Anh Do, An Unexpected Hero (Pow Pow Pig #1), Allen & Unwin, August 2021, 200 pp., RRP $15.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760526405
Pow Pow Pig 1: An Unexpected Hero is the latest action-packed graphic novel series, written by author, artist, and comedian, Ahn Do.
The story opens with Piccolo the Pig reflecting on the world changing events that have led to widespread poverty in the year 2025. Instantly, the reader is aware that the story has deep themes, however the humour of Ahn Do keeps it light, fun, and fast paced.
Piccolo’s scientist parents encourage him to join organisation called CHOC (Creatures Helping Other Creatures) in the hope he can train to be in the CHOC A team. Instead, he ends up in the Z team, however, makes great friends with his kitchen cleaning crew buddies Kung Fu Duck, Cha Cha Chicken and Barry the Goat. From there on Piccolo is known as Pow Pow Pig after practising his kung fu moves daily with his kitchen broom. The story follows the gang’s quest to go back in time and change the past event when rich animals voted to stop helping poor animals. The story ends abruptly encouraging readers to move onto the next book in the series (available in March 2022).
The illustrations are numerous which may help younger readers second guess any challenging words in the text.
This is a quick, fun read for fans of Wolf Girl books and Kung Fu Panda movies. For kids aged 6-10 years.
Reviewed by Stef Gemmill
