The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from DC Comcis via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: The Lost Carnival: A Dick Grayson Graphic Novel
Author: Michael Moreci 
Artists: Sas Milledge & Phil Hester
Release Date: May 5, 2020


Synopsis: Before Batman trained him to be Robin, Dick Grayson discovered the power of young love--and its staggering costs--at the dangerous, magical, and utterly irresistible Lost Carnival.

Haly's traveling circus no longer has the allure of its glamorous past, but it still has one main attraction: the Flying Graysons, a family of trapeze artists starring a teenage Dick Grayson. The only problem is that Dick loathes spending his summers performing tired routines for a dwindling crowd.

When the Lost Carnival, a wild and enchanting new attraction, opens nearby and threatens to pull Haly's remaining customers, Dick is among those drawn to its magical nighttime glow. But there are forces ancient and dangerous at work at the Lost Carnival, and when Dick meets the mysterious Luciana and her carnival workers--each stranger than the last--he may be too mesmerized to recognize the danger ahead.

Beneath the carnival's dazzling fireworks, Dick must decide who he is and who he wants to be--choosing between loyalty to his family history and a glittering future with new friends and romance. Writer Michael Moreci and artist Sas Milledge redefine Dick Grayson in The Lost Carnival, a young adult graphic novel exploring the power and magic of young love.

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Review: I really like these YA graphic novels coming from DC featuring younger versions of well known characters. This book features Dick Grayson, most well known as Batman's Robin. 

This book features Dick Grayson working with his parents at the circus for the summer. It's set in modern times. I like the modern difficulties shown for circuses. They're competing with the internet and big name performances. 

A mysterious carnival appears near the circus. Dick Grayson learns about this odd carnival and it leads to some interesting things. I really liked the way color is used in this book, especially between the two. Blues are used for the circus. Reds and yellows are used for the unusual carnival. 

This is a really fun story. The connection to the Batman universe is not necessary. If Dick Grayson had  different name, I think this story would still be just as great. Knowing what will happen to characters like Dick's parents and knowing Dick's future life as a superhero almost takes away or hinders from the story because you know certain things are not going to happen within this story. There aren't as many opportunities to take this story to interesting places. 

I give this book a 4/5. It's a fun story, but the connection to Batman almost takes away from it. 


--PAUL