Dylan the Villain by K. G. Campbell (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Dylan the Villain by K. G. Campbell Jeannette Hulick Campbell, K. G. Dylan the Villain; written and illus. by K. G. Campbell. Viking, 2016 [32p] ISBN 978-0-451-47642-5 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R 5-7 yrs Dylan’s birth as a super-villain, complete with cobalt eye mask, comes as a surprise to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Snivels, but once they’ve adjusted to the idea, they take pride in their son’s talents. At super-villain school, however, Dylan pales in comparison with icy, blue-haired Addison Van Malice: Dylan can’t best her costume, her evil laugh, or her nefarious inventions. However, when he hits the “launch” button on her diabolical robot suit, that sends it—and Addison—into orbit just in time for Dylan to clinch the “diabolical robot trophy.” There’s a sly hint of social commentary in Dylan’s parents’ enthusiastic over-praising of their son (and in his subsequent feelings of villain-entitlement), but Dylan’s inability to beat Addison at anything scholastic will resonate with plenty of kids who have experienced the same situation in a less villainous climate. The muted tones and soft shading of the watercolor and colored pencil illustrations give them a stylish, classic look, while judicious use of deeper and brighter hues keeps the art stimulating. Humorous details (teacher Miss Slither’s lower body is a snake tail but her human upper body dressed in a perky sweater set) will also tickle young audiences. Young fans of Disney TV’s The Descendants and kids who adore the cinematic Minions will find the villainous Dylan particularly appealing. [End Page 346] Copyright © 2016 Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois