Not my usual choice of reading in middle-grade fiction but I'd seen this highlighted in the children's press and thought I'd give it a try. It's got a great cover and the author is a familiar name. I didn't realise, though, that it's not a new book - the clue is in the badge on the cover: 10th anniversary edition! Well, it stands the test of time as it was a good read with plenty of content.

Luke loves comics and is obsessed by the characters and stories he reads each week, enjoying them in a treehouse hideaway with his older brother Zack.

But Luke's not there when an alien visits and equips Zack with superpowers and the mission to save the universe. All this and Zack knows nothing about comics or superheroes.

Luke is annoyed and jealous but then Zack is kidnapped by his arch-nemesis. It's up to Luke and his friends to find Zack and save the world.

This is funny, inventive and fast paced, and full of comic book references that will appeal to fans. I'm rather embarrassed I haven't read this author before as he's written quite a number in this same series - 'My Gym Teach is an Alien Overlord' next?!