• The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure

  • By: Barry J. Hutchison
  • Narrated by: Phil Thron
  • Length: 11 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,146 ratings)

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The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure  By  cover art

The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure

By: Barry J. Hutchison
Narrated by: Phil Thron
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Publisher's summary

Once, they stood next to justice. Now they're standing up for it...

When sworn protectors of Earth, the Justice Platoon, are all horribly killed, their former arch-enemies come crawling out of the woodwork. Outnumbered, outgunned, and out of options, the US government has no choice but to activate the Sidekicks Initiative, dragging the Platoon's middle-aged ex-sidekicks out of retirement.

Now these three reluctant, out of shape former child-wonders must work together to stop the rising tide of supervillainy, avenge their former mentors' deaths, and bring the world back from the brink of destruction.

Assuming they don't kill each other first.

Featuring anaphylactic shockwaves, unexpected hippos, and an aggressive man shouting at butterflies, The Sidekicks Initiative is the first book in the action-packed new series from internationally best-selling Space Team author, Barry J. Hutchison.

©2018 Barry J. Hutchison (P)2019 Zertex Media Ltd

What listeners say about The Sidekicks Initiative: A Comedy Superhero Adventure

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Overall
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

All hail THE Butterfly King! Ummm... I mean Randy😜

How can you not instantly fall in love with a story that starts with a respectable superhero drop kicking a villain in the crotch and launching them hundreds of meters skyward? ...and it just gets funnier from there. I don't remember the last time I enjoyed (and giggled at) a superhero story as much. A irreverent romp through the world of superheroes that still manages to treat the the world of superheroes with loving reverence.

"The Sidekick Initiative" comes across as a mash up between the "Venture Bros." and "Mystery Men" (with a touch of MIB thrown in). A replacement group of superheroes trying their inept best with their questionable powers to save the world from the rampaging hordes of super villains after the real superheroes are mysteriously killed. More fun than a barrel full of monkeys hopped up on cheap moonshine (although there are a few points where those monkeys do sober up, but don't fret, they quickly fall back off the wagon soon enough)! DONT expect a thought-provoking deconstruction of the superheroes tradition. DO expect a gigglefest of witty dialog and snicker worthy situations. Definitely worth a few repeat listens in the very near future.

I discovered Barry J. Hutchison on a random fluke and was really taken in by his cleaver writing style. I would not consider this a YA story. It's far too nuanced and with too many nods to obscure references to qualify as YA. If you don't love this tail within the first 30 minutes it's doubtful that you will ever warm up to it. But if you're like me, and it immediately tickles your funny bone, you will not be disappointed. It holds its humorous irreverent pace throughout. I also feel I need to give shout out to Phil Thron's excellent and diverse narration style. He manages to imbibe each character with its own unique voice and inflection that enhances the character beyond the written word... (but I'm sure he damaged his vocal chords after any protracted narration involving the Butterfly King... and trust me, I appreciate the sacrifice!)

Be sure to stick around after "The End". I think this is the very first audiobook I've ever heard that actually included a "blooper's reel". This should be a regual feature of all audiobooks. Funny as heck!!!!

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43 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Super Fun Adventure

This is entertainment at its best! The story wasn't groundbreaking but it was done beautifully and it made me laugh out loud a number of times. There are no cliffhangers at the end, but there is plenty of room for more stories to be told and I am interested to see where these characters go next. The narrator did an amazing job, and the bloopers at the end were absolutely hysterical.

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Everything this author writes is laugh out loud

I would recommend all of this authors books. Each and everyone make me burst into giggles several times through out.
Phill Thron is an amazing narrator, I would listen to anything he is involved with.

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastically Screwball...and the Outtakes!

This was a very funny entry in the expanding universe of superhero (or sidekick, in this case) novel category. If you have enjoyed series like Peter Cline's "Ex-Heroes," Drew Hayes' "Super Powered" and "Forging Hephaestus," or Scott Meyer's "The Authorities," you will likely love this book as much as I did. The storyline isn't the strongest part of this book, although it is solid enough to keep your attention. The thing that will keep you coming back again and again are the characters.

When the Justice Platoon is suddenly and summarily killed by some unknown force, the government calls on its old, retired sidekicks, activating The Sidekick Initiative and drafting middle-aged Sam; "Kid Random," Anna; "Allergy Girl," and Randy; "Butterfly King" into service. Trained by former villain turned good guy Kapitan Nazi, the Sidekicks have no idea how to use their powers, what great evil they are facing...or how they will survive. Except Randy. That guy knows how to kick some ass.

Seriously, Randy might be my favorite new character in a book in years. Basically useless, yet filled with grit, determination and a never-say-die spirit. His lines are the funniest in the book, and are made even funnier in the outtakes following the book. I've never heard an Audible book with outtakes, but hearing narrator Phil Thron crack up repeatedly at the things Randy was saying made me laugh so hard tears streamed down my face.

If you're at all interested in Superhero Fiction, this book is a great one.

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12 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

fun but a slow start

great story, just took about 26 chapters to get going. thath made it hard to stay with it. i wont lie its not space team funny at all but has great moments

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9 people found this helpful

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Not a fan of superheros, but this was hilarious

The main character is pretty funny, but Captain Nazi, now he's a character with some depth. If you haven't read the book yet, I'm being completely serious.

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6 people found this helpful

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SO FUNNY!!

Wasn't sure when I purchased the book on how well I'd like it. Once I hit chapter 3, that was all she wrote. I was hooked. I have an odd sense of humor, always liked things that were a little off or out there. This book was spot on for me. I loved the narrator. His voice was perfect for each character. I could picture all of them along with their quirks. I especially enjoyed the blooper reel at the end. I honestly cannot figure out how he made it through the book what with all of the undertones and blatant humor involved. Bravo from me to both author and narrator! Very well done.

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5 people found this helpful

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awesome!!!

The funniest book that I read (or listen in that case) on a long time!!!
If you need couple hours of a GOOD LAUGH o strongly recommend it!!!

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4 people found this helpful

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Hilarious and entertaining

Fast paced and laugh out loud funny. The outtakes at the end with the narrator cracking up and having to start over were icing on the cake. That should be done far more often. Great job!

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4 people found this helpful

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Absolutely Hilarious

This is my favorite super hero parody. The delivery and timing of jokes is spot on. =)

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4 people found this helpful