You need to remember that Kick-Ass, the graphic novel, is not the same as Kick-Ass, the movie.

That's even more true for its inevitable sequels, which begin here, with Hit-Girl, which is also a prequel to Kick-Ass 2.

Dave, the teenage hero who started the superhero craze in his first appearance, is still around in this book, although he's taken a side seat to breakaway heroine Hit-Girl, a.k.a. Mindy McCready, who was raised as a killing machine by a justice-driven psychopath -- a.k.a. Big Daddy, her father.

Well, Big Daddy is dead, and Mindy is grounded. Her stepfather -- a New York City cop who knows but keeps her secret -- has forbidden her from indulging her homicidal tendencies on school nights -- or any nights, really -- because she has homework to do, the stress of knowing her daughter is a vigilante would likely kill her fragile mother and, let's face it, she's only 11 and should probably be doing less destructive things with her time.

Mindy tries to fit in, really she does. Her efforts at making friends are -- well, a little unique. And she does still find time to don the old outfit to help train Dave to be a better hero.

And when gangsters come after her family -- well, the gloves come off.

Hit-Girl, like Kick-Ass, is a violent book that revels in the concept of a world where superheroes exist, but without super powers -- just good intentions and, usually, crappy ideas about what makes a good costume or hero name. And remember, the villains aren't playing the same game, so people will get hurt.

Writing by Mark Millar is well-plotted, fast-paced and unapologetic. Not for kids, certainly, but adults who like superheroes will find it a treat. Good art, too, by John Romita Jr., although he doesn't always seem sure just what to do with the title character. Mindy is usually drawn with a kid-sized body but an adult-sized head, which looks a little off and has to play hell with her balance.