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Spy School Graphic Novels #3
Evil Spy School the Graphic Novel
The New York Times bestselling Spy School series continues in graphic novel form with the third book as Ben gets kicked out of the CIA’s spy school and enrolls with the enemy.
During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring real world, Ben gets an offer to join evil crime organization SPYDER. And he accepts.
Ben can tell he’s a key part of their sinister plan, but he’s not quite sure what the plan is. Can Ben figure out what SPYDER is up to—and get word to the good guys without getting caught—before it’s too late?
Follow Ben as he crosses over to the dark side in action-packed, full-color panels.
During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring real world, Ben gets an offer to join evil crime organization SPYDER. And he accepts.
Ben can tell he’s a key part of their sinister plan, but he’s not quite sure what the plan is. Can Ben figure out what SPYDER is up to—and get word to the good guys without getting caught—before it’s too late?
Follow Ben as he crosses over to the dark side in action-packed, full-color panels.
368 pages, ebook
First published March 5, 2024
338 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 30, 2023
This is such an entertaining take on a chapter book! The art is great, the text is short and sweet, and somehow none of the original story’s charm is lost, despite it being in an entirely different format. Loved it!
Many images are there just to illustrate the sound effects, and I found that to be brilliantly done. It adds so much to the overall feel of the book, it somehow feels like it adds a layer of action to it.
This is one of the books I refer to as “gateway books”. Give one of those to a kid who thinks they don’t like books. Give it to them and let them explore it, and you will end up with a kid who is asking if there is book two in the series. This is how you get kids hooked and interested in books; you give them something highly entertaining. This book ticks all the boxes to being a good gateway book.
Many images are there just to illustrate the sound effects, and I found that to be brilliantly done. It adds so much to the overall feel of the book, it somehow feels like it adds a layer of action to it.
This is one of the books I refer to as “gateway books”. Give one of those to a kid who thinks they don’t like books. Give it to them and let them explore it, and you will end up with a kid who is asking if there is book two in the series. This is how you get kids hooked and interested in books; you give them something highly entertaining. This book ticks all the boxes to being a good gateway book.
January 13, 2024
Another awesome novel made graphic! The illustrator does a great job of helping the story through the illustrations and the dialogue and text stay true to the original story. Love that these stories are being made for multiple types of readers!
January 3, 2024
Ben Ripley is doing his best at beginning of the year exercises at spy school when he is blamed for blowing up the principal's office. It's really a plan by Erica and her family to get him to infiltrate SPYDER's spy school, and Ben suspects as much. First, though, he has a disastrous day back at his old middle school before SPYDER does approach him and whisks him away to their ultra secret and very posh training center in New Jersey. There, Ben is in a house with Nefarious, who is always playing video games, and Ashley, the 6th best gymnast in the US who has turned to a life of crime after her failure to make the Olympic gymnastics team. He learns some of SPYDER's ways, takes a bit of a liking to Ashley, and finally is contacted by Erica, who tells him that SPYDER is up to something, and it's his job to find out what. The what ends up involving a lot of bombs, counter spying, and some unpleasant reminders of Ben's past. Which side is offering Ben a better deal?
The graphic novel adaptations of this popular spy mystery series are very dense, both visually and textually, so they are all extremely close to the storyline. Often, adaptations gloss over a lot of the emotional journeys of the characters or background information, but that is not the case here. The illustration style is well suited to the tone of the text; it's not as peppy and cartoonish as many titles, but not as serious as others, which is a good balance considering that as hard as Ben tries, he often has some humorous fails.
While 2023 brought a lot more diversity in genres of graphic novels, there is still a marked lack of spy and mystery titles. Johnston's adaptations of Horowitz's Stormbreaker series, Riordan's first 39 Clues by Ethan Young, and Blasco and Springer's Enola Holmes reboot are some similar titles. Spy novels have been popular with middle grade readers for over twenty years, which isn't surprising given the number of similar adult books. Fans of Gibbs' novels will like these as a quick refresher, and I hope that new readers will be enticed to pick up the longer versions after reading the graphic novels.
The graphic novel adaptations of this popular spy mystery series are very dense, both visually and textually, so they are all extremely close to the storyline. Often, adaptations gloss over a lot of the emotional journeys of the characters or background information, but that is not the case here. The illustration style is well suited to the tone of the text; it's not as peppy and cartoonish as many titles, but not as serious as others, which is a good balance considering that as hard as Ben tries, he often has some humorous fails.
While 2023 brought a lot more diversity in genres of graphic novels, there is still a marked lack of spy and mystery titles. Johnston's adaptations of Horowitz's Stormbreaker series, Riordan's first 39 Clues by Ethan Young, and Blasco and Springer's Enola Holmes reboot are some similar titles. Spy novels have been popular with middle grade readers for over twenty years, which isn't surprising given the number of similar adult books. Fans of Gibbs' novels will like these as a quick refresher, and I hope that new readers will be enticed to pick up the longer versions after reading the graphic novels.
February 20, 2024
Evil Spy School is the third installment of of the middle grade Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs. Ben Riley (unremarkable thirteen-year-old) once again finds himself inexplicably entangled in the sinister plots of the evil organization SPYDER.
We will find out if SPYDER’s continued attempts at recruiting Ben finally succeed while he weighs the perks of being evil with the moral qualms of the good. As Ben falls headfirst into the evil organization’s latest plan, he continuously finds himself two steps behind. Can he stop what’s coming or will he find himself late to the plan once again?
This is a fast-paced graphic novel that any middle grader would enjoy, especially considering there are not many other spy-type graphic novels on the market. It’s something different, has great graphics, simple dialogue, and successfully portrays the changing relationships among characters. The story can be choppy at times, but I don’t think that would affect a middle grader’s enjoyment. I love the idea to create a graphic novel from an existing series. It allows for different types of readers to enjoy the same great story and may even create a gateway for them into the chapter books.
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given a ARC copy of this book from @simonschusterca in exchange for an honest review.
We will find out if SPYDER’s continued attempts at recruiting Ben finally succeed while he weighs the perks of being evil with the moral qualms of the good. As Ben falls headfirst into the evil organization’s latest plan, he continuously finds himself two steps behind. Can he stop what’s coming or will he find himself late to the plan once again?
This is a fast-paced graphic novel that any middle grader would enjoy, especially considering there are not many other spy-type graphic novels on the market. It’s something different, has great graphics, simple dialogue, and successfully portrays the changing relationships among characters. The story can be choppy at times, but I don’t think that would affect a middle grader’s enjoyment. I love the idea to create a graphic novel from an existing series. It allows for different types of readers to enjoy the same great story and may even create a gateway for them into the chapter books.
Pub Date: March 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given a ARC copy of this book from @simonschusterca in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2023
The Spy School series was already very popular in my library, and the graphic novels are following suit. I appreciate how much they follow the print book and the graphics are great. Recommended addition to any elementary library.
March 20, 2025
The book is aight but the graphic style is dog poop
May 3, 2024
When a paint ball cannon round is swapped for a live round during exercises at Spy School Ben manages to save people but damages the principal's office and is promptly expelled. He is quickly recruited by SPYDER and based off an odd comment Erica made as he was being expelled, Ben thinks the CIA wants him to take the opportunity to go undercover. He accepts and finds himself in a SPYDER training facility with 2 other young people. But he has no clue where they are and can't seem to get much information. Is he doing any good for the CIA, or is he just going to be stuck in Evil Spy School forever?
A very satisfactory adaptation of the original 3rd Spy School book into graphic novel form. Just as fun as the original, but a quicker read. I thought adding the graphic novel versions of these books would make the originals less popular, but they've seemed to have absolutely no impact on how frequently the full novels get checked out.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There is a battle but people are usually just knocked out with gas or subdued rather than injured. There is potential for mass fatalities but that is thwarted.
Ethnic diversity: Black and White American characters (well, Erica is half American half British but we don't know that yet)
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: A couple of the SPYDER recruits have serious anger issues. The Spy School principal is a bit unfair.
A very satisfactory adaptation of the original 3rd Spy School book into graphic novel form. Just as fun as the original, but a quicker read. I thought adding the graphic novel versions of these books would make the originals less popular, but they've seemed to have absolutely no impact on how frequently the full novels get checked out.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: There is a battle but people are usually just knocked out with gas or subdued rather than injured. There is potential for mass fatalities but that is thwarted.
Ethnic diversity: Black and White American characters (well, Erica is half American half British but we don't know that yet)
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: A couple of the SPYDER recruits have serious anger issues. The Spy School principal is a bit unfair.
November 12, 2024
First, really love this series. I feel I missed the chance to enjoy the novels, and considering how far the main series has gone, I'm enjoying that the graphic novels are coming out and it's not a mad dash to read all the novels.
Secondly, I loved the artwork! These graphics are amazing. Huge shout out to artist Anjan Sarkar. The illustrations depict the story well, go along with the dialogue, and I feel his style fits perfectly not only for a spy story, but it really feels like if this artwork was animated, it would be a very believable cartoon on TV. I just think it's beautiful.
Overall I like the plot, and feel its development fit with Erica's character, as well with Spyder and what I've seen with them so far. It was also nice that the story took a more serious tone that worked with the story and didn't feel preachy.
Sadly, now I must wait until March 2025 for Spy Ski School: The Graphic Novel. Until the next mission!
Secondly, I loved the artwork! These graphics are amazing. Huge shout out to artist Anjan Sarkar. The illustrations depict the story well, go along with the dialogue, and I feel his style fits perfectly not only for a spy story, but it really feels like if this artwork was animated, it would be a very believable cartoon on TV. I just think it's beautiful.
Overall I like the plot, and feel its development fit with Erica's character, as well with Spyder and what I've seen with them so far. It was also nice that the story took a more serious tone that worked with the story and didn't feel preachy.
Sadly, now I must wait until March 2025 for Spy Ski School: The Graphic Novel. Until the next mission!
April 23, 2024
Really 3.5.
Fun middle grade action adventure series with an unlikely hero. This is the third book to be released as a graphic novel.
When Ben Ripley accidentally nearly kills the principal, he's expelled from Spy School. His friend Erica tells him he's washed up, so had better take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way.
On his first day back at his regular school, Ben is surprised to run into Joshua Hallal, his old nemesis who had been presumed dead. When Joshua offers Ben a place in SPYDER (the evil spy group), Ben remembers Erica's advice and agrees to flip.
Within days at the evil spy school, Ben is contacted by Erica, and he understands he's been planted at the other school. The rest of the book is about how Ben discovers what SPYDER is up to and how that evil plot is thwarted.
As with the previous books in the Spy School series, the story is full of great characters, lots of action, and a good dose of humor.
The series was original written as chapter books, but I started reading it when the first volume came out as a graphic novel illustrated by Anjan Sarkar. The drawings are really well done, conveying the action, emotions, and reactions. Hints to the evil plot can be found in the panels if you look carefully.
Can't wait for the graphic novel edition of the fourth book!
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
Fun middle grade action adventure series with an unlikely hero. This is the third book to be released as a graphic novel.
When Ben Ripley accidentally nearly kills the principal, he's expelled from Spy School. His friend Erica tells him he's washed up, so had better take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way.
On his first day back at his regular school, Ben is surprised to run into Joshua Hallal, his old nemesis who had been presumed dead. When Joshua offers Ben a place in SPYDER (the evil spy group), Ben remembers Erica's advice and agrees to flip.
Within days at the evil spy school, Ben is contacted by Erica, and he understands he's been planted at the other school. The rest of the book is about how Ben discovers what SPYDER is up to and how that evil plot is thwarted.
As with the previous books in the Spy School series, the story is full of great characters, lots of action, and a good dose of humor.
The series was original written as chapter books, but I started reading it when the first volume came out as a graphic novel illustrated by Anjan Sarkar. The drawings are really well done, conveying the action, emotions, and reactions. Hints to the evil plot can be found in the panels if you look carefully.
Can't wait for the graphic novel edition of the fourth book!
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.
September 9, 2024
Evil Spy School: The Graphic Novel (2024)
Writer – Stuart Gibbs
Artist – Anjan Sarkar
Series - Spy School Graphic Novels #3
Synopsis: Ben Ripley, gets himself expelled from Spy School and back into normal life, but not for long.
The third adaptation just like its prequel expands the story like a movie and also into more interesting scenarios.
The first half was predictable, and the set up for Evil Spy School was a bit too empty and loose.
But the twists start in the second half making it an enjoyable read. Ben Ripley is given a better role, and also gets to use his skills in a more consistent manner. The agenda of SPYDER was much better and had higher stakes. Unlike the previous two adaptations, creativity is much better laid out in this book. The new characters were good and well developed.
The artwork by Anjan is consistently good and in line with the tonal vibe of the story.
Overall, Evil Spy School takes the story into actual spy territory and delivers on a clever story. It is still a hilarious read for teens and kids, and will be very enjoyable for older readers as well.
RJG Rating – 3.75/5
Goodreads – 4.49/5
Writer – Stuart Gibbs
Artist – Anjan Sarkar
Series - Spy School Graphic Novels #3
Synopsis: Ben Ripley, gets himself expelled from Spy School and back into normal life, but not for long.
The third adaptation just like its prequel expands the story like a movie and also into more interesting scenarios.
The first half was predictable, and the set up for Evil Spy School was a bit too empty and loose.
But the twists start in the second half making it an enjoyable read. Ben Ripley is given a better role, and also gets to use his skills in a more consistent manner. The agenda of SPYDER was much better and had higher stakes. Unlike the previous two adaptations, creativity is much better laid out in this book. The new characters were good and well developed.
The artwork by Anjan is consistently good and in line with the tonal vibe of the story.
Overall, Evil Spy School takes the story into actual spy territory and delivers on a clever story. It is still a hilarious read for teens and kids, and will be very enjoyable for older readers as well.
RJG Rating – 3.75/5
Goodreads – 4.49/5
March 30, 2024
Ben Ripley has saved the day twice now and how is he repaid? By being expelled from the top secret CIA academy!
So when Ben's enemies SPYDER recruit him to join their "Evil Spy School", he jumps at the chance.
But he soon learns of the evil group's nefarious plans and he begins to figure out how to thwart them without getting his cover blown.
This is the third graphic novel adaptation of Stuart Gibbs' Spy School series and my favorite yet.
I'm still not the biggest fan of the art style but I did really enjoy seeing one of my favorite —if not my favorite— Spy School book in graphic novel form!
Next stop: the big screen!
So when Ben's enemies SPYDER recruit him to join their "Evil Spy School", he jumps at the chance.
But he soon learns of the evil group's nefarious plans and he begins to figure out how to thwart them without getting his cover blown.
This is the third graphic novel adaptation of Stuart Gibbs' Spy School series and my favorite yet.
I'm still not the biggest fan of the art style but I did really enjoy seeing one of my favorite —if not my favorite— Spy School book in graphic novel form!
Next stop: the big screen!
March 17, 2024
These graphic novels are always so nostalgic for me as they are perfectly rendered by Anjan Sarkar and allow me to see the characters play out stories I read many times when I was younger. This graphic novel, considering Evil Spy School was always one of my favoirtes in the series, was one of my most anticipated books this year. I grew up on Stuart Gibbs novels, and I remember also waiting (impatiently) for the original version of this book to come out when I was in middle school. I truly hope the publisher continues to publish these graphic novel adaptions - trust me, I would read them all and never stop looking forward to them.
March 9, 2024
Fun revisit to Spy School!
Loving this graphic novel adaptations! Even if the artwork isn't my favorite it still brings the story to life!
It's been a while since I read the book so I was still like "wait, what's going to happen next?! How they getting out of this one?!" Lol
So fun to revisit one of my favorite middle grade series. Highly recommend for everyone, especially reluctant readers 😉
Lots of action in these spy stories 😊
Loving this graphic novel adaptations! Even if the artwork isn't my favorite it still brings the story to life!
It's been a while since I read the book so I was still like "wait, what's going to happen next?! How they getting out of this one?!" Lol
So fun to revisit one of my favorite middle grade series. Highly recommend for everyone, especially reluctant readers 😉
Lots of action in these spy stories 😊
June 12, 2025
(SPOILER)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to switch sides? Well, in the book Evil spy school: the graphic novel, the protagonist changes side to the bad side and starts working with them. But Is Ben Hiding something? I liked this book because I always thought that the protagonist is the good people and the antagonist is the bad people. And this kinda changed my opinion on that. Will Ben really betray Spy school?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to switch sides? Well, in the book Evil spy school: the graphic novel, the protagonist changes side to the bad side and starts working with them. But Is Ben Hiding something? I liked this book because I always thought that the protagonist is the good people and the antagonist is the bad people. And this kinda changed my opinion on that. Will Ben really betray Spy school?
April 17, 2024
I think this is a great graphic novel since I am a fan... Kids ages 9-12 years would probably enjoy it but before you read this book you should read Spy School The Graphic Novel (book 1) and Spy Camp The Graphic Novel (book 2)
April 26, 2024
This book was alright. There was a lot of action that didn't work well as art and I feel like reading the book instead of the graphic novel would have been more suspenseful and fun to read. Not a lot happened and I didn't really invest myself in the story.
May 31, 2024
This is about Ben who is 13 years old and is grafted into the CIA and he gets to meet some evil CIA agents who try to get him to come to their side but Ben knows better and with some help from his friends is able to get away.
March 10, 2024
Great addition to the spy school series, making the whole series more enjoyable and fun.
March 14, 2024
It was fine... but the actual book was funnier. There were still a few funny parts, but the book's more interesting.
May 1, 2024
“Friends aren’t always a liability, you know. Sometimes they’re the best asset we have.”
May 18, 2024
This book was ten times better than all of the other graphic novels. The drawings are definitely better, and the book is really funny.
Read
June 16, 2024it's good but the illustrating looks a bit weird.
July 13, 2024
Please make Spy Ski School, Please!!!
September 11, 2024
The language is very simple, but i found myself laughing out loud a lot. A kid goes undercover at the evil spy school and the main villain is a disgruntled teenage gymnast.
October 29, 2024
Another solid “Spy School” graphic novel. Better than Book 2 but still not as good as Book 1.
Want to read
February 21, 2025Evil Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
March 29, 2025
I love the redoing of the novels
I figured out part of the decoded letter on the back.
I figured out part of the decoded letter on the back.
June 16, 2025
I continue to gobble up anything in the Spy School universe. This series is so much fun!
July 25, 2025
AMAZING
I read this book a ton and I never ever get sick of reading it. It’s just one of my fav books of all time.
I read this book a ton and I never ever get sick of reading it. It’s just one of my fav books of all time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews