Tag Archives: graphic novel

Garbage Can Drive You Crazy: A World Patrol Kids Adventure Story and Activity Book by Ben Goldstein (Book Review)

THE EARTH IS CALLING – WILL YOU ANSWER?

Join the World Patrol Kids: a multi-ethnic daring ensemble of crime-solving young detectives in a gripping tale of adventure, action, and suspense.

A garbage monster the size of Godzilla pursues Thoreau, the youngest member of the World Patrol Kids, through the streets of his hometown. He wakes to find it is only a dream. But is it? The World Patrol Kids are on the case!

The graphic novel-style adventure is followed by 8 pages of fun facts, puzzles, experiments, and more. Garbage Can Drive You Crazy serves up a blend of mystery, tantalizing thrills, and soul-stirring life lessons, perfectly brewed for middle-grade readers and beyond.

The World Patrol Kids – “Inviting kids everywhere to become environmental champions.”
Start your mission to make a difference today with the World Patrol Kids empowering eco-adventures for young readers.
Titles include: Save Our Animal Friends, Garbage Can Drive You Crazy and Kids Can Change the World.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

The World Patrol Kids are back, tackling a new problem: trash. 

Garbage and pollution is a global issue. It dirties our waters, causes a real stink on the streets, and is dangerous to this planet. The comic book’s title, “Garbage Can Drive You Crazy!” is spot-on. Watching our landfills grow taller and broader, witnessing the litter scattered along streets and grass, discovering animals held captive by what we toss out, and understanding how Earth is suffering from overuse does take its toll on each of us. 

Debates occur every day on how to curb the waste. A popular solution is recycling, but that comes with obstacles. For one, recycling comes at a hefty price. It’s not cost-effective…for now. Second, it’s easier for residents and businesses to toss everything into one bin rather than clean out containers and bottles and sort trash from recyclables. BOSS MACKAN suggested a big incinerator, but as the skateboard’s father stated accurately, burning trash fouls the air. 

Townspeople argue over how to handle the mounting problem. Voices are raised, but that tends to happen when money is involved. The World Patrol Kids visit the town landfill and tour the recycling center. A quiet trip turns dangerous as sabotage strikes, leading to a fiery situation. Danger doesn’t just lurk at the recycling center. The driver of a black sports car aims to run down an innocent bystander. 

They saw that money is the root of all evil, and that’s the case in this comic book. BOSS MACKAN wants to make a buck and is willing to cross any line to do it. 

The World Patrol Kids believe in justice, and again, their investigations lead them into some sticky situations. Will the kids survive the flames and gunshots, or have they met their match? You know the answer, but read the story anyway to find out how it all plays out! 

Be sure to check out the recycling games, puzzles, and hands-on projects!

This comic is educational, entertaining, and perfect for elementary students and beyond. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

 

 
Ben has written, illustrated, produced, and directed books, films, plays, and songs, for Sesame Street, 3-2-1 Contact, Columbia Records, and many others. He has written for such licensed characters as Clifford the Dog, Snuggle the Bear, Rainbow Brite, Sweet Pickles, and more. Ben has an early childhood teacher’s license and has taught grades K-6. He also taught film courses at Western Connecticut State College. His children’s songs have sold millions of copies and his films have appeared at the Museum of Modern Art and on television stations around the world. Other books and plays by Benjamin Goldstein include: The Adventures of the World Patrol Kids, Kids, Kids Can Change the World, Garbage Can Drive You Crazy, Save Our Animal Friends, Looice, Been Dere?, Looice in the Stargarden, Looice Walks for President, Guess Again, Tales of the Baal Shem Tov, The Storyteller, An Evening with Jack and Charmian London, Jack London: The Musical.
 

 

 

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Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) by Ram Khatri (Book Review)

Justice is the story “with all too familiar human challenges,” says Paul Levitz, former president at D.C. Comics. He further adds that it seems like “the world keeps getting smaller” with the emergence of such graphic novels.

Ram Khatri’s Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War is the story of a young girl’s brave journey to reclaim the life she left behind during the unforgiving conflict of the Nepali Civil War. With its sublime settings, diverse characters, and riveting narrative, the young girl learns the truth about the life that she left behind.

During the decade-long “People’s War” in Nepal, more than 17,000 people were killed. Thousands of innocent civilians were also abducted and beaten by both government and Maoist forces. Even today, years after the war has ended, it is unknown what happen to many of the nearly 1,400 people who went missing. While the people mentioned in Justice are fiction, the story is based on events that actually occurred during and after the Civil War era in the country.

The graphic novel has two sections. The first section was illustrated in color by Sandipan Santra while the second was illustrated in black and white by Ingrid Lilamani.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) by Ram Khatri is based on actual events that occurred during and after the Civil War era in Nepal. The people and places mentioned are fictional, but the story shows the magnitude war has on a country and its people despite using a fictional cast of characters. 

Before the graphic novel began, I read “A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR.” In it, the author informs the reader the book is divided into two sections. “The first section was illustrated in color by Sandipan Santra while the second was illustrated in black and white by Ingrid Lilamani. The purpose is to show how different artists from diverse backgrounds visualize the unique Nepali settings, characters, and its historical events.” As an avid reader of comics and graphic novels, this unique feature intrigued me because I have never witnessed any other book mimicking this setup. 

Going into the reading, I was unfamiliar with Nepal and enjoyed the brief overview of it. I learned many new facts. For instance, the currency is the Nepalese Rupee. Since geography is not my strong suit, I liked the zoomed-in image of Nepal on the map. 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War (The Graphic Novel Book #1) shows war’s effects on a country. It affects every component: economy, citizens, and livelihood. Both illustrators did a lovely job of making the reader feel the family’s fear, sorrow, and regret. As the illustrated story demonstrates, no matter how hard you try to avoid getting involved, often, there’s no hiding from the battle. 

Justice: A Tale of the Nepali Civil War ends on a cliffhanger, making any reader eager to read what happened next for the major character. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading comics and graphic novels. I would also recommend this book to those who want to share the effects of war with their children (elementary age and older).

 

 
 
 
Meet the Author
 
Translator of Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis’ in Nepali, Ram Khatri works in book publishing. He holds an M.S. in publishing from New York and an M.A. in English literature from Kathmandu. Ram is always fascinated by truly diverse, unrepresented, and heartwarming stories that touch lives.
Reedsy Link
 
 
 
 

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Spacekid iLK: Stranded! by Andrew Hammond (Book Review)

Spacekid iLK is a sci-fi comedy about an alien finding courage through connection.

iLK’s dad is an alien overlord that invades Earth, but finds ruling over this complex planet too annoying, so he hands it down to his son to look after. iLK resists, but ultimately find a diverse range of friends on Earth and discovers a planet that is worth protecting.

In book 2 – Stranded! – having only recently saved Earth from complete destruction, Spacekid iLK now finds himself stripped of his power and sent to school!

iLK must find a way to get his power back, in order to save the world, from the evil genius he accidentally left in charge – Emilio.

Amazon
Waterstones
B&N 
Author’s Website

 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Spacekid iLK: Stranded! by Andrew Hammond is a comedy, sci-fi novel illustrated with comics and cartoons. While the suggested reading age is 7-13, I (a mid-age person) was drawn to the story. The characters were lovable, and the plotline’s resolution was unique. 

iLK, an alien, came to Earth with his father. His father’s mission was to make Earth go boom. Thankfully, he didn’t carry out his orders. Instead, he put his son in charge of the planet, who then delegated the “boring stuff” to Emilio, a human. iLK and Emilio soon butted heads on who should run the world and be named King. Emilio suggests having a special election in forty-six days to decide who should rule the world.

While iLK plots to win the special election, more aliens arrive on the planet. It was funny how earthlings seemed to grow accustomed to being invaded by aliens from outer space. The “Bubbles” were so cute, and earthlings loved them. The bubble aliens went pop a lot – some by accident and some not. I might’ve been a person who popped them on purpose. 

This story had several storylines happening simultaneously, but they soon merged at the end. Humans and Glubwark aliens were working together to save the planet! 

As I said in my opening statement, this book had comedy. I know readers will laugh at the “villain” who has set out to destroy Earth and the means to defeat them. The illustrations will delight young readers. I loved them all, especially the image of a drooling midget fartfly from Squench. It was oddly cute. Oh, and Y-bot posing as a Philosophy teacher was humorous. iLK wondered why no one saw through Y-bot’s disguise. I have three words for you: Superman, Clark Kent. 

I 100% recommend this series to readers of sci-fi or comic books. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Amazon
Waterstones
B&N 
Author’s Website

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrew is a Writer, Illustrator and Director from London. He believes we all have the capacity to be creative and regularly attends schools, delivering comic book workshops, creating opportunities for kids to discover their own stories.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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The Umbrella Academy (Netflix TV Series: Review)

If you haven’t watched The Umbrella Academy yet, you have no idea the greatness you are missing. Netflix has done an excellent job adapting the comic series, written by  Gerard Way  and ilustrated by Gabriel Ba. 

If you haven’t read the comic volumes yet, no worries, you’ll still love the series. The casting director couldn’t have done a better job selecting the actors portraying seven, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, and Grace. Pogo isn’t a real talking chimp but he looks/feels real to me! 

 

 

After watching season 1 & 2, everyone has their favorite SEVEN character. Mine is a toss-up between two.

Robert Sheehan does a phenomenal job bringing Klaus Hargreeves (Number Four)  to life. He makes me want to laugh, cry, and wring his neck all in the span of a minute. 

Aidan Gallagher (Number Five) is the youngest actor in the super group, but he has the acting chops of someone that’s been the business for decades. He’s impressive on-screen and off. Besides being an actor, he’s a singer and climate activist.
(Click HERE to read more about him)

 

I don’t believe Netflix has renewed a season 3 yet. I hope they will. With the season 2 shocking finale, we fans demand more! Netflix, please make it so! 

 

If you’d haven’t read the Dark Horse comics yet, I encourage you to give them a shot. Links are below! 

 

Volume 1


Amazon Purchase Link

 

Volume 2


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Volume 3


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‘Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia’ Series by Ed Kuehnel and Matt Entin (Six Comic Book Showcase)

 

A Date with Destiny!
A DATE WITH DESTINY!

“Boy Scout” Bob Schultz! Cousin Orville! Mini Macho! Kodiak Jack! Spanish Rose! Don Fong Wong! These are the megastars of 1984’s AWF. “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Rory Landell isn’t getting the respect he thinks he deserves, so one crazy night he ups the game, declaring himself the Galactic Champion of the Universe. But it turns out AWF fans aren’t the only ones listening, and the denizens of planet Wrestletopia aren’t going to take a challenge like that sitting down!

 

“A must for wrestling fans, but such a delightfully weird debut issue that anyone can jump right in and expect to have a fantastic time.” – C.K. Stewart, Newsarama

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

 

Two Planets Enter, One Leaves!
TWO PLANETS ENTER, ONE LEAVES!

Fifteen years later, “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Rory Landell’s “Galactic Champion of the Universe” rant has made it across space to planet Wrestletopia. While Rory drowns his sorrows off the grid, Earth is on the receiving end of a nasty surprise!

 

“They’re not just doing this for a certain demographic of wrestling fans, this book is for everyone. I’m with it.” – Omar Holmon, Black Nerd Problems

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

 

Two Peas in a Pot!
TWO PEAS IN A POT!

The Wrestletopians have enclosed the Earth in a metal cage, holding the planet hostage until upstart “Galactic Champion of the Universe” Rory Landell will meet the challenge of true champion Manifest Destiny. But where is Rory?

 

The fight scenes and characters were drawn superbly. – Kam’s Place

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

 

ROAD GAMES!

Self-proclaimed galactic champion Rory “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Landell has assembled a wrecking crew, just in time for a Wrestletopian attack! But even if Rory survives, his fate and the Earth’s hang in the balance, as a traitor joins true galactic champion Manifest Destiny to plot the event of the millennium: the Galact-O-Massacre!

 

Few books achieve the level of glee Wrestletopia produces.” – Ricardo Serrano, The Beat

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

 

SHOW-ME STATE OF MIND!

With the main event just around the corner, here come the undercards! Drasin has Rory trapped, with one way out: agree to take a dive at the Galact-O-Massacre and become Drasin’s right-hand man when the Wrestletopians put him in charge of Earth! Plus, a trip through Rory’s subconscious, and the rest of the crew take on their Wrestletopian counterparts atop a speeding train!

 

The only way this comic could get any better is if it were LONGER! – Lezlie with The Nerdy Narrative

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

NEWEST RELEASE!!

Galact-o-Massacre!

The fate of two worlds collide — IF “Rock ‘n’ Roll” Rory Landell can make it to the St. Paul Sportatorium in time to face Manifest Destiny in the squared circle. It’s champion versus champion in a heavyweight Galactic Championship title unification bout that will decide Earth’s fate! It’s… Galact-o-Massacre!

Includes EXCLUSIVE bonus material that will not appear in any future collected volumes!

 

“Invasion From Planet Wrestletopia lives within a niche: professional wrestling. It extends deeper into comic book-y territory, however, by also adding a sci-fi angle. This, simply put, makes for a hilarious comic.” – Zack Quaintance, Comics Bookcase

Comixology Purchase Link

 

 

 

Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia was created and written by Ed Kuehnel & Matt Entin of Suspicious Behavior Productions, the production company they founded in order to waste money.

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