teeggzz's review

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3.0

3.5 ⭐
The art style of this was absolutely stunning! The story itself was a little bit tropey and predictable but I still enjoyed my time with it for the most part.

geekwayne's review

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3.0

Lollipop Kids Vol. 1: Things That Go Bump In the Night' by Adam and Aidan Glass with art by Diego Yapur is a story of monster hunters in Central Park.

When immigrants came to America, they also brought the monsters from their home countries. A group of children fighters formed to fight them. That legacy was passed from generation to generation. When the children turn 18, they forget about their fight. Now Nick finds out he is part of this legacy, but first he has to be convinced that this whole thing is real.

I like the premise. I like the art a lot. The first issue has a lot of monologue about the main character and I wish the story had launched a bit faster with it's pacing.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Aftershock Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

whitneymouse's review

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4.0

**Thank you to Aftershock Comics in connection with SLJ's Teen Live! programming for librarians for the eARC of this title. This in no way changed my rating**

This was cute. I was especially happy to see two biracial protagonists. As a biracial person who grew up in the 90s, there was no representation when I was a child, so I'm so happy for this generation of children getting to see themselves.

The story was a little convoluted in parts. I think this would get resolved in further volumes, so I'll check those out as they are published. I thought the explanation parts were a little sparse. I wanted more information about the former Lollipop Kids, the parents role, why there was a war, etc. It's discussed in part, but not very deeply.

The drawings are also a little inconsistent, especially with Mia. There are times she looks her age (17-18) and there are times she looks much younger. Moving forward, I would like to see more consistency in the characters. But I do enjoy it as a whole.

Overall, I would recommend. It's a cute combination of History and Fantasy with both biracial rep and dyslexic rep.

erindurrett's review

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4.0

3.5

irayred's review against another edition

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4.0

Oh, boy, it’s been a while since I’ve read a really good YA graphic novel that made me squeal with excitement!

Lollipop Kids is what I would have wanted to read when I was a teenager: it has a bunch of different and interesting characters, all of them charming in their own way; it is action-packed and fast paced, yet from page one you’re immersed in this story.

Apparently some monsters and terrible creatures have been terrorizing people, thus, these teenagers fight against them with their unique powers, to keep the peace among their peers. These powers and weapons are almost like heirlooms, and it is their legacy to younger generations. These kids have to protect what they love, no matter what.

If you like witches, werewolves, ghouls, King Arthur’s Excalibur, strong female characters, non-binary characters and a thrilling, gorgeous art, I’m sure this one is for you!

Last but not least, one of the authors as well as the MC has dyslexia and it’s good to see that it doesn’t stop them from creating a wonderful, exciting story and to fight against monsters respectively. I hope we see more of them in the future!

I received an e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review via Diamond Comic Distributors.

makeminemonsters's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.0

I thought this was an interesting concept with a lackluster execution.

quirkycatsfatstacks's review

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4.0

I received a copy of The Lollipop Kids Vol. 1 through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Lollipop Kids Vol. 1: Things That Go Bump in the Night is a fun take on kids being the guardians against the monsters. Because naturally, kids are the best at spotting them. In this case, only kids of a certain lineage seem to be able to see and thus stop the monsters. But it is still a fun concept.
This graphic novel is great if you go into it expecting nothing more than a fun read. It’s lighthearted, on the whole, though it does have an undertone of a serious message as well (the importance of doing what’s right, friendship, and family).


The Lollipop Kids Vol. 1: Things That Go Bump in the Night was very fun and dare I say, cute? Okay, maybe that word doesn’t apply perfectly here, but I’m sure you get my meaning. Here we have a group of children fighting monsters and the like.
Naturally, this series is a lot less graphic than it could be. Though it does hint heavily at the fact that kids have lost their lives in action, this was never shown (thankfully). Because it wasn’t as intense as the fighting monsters trope could have allowed for, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
The Lollipop Kids valiantly guard against all monsters and evil – rightup until they turn eighteen years old. It’s the result of a curse, of a curse, but it also gives an excuse for why there are no adults helping with the problem.
I’m a bit conflicted about the lore for the lollipop kids, truth be told. On the one hand, I think it’s fun and clever. On the other hand, I think that having it be a lineage thing (but focused only on children) might have been a little much. I almost think I would have liked it better had it been that kids with the right temperament or skillsets were targeted. But that’s my personal preference.
They were very clever in the way they introduced the plot to the readers. They used a kid with the potential to be a lollipop kid as the main perspective. Thus when he became initiated, we got to learn alongside him. Simple yet effective.
I love that they added some family drama and dynamics to this tale. Sure, it may have been slightly heavy-handed at times, but on the whole, I actually do think it enhanced the complexity of the plot being told. Plus, it gave us more of a reason to become emotionally invested.
On the whole, this graphic novel was a blast to read, as well as being relatively quick to get through (unsurprisingly). I don’t know if a second volume is planned for the series or not. It felt like it could go either way, towards the end. I suppose only time (and sales numbers) will tell.


For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

heathershectichideaway's review

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5.0

The artwork of this volume was absolutely beautiful! It was an amazing twist on Wizard of Oz’s lollipop kids and I was fully invested the entire way through the book. I feel like this graphic novel would be loved by people who loved I hate fairyland and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it yet! I am very impressed by this author and can’t wait for volume 2!

heathershectichideaway's review against another edition

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5.0

The artwork of this volume was absolutely beautiful! It was an amazing twist on Wizard of Oz’s lollipop kids and I was fully invested the entire way through the book. I feel like this graphic novel would be loved by people who loved I hate fairyland and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it yet! I am very impressed by this author and can’t wait for volume 2!

etienne02's review

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3.0

2,5/5. A bit too childish for me. I did enjoy the art and the fantastical universe with all those monsters and monsters hunters kids, but the story felt a bit blank and the characters as well, maybe younger reader wouldn't mind that, but I did.