At age 8, Cliffy Goldfarb was the recipient of an emergency heart transplant. At age 9, Cliffy is now struggling to cope with the limitations his still recovering body is undergoing, and the fact that because of this, he has trouble relating to his peers. When his mom suggests spending his summer at Camp Bravehearts, a place for kids living with heart defects like his own, he has some trepidations about going this camp for “special” kids, but soon learns his worries were all over nothing when he meets a young girl named Rosie who introduces him to a group of new friends who encourage him by showing off their surgical scars to one another and inducting Cliffy into “The Zipper Club”

The Zipper Club is one of those comics that’s a rarity in the industry. It not only tells an entertaining and sweet story, but also has a goal of doing good for kids with medical issues. Based on the personal experiences of writer Len Wallace, the comic aimed at kids with heart defects, has an underlying theme that they are not alone, and there are many others with issues just like them. It’s an inclusive book that gets kids to accept what might be happening to them.

The art by Brenda Liz López has a style perfect for the age the comic is aimed for. It’s cartoonish, making it easier in a way to accept what’s going on and reflects the fun nature of the comic’s story.

I myself have medical issues (though different) from this one, and I wish there was something like this when I was growing up. It would have helped me relax and realize there’s others like me. This would be great for any kid going through what these kids are, especially with its focus that no matter your health issues, you should go out, have fun, and enjoy life.

Story: Len Wallace Art: Brenda Liz López
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy