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Upside Down #1
A Vampire Tale
Harold is a friendly young vampire - but he loves candy so much, the dentist might have to pull his teeth! Now, what if he and the dentist, plus a couple friendly bats, all get caught up in the evil plots of the local witch? It's a wild magical romp for all ages, just in time for Halloween!
Unknown Binding
First published September 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jess Smart Smiley
24 books43 followersJess Smart Smiley is a joke.
Seriously. He makes rad pictures with his bare hands and loves creating stories for children of all ages.
Jess lives in Utah and has helped thousands of children, teens, and adults around the world to create their first comics.
See more at jess-smiley.com.
Seriously. He makes rad pictures with his bare hands and loves creating stories for children of all ages.
Jess lives in Utah and has helped thousands of children, teens, and adults around the world to create their first comics.
See more at jess-smiley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 23, 2021
The artstyle is okay but the characters aren't interesting.
December 19, 2016
The story is fairly engaging for elementary-school-aged children, but I feel hit over the head with the message that candy rots your teeth. I've never heard of a kid needing dentures from eating too much candy. Sure, a kid may get a mouth full of cavities from all that sugar, but what kind of dentist pulls out all of a kid's teeth, especially when his parents aren't even present? And speaking of that, what child's parents would send him to the dentist all by himself?
Harold doesn't seem to have anything in common with his new bat friends. Their pranks are mean-spirited. So I don't understand why Harold continues to hang out with them.
The plot of the evil witch doesn't have anything to do with Harold's dentistry issues. The whole story becomes muddled near the end (with the witch, frogs, and bats) and the pace moves too quickly through a critical juncture.
The color palette of black, white, and green works well for the subject matter. But it's difficult to figure out what's going on in some of the panels. Also, the just-bats needed to be more clearly differentiated from the vampires-turned-into-bats.
Harold doesn't seem to have anything in common with his new bat friends. Their pranks are mean-spirited. So I don't understand why Harold continues to hang out with them.
The plot of the evil witch doesn't have anything to do with Harold's dentistry issues. The whole story becomes muddled near the end (with the witch, frogs, and bats) and the pace moves too quickly through a critical juncture.
The color palette of black, white, and green works well for the subject matter. But it's difficult to figure out what's going on in some of the panels. Also, the just-bats needed to be more clearly differentiated from the vampires-turned-into-bats.
Read
August 18, 2012Harold is a vampire bat with a sweet tooth who lives in a professor's piano with his parents. When excessive candy eating threatens the health of his teeth, he must go to the dentist.
But the real threat is not a cavity, it's Vermillion, the local power-hungry witch bent on world domination.
Smiley's quirky line drawings and depictions of plans gone awry make for a delightful graphic novel for younger readers just in time for Halloween with promises of a second book coming soon.
Rendered in striking blacks and greens throughout, this graphic novel is a "sweet feast" for the eyes.
But the real threat is not a cavity, it's Vermillion, the local power-hungry witch bent on world domination.
Smiley's quirky line drawings and depictions of plans gone awry make for a delightful graphic novel for younger readers just in time for Halloween with promises of a second book coming soon.
Rendered in striking blacks and greens throughout, this graphic novel is a "sweet feast" for the eyes.
December 19, 2022
Okay literally so slay
February 9, 2017
Synopsis
Harold is a small, friendly vampire who eats too much candy. Although his parents warn him that the dentist is going to pull his teeth if he eats too much, Harold can’t seem to stop himself. He’s both afraid of and in love with the sweet substance. With the dentist appointment right around the corner, what could Harold possibly get himself involved with? And what will it all have to do with the village witch and the local scientist?
Upside Down: A Vampire Tale (Upside Down #1) by Jess Smart Smiley
★★½
Genre: Children’s/Graphic Novel/Supernatural
Release Date: April 2007
Source: ComiXology – Borrowed
On My Shelf: No
I don’t really have much to say about this book. It was strange, and I mostly didn’t really know what was going on, but it was kinda fun to read.
The plot of this one was strange, although I can see why the author would think it was a fun, interesting story. I myself could see a glimmer of that. Still, I found that I wasn’t reading this to find out what was going to happen, I was reading to finish it. I also thought that there were 2 different stories trying to be 1 story in this book, and I didn’t think the 2 plots worked well together. It was part of the reason I found this book, more often than not, confusing.
The characters were developed and interesting, but I still didn’t find myself connecting with them. I’d chuckle occasionally at something said or one of the drawings, but this was nothing that wowed me.
The art was the strangest of everything. I’m not entirely sure what to think of it, but I didn’t really like it. The drawing style just didn’t work for me. I liked that it was simplistic and different, but it was often distracting from the story and, quite frankly, a bit ridiculous. It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, but it wasn’t really even close to the best.
Overall, this was a cute read, especially for children, who I think would enjoy it far more than I did, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature.
Harold is a small, friendly vampire who eats too much candy. Although his parents warn him that the dentist is going to pull his teeth if he eats too much, Harold can’t seem to stop himself. He’s both afraid of and in love with the sweet substance. With the dentist appointment right around the corner, what could Harold possibly get himself involved with? And what will it all have to do with the village witch and the local scientist?
Upside Down: A Vampire Tale (Upside Down #1) by Jess Smart Smiley
★★½
Genre: Children’s/Graphic Novel/Supernatural
Release Date: April 2007
Source: ComiXology – Borrowed
On My Shelf: No
I don’t really have much to say about this book. It was strange, and I mostly didn’t really know what was going on, but it was kinda fun to read.
The plot of this one was strange, although I can see why the author would think it was a fun, interesting story. I myself could see a glimmer of that. Still, I found that I wasn’t reading this to find out what was going to happen, I was reading to finish it. I also thought that there were 2 different stories trying to be 1 story in this book, and I didn’t think the 2 plots worked well together. It was part of the reason I found this book, more often than not, confusing.
The characters were developed and interesting, but I still didn’t find myself connecting with them. I’d chuckle occasionally at something said or one of the drawings, but this was nothing that wowed me.
The art was the strangest of everything. I’m not entirely sure what to think of it, but I didn’t really like it. The drawing style just didn’t work for me. I liked that it was simplistic and different, but it was often distracting from the story and, quite frankly, a bit ridiculous. It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen, but it wasn’t really even close to the best.
Overall, this was a cute read, especially for children, who I think would enjoy it far more than I did, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Review originally published on my Wordpress blog Dreaming Through Literature.
December 5, 2012
Reason for Reading: It looked cute.
I'll start with the illustrations as I was first attracted to the cover. The illustrations use a three-colour palette of green, white and black which is very appropriate for the theme. They are very simple and could have children trying to copy the drawings with a reasonable amount of success. Overall they are cute and even the "bad" character of the witch isn't that ugly to look at. The pictures will appeal to children. As for the story, I have to say I was not all that impressed. I just didn't find it funny. Harold has a bad experience at the dentist, he eats candy so much it has wrecked his teeth. He runs away from home rather than face his parents and takes up with strangers pulling pranks on people. Not exactly role-modeling behaviour and the antics aren't even humorous. I think the author went a bit too far with the paranormal content for this age too with the resurrecting of the dead and with the violence in the annihilation of the witch and her kind. They may be bad but did they have to be destroyed? Not what I thought it would be. I can't recommend it to people looking for books with family values for their children.
I'll start with the illustrations as I was first attracted to the cover. The illustrations use a three-colour palette of green, white and black which is very appropriate for the theme. They are very simple and could have children trying to copy the drawings with a reasonable amount of success. Overall they are cute and even the "bad" character of the witch isn't that ugly to look at. The pictures will appeal to children. As for the story, I have to say I was not all that impressed. I just didn't find it funny. Harold has a bad experience at the dentist, he eats candy so much it has wrecked his teeth. He runs away from home rather than face his parents and takes up with strangers pulling pranks on people. Not exactly role-modeling behaviour and the antics aren't even humorous. I think the author went a bit too far with the paranormal content for this age too with the resurrecting of the dead and with the violence in the annihilation of the witch and her kind. They may be bad but did they have to be destroyed? Not what I thought it would be. I can't recommend it to people looking for books with family values for their children.
February 22, 2013
What I like about Upside Down is that there are lessons to be learned from it, but it doesn't talk down to the reader or spell everything out clearly. The art is enjoyably quirky and so is the story. You could read it fast and be entertained, but if you want to get the most out of it you might have to put your thinking cap on.
The only possible negative for me was that at the end I was left wondering what it was the witch's sister had done to deserve her fate (which fate seems to be a huge motivation behind the witch's devilry and therefore a lot of the action in the book). It made it hard for me to feel like Harold and his parents were really the "heroes" of the story. But then again, I kind of like the idea that there aren't any clear heroes in the book. Maybe there will be a sequel that will further explain the history between Harold's family and the witch's. If so, I'd like to read it.
The only possible negative for me was that at the end I was left wondering what it was the witch's sister had done to deserve her fate (which fate seems to be a huge motivation behind the witch's devilry and therefore a lot of the action in the book). It made it hard for me to feel like Harold and his parents were really the "heroes" of the story. But then again, I kind of like the idea that there aren't any clear heroes in the book. Maybe there will be a sequel that will further explain the history between Harold's family and the witch's. If so, I'd like to read it.
September 6, 2012
So weird... and yet... weirdly charming.
The art is obnoxiously bad to the point of extreme cuteness and the story is confusing at times, but there is something about it that is so endearingly childish. It makes you think of one of those rambling tales written by a little kid for a school creative writing assignment.
See, Harold is a vampire with a problem: he LOVES candy. In fact he loves it so much that he gets a ton of cavities and has to have his teeth pulled. He's so ashamed and afraid his parents will be disappointed that he runs away and lives with a couple of bats. Along the way he meets a witch bent on world domination, a lovelorn scientist searching for eternal life and a talking frog. He not only learns valuable lessons about the love of family and friends, but also about the usefulness of chewing gum. Also there are vampire frogs, so there's that.
The art is obnoxiously bad to the point of extreme cuteness and the story is confusing at times, but there is something about it that is so endearingly childish. It makes you think of one of those rambling tales written by a little kid for a school creative writing assignment.
See, Harold is a vampire with a problem: he LOVES candy. In fact he loves it so much that he gets a ton of cavities and has to have his teeth pulled. He's so ashamed and afraid his parents will be disappointed that he runs away and lives with a couple of bats. Along the way he meets a witch bent on world domination, a lovelorn scientist searching for eternal life and a talking frog. He not only learns valuable lessons about the love of family and friends, but also about the usefulness of chewing gum. Also there are vampire frogs, so there's that.
September 23, 2012
Harold is a vampire with a sweet tooth. Because of his candy fixation, he has to go to the dentist and receives bad news regarding his teeth. He has to have them pulled out...but he needs them since he's a vampire. He questions his vampire-ness and hangs out with bats. While he’s out, he discovers that an evil witch named Vermillion is up to no good.
Harold has been living in a professor’s piano. The professor invented a serum for eternal life, which Vermillion is after. Not only does she want the serum, but she wants to get rid of all vampires. She’s out to get Harold and his parents. It’s up to him to save them all.
This is a cute MG graphic novel. My only complaint is that the bats look more like bizarre birds. Other than that, the illustrations are charming. The story was fast-paced, interesting, and humorous. I received the galley from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
Harold has been living in a professor’s piano. The professor invented a serum for eternal life, which Vermillion is after. Not only does she want the serum, but she wants to get rid of all vampires. She’s out to get Harold and his parents. It’s up to him to save them all.
This is a cute MG graphic novel. My only complaint is that the bats look more like bizarre birds. Other than that, the illustrations are charming. The story was fast-paced, interesting, and humorous. I received the galley from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.
July 27, 2013
Though a little longer than some kids' comics, it moves quickly due to a zany plot and many pages not being very text-heavy. Simple art, exclusively in green, black, and white, is sometimes bizarre but that's part of the appeal. Similarly, the story has lots of quirks (vampires love candy; bats poop on lady-birds), but they make it fun and funny (not all the humor is potty humor); I can tell the author had fun writing it.
October 19, 2012
Upside Down, A Vampire Tale is a fun, short story about a boy (vampire) and an old witch. I liked these characters, the witch was crazy and alone (sad, really) and the boy wanted to be recognized as a vampire. (not a little boy)
It's perfect for Halloween and middle graders. The illustrations are cute and charming.
It's perfect for Halloween and middle graders. The illustrations are cute and charming.
June 10, 2013
I'm a sucker for candy too, and the vampires were cute, but it was...weirdly thin, disappointing. The vampire frogs were cool and the name "Vermilion" was great, though.
June 29, 2013
Very simple graphic novel with a nice message. I enjoyed the palette used here. Think this one has kid appeal.
August 22, 2013
This was a very good comic book and actually had a story to it, when most comic books are confusing and change the setting every page.
January 23, 2021
A very strange little book indeed; however, my students will probably like it.
October 19, 2015
2/5 for the story. 4/5 for the art.
May 9, 2020
I love Smiley's visual style _so much_ that it pains me to pan his story. I get that he seems to be writing for kids, but kids deserve good stories, too. There's little logical flow from scene-to-scene, even from panel-to-panel. And there are too many wasted characters.
I want a story about vampire frogs. I want a story about the life and times of the bats living in the piano.
==SPOILER SPOILER==
==SPOILER SPOILER==
==SPOILER SPOILER==
I want the witch NOT to climb a telephone pole in order to address the entire human world, and to remember not to murder her friends. Even the simple storyteller's move of foreshadowing the love of candy that Harold's parents have in common with him would have helped Upside Down to cohere.
That said, the cartooning is adorable. I want to see what Smiley does next.
I want a story about vampire frogs. I want a story about the life and times of the bats living in the piano.
==SPOILER SPOILER==
==SPOILER SPOILER==
==SPOILER SPOILER==
I want the witch NOT to climb a telephone pole in order to address the entire human world, and to remember not to murder her friends. Even the simple storyteller's move of foreshadowing the love of candy that Harold's parents have in common with him would have helped Upside Down to cohere.
That said, the cartooning is adorable. I want to see what Smiley does next.
July 25, 2017
Cute & quick!
I love the illustrations (I kind of want a tattoo of one of the little vampire frogs), & the jokes cracked me up (especially the one about the witches' book club reading "Incantation Begins with "I"). I wish the storytelling were a bit smoother, but I'll definitely be reading Book 2.
I love the illustrations (I kind of want a tattoo of one of the little vampire frogs), & the jokes cracked me up (especially the one about the witches' book club reading "Incantation Begins with "I"). I wish the storytelling were a bit smoother, but I'll definitely be reading Book 2.
October 6, 2021
this was super cute and fun! the message of candy rotting your teeth is quite dramatic in this story, and I guess the chain reaction of unfortunate events that occur after Harold eating too much candy is what children are supposed to take away from the story. it can come across a little too strong at times, but overall this story is really cute and goofy and great for the fall season!
February 18, 2024
Just really weird and jumpy and hard to follow. The “Candy is bad for your teeth” could not have been any more blunt and unfun. Add some “shut up ugly old women” sexist jokes directed towards witches or the horny dentist aid who thinks the main dentist doctor is hot???… This entire graphic novel was just not great. Maybe one star for the art which was delightfully simple.
December 28, 2020
This brief graphic novel was cute, and started out promising, but there's not a lot of character development here. Witches and vampires seem to be pitted against each other for reasons that don't make completely clear sense.
August 3, 2017
Read our review at https://bookthreat.com/2017/08/01/sca...
December 15, 2017
super cute and funny the art is awesome
November 27, 2018
This is a fun little graphic novel about a vampire son who loses his parents, visits the dentist, and makes friends with some bats, all while battling a bumbling witch. Good times.
December 19, 2018
A funny and short read.
February 13, 2019
Cute! And I loved the colors used!
June 9, 2019
Super cute premise, a tad confusing.
May 5, 2020
cut but something I'll forget after a while
November 21, 2020
A cute and funny little comic with charming artwork.
December 1, 2020
This was a quirky little book about a candy loving vampire who loses his teeth. Trouble ensues when a mean witch tries to steal a magic potion and the vampire and his bat friends save the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews