Operation Shorthand

Jon Le Bon and his fellow agents must save the Agency, which they represent, from Whitewash, a mad biologist who has a dastardly plan. He is constructing a superhuman individual, the first of a new species that will rule the planet, and he is gruesomely stealing various body-parts from our heroic agents who represent world justice. Even Jon Le Bon’s antlers and Shorthand’s hands are taken. Despite their missing parts, the agents bravely defeat the mad creature, some retrieving their stolen anatomical parts while others, like Shorthand, must adapt to a new job in the agency more suited to his current abilities.

In a classic good versus evil tale, the Agency, whose mandate is to watch out for the underdog, represents the good in a world that is otherwise full of malevolence and tragedy. With an abundance of genius and high tech at hand, Jon Le Bon does, of course, save the day with many funny incidents occurring in the process, accompanied by much rib-tickling tongue-in-cheek banter for all ages.

A first-time reader of this graphic novel series might be slightly overwhelmed by the confusing array of characters, but the main characters are quite distinctive. Jon Le Bon comes across as a bumbling, easy-going fellow who always comes through in the end, and Shorthand is equally loveable with a pragmatic streak. Throughout the book, the bold stylized graphics entertain with their bright colors and detailed whimsy.

Operation Shorthand is the third volume of the popular eight-volume series about Jon Le Bon, Super-agent. Originally appearing in French, the series is as popular in its English translation, making it one of Canada’s most successful graphic novel series. No doubt this success is an encouragement to novice cartoonists as they learn that Alex A, himself, developed his love of drawing at a young age. For those aged 8-12 who love intrigue, spies and mystery, the book represents an offbeat read that is bound to entertain.