Author Agnieszka Biskup fits a surprisingly large amount of information in the sparse text of this graphic novel, explaining how young magician Ehrich Weiss rose from his humble beginnings as a traveling showman to become the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini. Artist Pat Kinsella offers glimpses of just some of Houdini's most dangerous and bizarre stunts, including his escapes from prisons, sealed milk cans, giant paper envelopes, boilers, mail bags, and even a giant football. Through it all, Biskup makes it clear that, despite rumors to the contrary, Houdini accomplished all of his amazing feats through his own strength and agility rather than outright trickery or supernatural powers. Biskup even includes a brief afterward (with photos of the actual Houdini) that details Houdini's later attempts to expose fake mediums and spiritualists, as well as the tragic events that led up to his death. It's a highly entertaining primer that helps separate fact and fiction surrounding Houdini's life. It's also a good way to interest kids in reading more books about Houdini's amazing career. Reviewer: Michael Jung, PhD