THICK AS THIEVES: A Graphic Novel, by Dan Santat, Graphix, Jan.6, 2026, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 8-12)
A retired superhero’s pet sidekicks come to the rescue once again in Thick as Thieves, the second book in Dan Santat’s Sidekicks graphic novel series.
There’s trouble at the Society of Superheroes!
Captain Amazing, the longtime hero of Metro City, has retired, and he’s enjoying a much-needed vacation at the World’s Biggest Ball of Yarn. But while he’s away, there’s trouble at home! A massive data breech disrupts the Society of Superheroes, and a flash drive containing sensitive information about Captain Amazing and other heroes winds up in reckless hands. Meanwhile, an unannounced visitor named Whipley arrives at the captain’s house, and his pet sidekicks — Manny, Roscoe, and Fluffy — are skeptical of the stranger’s intentions. The only sidekick excited by the visit is Shifty.
Could Whipley be Shifty’s loving, long-lost brother as he claims? Or is he framing the sidekicks for his own personal gain and vengeance? —Synopsis provided by Graphix
When Dan Santat’s Sidekicks released last year, I knew it would be a hit. And judging by the reviews, it was.
I mean what’s not to like?
Superhero Pets?!?!
Yes, please.
There’s action. There’s drama. There’s humor throughout. And Santat’s full-color illustrations and snappy dialogue draw in readers and make them want to stick around.
While you could read Thick as Thieves as a standalone (there’s a recap at the beginning of the book), you’ll get more out of it reading the books in order.
Sidekicks is a great option for kids who love graphic novels and superhero storylines, and though it’s written from 8- to 12-year-olds, they’ll be a hit with kids as young as 6.
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