Want To Be A Superhero?

Then Don’t Read This Book…

…unless you know a kid between 9 and 13 who likes goofy villains and satire.

How many times have you thought you should write a book, or knew someone else who had the same thought? Right…about the same amount as those who were going to be a famous musician, artist or photographer. Easy stuff, huh?

So, how many do you know who’ve actually done any of those things? (Knowing someone who went to a party where Kid Rock showed up does not count).

Guess what? I – ha ha – DO:

Two local guys, writer Scott Seegert and illustrator John Martin, have collaborated on a new book titled: Vordak The Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World. It’s an extremely funny, satirical spoof on superheroes intended for middle-grade readers. Published by Egmont USA and distributed by Random House, the first printing was available in bookstores, and online, in late August, and goes on sale in the U.K. next month. German and Turkish versions will also be published this year.

Several excellent reviews have been received, including those from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. Some have described Vordak as “a book for reluctant readers” and a “vocabulary book in disguise.”

Scott and John met a few years ago when their daughters played softball on the same team. Through casual conversation in the stands, they discovered that both had been, as kids, big fans of Marvel comics and superhero movies. Eventually, they also determined that their professional skills could be combined to take their childhood interests to a new level.

Scott was not new to the world of authorship. A previous book, It’s a Guy Thing, highlighted a collection of “dumb patents applied for,” and attained modest success. A graduate of MSU, Scott was originally an aerospace engineer, working for several years in California. He came to the realization that he was actually “a writer who was miscast as an engineer,” and returned to Michigan with his family. Scott’s wife, a systems engineer cast as an engineer, has a career that enables him to pursue his passion.

John is a longtime friend of mine, and has been a professional illustrator since college. Over the years we have worked together on numerous projects. He has also taught several college courses, and hosted a series of summer art camps for kids. He is extremely active in the community, and participates in numerous charitable functions.

Initially, Scott was going to take his Vordak “supervillain” concept to a publisher who would use staff illustrators to create the character’s look and style. He fortuitously (big word…I read the book) connected with John, and a “dynamic duo” was born. During my interviews with the pair, I picked up subtle hints that this “supervillain’s handbook” just might be the precursor to a series of Vordak adventures.

Thus far, the guys have done book-signing events around the country, as well as several media interviews. About the only setback to date was Vordak being banned at a local book fair because an adult objected to the satirical “pledge of evil” contained in one of the chapters. As we all know, you can’t make ‘em all happy.

The book is available at Borders and Barnes & Noble, as well as Amazon and other online book sellers. They also have a cool website that includes excerpts from the book: www.vordak.com

And, no…I’m not getting a commission.