Last winter, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the graphic novel,
Mighty Jack, by Ben Hatke, so I was
eager to read the sequel to this middle-grade fantasy, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King. It did not disappoint, with more
adventure, humor, and lots of fun.
I’ll avoid any spoilers, in case you haven’t read the first
book, Mighty Jack, yet. As book 2
opens, Jack and Lilly are climbing up – you guessed it – giant vines that grew
out of their fantastical garden, following Maddie, Jack’s little sister, who is
in need of saving. Just as in Jack and
the Beanstalk, these vines lead them into a whole different world, complete
with an evil ogre. Along the way to find Maddie, Jack and Lilly encounter
hordes of rats, weird hairy things that live in the pipes, small goblins, and a
huge Goblin King who presides over the goblins malevolently.
Lilly feels a special affinity for the little (and adorable)
goblins after they save her life, so she is determined to help them get out from
under the evil Goblin King’s control. However, the Goblin King decides that
Lilly would make a perfect bride. Of course, Lilly is strong and brave and will
not marry the Goblin King without a fight. There are plenty of exciting fights
in this novel. Throughout all of this, Jack and Lilly still must save Maddie.
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| Two pages from Mighty Jack and the Goblin King |
As with the first book, Mighty
Jack and the Goblin King is filled with action, adventure, and suspense.
The myriad fantastical creatures are imaginative and amusing creations, and
there is plenty of humor amid the tension. The graphics are gorgeous, multi-colored
drawings featuring realistic human characters and creative and mildly gruesome
or scary and/or cute fantasy characters. It’s an engaging and compelling story
with a happy ending that wraps up this story while leaving room for the trio’s
next exciting adventure.
207 pages, First Second
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