OFFICER CLAWSOME

The ocean’s top cops dive into the timestream in pursuit of fishy archfiend Brain Sturgeon.

Something’s definitely fishy in underwater Caper Cove, with finny scientists and piles of gold all vanishing. Fortunately, lobster lawman Clawsome and his doughty if diminutive starfish partner, Stariana, are on the case. In a caper that takes them from prehistoric times to the Old West and even into “outer space” (i.e., above the ocean’s surface), they battle cavegoons and robots, both giant and regular size, to save their undersea town and the future itself from a sneering mastermind with a time machine. Fueled by kelpcakes (like doughnuts, but green) and exchanging eye-rolling banter as they go (“Wanna do some bowling?” “As long as you don’t spare any of these goons.” “Let’s see if I can strike up a conversation!”), the dynamic duo suffers reverses. But as depicted in fast-flowing panels flooded with loud, punchy action and massive explosions, they ultimately deliver just deserts once again. Even (literally) crabby Captain Badmood has to offer reluctant congrats. Young fans of Dav Pilkey’s work will appreciate the action-packed storyline, humor, and bright illustrations.

The crustacean crimefighter and his sidekick really earn their doughnuts in this smash-’em-up slugfest.