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Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26- GenresGraphic Novels
160 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
2 people want to read
About the author
Darin S. Cape
4 books2 followersShawn Hainsworth, AKA Darin S. Cape, is the founder of SHP Comics. He writes and publishes comic books, novellas & shortstories and screenplays, and is a documentary filmmaker. The Disciple is the first volume of The Hand of God. This story is an expansion of the comic book series, The Killing Machine: Book One of The Hand of God.
Other comic book series include Woodstake and EroTech.
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When a vampire descends on the Woodstock Festival in 1969, hippies, anti-war protesters and music lovers try to survive three days of peace, music and blood in this comedy of horrors. The first novella in this story will be released in January, 2024
EroTech: Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers, and Sex Robots. What could go wrong?
Join Samantha Jenkins as she rallies her team of misfit engineers and out of touch managers to release a new sex robot on time. The only problem is that the robot doesn't know when to quit.
Darin is also the author of a number of award-winning screenplays, including an adaptation of EroTech as the short film, Technical Support starring Courtney Pauroso, Davey Johnson and Aparna Nancherla.
Other comic book series include Woodstake and EroTech.
Woodstake: Three Days of Peace, Music and Blood
When a vampire descends on the Woodstock Festival in 1969, hippies, anti-war protesters and music lovers try to survive three days of peace, music and blood in this comedy of horrors. The first novella in this story will be released in January, 2024
EroTech: Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers, and Sex Robots. What could go wrong?
Join Samantha Jenkins as she rallies her team of misfit engineers and out of touch managers to release a new sex robot on time. The only problem is that the robot doesn't know when to quit.
Darin is also the author of a number of award-winning screenplays, including an adaptation of EroTech as the short film, Technical Support starring Courtney Pauroso, Davey Johnson and Aparna Nancherla.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy
Action remains key as this hero dashes from one problem into the next and flips between worlds to form a dizzying pace.
Zicky is a kid by day and a hero by night. When everyone else is sleeping, he teleports to other worlds to defeat those with evil plans. Right now, he's dealing with the Rat King, who is planning on taking over the real world as soon as he gets a chance. Luckily, Zicky's child-self transformers into a powerful fighter whenever he wears his magical ring. The ring is also the key to the transports. Unfortunately, the Rat King is determined to get its hands on this ring, and Zicky might just make the mistake which allows this to happen.
This read takes on the isekai manga style, especially when it comes to the action and other world scenes. The battles are intense, the graphics full of power, and the characters pack personality. So, action and fantasy fans are sure to enjoy it from the very first page...because this one slams with the action right away. But Zicky isn't just an action hero; he's a kid in the real world. And this juxtaposed duality adds an interesting twist. Zicky's magical ring it a pacifier, which he wears on a string around his neck. Add that he is by no means a baby, and it builds in an obviously problematic twist...which isn't addressed in this first novel too much, but definitely adds possibilities for bullying arcs and such later on in the series. Plus, Zicky has a very normal family, who cares for him, and carries the usual parent back-and-forth as well as sibling issues. Interestingly enough, Zicky doesn't try to hide his alter-ego life from his family, but they simply don't believe him and mark it off as dreams. So, there's an intriguing flip-flop in this book with so many possibilities still to come.
The illustrations pack color and personality. The illustrators let the other worlds shine not only in the details but in the entire, illustrative style. This makes it easy to decipher which realm is being displayed and keeps things from growing confusing. The text fits the middle grade audience nicely and is kept pointed and necessary. This allows for a nice balance between text and graphics to let the story flow smoothly.
It's an exciting read with tons of surprises, some silly moments, and villains, who are dangerous but carry a goofy edge to keep everything from growing too heavy, dark, or harsh. It's a fun read for action fans who enjoy quirky moments mixed in with the tension and are ready to root for an original hero, who is doing his best to deal with a odd and difficult situation.
Zicky is a kid by day and a hero by night. When everyone else is sleeping, he teleports to other worlds to defeat those with evil plans. Right now, he's dealing with the Rat King, who is planning on taking over the real world as soon as he gets a chance. Luckily, Zicky's child-self transformers into a powerful fighter whenever he wears his magical ring. The ring is also the key to the transports. Unfortunately, the Rat King is determined to get its hands on this ring, and Zicky might just make the mistake which allows this to happen.
This read takes on the isekai manga style, especially when it comes to the action and other world scenes. The battles are intense, the graphics full of power, and the characters pack personality. So, action and fantasy fans are sure to enjoy it from the very first page...because this one slams with the action right away. But Zicky isn't just an action hero; he's a kid in the real world. And this juxtaposed duality adds an interesting twist. Zicky's magical ring it a pacifier, which he wears on a string around his neck. Add that he is by no means a baby, and it builds in an obviously problematic twist...which isn't addressed in this first novel too much, but definitely adds possibilities for bullying arcs and such later on in the series. Plus, Zicky has a very normal family, who cares for him, and carries the usual parent back-and-forth as well as sibling issues. Interestingly enough, Zicky doesn't try to hide his alter-ego life from his family, but they simply don't believe him and mark it off as dreams. So, there's an intriguing flip-flop in this book with so many possibilities still to come.
The illustrations pack color and personality. The illustrators let the other worlds shine not only in the details but in the entire, illustrative style. This makes it easy to decipher which realm is being displayed and keeps things from growing confusing. The text fits the middle grade audience nicely and is kept pointed and necessary. This allows for a nice balance between text and graphics to let the story flow smoothly.
It's an exciting read with tons of surprises, some silly moments, and villains, who are dangerous but carry a goofy edge to keep everything from growing too heavy, dark, or harsh. It's a fun read for action fans who enjoy quirky moments mixed in with the tension and are ready to root for an original hero, who is doing his best to deal with a odd and difficult situation.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Copy provided by the publisher
Zachary is almost five years old and lives with his parents and older brother and sister. He has a very active imagination, and spends his nighttime and nap hours fighting the Rat King in a fantasy world where he is an older character called Zicky. When he goes missing one morning and the police have to be called, it's clear that his two worlds are mixing. He has rats in his bedroom, and a dog he has in the imaginary world appears and his sister adopts it. The Rat King wants his ring (actually a binky), and there's lots of fighting. The rats eventually come in to other parts of town in the real world. An exterminator is called, but he is no match for giant rats. Zachary has a potion that will make the rats larger and even turn him into Zicky in the real world. When his family experiences the giant rats and Zicky, they are suitably alarmed, but when Zachary is done having the Rat King in his real life, a Deus ex machina called The Ghost in the Machine comes in and cleans up all of the messes so that Zachary can go back to his regular life.
This was a rather trippy, comic book style graphic novel that was a bit like Kochalka's The Glorkian Warrior books or Angleberger's The First Cat in Space; I just don't get the humor. The rats kicked me out, and the Manga style Rat King world was deeply unpleasant as well. Readers who aren't grossed out by Savage's Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy might pick this up. Even though SHP Comics is an independent publisher, this is available through Follett Titlewave and was reviewed by Kirkus. I'll put this copy in my library (I don't put all books I receive in my library!), but I don't know that I would have purchased it. I'm not afraid of rats in general, but THESE rats require a warning! I'll have to see how this one does with my students.
Zachary is almost five years old and lives with his parents and older brother and sister. He has a very active imagination, and spends his nighttime and nap hours fighting the Rat King in a fantasy world where he is an older character called Zicky. When he goes missing one morning and the police have to be called, it's clear that his two worlds are mixing. He has rats in his bedroom, and a dog he has in the imaginary world appears and his sister adopts it. The Rat King wants his ring (actually a binky), and there's lots of fighting. The rats eventually come in to other parts of town in the real world. An exterminator is called, but he is no match for giant rats. Zachary has a potion that will make the rats larger and even turn him into Zicky in the real world. When his family experiences the giant rats and Zicky, they are suitably alarmed, but when Zachary is done having the Rat King in his real life, a Deus ex machina called The Ghost in the Machine comes in and cleans up all of the messes so that Zachary can go back to his regular life.
This was a rather trippy, comic book style graphic novel that was a bit like Kochalka's The Glorkian Warrior books or Angleberger's The First Cat in Space; I just don't get the humor. The rats kicked me out, and the Manga style Rat King world was deeply unpleasant as well. Readers who aren't grossed out by Savage's Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy might pick this up. Even though SHP Comics is an independent publisher, this is available through Follett Titlewave and was reviewed by Kirkus. I'll put this copy in my library (I don't put all books I receive in my library!), but I don't know that I would have purchased it. I'm not afraid of rats in general, but THESE rats require a warning! I'll have to see how this one does with my students.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Zackary is an almost 5 year old boy, who enters a cool manga-like world in his dreams, as a hero called Zicky!
In the real world, Zackary is treated like a baby, especially by his teenage brother Miles. But in his dreams, he’s a cool guy who saves the world from being invaded by giant rats.
When Zicky the hero gets captured, Zooky (who rules the rats) enters the real world (and pretends to be Zachary). Soon followed by the rat king and a whole lot of other rats!
I liked the illustration style for the dream parts, the other style not so much.. It just looked so gloomy and messy.
I didn’t really like or dislike this graphic novel. I think because I just couldn’t imagine for which age group this could be suited and I just didn’t feel like it had anything original to offer apart from maybe what the potion did to Zooky and the rats in the real world. Also, as a person who lives in a country that is both a democracy and a monarchy, yes it is possible, maybe leave out the politics. I mean, which kid is going to understand the oligarchy joke anyway.
Zackary is an almost 5 year old boy, who enters a cool manga-like world in his dreams, as a hero called Zicky!
In the real world, Zackary is treated like a baby, especially by his teenage brother Miles. But in his dreams, he’s a cool guy who saves the world from being invaded by giant rats.
When Zicky the hero gets captured, Zooky (who rules the rats) enters the real world (and pretends to be Zachary). Soon followed by the rat king and a whole lot of other rats!
I liked the illustration style for the dream parts, the other style not so much.. It just looked so gloomy and messy.
I didn’t really like or dislike this graphic novel. I think because I just couldn’t imagine for which age group this could be suited and I just didn’t feel like it had anything original to offer apart from maybe what the potion did to Zooky and the rats in the real world. Also, as a person who lives in a country that is both a democracy and a monarchy, yes it is possible, maybe leave out the politics. I mean, which kid is going to understand the oligarchy joke anyway.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
While billed for any age, I would put the target closer to 9-12 year olds—with a fantasy violence warning—with comedic references for adults. Written in a style that occasionally breaks the fourth wall and nods to 20th century pop culture, this portal fantasy tells the episodic story of what happens when the katana-wielding action hero Zicky and his 4-year-old alter ego's worlds collide. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of two comic artists as they portrayed the characters in both realms. This borrows heavily from modern tropes and leans on disjointed in medias res storytelling. The panel layouts are always interesting and clear. The team of pencillers, letterers, and colorists works together seamlessly. Definitely for manga fans as the character design, action, and humor deliver all the touch points of that genre. While I struggled to convince myself the first few chapters would appeal to middle graders or the bulk of the book would be appropriate for a chapter book audiences, I did like the climactic battle and the good use of the mundane in the resolution. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review this digital ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast-paced fantasy adventure with a dark, fairy-tale feel. Zicky is not heroic in the grand sense, but he is in his world. A rich, imaginative world. He is small not only against the scale of the foes he faces but also in size and age. This gives the story its tension. It is clear and engaging, making the action scenes engaging while allowing readers to connect emotionally with Zicky, his family, and his fantasy world. the characters. The Rat King is a dominant villain—both creepy and powerful—which raises the stakes throughout the story. Overall, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an enjoyable graphic novel, especially for those who like an underdog and adventures with a little touch of darkness.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Darin S. Cape and SHP Comics for a digital copy (ebook/graphic novel) of #ZickyWrathoftheRatKing in exchange for my honest opinion. Zicky Wrath of the Rat King will be published on April 16, 2026.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Darin S. Cape and SHP Comics for a digital copy (ebook/graphic novel) of #ZickyWrathoftheRatKing in exchange for my honest opinion. Zicky Wrath of the Rat King will be published on April 16, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this e-arc for review!
This was a funny and charming little graphic novel about a toddler that can travel to another world where he also turns into a grown up hero version of himself and fights against the rat king and their army. The rat king wants to have him and his army enter the portal that the toddler travels back and forth between in order to invade the human world and steal all the cheese. It's a funny little adventure between the toddler-hero and the rat king and his army in a fun full colored cartoon style.
This was a funny and charming little graphic novel about a toddler that can travel to another world where he also turns into a grown up hero version of himself and fights against the rat king and their army. The rat king wants to have him and his army enter the portal that the toddler travels back and forth between in order to invade the human world and steal all the cheese. It's a funny little adventure between the toddler-hero and the rat king and his army in a fun full colored cartoon style.
Review of advance copy
Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an adorable story about a young boy who dreams of being a hero. The illustrations are vibrant and packed with action. Some scenes, such as Zicky chopping off the head of a snake or attacking one of the rats, may feel a bit intense for younger readers, but overall, the story remains light heartened and fun. I really enjoyed Zeno Decrux's manga art and Hiorsh Gabotto's real-world imagery. With my favorite illustration being the one where Zicky is falling back into his bed after one of his nightly adventures.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75
The art style is playful and different from what I usually see, but overall it felt right for the story in a way. The characters felt a bit cliche, like the brother and sister were you know…
The end felt a bit…rushed?
Like the whole end of the book was like oh so like the rat king actually doesn’t really care like what? It’s hard to explain but I feel it was rather rushed.
I still enjoyed it though.
The art style is playful and different from what I usually see, but overall it felt right for the story in a way. The characters felt a bit cliche, like the brother and sister were you know…
The end felt a bit…rushed?
Like the whole end of the book was like oh so like the rat king actually doesn’t really care like what? It’s hard to explain but I feel it was rather rushed.
I still enjoyed it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy of this graphic novel for an honest review
this was silly but also fun to read but didn't keep me interested in it the full srory.
we have a little boy who has dreams about being a hero which was fun.
this was silly but also fun to read but didn't keep me interested in it the full srory.
we have a little boy who has dreams about being a hero which was fun.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews