As most creative types, especially writers, do when they read a book/comic book, watch a tv show/movie or watch a play, they tend to get invested in characters, oftentimes it is not the protagonist. This is basically how fan fiction was created, as fans love to see how a certain character took a different turn or even how certain characters viewed certain events. This is where we get to see characters be involved in certain subplots, or be “shipped” and explore relationships with characters who would otherwise never even be entertained. This “fan” industry has served the various interests of a lot of the fanbase, exploring the different aspects of certain fan favorites that might not otherwise happen.

Who would not love to see how the Kents reared Clark, while knowing that he is an alien and has superpowers? That’s something that has been masterfully dissected in Kumail Rizvi’s Kahlil. Another example that was briefly seen in the TV show but explored even more in the comics, is Elektra’s relationship with Stick. Who would not love a Stick comic? Comics have been progressively letting side characters have some focus, much like what Marvel is doing with all the Star Wars characters, especially Chewbacca, who should have had his own comic a long time ago. In Dennis Liu and Jason Piperberg’s supreme Raising Dion, the reader gets a front row seat on how it is to be a parent to someone who is not only extraordinary but superpowered.

In the opening sequence, we meet Dion, a precocious child, who with his mother, Nicole, the narrator of this book, we see how she manages being a single mother and the caretaker of this super being. This is her origin story of how she fell in love with Dion’s father, Mark and how her whole world changed one during what seemed to be Northern Lights. After what seems to be a lightning strike, Mark’s body is absolutely altered, giving him powers, that he struggles to reveal to Nicole. By issue’s end, Nicole reveal she is pregnant, and Mark finally reveals what he has been hiding.

Overall, a great introduction to these characters and to this world. This would have been a typical coming of age superhero story but turns out be something more adept and personal. The story by Liu is relatable and beautiful. The art by Piperberg is gorgeous. Altogether, an engaging story that despite its abbreviated installment, is moving and engaging.

Story: Dennis Liu Art: Jason Piperberg
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy