Adventure Time Vol. 1: Best of Buds

by Nick Winn, Derek M Ballard (illustrator), Asia Simone (illustrator)

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy

112 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Cloude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll always have a soft spot for Adventure Time and this comic feels just like watching the show again. The expressive art and humour is all on point, but I particularly loved the driving narrative behind it all and how ridiculous and petulant Finn is. It ends on a bit of a cliff hanger so I'll definitely be reading the next volume to find out what happens.
Also I was happy that we were blessed with some wlw with Marceline and Princess Bubblegum, as well as a cute Finn/Flame Princess Moment. It felt like a great continuation from the show.

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Arkasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume collects issues #1-4 of Adventure Time: Best of Buds (2025). Each issue tells a different one-shot story, like an Adventure Time episode, but of course there's a bigger story arc progressing in the background. It was set in a non-canon Ooo, I think, maybe in an alternate time point equivalent to the earliest seasons. Each issue was also drawn by different artist, which was really cool.

I had a great time reading this! It portrayed the existing characters and the familiar humour very well, and added new and interesting characters. I am feeling very nostalgic. However, this series is definitely targeted at people who already knew the characters, there was no introduction whatsoever. Lots of easter eggs if you're already familiar with the lores!

eARC courtesy of #NetGalley and Oni Press.

[Casey Halvorsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much NetGalley and Oni Press for this arc!

5/5 stars!

This was a really fun visit back to the land of Ooo! This really felt just like a continuation of the show. All the characters had the same personality and sense of humour as the og show, and this fresh new story was a great addition to the show. I loved volume four with the dance battle the best, of course with the very stylish cat queen and her kittens!! This left me with many questions though. Who is computer princess, and why am I getting bad vibes from her? Is Billy ok? Does the Enchiridion have some sort of hold over Finn? I'm super excited for volume two, and want to rewatch this show again!

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly fun return to the Land of Ooo that felt like you got dropped into episodes of the show and it was pitch perfect as the adventures were silly, the characters felt like themselves (and I could easily hear the voice actors in my head) and it didn't feel like I was missing any Adventure Time Lore. A fun way to spend some time reading.

Special Thanks to Oni Press and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review

[Bug · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’ve read almost all of the adventure time comics so i was very excited to get this as an arc! it’s as always fun, silly & expressive. i think issues three & four were my favourites, i loved all the different art styles & seeing more of finn & jakes family :) excited for volume two to see more of computer princess & whatever is happening with billy!

[Rachel (rache1reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are some pretty fun new Adventure Times stories. It carries over the heart of the show. The drawings are wacky and bold.

Finn and Jake felt more like siblings annoyed with each other than best friends in these comics, but still super enjoyable.

Really enjoyed the little interview at the end with the creator. Always like getting a bit more insight on the process of graphic novels, and especially one continuing this beloved friendship.

[Alex Sarll]

Licensed comics have always had their difficulties: first and foremost, the risk that having to please another level of oversight will result in staid work, but even if that's overcome, the problem of classic material becoming unavailable as rights shift and diverge. And if you get that one sorted out too – which seems to be the case with Adventure Time, where this first volume from new publisher Oni has plugs for mammoth compendia of the classic Boom run in the back – you can still be left with the unenviable task of competing with material that was already pretty bloody good when it was coming out, and which is now sanctified by the glow of nostalgia too. A lot of people did impressive work in the Boom years, first and foremost Ryan North, who was already becoming apparent as one of the best in the business, and who's always had a knack for wit, invention and formal playfulness that perfectly complemented the parent property. Whereas here...I don't know Nick Winn's previous work, and he's clearly game, characters getting punched through panel boundaries and an issue spent trapped within paintings in assorted styles. But those are both tricks which, while potentially new to younger readers, have been doing the rounds in comics since at least the nineties, whereas North and co. would pull stunts to wow even an old git like me. There are occasional winning images (Peppermint Butler as a vexed artist!) but the overall sensation, with Finn needing to learn a lesson about what heroism really means and not yet having expressed his feelings for Flame Princess, is of a filler episode retrospectively inserted into one of the show's earlier, less bold seasons. Everyone involved is very much colouring within the lines – or not even necessarily colouring; Computer Princess may be a new creation, but she's basically Princess Bubblegum in monochrome. Still, there is one sense in which the new comic has an easier gig than its predecessor; the cartoon has finished, so for new material, this is the only game in town. And I can certainly see the thinking in playing to that with comfort food, but so far it's not doing it for me.

(Netgalley ARC)

[Chimene · Rating 5 out of 5]

First question: Are you guys working on the next one already? I absolutely loved this vist to Ooo.

Review:

OK, so my review might lean toward slightly biased as I'm a fan of the cartoon show but this was such a happy and fun read. Spotting my favourite characters was delightful.

The story flows from panel to panel and I loved the expressive and detailed art. It felt like there was always something to spot along the way.

The art is vibrant and represents The Land of Ooo that I remember from the show. Very nostalgic.
Music and movement is also a big focus in the story and though I think that's hard to capture in comic panels generally, I thought it was done so well.

I had to laugh at some of the expressions on Finn's face. It reminded me that he's a kid and wants to get things his own way. And Jake's patience and friendship is as strong as ever.

Thinking about character voice, I think it stayed true to what I remember the characters being like. There was no stumble or break as I was reading to question if a character seemed different for example.

Both fans and newcomers to the characters and world will enjoy this Volume. It's a cosy adventure with a delightful and quirky bunch of characters; bringing a message of friendship and working together.

Also, the bonus shorts at the end were a little treat especially as it featured Tree Trunks!

Gratitude:
Thank you so much to Nick Winn, all artists involved, Oni Press and Netgalley for making an ARC available to review. It's probably my most favourite ARC of the year and an absolute pleasure to read.

[Doe Is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did receive this book as an ARC on Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read this is because as you all know I love graphic novels, but what you might not know is Oni Press is one of my favourite graphic novel publishers and Adventure time is one of my all time favourite cartoons. So when I saw the three combined I knew I had to apply for this one. Friends, I am so ecstatic that I got to read this. This graphic novel truly sent me back, to me and Jamie binging the adventure time series at the start of our relationship, and gave me all of the nostalgia I could ever want. I loved every moment of reading it and had so much fun. I actually managed to get through this in two sittings in a single day (and honestly, I would of done it in one if I didn't have to stop because of other responsibilities), I genuinely would never need a reminder of how much I love Adventure time, but if anything was going to remind me it would have been this, and I definitely think I'm up for a rewatch after reading this. I'm so excited to see what the future entails due to this graphic novel, and I am 100% going to be grabbing the next ones as and when they come out. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves Adventure time, heck, even if you've never watched Adventure time I would recommend this as it's just such a fun read.

[ThianeJansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pure joy from start to finish. The stories bounce between silly and surprisingly sweet, and it genuinely feels like watching the show again - just in book form. Even if you’ve never seen Adventure Time, you can still jump right in; everything you need to know about the characters comes through naturally.

If you love cozy, chaotic adventures with heart, you need this one on your shelf. It’s nostalgic, funny, and full of the kind of whimsy that makes you feel like a kid again.

I grew up watching Adventure Time, so reading this graphic novel felt like stepping right back into that wild, wonderful world. I finished it in one sitting and honestly had the best time, it captures everything I love about the show: the chaos, the humor, and that weirdly heartfelt magic that sneaks up on you.

You get to hang out with all the classics - Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, Ice King, Tree Trunks, and yes, the one and only Lumpy Space Princess (forever iconic). There’s even a new face, Computer Princess, who I adored instantly ,such a fun addition to the gang.

Each short story feels like a mini adventure, full of strange quests, dance battles, talking animals, and ridiculous one-liners that had me grinning the entire time. The artwork is bright, nostalgic, and packed with detail- it perfectly nails the show’s energy.

[Sussu {Romance Obsessed} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!


🎶 Come on, grab your friends. We'll go to very distant lands 🎶
This is my first adventure time comic I've read and it was a good time.
The art translates very well into comic form with vibrant colors and characters that seem to leap off the pages.
There were musical numbers in it too and I was surprised at how well they fit in a two dimensional space.

I've been a fan of the series for a long time, and it felt like I was reading through some episodes of it!
I may be biased, adventure time is one of my comfort shows and I named my dog after Jake.

I'm also going to side with Jake and his assessment that raspberry flavor being gross.
I couldn't imagine that being all I smelled for an extended period of time. Yuck.

I felt like I could hear the character's voices, and appreciated that nearly all of them got a cameo. Although the comic is short, it is jam packed with adventures!

If you enjoyed the show and need more adventure time, definitely give this one a chance!
It also works as a good introduction to the series too, if you are curious.

[Harri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't done a Netgalley review in a few years. What better to return with than Adventure Time?

This is the start of a new graphic novel series, and it's a lot of fun. I felt quite nostalgic reading it. I've not watched the show in a long time, and its been a while since I read any of the original comics. This was a lovely return to the Land of Ooo. So many old favourites showed up, all of them as weird and funny as I remember. Alongside, there are some new characters too. Computer Princess fits right in with Bubblegum and the gang.

It's a pretty typical Adventure Time story. I didn't feel like it was doing much new, but at the same time, does it need to? Adventure Time works because it's Adventure Time, I wouldn't want a story to stray too far from what I know and love about the show.

This is only the beginning of the story, and I think I will keep my eyes open for volume 2 when that eventually comes out, because man, that cliff hanger!

A fun read that I would recommend to any Adventure Time fan.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! I'm actually in the middle of a rewatch of Adventure Time so it felt like an appropriate time to read one of the comics. It was a fun little jaunt through Ooo. This comic book felt a lot like the episodes - quick little adventures with a through line of trying to find Billy so they can locate the Enchiridion. My favorite of the issues in the volume was the one where all the character attend an art gallery and get sucked into the paintings. Not only did it remind me of the other book I'm reading, The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson, but it was stylistically the segment of the book that was the most fun. Each different painting had a different style of art and seeing all the characters I know and love rendered in other art forms was cute.

If you're a fan of the show this is the perfect way to extend that story a little farther and to revisit some of your favorite characters.

Thanks to Oni Press and NetGalley for sending this my way.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, artist, publisher and Net Galley for providing an ARC.

My family has been a big fan of Adventure Time for about 15 years. I haven't seen the whole series, but I'm pretty well versed in the story line and characters. But, never before have I read the graphic novels, so this was a new adventure. I loved it!

The story is fun, silly and expressive. The artwork is awesome, and I enjoyed seeing more of Finn and Jake's families.
I'm not a regular graphic novel reader, but I'm so happy I got the chance with this one. It was a lot of fun and I can see myself getting the print version for my family to enjoy as well. (I was reading it as an Ebook, and that was a bit tough, as I'm not used to that format.)

Recommend to all who love Adventure Time, and all those who are curious.

4.5 stars.

[Katelyn Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

- I received this book from NetGalley -

Having grown up with Adventure Time I was really interested to dive into this book. The first chapter gave me all the feels and I was so happy to see the classic characters again.

This book has so much movement in the characters and it is nice to see it in comic form. As well as the multiple muti frame pages, I felt that really brought aspects of the show into the book.

I also forgot how colorful everything is! Was a real treat to they eyes. I did feel that certain chapters had different art styles, so be prepared for that, but the overall book was great for those that enjoy Adventure Time!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun and nostalgic!

Finn and Jake go on many adventures in this volume (a little over 100 pages). They deal with the Ice King, Computer Princess, many new characters, a disco-dancing cat, multiple dance battles, and many more shenanigans.

I really love this art style, it is so nostalgic and lively. I especially loved all of the different issue covers and their variants, those were all so much fun! I sped through this in an afternoon, easily could've done it in one sitting.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Ness (Vynexa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Oni Press via NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

As a fan of the Adventure Time show, I enjoyed so much of this graphic novel. It incorporated lore from the show onto page perfectly while giving us new plots and introducing new character simultaneously.

It was nice being with my two of my favorite animated guys.

Personally, I think this can be enjoyed by fans of the show and new to it via comics/graphic novels. I'm interested in what direction this story in particular will be heading.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I enjoy Adventure Time stories. They're always fun and creative, and this new series was no exception. In this volume, we are introduced to a new princess - Computer Princess, so I'm curious what her deal is. We also get to see the Afronauts, who are just goofy. My favorite issue takes place at an art show. I've seen this idea of using different art styles before, but I just enjoy that type of premise. I recommend this for anyone who already enjoys Adventure Time or anyone looking for a cute and unique cozy read.

[DollarBin ComicWin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure Time: Best of Buds captures everything that made the show a cult favorite: chaotic heart, surreal humor, and bursts of unexpected depth. This collection highlights Finn and Jake’s best bromance moments across various creators, giving each story its own visual rhythm but keeping that candy-coated melancholy Adventure Time is known for. It’s not a linear arc, more a mixtape of weirdness and warmth; a love letter to friendship, nonsense, and the occasional existential crisis. Perfect for fans of Steven Universe, Bee and PuppyCat, Regular Show, or Calvin and Hobbes.

[luz · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.50 // this was a blast of nostalgia. the plot felt like it was ripped straight out of the show. there's just something so special about revisiting childhood memories & seeing that these characters stayed exactly how you remembered them. i could practically hear everyone's voices reading the speech bubbles. every issue in this volume was zany and wonky and all sorts of fun. i looved the idea of a vogueing space cat queen. the art was definitely the highlight of the book. i ate up the creative use of panelling, perspective, art styles—etcetc. such a treat for the eyes. totally recommend this to any kid looking for funky comic to get into.


thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[Giniro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the land of Ooo! Adventure time has been such an amazing fandom and I love it so much. I can basically hear the comic as I read it. Brightly colored and the comic drawings seem to have more structure than the wiggly animation that I know and love.

The bright colors of Ooo and the very dramatic expressions are so much fun to read. This world is full of crazy adventures and it's always so fun to see what the two boys are up to!

[wiltingpages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure Time will always have a special place in my heart, I watched the series whenever it came out and it was so fun going back to the land of Ooo! If you have ever seen any episode of Adventure Time you will know what to expect and have a fun time with Finn and Jake saving princesses, singing, and being heros! I am so ready to know what happens next with the gang and, what's going on with Billy 👀

*this is an ARC review*

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only watched Adventure Time once and I think I'm too far removed from it to truly enjoy this. The art is very true to the show and I could hear some of the characters' voices in my head as I read. There were a few times that the order of the speech bubbles wasn't what I thought it should be so I had to reread some panels.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy.

[Isla · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Adventure Time Vol. 1: Best of Buds’ was a really great escapist graphic novel. It really reminded me of watching adventure time as a kid, and how fun the TV show was. The style of the graphic was the exact same as the show, bright and comfortable, the plot line was silly but did have a really weird undertone of data-harvesting? Not sure if I was meant to be pro or against. I read this for #netgalley as an ARC.

3.5 stars

[Beth Younge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a long time fan of Adventure Time and this brought me back to this wonderful world. I really enjoyed the variety of art styles used in the story. The stories were al fun and i liked the inclusion of the shorts. This was great collection and i want to continue with this series!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Kaley Breaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read if you love the show ❤️ I loved how all the stories were just little adventures Jake and Finn were going on! The colors are very pleasing and I loved anytime marcline talked her speech bubbles were dark vs everyone else were white. The little touches like that made the book even more special!

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Adventure Time and reading this with my kids was so fun 😄

We’re on the edge of our seats to know what’s going on with Billy and Computer Princess! Then the shorts at the end had me cracking up 😆

Excited to read more!

Thanks to NetGalley & and Oni Press for the advance copy 💝 Releases November 25th!

[Jarrett Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels a lot like you entered a few episodes of the show. The art is great and so are the stories. Sometimes these licensed comics are handled by people who aren’t as engage with the source material but this isn’t one of them. It was great to return to Ooo and see literally all of my favorite characters again. I’ll definitely get volume 2 when it comes out

Thank you to NetGalley for ARC

[Dali (23SleeplessHours) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for the eARC.
This was delightful. Adventure Time has always been silly but with a darker side and I love that, this is no different. It was a fun quick read and I can't wait to read the sequel to see if Finn and Jake ever get to finish their quest.
The art style is colourful and fun, my favourites were the less traditional panels.

[Isidora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I generally like Adventure Time, this time it didn’t really click for me. The colors and the artwork are flawless as always. It’s just that the story felt a bit empty and somewhat boring. The best parts were the short stories at the very end. Still, I recommend it to fans, and I will definitely read the rest to see how it ends.