Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story (Family Comic Friday)

The Cat in the Hat is back in an all-new adventure. The first of two Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels by RH Graphic, the beloved feline who doffs a candy stripes chapeau returns to make another boring day tons more fun for Sally and her brother Conrad. Seeing that disapproving family pet Fish is living inside a tiny little fish bowl, Cat decides to turn the entire house into one gigantic aquarium! With the help of Things 1 & 2, Cat will flood Sally and Conrad's home all for the sake of merriment. But don't worry! He's got a plan for getting the house back ship shape before mom and dad get home!

Tiny Titans' co-creator Art Baltazar goes solo in this 2024 graphic novel in a way only he can execute. Cat Out of Water is full of joy, fun and absolute devotion to the source material. Just don't blame me that the level of awesomeness is ramped up to 11! 

Though I know that this book is brand new, I was a tiny bit confused as to whether this story was a continuation of the original books by Dr. Seuss or a reboot. Though Fish and the kids know Cat, he introduces Things 1 & 2 to the residents of the house. Is this just because of the flare in which Cat does everything? Or does this occur at a time when Sally and Conrad haven't met those candy floss haired associates of Cat's? It's not really made clear.

For all you purists out there, this is an officially licensed graphic novel by the Dr. Seuss estate. A very fast read that captures the spirit of the Cat in the Hat very well with one glaring exception. Unlike an original Dr. Seuss book, there's no rhymes! No rhymes, at all! 

If the young readers in your life enjoy this graphic novel recommended on Amazon for readers ages 5-8, then be sure to check out the second brand new Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes A Vacation by Kaeti Vandorn.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Svengoolie: Lost in Time

Beloved horror host, Svengoolie, makes his comic book debut in this one-shot special from Frank Miller Presents. 

The mad scientist who lost out in auditions to Svengoolie has a plan to steal the host job. He'll create a robot version of Sven to go back in time and stop the horror host from getting hired by MeTV to host his weekly Saturday night movie theater series. First thing the Svenbot must do is prevent Svengoolie's sidekicks Kerwyn, Tombstone and his talking casket Boddy Sorrell from becoming a part of the show. Then with the help of the evil robot, Mr. Mad Scientist will swoop into present day Svengoolie studios and take the hosting job for himself!

Only there's one problem. The Svenbot is so good at hosting the show on it's own, the mechanical menace steals the job from the mad scientist as well! Besides, not needing to pay a robot will help MeTV make a huge profit! Now it's war as the mad scientist must go back in time and stop his Svenbot from changing horror movie theater history or else all TV shows might be hosted by robots that will work for nothing!

The story started off kinda flat. The jokes, much like the ones Svengoolie tells on his show, get lots of groans. But I think the roughness of that opening segment was more because of the medium. Rich Koz, the Sven-miester himself, wrote up the dialogue with story assists by Chris Faulkner and Jim Roche as well as Franco Aureliani. Spreading out a corny opening joke about Godzilla over 2 pages and several panels made for a jest that was just so hard to follow. But once we got into the time travelling portion of the story, things really gelled. 

I loved getting to witness the origins of Kerwyn, Tombstone and Boddy Sorrell. It was a nice touch having different artists illustrate those scenes which take place in different time periods. Art Baltazar, along with Jill Thompson and Christopher Jones draw up a trio of distinct eras of Svengoolie history. 

There was a follow-up story starring a new member of the Svengoolie family. Nostalgiaferatoo. That tale is supposed to be the character's origin story. But it devolves into a commercial for the Svengoolie show, which if you ask me is what this whole special was in the first place. There's also an informative history about Svengoolie. I would have preferred more space devoted to that than that unnecessary Nostalgiaferatoo 2-pager.

From what I understand, this is the first of 2 Svengoolie comic book specials. I enjoyed this work enough to look forward to the follow-up. Might I just suggest to write the story as a comic and not a TV show. Also, bring Art Baltazar and Franco together. I was excited to have both beloved creators working on this book. It's just not the same not having these two working in tandem as the all-ages comic dynamic duo that they are. Join Rich Koz with Art Baltazar and Franco- that's a team-up I can't wait to see in comics!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Post Halloween Left Over Thanksgiving Special #1

More Halloween than Thanksgiving, this excessively long-titled book features early work by Art Baltazar and Franco! 

The Post Halloween Left Over Thanksgiving Special stars Baltazar's character of Cray-Baby and Franco's assortment of monster characters that occupy the town of Weirdsville. I'm not really sure what Cray-Baby is. To me, I thought it was more of a twist on that Bat Boy character from the Weekly World News. Added to the mix is Chris Yambar's Mr. Beat, a sort of beatnik that is kinda a father figure to other characters.

Of the 3, Mr. Beat was my least popular. Not because I'm a devotee of Baltazar and Franco and thus biased. I am on both. My disdain of Mr. Beat is because of his liberal use of the R-word. Yes, I know this book came out over 20 years ago and things were different enough for it to be 'okay to say' the R-word. But I still don't like it. 

Only 2 stories are Thanksgiving themed. Although one might not be the case at all. That questionable story has a witch on the hunt for a young boy with a pumpkin for a head. She wants very much to make a pumpkin pie out of it. Pumpkin pie is very much a Thanksgiving staple, so that's why I consider it a Thanksgiving event. 

The second Turkey Day tale is called 'Franksgiving'. Here, Frankenstein's monster is on a rampage until a kind family invites him to Thanksgiving dinner. A silent tale. I really enjoyed its twist ending. 

The majority of the vignettes and shorts were funny. For a Thanksgiving special, I wish there was more Thanksgiving. But I guess it's better than nothing.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Aw Yeah Comics! Vol. 3: Make Way for Awesome (Family Comic Friday)

Today I am reviewing a book that I probably would have shared sooner but the pandemic closed out my local library for a very long time. Literally, I went like 2 full years without complete access to tons of great all ages books thanks to the lockdown. Even though this book is 6 years old, I am very behind. So bear with me if this is a book your family has already enjoyed.

Aw Yeah Comics! Vol. 3: Make Way for Awesome continues the awesome adventures of Action Cat, Adventure bug, Awesome Bear and their crime fighting pals! The creation of Family Comic Favorites Art Baltazar and Franco, the majority of the stories in this collection is produced by collaborative friends of the Aw Yeah Comics family of comic shops in the Chicago area. Though Baltazar and Franco aren't as active in the books collected within, you can still see their influences on every page. 

In this volume, our heroes take on Evil Cat, a rectangular swine fiend named Parallel-O-Ham (great pun name!), space aliens, ghost bugs and possibly an evil jar of pickles! There's a follow-up to the King of Atlantis story from early on in the series. Plus, expect some surprise crossovers from some beloved Dark Horse Comics characters that are usually seen in comics aimed at adults. It was really fun to see characters such as Savage Dragon in an all-ages setting for once!

And who doesn't love how Zombie Cat is basically designed in the motif of J'onn J'onzz, The Martian Manhunter? His body is the same color green. His outfit is also teal. And the missing eye being marked with a red X just like the harness on J'onn's chest. I got that reference!

This is the third collection of books. I've previously reviewed volume 1 on this blog. Hopefully, I'll be reading and reviewing volume 2 sometime soon. That means that the enjoyment doesn't have to end for me yet. That is unless my library is without volume 2. For some reason, my branch has a bad habit of not purchasing every book in the series. But if they pulled through this time, I'm in for a treat!

A great collection of stories that the kiddies and adults will enjoy. Being an older book, used and new copies can be purchased on Amazon for a fantastic steal. Since they're at a good price, pick up 2 copies. I'm sure the young readers in your life are going to love this book so much, they're going to wear it out with constant re-reads.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars. 

Powers in Action (Family Comic Friday)

Hiya Folks- I've been cleaning out my Google Docs and I found this unpublished classic review from when I was a writer for Outrightgeekery.com. Other than grammar, I've not made any updates to when I wrote this in 2019.

Enjoy!

DC Super Pets: Comet: The Origin of Supergirl's Horse (Family Comic Friday)

This Valentine's Day, a couple of special little girls will be getting this book as a gift from my wife and me. I know that technically this isn't a comic book. But it's written by a comic book author. It's illustrated by a comic book artist. And it contains characters from your favorite DC Comics titles! So I'm counting it for Family Comic Friday. 

In this book geared for young readers under the age of 8, kids will be introduced to Supergirl's magical flying horse, Comet! This book is just one of several new paperbacks by Steve Kortae and Aw Yeah! Comics' Art Baltazar that focuses on the pets and animal sidekicks of your favorite heroes and villains including Superman, Aquaman and Green Lantern. This is the second wave of origin books from the talented duo. Books starring Krypto, Ace, The Bat-Hound and Streaky the Supercat were released in 2017. All are still in print. 

After you met all of the DC Super Pets, you can then read up on their adventures in about a dozen age appropriate adventures illustrated by Baltazar. They're written by a host of talented children's authors such as A Dog and His Girl Mysteries' Sarah Hine-Stephens.

One reason I think DC decided to release this next wave of origin books is economic. The animated DC League of Super-Pets is tentatively due in theaters this May. That all depends on COVID, of course. But with the voices of Dwayne Johnson,. Keanu Reeves and Kevin Hart, Warner Bros. is pulling out all stops for this cartoon adventure! What a brilliant way to introduce youngsters to several unfamiliar animal characters than to pre-release a number of introductory volumes featuring the stars. 

However, I am a bit confused why DC and Warner chose to release a book on the squirrel-like Green Lantern B'DG! (pronounced Badge), instead of Ch'p whom is going to be in the movie. 

The youngsters I am gifting this book too are too young to read this on their own. But I have a feeling their Dads will definitely be reading this to them. Plus, I've got to get them started on Supergirl early! If they are a fan of this, you can be sure they'll be getting the Streaky book for Christmas!

A fun read for the whole family and the perfect appetizer for this Summer's animated super pet blockbuster!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Drew and Jot: Dueling Doodles (Family Comic Friday)

Welcome to the first Family Comic Friday of 2020! We start the new year off with a look at a new book by a fan favorite of FCF- Art Baltazar! The creator of Aw Yeah Comics lets his imagination go wild in the new graphic novel Drew and Jot: Dueling Doodles!

Drew and Jot: Dueling Doodles
Written and illustrated by Art Baltazar
Published by Kaboom!
Pages: 208
Retail: $14.99

Andrew just had the best first day of school ever! Andrew loves to draw comics in his sketchbook, starring his personal creation: The hero Drew! Today, Andrew met Foz who also has a sketchbook. Foz draws adventures starring his character, the evil Doctor Danger!

Andrew and Foz decide to work together to craft an epic crossover between Drew and Doctor Danger. Becoming fast friends, the pair add a new character to the mix. It’s Drew’s dog sidekick, Jot! Boy, are those ideas just coming together in an awesome story! Too bad the fellas have got to stop for the night!

The next morning Foz awakens to find that Doctor Danger has escaped from his sketchbook! It appears that this fantastic tale has taken on a life of its own. But are the new friends and their comic creations ready for when Andrew’s sister Patsy gets a hold of the sketchbook and adds her own character to the story? Meet The Phenomenally Super Awesome Bombastic Fantastic and her alien horde of flying saucers! 

Drew and Jot is over 200 pages long. That’s pretty lengthy for a graphic novel aimed at readers 9-12 years of age. But a lot of the pages are short on words while still being big on action! This new universe created by Art Baltazar is tons of fun and extremely imaginative!

It’s weird to not have a story by both Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans)! They’re as much as an iconic team as Batman and Robin or peanut butter and jelly. But Baltazar manages to capture that co-op whimsy and charm without his artistic partner Franco. Thankfully, the friendship isn’t fractured between the two creators. Be on the look-out for a cameo from Franco as a sales clerk!

I highly doubt that this is the last time we’ll see Drew and Jot or their creators. Art Baltazar knows how to write for kids. And he manages to make this book a little bit educational with tips on how to young fans of comic books can create comics of their own! 

Parents and guardians, make reading a new year’s resolution for your kids! So why not start out 2020 with a graphic novel written by a big kid himself!? Make Art Baltazar’s Drew and Jot a part of your kids January readings!

Drew and Jot: Dueling Doodles debuts in hardcover on January 7th, 2020!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? (Family Comic Friday)

For this week's Family Comic Friday, we trek into an underground wonderland. Join Boober, Mokey, and friends in the all-new young readers graphic novel: Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It?

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It?
Written and Illustrated by art Baltazar
Published by Archaia
Pages: 32
Retail: $9.99

Gobo is missing something very special. With the help of his best friend Wembley, hopefully he'll find it. But as more Fraggles join the search for Gobo's missing item, will they all come to the realization that pink-haired moppet forgot to tell his pals just what it is he's looking for?

Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? was written and illustrated by one of my favorite all-ages talent, Art Baltazar. The co-creator of such fun titles as Tiny Titans and Aw Yeah! Comics, Baltazar's work is engaging for all readers. He's got a cartoony style that makes iconic characters approachable for both the youngest and most veteran of fans. But what makes me a huge fan of Art Baltazar is his classic Easter eggs! They are added for those keen-eyed fanatics who are looking to share their beloved childhood franchises with the next generation of fans. Plus, unlike Disney Easter eggs, the one's Baltazar hides in his artwork aren't naughty!

I do feel that with a title such as 'Where Is It?', a great opportunity was missed. Instead of a funny story about Gobo and his missing item, the creators at Archaia could have made this graphic novel into an introduction to the world of the Fraggles. There's some many wondrous realms and characters in this book aching for a proper introduction to readers new and established. And just where are the Doozers at in this book?! It's not Fraggle Rock without those mint green miners!

Devoted fans know that Fraggle Rock lies on the other side of a series of holes in Doc's workshop and house. When a Fraggle says that they are going to venture into outer space, they wind up somewhere on Doc's property. Often the Fraggles run afoul of Doc's dog, Sprocket , as one does in this book. But that encounter isn't very well explained and could be confusing to new readers. 

Another aspect that isn't properly established for newcomers are the roles of the Gorgs. They pop up in this story scaring Wembley. But other than Wembley's state of fright, if you were new to this franchise, you would not really understand the why behind the alarm.

This hardcover graphic novel is great for readers aged 5-8. But even an original watcher of Fraggle Rock from the days of airing on HBO will enjoy this book. It's not set up just right for newcomers to the Fraggles. But longtime fans and the young readers they introduce the Fraggles to will have a perfect trip to the land of Fraggle Rock!

Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Where Is It? Debuted in print and digital formats on August 14th, 2019.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Encounter, Volume 1: Out of This World (A Family Comic Friday Extra!)

I reviewed the first issue a while back as part of one of my Family Comic Friday columns. While I enjoyed that book, I felt that should I ever get my hands on the collected edition, I would review this separately as I didn't want to take away from reviewing another all-ages book. But since then, I have started do Family Comic Friday Extras. So here goes...

Encounter, Volume 1: Out of This World
Written and illustrated by Art Baltazar, Franco & Chris Giarusso
Published by Lion Forge
Pages: 136
Retail: $12.99

Encounter is a shape-shifting alien who has sought refuge on planet earth. While on our planet, he has made it his mission to protect several mysterious pods that bear the same green polka dots that he does. In order to earn money, Encounter poses as a baker. But because of those darn dots he bears, he must turn his bakery into an Encounter themed shop. You can't expect Encounter to give up his secret identity, now can you?

It's not easy being a super hero. Especially now, as a series of villains have come to town demanding those pods. It will take all the help from his super powered sidekick, Barko and the neighboring owner of the local comic book store and his niece to help keep those orbs from the hands of the baddies! 

I love Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans)! I love Chris Giarusso (G-Man)! Having all 3 working on a comic book together is all-ages gold! 

Their art style is timeless. Their sense of humor is steeped in comic book lore. And all three creators just want to create fun comics for the whole family to enjoy!

This volume covers the first 5 issues of Encounter. There's a volume 2 that just came out in March that covers issues 6-10. I'm really hoping there will be more after that. But it's been about 6 months since the last issue debuted. I'm not really sure what the delay is. In fact, there may not be a delay at all and issue #10 was the last we'll see of Encounter and friends.
I hope that is not the case; but it's real possibility.

Encounter has something for the whole family. The main features have bigger words and more complex plots for those aged 8-12. The secondary tales are simplified for readers 4-7. The villains are zany. The townsfolk are goofy. And every once in a while you have to do a double take because the in-jokes are really surreal. But this is wholesome stuff that will make parents and guardians very happy!

Encounter, Volume 1: Out of This World debuted in print and digital formats on October 2, 2018.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

And be sure to be on the lookout for my regular FCF column later this afternoon!

Aw Yeah! A Hasbro Action Figure Jam

Who says that the adults get to have all the fun?

 In honor of the epic IDW Hasbro crossover Revolution, the publishing company decided to make an all-ages version! Bringing together Rom: Spaceknight, GI Joe, Transformers and the Micronauts, Aw Yeah! A Hasbro Action Figure Jam crafts a story that will delight fans of all-ages of any or all of these franchises. 

However, I felt that a little something was missing to this book by Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans). I think it's that his long-time art and story partner, Franco isn't involved in this miniseries. Normally in an Art Baltazar and Franco adventure has tons of inside jokes, Easter eggs and is fun, fun, fun. This  yarn was missing at least one of the funs and a bunch of the hidden treasures. 

I enjoyed a large majority of this story. Having a very popular good guy changed into a member of COBRA was awesome! Seeing the Micronauts and Snake Eyes fighting together was epic! And anything with ROM is just pure old school fun!

But I hated the ending. It was ambiguous and stories without definitive endings are a huge pet peeve of mine. However, if you are a grown-up or parent who is looking to share over 35 years of Hasbro toy history, this is a very good place to start.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.