It's a graphic novel!
It's a chapter book!
It's EVERYTHING!

Fourth-grader Stevie Blunt is a huge comic book fan–and he's just found a rare copy of the first issue of Captain Fantastic, featuring a “Top Secret Superhero Training Journal.” Now, all he has to do is dig up the money to pay for it. 
 
When a neighbor needs a last-minute dog sitter for her beloved pug, Stevie transforms into Commander Universe, ready to be the hero this citizen needs (and earn the money for his comic book). But then the dog goes missing, and Commander Universe has just hours to find out what happened. Follow the daring escapades of Commander Universe as they dodge mind-controlled squirrels, Mystery Neighbors, and neighbor Abi in their attempt to save the precious pug.​

From Publisher's Weekly:
​Kelley’s middle grade debut keeps the laughs rolling in this imaginative encouragement for the next generation of caped crusaders. 
From Booklist:
Presented in a mix of full-color comics panels and short chapters of print generously interspersed with additional inset vignettes, this rib-tickler will pull chuckles even from earnest, young world savers and villain battlers.

Stevie (aka Commander Universe)

Rudy (aka X)
​NOT a sidekick.

Abi (aka Captain Super-Colossal-Avenger-Death-Grip-Lightning-Bolt of Wonder)
​Also NOT a sidekick. 

Cupcake:
The World's Most Dangerous Pug

Superhero Pose #27: Let's Get Ready To RUMBLE!