruce and Diana have been invited there, too! What better way to spend spring break than with old friends (Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn) and new ones like Arthur Curry (Aquaman), Barry Allen (the Flash), and Vic Stone (Cyborg)?

When Clark arrives at Camp Evergreen he makes new friends, reconnects with old ones, and nothing seems weird at all! Well, that is until kids start disappearing... One by one... Plus, there's a lake monster, bigfoot has been spotted, there are reports of a boogeyman, and there may or may not be a UFO crashed into the lake. Clark, Bruce, and Diana will have to re-assemble the Junior Detective - er- Criminal Investigation Unit, in an all-new, supernatural adventure!”

Book Review

The second installment in this children's graphic novel series is an exciting read, and fans of the first book will not be disappointed. Whereas the first story's point-of-view was Bruce, this second book is Clark's perspective. I love that you can tell the difference between the two – in the first book, the letters, notes, and journals were short and to the point (just like Bruce), and in contrast, the ones in this novel are long and well-written (just like Clark). It's a nice touch from the authors that DC fans are sure to appreciate.

The story is set in the summer after the leading trio went to Ducard Academy and all three receive invitations to attend the Evergreen Adventure Camp. Clark and Diana are, naturally, excited and have to drag Bruce along on this adventure. They meet many new friends, including Barry Allen, Victor Stone, Arthur Curry, and Oliver Queen, but eventually discover that not everything is as it seems. Campers are disappearing, rumors of strange creatures lurking around, and they cannot communicate with the outside world for help. It's up to the Big Three – along with their new friends – to solve the mystery and save their fellow campers.

Just like the previous novel, there are plenty of hints, and Easter Eggs tucked within the pages of this graphic novel (there's a brief mention of a trident fork that Arthur briefly possesses and some notes about Selina's stealth skills). There's also a cameo from Lois in this book – yay! – which made me smile. The plot is fun and entertaining, and there is plenty of mystery, humor, and adventure to go around. Although it helps to have read the first story before you read this one, it isn't an absolute necessity. Again, the story's highlight is Clark, Bruce, and Diana, how they interact, and the funny and heartwarming moments between them. There's Diana's competitive and mischievous side when she wants to push Bruce into the lake (and eventually succeeds); Bruce being sassy and salty as all get-out all the time; Clark taking pictures of the whole thing and generally being a complete cinnamon-roll. It is clear that the three friends have formed a strong bond, trust each other, and work well together.

The book's first critique is that the plot ends rather abruptly, and there is not as much suspense as "Study Hall of Justice." I feel like it could have gone on longer, but it didn't. The other complaint is that sometimes it is hard to tell who is who in the drawings. Because there's no color (sigh), they look pretty similar. Unless there are little clues next to their pictures – like a fish for Arthur or an arrowhead for Oliver – you can't distinguish between everyone wearing everyday clothes. That being said, I enjoyed reading this book, and I can't wait to see what new adventure Clark, Diana, and Bruce go on next! Knowing these three, trouble is just around the corner.

Memorable Quotes

“I hate to admit, I might have to start thinking like Bruce. Or at least listening to him. Pa always said when there are holes in the field … start kicking over rocks to find those gophers. It looks like we’ll have to kick some rocks.” – Clark

“We either win together … or we lose together.” – Clark

“But a place like this is better with a team. Shared with friends.” – Clark “Whoa, slow down! I work better alone … with one or two others. But mostly alone. What we just went through was a horrible experience. This camp revealed each of our weaknesses.” - Bruce “I think it revealed our strengths.” – Diana “And coming together as a team.” - Clark