Sidekicks: A Graphic Novel - by Dan Santat (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets--he hasn't even noticed they've been developing superpowers of their own! So when he announces that he needs a sidekick, his eager pets--a dog, a cat, a hamster, and a chameleon--all decide to audition for the part and a chance for some one-on-one time with the Captain. But Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing's longtime nemesis, is hatching up an evil scheme, and the Captain is in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save Captain Amazing and Metro City?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Caldecott Medalist, National Book Award Winner, and New York Times bestselling creator Dan Santat returns to Sidekicks! This expanded edition includes a brand-new cover and sixteen pages of a never-before-seen epilogue! Suit up for high-octane action and laughs!

Captain Amazing is searching for a sidekick!

Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets -- he hasn't even noticed they've been developing superpowers of their own!

So when he announces that he needs a sidekick, his eager pets -- a dog, a cat, a hamster, and a chameleon -- all decide to audition for the part and a chance for some one-on-one time with the Captain.

But Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing's longtime nemesis, is hatching up an evil scheme, and the Captain is in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save Captain Amazing and Metro City?

Review Quotes

"Hilarious and heartfelt... A charming and well-told tale about friendship." -- Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet

"The lovable menagerie of crime-fighting pets offers lots of laughs and a boisterous and exuberant storyline; Santat's illustrations are clear, engaging, and neatly stacked into easy-to-read panels." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Lively, insightful, and just plain fun, this convergence of capes and creatures will find a wide audience in animal lovers and superhero fans alike." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A superhero story that is skillfully plotted and artfully executed at every turn. Sidekicks is a graphic novel that plays on classic comic storylines, yet manages to make them completely modern. A dangerously entertaining mix... Santat's vivid artwork will turn heads. Dramatic full-color illustrations splash across each page, the energy palpable. Wide-angle panels give off a cinematic vibe that kids will eat up." -- School Library Journal

"Well-crafted art balances the lighthearted and the rough-and-tumble and works equally well for the character moments and the epic battle at the end. Santat also cleverly uses the action to highlight the importance of smarts over simple brawn. Though not as emotionally intense, the combination of drama and superhero action compares favorably with The Incredibles." -- Booklist

Praise for Sidekicks: Thick as Thieves:

An Amazon Best Book of 2026 So Far

★ "Santat's sequel is an absolute gem that blends a thrilling (and uniquely quirky) superhero tale with an endearing exploration of found family... A purr-fect graphic tale full of tail-wagging, fur-raising excitement as well as heart and substance." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This newly relaunched series is sure to capitalize on the popularity of comics and superheroes, the author's reputation for kid-friendly work, and the same blend of adventure, mischief, and humor that appeals to fans of Aaron Blabey'sThe Bad Guys." -- The Horn Book Magazine

Praise for The Aquanaut:

An American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children

★ "Kinetic panel artwork impresses throughout, with smart pacing that swings between hilarity and suspense." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The art in this graphic tale is something special... Santat's vividly expressive visuals are, even more than usual, riveting." -- Kirkus Reviews

"An endearing tale of love, loss, and the value of family -- biological and found." -- School Library Journal

"Poignant and often funny, The Aquanaut is Santat's triumphant return to the graphic novel genre." -- NPR

"A spirited and thrilling story." -- Shelf Awareness

"A humorous and heartwarming tale." -- BookPage

About the Author

Dan Santat is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, which won the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2015. He is also the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Aquanaut, and his graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything, was the 2023 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature. His art is featured in numerous children's books, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series as well as picture books by Henry Winkler and Jake Gyllenhaal. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and pets. Visit him online at dansantatbooks.com.