What happens to a child caught in the middle of parental conflicts? That is the crux of the story in this middle-grade graphic novel. Stuntboy, in the Meantime explores a young mind trying to cope with the anxieties of parental separation and constant arguments in the household. Reynolds focuses on the child’s perspective through this chaotic moment common for most homes in modern society. Thus, adopts a superhero take with the protagonist viewing himself as a stunt boy among superheroes and nemeses. Through this, the author showcases a child living with anxiety which worsens with the uncertainty of his parents’ marriage.
The story follows Portico attempting to save his parents from conflict through selfless diversions and shenanigans. Through his superhero persona, Stuntboy, he puts his wellbeing on the line to ensure his parents hardly fight. With a wild imagination and a supportive friend, Portico nurtures his persona through various secret superhero ‘stunts’. Since a superhero has a responsibility to the community, he manages to save the day for a couple of people in their apartment building. The fact that the parents demand his absence with the phrase “in the meantime” during the fights triggers his anxiety attacks. A superhero must have an arch-nemesis and in this case, is Herbert Singletary the Worst who harasses and bullies him—another source of his frets.
Reynolds writes the novel with simple concepts that children can easily relate to and comprehend. For instance, tackles anxiety from a child’s point of view in how they might deal with these unknown feelings. Therefore, delves into events that trigger these responses such as divorce, bullying, and conflicts that are too mature for them to understand. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Reynolds’ narrative gradually reveals the impact Portico’s parents’ impending separation is having on their deeply sensitive son even as he can’t fully grasp what’s going on around him.”
