He wasn't always faster than a speeding bullet, yet weakened by bologna.  Melvin Beederman was rescued from an orphanage by Headmaster Spinner, and sent to the Superhero Academy to learn the necessary skills and the Superhero's Code.  Though he could never leap a building in a single bound, taking flight took several tries to get off the ground, and seeing everyone's underwear with his x-ray vision made him extremely uncomfortable, Melvin had something many of his classmates did not: brains.  He loved math and had a knack for word problems too! 

In chapter one, Melvin is sent to Los Angeles (which had not had a resident superhero since Kareem Abdul Jabbar retired) to begin his career as a superhero . . . and that's when the adventure begins.  From the back-stabbing Superhero Carl, to a dry cleaner's mistake, to the McNasty Brothers, this funny, tongue-in-cheek tribute to comic book superheroes is a sure hit with the seven-and-up set who love to read on their own, and are looking for a light-hearted adventure.  Plus, Melvin has a cool website!  (And, I confess, author Greg Trine is a Super Nice Guy.)  After this first installment, check out The Revenge of the McNasty Brothers and The Grateful Fred.

The Superhero's Code
1.  Never say no to a cry for help.
2.  Find a good hideout.
3.  "Just doing my job, ma'am."
4.  Know your weakness.
5.  Show up just in the nick of time.
6.  Always keep your cape clean.
7.  "Not so fast!"
8.  Your brain is your greatest weapon.
9.  Believe in yourself at all times.
10.  Never break up a good team.