Book Review: Death of a Superhero by Anthony McCarten

Goodreads Description:

Inspired by real events, Death of a Superhero is a brilliantly original fusion of novel, comic book, and film script; a celebration of the transience of life and the eternal difficulty of love, and a hilarious riff on our 21st-century infatuation with movies and the superhero solution. Donald Delpe is a troubled teenager. Not only is he a "terrible teen" by default, as obsessed with sex, music, videogames, and drugs as the rest of his gang, but he is also suffering from a life-threatening form of leukemia, which makes him an even more difficult boy, both for his parents and his teachers. Escaping into his own comic-book realm of immortal superheroes, ruthless villains, and sex-crazed vamps, he repeatedly dashes his family's hopes by refusing to fight the battles facing him in the real world. As famous psychologist Dr. King is brought in to help, a glimmer of hope is rekindled. But will the doctor break the rules, betray the parents' trust, and risk everything to help Donald achieve his greatest wish? Or will Donald be the one to save the doctor? Shortlisted for the prestigious German Youth Book Award.

Title: Death of a Superhero
Author: Anthony McCarten
Genre: Contemporary, Adult, Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Mature YA
Format: Paperback
Pages: 247 pages
Source: Purchased from Ebay

When i first read the book and the synopsis I kinda find the title 'Death of a Superhero' interesting yet ironic as being an avid comic book fan it usually means the end of a comic book and the hero... not trying to foreshadow anything... *tears!!!*

I picked up 'Death of A Superhero' after I found out one The Maze Runner actor was in the movie adaption of this book and like any book to movie rules I must read the book before I watch the movie.

The edition I owe is set in the UK but the original version is set in New Zealand. The book follows Donald, a trouble 14-year-old who has Leukemia and has practically given up fighting. He draws comics to help ease the pain and anger of cancer and creates an alter ego called Miracle Man. Though a talented artist, the stuff he draws however is kinda disturbing which worries his parents hence one of the reasons why they send him to a psychiatrist Dr Adrian Kings.

Donald was Rebellious, angry and troublesome at first and but is also a very complex character. He was an okay character at start but by the end of the book I cared for his character along with the fact he has matured with the guidance of Adrian and also comes to his senses. He is obviously obsess with comic books and superheros and creates his own comic book adventure as kinda of a parallel to his life. I like reading his teenage struggles on him trying to fit in with his classmates though he tend to do some really stupid stuff like free running (aka le parkour which is a very bad idea with his condition) and selling pirated CDs. Also it was kinda cute reading him being shy and clueless on girls. I especially love reading his know-it-all and sarcastic attitude along with the fact he is quiet intelligent and have some really snappy dialogs along with a really good imagination. 

Dr Adrian King is my favorite character! Though a famous psychologist, sadly he is a lonely man with marriage problem and kinda have a boring life. Assigned to help Donald find strength and happiness along with the will to fight, he forms a unique bond with him and probably learn some things from Donald. They have quiet unique or odd (depend on how you look at it) doctor-client relationship where they bond over art, life and love even though their views is very two side of the same coin or youth vs experience. They also developed a deep friendship to a point that Donald open up about his fears and desires including his dying wish of him not wanting to die a virgin which Adrian going to some crazy extent of helping fulfill this wish.

I like the cast of side characters especially Donald's family. It was interesting watching them cope differently with Donald's illness. I found the character Shelly, Donald's crush one of those random pop in characters that I keep forgetting exist and I wish we got to know more about her as she is quiet a significant character.

The writing style of the book was unique but a bit confusing at first as it not only follows Donald's POV but Dr King and the side characters POV. Also I had to get used the way the book was written like a script book taking place in three acts. I love reading the comic book parts and kinda wish that there were some illustration in the book. The 'deleted scene and outtakes' was of my favorite part and cool way of an epilogue!

Speaking of epilogue, the way the book ended was freaking sad but satisfying. Adrian finally manage to gain the courage of separating from his wife and unhappy marriage while Donald finally found peace and happiness.

Its a great coming of age story with really good plot twists as well as some good themes in the book like youth vs old, the darker side of Cancer or illness and teenage angst.

A disclaimer i need to address, though I consider this a YA, it have some mature and graphic moments/content in some parts of the book.

Overall this book will make you both laugh and cry as well as grow with the characters. Its honest and realistic yet strange and provoking. Also its fun to imagine the parallel universe of superhero that Donald has created.

Read this book if you are a fan of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Side Effect May Very and of cause the lovely The Fault In Our Stars.

Also as mention if you are a Maze Runner fan, you might want to check out this book or the movie as Thomas Brodie Sangster ( Newt in TMR) plays Donald in the movie adaption! I have yet to watch the movie but am planning to after the exam but my friend has and she says its actually quiet good but like alot of book to movie alteration there were some changes.

If you were to find out a book to movie adaptation will you read the book first or watch the movie?

For me it depends. If I watch the movie and enjoyed it only to later find out its based of a book I'll probably pick up the book to compare with the movie.

But if i have yet to watch the movie and saw that its based off a book I'll pick it up as I want to form my own picture and opinion of the story and character in my head.