The Fire-Breathing Duckling (Family Comic Friday)

I was very surprised to find today's Family Comic Friday selection at my public library. It debuted in stores just a couple of days ago and with budget cuts, I wasn't expecting my library to be getting a copy of it. But I am very glad they did!

The Fire-Breathing Duckling is a retooling of the Hans Christian Andersen legend of The Ugly Duckling. Instead of a swan's egg getting mixed in with a batch of baby ducks, it's a dragon egg!

Nort is different than his duckling siblings. He's big and red instead of yellow and fluffy. He doesn't quack. He kinda snorts. Instead of swimming and floating on the water, he just kinda sinks. 

Unfortunately that last act brings about a lot of laughter at his expense from other animals on the ducklings' farm. So Nort, aided by his blue jay friend, goes around the stead hoping to find out what type of duckling he might be and Nort might just become the hero of all his barnyard friends in the process...

I love Toon Books. They're like the A24 Studios of graphic novels for young readers. They always feature artists and writers with such unique visions and voices. Frank Cammuso has both! The artwork was so adorable. There were several panels where I thought that Nort looked like Bill Watterson's timeless character Calvin; like the scene when the tiny dragon tries hay to find out if he's really a cow in disguise. 

This was a fun read recommended for readers in first and second grade. At least, that's what the suggested readers chart at the back of the book. But I think that those that are just about to enter kindergarten will love this book as well. 

I know we've still got a few more months left in the year. But I think I've already found my pick for the all-ages graphic novel of the year. It's a take on an all-time classic that I think will become an all-time great with generations to come! Hopefully this will also be the book that makes the multiple Eisner nominated Cammuso a winner! 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Edison Beaker, Creature Seeker: The Night Door (Family Comic Friday)

Edison Beaker is about to learn that there's more to the family business than getting rid of those pesky bugs. Edison's uncle is the owner of Creature Seekers. What appears to be your average extermination service is actually earth's last line of defense from dark creatures that sneak over from an alternate universe known as the Underwhere.

One night, Edison and his sister Tesla join their uncle on a call. When a dragon destroys the building their uncle is working in, the siblings learn that this isn't one of those standard pest control gigs. The Night Door that prevents an army of dark creatures from invading earth has been damaged and a mysterious orb that acts as a lock to the barricade has been stolen. 

With his sister and uncle kidnapped by the minions of the evil Baron Umbra, Edison must transverse the Underwhere in order to find the orb. Armed with the flashlight given to him by his missing father, Edison will take a dark and fanciful journey to find a way to save the earth, his family, and maybe himself!

It was the artwork that immediately caught my eye. By page 5, I really felt that creator Frank Cammuso's (Knights of the Lunch Table) style was influenced by Bill Waterson's iconic Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. After completing this book, I notice that one of the reviewers made the connection as well. So a big pat on the back for that.

I felt that the artwork on this graphic novel was so lively and fluid, I didn't think I was reading a book- I was watching an animated feature movie! The character of Uncle Earl just screamed the voice of Patton Oswalt. I couldn't really tell who the other characters voices were in my head. But the dialogue was so rapid fire and funny. 

I really enjoyed this 2018 release. A sequel dropped in 2019. I hope I can get my hands on that one because The Night Door left me wanting more- in a good way! I must know what happens next! 

Beautifully illustrated. Smartly and humorously written. And full of action and adventure!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.