“World Class”
When Mad Cave Studios announced their new YA Comic Imprint Maverick back in 2020, they wanted to give young readers stories that would reflect their experiences and give them narratives they can relate to. So far so good for the label that has produced such stories as Nightmare in Savannah and Needle and Thread already creating buzz and great sales. Another of these titles is a book coming March 30th, that discusses relatable issues of sport, teamwork, leadership, bullying and positive parenting. World Class by Jay Sandlin and artist Patrick Mulholland tells the story of young Colombian soccer phenom Adrian Molina. Adrian has dreamed of one day becoming a pro soccer player and joining his soccer heroes on the Nottingham FC Soccer Club. Those dreams seem so far away as he works and plays for his local school team the Bogota Condors. But a soon to be 17-year-old can dream.
Solid Support System
Fortunately for Adrian, he has a great support system. His family are his biggest fans and want nothing but the best for Adrian. His teammates and friends from school also are completely on his side. They foresee nothing but great things for the “Colombian Cannon.” But before any plans of future ambitions can be discussed, the Condors have an exhibition against the highly touted Regents United Soccer Club. Led by their renowned striker Titan Evans. It will be a huge challenge for the Condors and with possible Pro Scouts in attendance, it only ratchets up the pressure on young Adrian. This is only aggravated by the fact that Striker Titan Evans is not only a talented player, but also an egotistical horse’s ass. The complete antithesis of Adrian.
Titan Evans
Perhaps the fault lies with Titan’s parents. Unlike the love and support Adrian’s parents show him, Titan’s parents only care about one thing. Winning and making sure that Titan gets the credit for it. This feeling of entitlement had taught Titan that he can do anything he wants and face no repercussions for it. But to go along with that, his father, particularly pushes Titan to be the best, regardless of how it effects the team. Which is a shame because Titan is an extremely talented player who could be the very best if not for the attitude his father has instilled in him.
Being Reminded of “Your Place”
This is amplified after the exhibition, in which Evans and Regents United dominated the undermanned Bogota team. Rather than being a gracious winner, Evans seeks out Adrian to rub his face in the defeat. Also, to remind him of HIS status as compared to the “Great” Titan Evans. For Adrian, this was just a reminder that while he is a talented player, he could never hope to reach the goals he aspires to. Sometimes, low self-esteem can be found in the most surprising places.
He takes off after the game to be by himself. Much to the chagrin of his parents and friends who worry about him. As he stews over what Titan had told him, he let his anger and angst get the best of him and he kicked his soccer ball through a plate glass window. Thus, setting off the alarm system in the business the window belonged to. What window could hold up to the “Colombian Cannon?” However, with alarms comes the police. Adrian was too shocked to even come up with a good excuse. Fortunately for him, just as he was told, a soccer scout HAD been at the game. She pulled up and told the police a story about how a burglar had broken the glass and Adrian had attempted to go after them. Adrian was silent, just nodding in agreement as she told the police to hurry and catch the “culprit.”
A Decision to Make
After they left, Olivia Williams explained who she was and why she was there. She saw something in Adrian, even in a one-sided defeat. With hard work, and sacrifice, all of his dreams and his parent’s dreams could come true for him. But he had to want it. The Regents United Team had an opening. It was Adrian’s if he stepped up and took it. She also reminded him that he couldn’t let blowhards like Titan Evans distract him from his mission. He would not be the first or the last player who would try to get under his skin. It would be up to Adrian NOT to let that happen. Olivia gave Adrian some time to discuss it with his parents, but she hoped he would come to the right decision.
It wasn’t easy for Adrian. His self-doubt warred with his ambitions. But his parents and friends wanted this for him. Even though they knew they would miss him horribly. To not take the opportunity would be something Adrian would regret for his whole life. So, with that kind of support pushing him along, the “Colombian Cannon” became a member of Regents United. Which also meant he was now teammates with Titan Evans. Not that he acted like it. As far as Titan was concerned, Adrian was still the nothing from nowhere kid from Bogota. Fortunately for Adrian, not all of his teammates were like Titan. Starting forward and Captain candidate Luciano DeSilva was a refreshing change to the pomposity of Evans. He did his best to make Adrian feel welcome on the team and around his new school. How will it all go? You have to wait for March 30th to find out.
Thoughts
As a kid who grew up on the ABC Afterschool Specials, this book reminds me of those classic stories. A realistic look at some of the thing’s teens have to deal with in school, with friends…and unfortunately, with bullies. Writer Jay Sandlin and Artist Patrick Mulholland have done a great job of capturing the angst of teen years and the problems that can arise. The thrill of competitive sport and how it can shape our youth for good and, if not handled correctly, for ill. Along the way, they also provide a startling contrast of the difference a positive, supportive family can have on a young person as opposed to a more self-centered approach. With a story combining good friends, strong role-models, talent and above all else, hard work, Maverick’s World Class scores with a strong narrative and exciting visuals. Be sure to check it out when it hits stands February 22.
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Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
