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Each summer, movie lovers race to theaters to catch the latest big-budget superhero thrillers. But in The Nobody People by author Bob Proehl, real superheroes quietly exist in the real world—and when they decide to come forward, it turns out that people aren’t as accepting of them as they are of the movie versions.
The story finds journalist Avi Hirsch following a bizarre new lead. When a longtime contact from Homeland Security shows him footage of two recent bombings, Avi realizes that they weren’t bombings at all. Instead, it appears that a boy was simply able to turn everything into a void. This leads him to the discovery of a group of people who call themselves Resonants, who have with remarkable abilities—people who have kept themselves and their abilities hidden—and to the more shocking discovery that his daughter is one of them. And when they use him to reveal themselves to the world, a new struggle begins.
With its focus at a school for Resonant kids, run by one of the first known Resonants, The Nobody People definitely has an X-Men feel to it. While there are tight Resonant communities around the world, this school is the heart of it all—the place where Resonant kids can learn to control their abilities, where decisions are made, where research is done. So when the Resonant community decides to come forward—to let the world know about their existence—the school becomes the center of attention, for better or for worse.
Unfortunately, though, the story struggles to find a focus. At times, it’s the story of the journalist who was used to break the story—and the challenges that he and his family face through the process. At other times, it’s the story of the people who work at the school. But it also follows the story of a troubled young Resonant who causes more problems for the Resonant community. And while all of these are interesting storylines, none feel well developed.
But, of course, this isn’t just a story about kids with special powers. Underneath the story about superheroes living among us, there’s a story about how people react to these people who are different—the suspicion, the fear, the backlash toward these people whose differences could be used for good just as easily is they could be used for evil. And that’s what’s the most striking here: the heartbreaking reality that most people respond with fear and even violence. And while the story struggles with its focus, its greater message still comes through.
Part science-fiction, part social commentary, The Nobody People is a fascinating and thought-provoking read. It often feels distant and unfocused—and readers might get a little bit lost in all of the characters and storylines—but if you enjoy superheroes with a twist, it’s worth a look.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
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