Sharkman and Blowfish: World Domination (David Woodland, Berbay)

Sharkman and Blowfish: World Domination is a fast-paced graphic novel by artist and film designer David Woodland (Ernie’s Journey). Woodland initially drew everything by hand, and the illustrations feature meticulous line-work. For fans of other heavily illustrated series such as The Bad Guys and Real Pigeons, this is the start of a new series, with one title per year planned. It sets up the story of Sharkman, the boss of Sharkman Empire. As the title suggests, Sharkman does not work alone; he has plenty of help from his best—and only—friend, Blowfish. Thanks to the selfless, gentle Blowfish, and his abilities as a talented inventor, it seems that the more hard-edged Sharkman has everything his heart desires. That is until he realises he is missing one elusive treasure: world domination. Luckily, trusty Blowfish is there to help come up with a plan. While the story’s concept is delightfully silly and will easily draw in reluctant readers with its absurd jokes and accessible format, there is a strong ecological undertone, the text is well written, and the satirical elements are genuinely funny. The comparisons between the characters of Sharkman and Blowfish, how their upbringings have shaped them, and their first meeting at school, are all subtle and clever ways to get young people aged 7+ thinking about identity, friendship and belonging.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, author and the current vice president of CBCA VIC Branch. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews