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Batula
Man of Action Studioes -- creators of the international hit Ben 10 -- return with an all-new big book for little readers! Livingston is a peaceful fruit bat whose life changes when he is bitten by a vampire and transformed into a vampire bat! As Batula -- an avenging creature of the night -- Livingston develops a taste for adventure and a need to prove that no matter what he looks like on the outside, he's still the same bat on the inside. A full-color story book by Frankie Stein creators Seagle & Cinello.
48 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
14 people want to read
About the author
Steven T. Seagle
498 books51 followersSteven T. Seagle is an American writer who works in the comic book, television, film, live theater, video game, and animation industries.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 7, 2024
Textually speaking, what author Steven T. Seagle provides for the 2012 graphic novel Batula (although for me Batula feels more like a longer picture book than a graphic novel) is rather predictable, presents a pretty much standard and even a trifle stereotypical story of self-acceptance, of tolerance, of finding one's place (one's calling) so to speak, all imbued with mild but also not ever all that frightening, all that exaggerated and overt creepiness both verbal and also visual (with Marco Cinello's colourful and marvellously atmospheric cartoons delightfully mirroring and sometimes equally so expanding on Seagle's printed words, almost too sedately at times, perhaps, but in my opinion, both words and images in Batula are indeed and according to in particular my inner child absolutely perfect for easily frightened, for easily creeped out readers both young and also and definitely older).
And yes, Batula basically recounts how before venturing into the big city, there being bitten and turned into a vampire by a bat named Vlad (indeed, by Vlad, which is rather groaningly obvious but also hilarious and a total a-ha kind of moment), main protagonist Livingstone is featured by Seagle's text and Cinello's pictures as a rather nondescript fruit bat to whom no one really pays all that much attention (except for his significant other Drena), but how that all changes when Livingstone (after going into self-imposed exile due to his new and strange vampiric urges and then being mentored, being encouraged by a spider turned werwolf) returns to the orchard as super-hero Batula and saves his colony from Vlad's attack, which totally and broadly makes me smile (even though I kind of knew or at least pretty much expected this scenario to occur for and in Batula). However (and most definitely so with very much and also very strong personal conviction, I might add), albeit I do tend to agree with the reviewer who compares Batula thematics-wise to the 1964 stop-motion Christmas animated television special of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer (but which I for one consider rather lovely), and while I also find it just wee bit frustrating that after Wulf the werewolf spider who helps and comforts Livingstone is bitten by Vlad, he then just both verbally and visually completely vanishes from the pages of Batula, I am indeed very pleasantly surprised at just how much I have enjoyed Steven T. Seagle's story (all predictability and such totally notwithstanding) and that for me and to me, the combination of Seagle's words and Marco Cinello's wonderful, expressive and also often slyly humorous artwork has indeed ended up with me rating Batula with a very unexpected five stars (and that I both highly and warmly recommend Batula and am also considering trying to find a copy of Batula for my personal Halloween bookshelves at home, well, at least, if readily and easily available).
And yes, Batula basically recounts how before venturing into the big city, there being bitten and turned into a vampire by a bat named Vlad (indeed, by Vlad, which is rather groaningly obvious but also hilarious and a total a-ha kind of moment), main protagonist Livingstone is featured by Seagle's text and Cinello's pictures as a rather nondescript fruit bat to whom no one really pays all that much attention (except for his significant other Drena), but how that all changes when Livingstone (after going into self-imposed exile due to his new and strange vampiric urges and then being mentored, being encouraged by a spider turned werwolf) returns to the orchard as super-hero Batula and saves his colony from Vlad's attack, which totally and broadly makes me smile (even though I kind of knew or at least pretty much expected this scenario to occur for and in Batula). However (and most definitely so with very much and also very strong personal conviction, I might add), albeit I do tend to agree with the reviewer who compares Batula thematics-wise to the 1964 stop-motion Christmas animated television special of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer (but which I for one consider rather lovely), and while I also find it just wee bit frustrating that after Wulf the werewolf spider who helps and comforts Livingstone is bitten by Vlad, he then just both verbally and visually completely vanishes from the pages of Batula, I am indeed very pleasantly surprised at just how much I have enjoyed Steven T. Seagle's story (all predictability and such totally notwithstanding) and that for me and to me, the combination of Seagle's words and Marco Cinello's wonderful, expressive and also often slyly humorous artwork has indeed ended up with me rating Batula with a very unexpected five stars (and that I both highly and warmly recommend Batula and am also considering trying to find a copy of Batula for my personal Halloween bookshelves at home, well, at least, if readily and easily available).
December 29, 2015
Reviewed on 08/26/2012.
The Plot – Livington is a normal and ordinary fruit bat that lives with others fruit bats and it’s not happy with who he is.
He wants to be different and cool and to get the girl he wants for once. So he goes far from his safe little home and get what he wanted, but what he wanted turns out is not exactly what he expected to be. He is now different from the others and the girl of his dreams noticed him for the first time. What’s the problem? Being different turns out not such a great thing after all. So now he has to learn to live with this new person he turned out to be.
The Characters – This is a children’s book, so there’s not much details, but we see the important stuff.
The Writing – This is a comic, so we don’t get to see all that much of the writing, but I liked what I did see.
Considerations – I get that this book is supposed to be all “be happy with who you are” and “Acceptance can make you look cool.” But, even though this book is sweet and the drawings are really cute, I think the whole hero stuff is a little too much.
No, I’m not the Grinch, thanx for asking, BTW. I’m just saying, just because the guy did something good and accept who he is, this is real world and we must know that people will not become all nice to you forever. Sooner or later, the horns will show and you’ll have to deal with it. Don’t lay your worth in the hands of others, that’s all I’m saying.
Over all, this book is cool and at least tries to give a positive message to the kids.
*An ARC was kindly provided by the publisher. But this in no way influenced my views on this book. This is my honest review.*
This Reading is Part of The Following Reading Challenges:
For more go to:
The Plot – Livington is a normal and ordinary fruit bat that lives with others fruit bats and it’s not happy with who he is.
He wants to be different and cool and to get the girl he wants for once. So he goes far from his safe little home and get what he wanted, but what he wanted turns out is not exactly what he expected to be. He is now different from the others and the girl of his dreams noticed him for the first time. What’s the problem? Being different turns out not such a great thing after all. So now he has to learn to live with this new person he turned out to be.
The Characters – This is a children’s book, so there’s not much details, but we see the important stuff.
The Writing – This is a comic, so we don’t get to see all that much of the writing, but I liked what I did see.
Considerations – I get that this book is supposed to be all “be happy with who you are” and “Acceptance can make you look cool.” But, even though this book is sweet and the drawings are really cute, I think the whole hero stuff is a little too much.
No, I’m not the Grinch, thanx for asking, BTW. I’m just saying, just because the guy did something good and accept who he is, this is real world and we must know that people will not become all nice to you forever. Sooner or later, the horns will show and you’ll have to deal with it. Don’t lay your worth in the hands of others, that’s all I’m saying.
Over all, this book is cool and at least tries to give a positive message to the kids.
*An ARC was kindly provided by the publisher. But this in no way influenced my views on this book. This is my honest review.*
This Reading is Part of The Following Reading Challenges:
For more go to:
August 9, 2012
“What happens when a fruit bat gets bitten by a vampire? He’s transformed into the vampire bat hero his colony might need the most… Batula.”
Batula is a short illustrated story for young readers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it cannot be enjoyed just as much by older children, like me. I wouldn’t say that this is a graphic novel but rather a fairytale of sorts.
The main protagonist is Livingston, who not just because of his name reminds us of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, since like his predecessor is a man, or rather a bat, that looks for something else in his life, who tries to make something better of his self.
Livingston lives in an orchard with the rest of his tribe and if he stands out for something is that he doesn’t stand out for anything. Bart is the one who says the funniest stories; Auggie is the best at hanging upside-down; and Drina, oh Drina, is the bat of his dreams; a bat that pays no attention to him whatsoever.
So, what is a bat to do? Well, ignoring the wise advice of others, he decides to fly to the city of men. Once there the first person he encounters is a bat in captivity. What an unusual fellow that is; he’s never seen anyone like him. The latter, that goes by the name of Vlad, urges him to open the cage and set him free, and he obeys. What does he get in exchange? The bite that will turn him into a vampire.
Livingston, who will soon return to the orchard, will start little by little changing. He’ll get stronger and a little more confident, but at the same time he’ll stop enjoying the most precious of gifts, the fruits, and will crave for meat instead. He feels that he’s becoming something that he doesn’t like, and even though he at last catches the eye of Drina, he decides that it will be better if he leaves again.
So, off he goes. This journey though will prove different from the first one, since during it he will meet Wulf, the werewolf spider, who will help him accept his new reality and make him see how he can use his newfound powers for the purpose of good. And sooner rather than later something will happen that will make him realize that once you start to like who you are, the others will like you too.
A short and beautifully written and illustrated story that has something to say to the reader; and that it does, in a graceful manner.
Batula is a short illustrated story for young readers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it cannot be enjoyed just as much by older children, like me. I wouldn’t say that this is a graphic novel but rather a fairytale of sorts.
The main protagonist is Livingston, who not just because of his name reminds us of Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, since like his predecessor is a man, or rather a bat, that looks for something else in his life, who tries to make something better of his self.
Livingston lives in an orchard with the rest of his tribe and if he stands out for something is that he doesn’t stand out for anything. Bart is the one who says the funniest stories; Auggie is the best at hanging upside-down; and Drina, oh Drina, is the bat of his dreams; a bat that pays no attention to him whatsoever.
So, what is a bat to do? Well, ignoring the wise advice of others, he decides to fly to the city of men. Once there the first person he encounters is a bat in captivity. What an unusual fellow that is; he’s never seen anyone like him. The latter, that goes by the name of Vlad, urges him to open the cage and set him free, and he obeys. What does he get in exchange? The bite that will turn him into a vampire.
Livingston, who will soon return to the orchard, will start little by little changing. He’ll get stronger and a little more confident, but at the same time he’ll stop enjoying the most precious of gifts, the fruits, and will crave for meat instead. He feels that he’s becoming something that he doesn’t like, and even though he at last catches the eye of Drina, he decides that it will be better if he leaves again.
So, off he goes. This journey though will prove different from the first one, since during it he will meet Wulf, the werewolf spider, who will help him accept his new reality and make him see how he can use his newfound powers for the purpose of good. And sooner rather than later something will happen that will make him realize that once you start to like who you are, the others will like you too.
A short and beautifully written and illustrated story that has something to say to the reader; and that it does, in a graceful manner.
August 16, 2019
Livingston is a kind fruit bat, but no one really notices him in his colony. He's pretty plain and doesn't stand out. All of that changes when he ventures too far into the city and gets bitten by Vlad the vampire bat. Now Livingston has strange urges and he no longer craves fruit. What's he to do? He becomes Batula, a local hero.
If this sounds a little childish, you're right. Batula is a kids book. Written by Steven T. Seagle, the story is one of acceptance and tolerance. It reminds me a bit too much of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer though. Both Rudolph and Livingston are outcasts. Granted, the bat doesn't endure nearly the kind of torment that the reindeer goes through, but both are basically worthless until the other characters have a need for them. Whether it's a foggy night or a colony under attack, past transgressions are quickly forgotten when the popular kids want something. Yes, I'm somewhat bitter and I'm reviewing a children's book.
If this sounds a little childish, you're right. Batula is a kids book. Written by Steven T. Seagle, the story is one of acceptance and tolerance. It reminds me a bit too much of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer though. Both Rudolph and Livingston are outcasts. Granted, the bat doesn't endure nearly the kind of torment that the reindeer goes through, but both are basically worthless until the other characters have a need for them. Whether it's a foggy night or a colony under attack, past transgressions are quickly forgotten when the popular kids want something. Yes, I'm somewhat bitter and I'm reviewing a children's book.
August 28, 2012
Background: Livingston is just your ordinary Fruit Bat, nothing special, even his bat friends don't see him. One day he is attacked and turned into a Vampire and then shunned from the group. Livingston must become Batula to gain back all he has lost.
Review: This was a very cute graphic novel about a sad bat who thinks he doesn't fit in and searches to find himself, only to turn into something else -- a vampire. Livingston is a cute main character who is spunky and wants more adventure as many of us do. The question arises, how much do you have to change as a person to achieve that adventure, and Livingston's story tells us we can be anything and change for the better.
A beautifully drawn and colored comic, vivid use of color and shows the action of the tale well. Enjoyed thoroughly.
Review: This was a very cute graphic novel about a sad bat who thinks he doesn't fit in and searches to find himself, only to turn into something else -- a vampire. Livingston is a cute main character who is spunky and wants more adventure as many of us do. The question arises, how much do you have to change as a person to achieve that adventure, and Livingston's story tells us we can be anything and change for the better.
A beautifully drawn and colored comic, vivid use of color and shows the action of the tale well. Enjoyed thoroughly.
July 30, 2012
This book is adorable! The kids at my library are going to love it and I hope we can get our hands on it by Halloween. It's a little bit Darkwing Duck, a little bit Batman and a little Dracula all rolled into one.
Livingston is a frit bat who gets bitten by a vampire bat, and of course, he changes. Now he doesn't fit in anywhere... until he meets a werewolf wolf spider who teaches him that being a hero is great, but being ypurself is the best thing anyone can be.
Livingston is a frit bat who gets bitten by a vampire bat, and of course, he changes. Now he doesn't fit in anywhere... until he meets a werewolf wolf spider who teaches him that being a hero is great, but being ypurself is the best thing anyone can be.
August 19, 2012
I thought this book was great. Short and sweet and my son paid attention throught the whole book. My son said he liked all the pictures and the part when he turned into a vampire. :-)
My full review will be up at Laura's Adventures in Bookland. Look for my Mini Monday post!
My full review will be up at Laura's Adventures in Bookland. Look for my Mini Monday post!
September 15, 2012
Livingston the fruit bat wants to be special, but when he is attacked by a vampire bat he gets more than he bargained for and eventually realizes how special he really is. This graphic novel for kids has an underlying message about recognizing the power and strength that we have in ourselves - plus it's extra cool because it's about a bat.
December 5, 2012
Reason for Reading: I love Ben 10 and this looked cute and fun. The description I read failed to mention it was a "story book" so I was under the impression it would be a comic book.
I wouldn't have read this going in if I'd know it was a picture book, as I'd mistakenly thought it was going to be a comic. Don't get me wrong, I like picture books but this just wouldn't have turned my crank. Anyway, the artwork is obviously wonderful. If you've seen Ben 10 then you know what to expect and that is what you get here. Great visuals! The story on the other hand, meh. Livingston is a boring bat, nobody pays him any attention, until he comes back after being bit by a vampire bat. Then he's all dark and mysterious and the girl he likes takes a shine to him, but he leaves when he starts thirsting for blood and meets a werewolf spider who convinces him to go superhero. So guess who he goes after? Yeah, the vampire who bit him and just in time because he's attacking Livingstone's bat village. He saves the day, gets the girl, the end. Really cliched, not very original. Very young ones might stay tuned for the pictures but most will find it dull.
I wouldn't have read this going in if I'd know it was a picture book, as I'd mistakenly thought it was going to be a comic. Don't get me wrong, I like picture books but this just wouldn't have turned my crank. Anyway, the artwork is obviously wonderful. If you've seen Ben 10 then you know what to expect and that is what you get here. Great visuals! The story on the other hand, meh. Livingston is a boring bat, nobody pays him any attention, until he comes back after being bit by a vampire bat. Then he's all dark and mysterious and the girl he likes takes a shine to him, but he leaves when he starts thirsting for blood and meets a werewolf spider who convinces him to go superhero. So guess who he goes after? Yeah, the vampire who bit him and just in time because he's attacking Livingstone's bat village. He saves the day, gets the girl, the end. Really cliched, not very original. Very young ones might stay tuned for the pictures but most will find it dull.
April 23, 2015
Batula is a comic book/picture book about an unhappy fruit bat (Livingston) who becomes a vampire bat superhero (Batula) and saves the day. The illustrations are really cute. There are a couple of pages that made me laugh out loud (like when Livingston, recently turned vampire bat, suddenly finds fruit disgusting). My biggest quibble with the book is the font -- both of my (dyslexic) kids found it hard to read. This book is perfect for 6-9 crowd who are into comics and superheros (sensitive and younger readers may find some pages (such as when Vlad bites Livingston) frightening).
September 5, 2012
The art was great--the bats have their own personalities (even if they never speak) and it's just a pleasing book to look at. The writing, not to my taste. The story was a bit rough and the typeface used was atrocious. I had such a hard enough time trying to read it that I can imagine kids would find it fairly difficult to decipher.
August 15, 2012
The illustrations are adorable. Story is a little weak, but it's cute. Elementary age kids who love Halloween and Batman will love this story.
September 22, 2012
This is fun book, but not one I would read at story time. It’s about a bat being who is and not tiring to be someone else. I loved the illustrations.
February 23, 2013
Full review on HorrorTalk.com: http://www.horrortalk.com/book-review...
August 6, 2012
Picture book, not a graphic novel.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews