The Mighty Bite #3: Hog-Rocket Ruckus

by Nathan Hale

Trilobite and his friends are back, and the hunt for fame and fortune continues in this hilarious graphic novel series from the bestselling cartoonist behind the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series

The beloved team of prehistoric—and hysterical—creatures is back! This wacky, hilarious, and totally unique graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators.

Trilobite and his friends hope to strike it rich making a documentary about an Ice Age super pig called the Entelodont. This mega pig is a cross between a hippo, a razorback, and a bag of chainsaws. A dangerous creature feature is sure to be a big hit with their audience. What could go wrong?

Their quest for a viral video takes a chaotic turn when they accidentally create the Hog-Rocket—a flying Entelodont with a love for destruction.

Now Trilobite and company have no video, no money—and no way to stop the mayhem they set in motion.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Humor, Childrens

288 pages, Hardcover

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Nathan Hale is the New York Times best-selling author/illustrator of the Hazardous Tales series, as well as many picture books including Yellowbelly and Plum go to School, the Twelve Bots of Christmas and The Devil You Know.

He is the illustrator of the Eisner-nominated graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel, Calamity Jack. He also illustrated Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody, The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas, Animal House and many others.

(He is not the author of Extinction Earth or the other apocalyptic titles listed. That's a different Nathan Hale. If someone with "librarian" status would disambiguate those titles for me, I'd appreciate it.)

Learn more at www.spacestationnathan.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to avoid swearing by referring to this thing as the "heck pig" is just one of ongoing jokes that makes this book so delightful. There is poop/fart humor galore in this one, something I do not care for at all, and yet, it's actually done . . . pretty tastefully and comes off as just super funny to me! Nate has a unique brain, and his drawings are so, so good!

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is the Mighty Bite, you may ask? He is a prehistoric sea creature, a trilobite, and part of a professional internet newscasting team. Other members include Tiffany, a human newscaster, Amber, a silent, prehistoric walking whale, and Tiny, a very small, talkative and clever dinosaur. They are introduced by a pipe-smoking ape in an armchair named Radcliff, who explains a bit about the book: although this is number three in the series, they don’t have to be read in order, and, he points out that this book is completely hand-drawn and -lettered. This occasions a small digression on wabi-sabi, not to be confused with wasabi. It’s important to know these details in order to understand the zany, humorous, clever, and sometimes violent world of the Mighty Bite.

While trying to make an educational video about the enterodon/Hell Pig/Heck Pig, the team runs into some trouble. The predatory animal manages to eat their vehicle’s gas cans, fenders and other automotive parts, thereby developing its ‘hog rocket’ abilities. In short, its tremendous farts make it super fast and super dangerous. The team must battle the farting Heck Pig, keep away from their sworn enemies, a team of equally outrageous fauna and flora, and try to make a video to keep their enterprise afloat. Hilarious artwork reminiscent of R. Crumb’s bold and expressive style (minus the sex stuff) in black and lilac make the images feel slightly old world. But the humor and non-stop action, much of it in the air or in the sewers (don’t ask) are bound to appeal to older elementary school readers who like sophisticated, tongue in cheek humor.

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly the most plot driven of the Mighty Bite series. That's not saying much, though; it's still loose and weird and primarily gag driven.

And brilliantly illustrated. That's the main draw (ahem, pun) and it's certainly what keeps me coming back to this series. Hale's over the top paneling and exquisite detail are practically audacious.

These books are so fun to look at... and... I... love them. There is said it. I love them I love them and I don't care who knows it.

Bonus points for repping the humble interrobang.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
Review submitted to School Library Journal for publication in their upcoming SMS Fiction article.

[Camden Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

NUTS!!!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I want to say that this is not my kind of book and I know that. Therefore, my review is based with that in mind. This was a wild ride. It was creative in an eccentrically absurd way.

[Allison Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoying these

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly incredibly dumb, but it made me laugh