Batcat: Sink or Swim!

Batcat #2

by Meggie Ramm

Batcat is back in an original graphic novel about facing your fears and making new friends along the way.

Batcat and Al the Ghost are great roommates—Batcat even shares their eye scream occasionally—but sometimes Batcat still craves solo them time. When Batcat visits the Mermaid Lagoon for a relaxing day of reading all by themself, they discover the local mermaids in hysterics all over the beach—so much for quiet day on the sand!

It appears that something has drained the color from all the mermaid’s tails, and they won’t leave Batcat alone until the half-bat, half-cat reluctantly agrees to help find out what happened. With a bag of the mermaid’s famous fish tacos on the line, Batcat will meet more zany inhabitants of Spooky Island and overcome their greatest anxiety in order to solve this colorful mystery!

In Sink or Swim! , cartoonist Meggie Ramm has done it again, crafting a fantastic story about friendship and finding the courage to face your fears.

Batcat
Batcat (#1)
Sink or Swim! (#2)

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fantasy, LGBT, Ghosts, Childrens, Comics

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 16, 2024

About the author

Meggie Ramm is a cartoonist and comic teacher with an MFA in comics who runs an education comic podcast called Pop! Whiz! Bang!

Reviews

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batcat just wants a peaceful beach day but they are roped into solving a mysterious ailment plaguing the skeleton mermaids of Spooky Island. The resulting quest forces Batcat to face some of their deepest fears! But luckily friends are never far away. Another silly, joyful, and brightly colored adventure in the Batcat world :)

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batcat wins again! I love this series. Batcat is so adorable and I love them so much. Their general grumpy attitude of wanting to be left alone with their video games, books, and snacks is SUCH a mood. The mermaids were a trip, too. I need more Batcat, please, Meggie Ramm!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Not quite as cute as the first one, but definitely still delightful. I like the inclusion of the how to draw the characters pages.

[Marta Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acabo de darme cuenta de que mi hijo de 8 años y yo hemos empezado la saga por el segundo libro. La historia comienza en Isla Tenebrosa. Los dos protagonistas son Batcat y Al, el fantasma con el que convive. Aunque parecen llevarse bastante bien, Batcat decide tomarse un tiempo para él y visitar la Bahía Sirena. Allí se encuentra con unas sirenas tremendamente tristes porque han perdido parte del color de sus colas. Esta será la razón por la que Batcat se sumerge en una aventura llena de criaturas fantásticas: un Kraken, un pez volador e incluso un pingüino vampiro. A pesar de que Batcat tiene pánico al agua, gracias a la presencia de su amigo Al será capaz de superarlo y llevar la misión a buen puerto.

Lo que más llama la atención desde el primer momento son las ilustraciones: colores intensos (rosas, verdes y morados) que hacen que cada página sea un pequeño estallido visual. También es muy original la figura del narrador, que interviene en la historia e interactúa con los personajes de una forma muy divertida.

Y algo que me ha sorprendido es que, al finalizar el libro, se explica que Batcat es del género no binario (supongo que esto también lo mencionará en el primer libro), acompañado de una explicación sencilla sobre qué significa. Me ha parecido una forma de introducir con naturalidad la diversidad de identidades y que los niños entiendan que no todas las personas encajan en las categorías tradicionales.

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batcat returns!

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this - I absolutely adored it!

I just love the character of Batcat so much.

The colours are so vibrant, and I just love reading about Batcat.

I really hope there's more of Batcat to come!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't really remember the first book but was Batcat this sassy in the first book? I love it. The illustrations are super cute and the story is funny and adorable. I love that the villain is a vampire penguin.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My batcat obsession continues

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Batcat <3

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly, severely hilarious and effectively understated. I loved this so much.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sink or Swim! was the second Batcat graphic novel where we follow Batcat as they search for whoever has stolen the mermaids' tail colors.

Batcat enjoys having Al as a roommate but that doesn't mean that they don't need some solo time. But when Batcat heads to Mermaid Cove for a relaxing day of reading on the beach, they find the beach full of hysterical mermaids instead. Something has been biting the mermaids and stealing their tail colors so they've fled the water for the beach before they lose their color entirely. For the payment of some delicious fish tacos, Batcat agrees to find out what happened and hopefully restore the mermaids' tail colors.

After enjoying the first Batcat graphic novel, I was looking forward to picking this book up to see what Batcat got up to next. Batcat is a mostly reluctant adventurer, they'd much rather hang out on the couch, eat some snacks, and play some videogames which makes them quite relatable. This volume sees them facing off against several sea creatures in their search for the color thief from Kori the Kraken to the flying fish to a vampire penguin. I really enjoyed the story in this and found it to be quite funny, I particularly enjoyed Batcat's annoyance with the narrator.

The art style is wonderful with bright, colorful illustrations and an adorable main character. Batcat is so round and cute and I love them so much. Al, Batcat's ghostly roommate, was great as well and I liked how the two worked together to solve the mystery. The end of the book had a few pages about how to draw Batcat and Al as well as how adding lines to drawings can help you convey something specific such as speed or smell.

Overall Sink or Swim! was a fun read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for a fun, humorous graphic novel series.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Batcat Sink or Swim is the second graphic novel featuring everyone's favorite BatCat hybrid by Meggie Ramm. Released 16th April 2024 by Abrams on their AbramsKids imprint, it's 96 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a delightful mystery adventure appropriate for all ages. When Batcat visits the Mermaid Lagoon, he finds the residents very upset. Their tails are losing their shiny rainbow colors and turning grey! They promise to give Batcat their world-famous fish tacos if he can get to the bottom of the mystery.

Batcat's adventures continue through an exciting and satisfying denouement.

The format is a modified 4 panel comic/graphic novel page setup with clear and *very* colorful and appealing art and easy to read dialogue bubbles. For such simple characters, the author/artist does an amazing job with expressive facial and body emotions.

Although it's the second book in a series, it works perfectly well as a standalone and doesn't need to be read in order.

Four and a half stars. Really wonderful. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

'It's a tragic tale!'
'It's tails of tragedy!'
'It's too horrible for words!'
'Could you try?'

BATCAT FOR LIFE, TBH. I fucking love them 😭

All Batcat wants is to spend some me time at the beach reading Batman comics because of course LOL. However, the entire world has different ideas of how Batcat should spend their time and it starts with an E and ends with A-T-I-N-G them. All Batcat did this time was strike a deal to help the moping mermaids hogging the shoreline in exchange for some fish tacos so not fair, really. But just how did Batcat go from the beach to such fear-based activities?

Batcat remains unimpressed with the world at large and I love them for it, never change. 🙏 Al, their best friend and roommate, is actually the best best friend Batcat could ever ask for and I love their bond. The skeleton mermaids are simply ridiculous as well as Kori the Kraken and Captain Yargh. Every page is hilarious and I kinda wish these were longer but the length is actually perfect for a little Batcat adventure.

It's great that I never know what to expect from this series but I know it will be batshit crazy and this volume is no exception. The level of creativity here is unmatched. I also love the message every volume tries to get across and the one in this about things will be okay eventually is something we all need to hear once in a while. Honestly, this series is such a gift.

The art remains topnotch and just the best with the colorful mermaid tails and really, all the aquatic life in general.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Batcat is hoping for some ‘me’ time, and heads to Mermaid Lagoon. Not that they’re going to swim, of course, because swimming is too scary. But the mermaids (skeletons with fish tails) are in a tizzy: something is turning their marvelous colored tails gray. And, if Batcat solves the mystery, there’s an odorific bag of fish tacos waiting for them. Thus, Batcat’s quiet day of alone time becomes a mystery adventure. Along the way to solve it, they encounter Captain Yargh (a ghost pirate) and Al (Batcat’s ghost bestie), along with vampire penguins, an angry school of fish, and a hungry kraken. Batcat almost conquers their fear of the water, and solves the mystery.

This is the second book in the Batcat series, but it needs no catch-up for readers. I loved the Batcat’s binary character, the clever banter, and breaking the fourth wall. Batcat and the omniscient narrator have a few back and forths that are hilarious. Deep purples, pinks and greens make the undersea world pop. There are lots of eccentric, entertaining characters to love. At the end there’s a section on non binary facts, as well as tutorials on drawing Batcat and Al, and a page about emanata. Young comics lovers will love this foray to Spooky Isle. It’s like a big cozy non binary hug! I look forward to volume 3.

[Alondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, for this e-ARC!

Batcat had an excellent adventure in volume 1, and now they (and there is a section on non-binary facts in the back of the book) are back living with their ghost friend, Al, but craving some alone time. Batcat heads to the beach to relax and read (but not swim). They finds that the coast is packed with skeleton mermaids. I have never considered skeleton mermaids, so this experience was new. The skeleton mermaids are upset because they are losing their vibrant colors after getting stung by something. Batcat begins their hunt to find out who is stealing the mermaids' color. Of course, things don't go quite as planned and Al joins in the quest. Fish tacos are involved, and this book is sure to be a hit with young readers.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Batcat needs some me time so they head to the beach for a day of reading - all alone. Unfortunately, the mermaids have a different idea. They need Batcat to figure out why their gorgeous tails are turning gray. Batcat is not interested in helping until the mermaids offer them some yummy fish tacos! And so Batcat is on the case to unravel the mystery. Unfortunately, their investigation leads them to facing their biggest fear -- the water! Fortunately they have a few friends to help out! Plus a very cooperative narrator.
I liked this second visit with Batcat and hope there will be more! There are some drawing instructions at the back of the book and the author's note is definitely worth reading.

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A graphic novel so vibrant you won't want to put it down!!
BatCat and his ghost friend Al are back at it again with their courageous adventures in- Sink or Swim! This page turning graphic novel will have you GOL (giggling out loud). The storyline is certainly one-of-a-kind with the most unique characters you will ever read about.

And the graphics are so VIVID!! The illustrations take you to the world you only dreamed about. A world of mermaids, krakens, ghosts, vampires and of course TACOS!!!

Get your hands on Batcat Book #2 as soon as you can. You won't regret it :)

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's another Batcat adventure for them and their friends. This time, Batcat wants some alone time for themselves at the beach. However, the beach is filled with skeleton mermaids who have lost their color and shine. It's now up to Batcat to travel the seas to find the culprit who's taken the colors of the mermaids.
Hilarious as much as the first volume, Batcat and their friend Al, the ghost, try to figure out why the skeleton mermaids have been turning grey. From flying fish to a hungry kraken, Batcat only wants a me-time vacation. I enjoyed the story overall and can't wait for their next adventure.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely lovvvvved the first book in this series. Meggie created such wonderful/fun/loving characters. I was SO excited to hear that this series would continue. And y'all... This book is EVEN BETTER than the last! This one had me smiling from ear to ear the entire way through. I literally cackled out loud at some of the jokes/puns. The message/theme for kids about being brave made me tear up. Then the message to the kiddos at the end about sharks. AND teaching kids what non-binary is? GAH Meggie! This book series/book is wonderful. Thank you for creating such a wonderful world full of fun and wonderful creatures. Thank you for creating SUCH a fun book for all ages. <3

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute installment in the series! While I thought that this was going to focus on Batcat's friendship with their friend turned roommate, it primarily focuses on what it means to face your fears (or maybe not). Batcat has an extreme fear of water and is forced to help the skeleton mermaids figure out who has been stealing the color out of their tails. The story introduces some new, fun characters. It was fast read and definitely is a great selection with pride as Batcat is nonbinary and Ramm spends the backmatter discussing what it means to be nonbinary. I'm hoping that we eventually get more in this series.

[Inge · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the dutch translation. I didn't like it because it had grammatical errors. Because it was made genderproof there is what we call a problem because in Dutch it is incorrect. We know the right pronoun is used but it doesn't exist this way in Dutch so it was annoying to read and also genderproof was not necessary because the story had nothing to do with gender.
A problem was created where there wasn't one and in this case I would advice against reading the book because you and your child may actually learn mistakes while learning/reading in Dutch.
1 Star - because zero wasn't an option. The drawings were nice.

[Chiara Colombi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my reviews on Books 1 and 3, too. This one is my favorite of the series. In an era of mermaid inundation in kidlit, Spooky Isle’s mermaids are a breath of fresh air and *hilarious*. A human skeleton with a fresh-from-the-fishmonger’s fish tail??? I mean, come on! This is the stuff of genius.

Also genius? The messaging around grappling with one’s fears and how the blunt “face your fears and you’ll be fine!” tactic isn’t really helpful. But face your fears with a friend at your side? Much better.

I also love how each book gradually builds Batcat’s relationship with Al in a very organic way. Kudos to Meggie Ramm, and thank you for creating this series!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Novel
BatCat and Al are back for more adventures. BatCat decides he wants to spend some time alone so heads for the beach. Unfortunately, an entire crew of mermaids is there lamenting that their tails have lost their color. He sets out to find the culprit and earn some tacos as a reward. Readers see the humorous adventures and watch him face his fears as he ends up in the water and can't swim. By the end, the culprit has been found and the tails are colorful again. And, BatCat learns how important it is to be with friends and rely on each other when Al rescues him.

[Tanner Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible read for all ages! This book is so funny, endearing, and filled with adventure. I have gifed this book to a dozen people and will likely gift it to a dozen more. My very favorite Batcat moments are reading this with youngsters who are still learning to read - the illustrations are so full of intrigue and perfectly depicted expressions and movement that hearing children interrupt the story without reading most or any of the words is the very best! You get to experience so much giggling and empathy from the little readers.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so vivid and entertaining! My child read it to me all by themself, and when they got to the part where Batcat describes nonbinary I was able to help explain my own self to my kid a little easier. Books written by authors of different backgrounds have always been a staple on our shelves, but this series is one that we will continue to support because there is so much joy in the pages, and so much understanding in the writing. Also, who doesn't love ghosts, cats and bats?!

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This one covers facing your fears. That being said, the way it gets there is bonkers but fun. I like how Batcat is constantly breaking the fourth wall and talking to the narrator. It's a fun little detail.
There is some backmatter about what it means to be nonbinary, as well as how to draw Al and Batcat and what emanata (which was something I didn't know the name for but am now obsessed with).

[The Poisoned Pen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was not as fun as the first book. Too much fourth wall breaking and over-the-top chaos. It felt a bit too non-sensical and random.

I would have given it 3.5 stars, but the end page trying to genderize a blob was very out of place and strange. It's a pink blob.... it doesn't need a gender.

Instead the author should have put up an info page about themselves, including them being non-binary. That would have been a much better way to bring up what it means.

[D.T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first one better, but this is still cute and fun. Ramm features a different take on fear than most stories that confronting fear doesn’t necessarily make it disappear. In some cases, it can make it worse.

SN: There were some COOL action sequences here with the Kraken and the flying fish. Was pleasantly surprised there.

[Kiara Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has many remarkable qualities, but two that stand out to us are the nonbinary main character and just the right amount of spookiness (and suspense)--rare finds in a fantasy series for this younger age bracket.
We love the endpaper maps and the bonus pages, including step-by-step instructions for drawing the characters, and a nonbinary facts page.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book read with my son, he loves these comics. I didn't even realize that the author was non-binary but it was an exciting discovery in pride month. BatCat is about being yourself, not part cat and part bat but a single whole BatCat. And, you know, also really funny!

[Megan Strang · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8-year-old daughter loves Batcat! She finds the stories funny and loves the colorful illustrations. As her mom, I love that Bacat teaches her about new to her concepts about gender and identity in a fun and age appropriate way.