Reading: QUINCREDIBLE VOL. 1 - Rodney Barnes (writer), Selina Espiritu (illustrator)

Quinton West is a smart high school kid in New Orleans, handy with gadgets and trying to get by without getting beaten up by bullies in a city that's grown tough in the wake of Katrina and its aftermath (including lack of government support), not to mention all that's come since. One of those other disasters - a strange meteor shower - has imbued certain citizens of New Orleans with various superpowers, and now these extraordinary individuals work to make the city a better place ... while Quin has remained silent about his own experience with the meteor shower which, since that night, has left Quin has been invulnerable to pain. No matter what he does or who beats him up, Quinton can feel it but none of it causes him any harm. Problem is, how to turn this into a superpower worthy of him taking his place among those protecting the city? Because Quin loves his city, and hates what it's turning into; the sinister, politically-motivated machinations that oppress the average citizens, making them angry to the point of being oh-so-ready to strike back - often at each other, and in violent ways. Finding a mentor in local superhero Glow, Quin slowly learns how to use his assets with gadgetry, along with his invulnerability power, to help take down those oppressing his city, not realizing that the more visible he is, the more he puts himself in the sights of those with the money, power and lack of compassion to stop his noble quest. Quincredible Vol. 1 weaves important social commentary into the story of a young African-American man wanting to tip the scales back into balance without anyone shedding blood to do it, and while the story and its political leanings sometime overshadow its main character, there is so much to like about Quinton West, one can hope he's allowed to shine even more in future volumes. Having gotten strong Peter Parker/Spider-man vibes while reading this graphic novel, I for one am really hoping Quin gets that chance; have already grown to love the guy.  4/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.