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Circus Mayhem
How does Uncle Bob do it? Owen couldn't figure it out.
Buffalo Bob's Rootin' Tootin' Animal Circus is famous for its jump-roping giraffe, tangoing lion, and knife-throwing elephant. But they have to be fakes, right? Owen is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. When he visits the circus he discovers that his uncle and, coincidentally, all of the animals, are missing. It can only be the work of Buffalo Bob's sideshow rival: Contorto.
Owen stumbles upon the one thing that can save the day: Buffalo Bob's box of animal crackers. But these aren't any ordinary cookies: one bite and you're transformed into a circus animal! The audience is wowed by Owen's animal antics, but it will take more than a few carnival tricks to defeat Contorto and his pack of goons.
Buffalo Bob's Rootin' Tootin' Animal Circus is famous for its jump-roping giraffe, tangoing lion, and knife-throwing elephant. But they have to be fakes, right? Owen is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. When he visits the circus he discovers that his uncle and, coincidentally, all of the animals, are missing. It can only be the work of Buffalo Bob's sideshow rival: Contorto.
Owen stumbles upon the one thing that can save the day: Buffalo Bob's box of animal crackers. But these aren't any ordinary cookies: one bite and you're transformed into a circus animal! The audience is wowed by Owen's animal antics, but it will take more than a few carnival tricks to defeat Contorto and his pack of goons.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published March 21, 2017
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Scott Christian Sava
52 books52 followersScott Christian Sava is an artist, animator, illustrator, director, writer, producer, and part-time Hobbit! Over the last 30 years, Scott’s work has brought some of the world’s most beloved characters to life in film, television, comics, and games, from Casper the Friendly Ghost to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers to Star Trek to Spider-Man. Scott’s unique talents and vision have been called upon by Marvel Comics, Disney, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, and more.
In 2000 he founded Blue Dream Studios, which has produced work for Star Wars, X-Files, Aliens vs. Predator, Spider-Man, and other franchises, in addition to creating its own line of kids’ graphic novels. The studio’s first feature film, Animal Crackers, is on Netflix and was the summer of 2020’s #1 animated movie in the world.
Currently, you can find Scott making videos online to his over 4 million followers where he talks about art, autism, and how to be a kinder artist… and human.
Scott lives with his wife and two kids in a Hobbit Hole in Tennessee. Scott’s mission, simply put, is to “make the world a kinder, gentler place, one story at a time.”
In 2000 he founded Blue Dream Studios, which has produced work for Star Wars, X-Files, Aliens vs. Predator, Spider-Man, and other franchises, in addition to creating its own line of kids’ graphic novels. The studio’s first feature film, Animal Crackers, is on Netflix and was the summer of 2020’s #1 animated movie in the world.
Currently, you can find Scott making videos online to his over 4 million followers where he talks about art, autism, and how to be a kinder artist… and human.
Scott lives with his wife and two kids in a Hobbit Hole in Tennessee. Scott’s mission, simply put, is to “make the world a kinder, gentler place, one story at a time.”
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 29, 2016
This is a cute comic book about Buffalo Bob's Circus, the missing Buffalo Bob and his animals and his nephew Owen's visit.
When Owen's parents need someone to watch him while they have an appointment, they call on Buffalo Bob, his uncle. They drop Owen off at the Circus much to his chagrin. When Owen finds out that all the animals and Buffalo Bob are missing, he tries to find them. When the circus people find out that "Contorto" Bob's nemesis has him they try to figure out a way to save him. Owen stumbles upon Uncle Bob's magical animal crackers and the fun and excitement begin. When Owen's parents claim him and take him home, he can't wait to go back again.
This is a fun story, easy to read with very colourful illustrations. A nice comic especially for those reluctant readers. A great addition to a school or class library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Owen's parents need someone to watch him while they have an appointment, they call on Buffalo Bob, his uncle. They drop Owen off at the Circus much to his chagrin. When Owen finds out that all the animals and Buffalo Bob are missing, he tries to find them. When the circus people find out that "Contorto" Bob's nemesis has him they try to figure out a way to save him. Owen stumbles upon Uncle Bob's magical animal crackers and the fun and excitement begin. When Owen's parents claim him and take him home, he can't wait to go back again.
This is a fun story, easy to read with very colourful illustrations. A nice comic especially for those reluctant readers. A great addition to a school or class library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2017
I received an ARC of this graphic novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 Stars. This Juvenile graphic novel has a circus theme, which is interesting for kids, but overall I'm not a fan of Looney Tunes type humor. I don't like when people, animals, etc get injured (or blown out of a cannon) and get right back up again like it was nothing. I think it is confusing and has no educational value. While the story here is intriguing enough for kids (mayhem and magic at a circus) and I think kids would read it, as an adult I wouldn't recommend it to my child. The art is ok and the colors pop off the page. I don't mind magical realism or evil villains, but fair warning their is cartoon violence that is just not necessary.
2.5 Stars. This Juvenile graphic novel has a circus theme, which is interesting for kids, but overall I'm not a fan of Looney Tunes type humor. I don't like when people, animals, etc get injured (or blown out of a cannon) and get right back up again like it was nothing. I think it is confusing and has no educational value. While the story here is intriguing enough for kids (mayhem and magic at a circus) and I think kids would read it, as an adult I wouldn't recommend it to my child. The art is ok and the colors pop off the page. I don't mind magical realism or evil villains, but fair warning their is cartoon violence that is just not necessary.
August 24, 2016
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. A delightfully fun story. Owen goes on a journey from disbeliever to believer in this adventure to the circus. The dialogue is inline with the illustrations which for me is very important. The graphics are clean and clear.
April 19, 2018
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 25, 2016
I never got to the mayhem of this circus. The idea is there, I just probably bailed early because I was bored. I do know that there are so who will love this series, just not me.
March 28, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/an...
Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem
Scott Christian Sava, Mike Holmes, Hillary Sycamore
ISBN: 978-1-62672-504-1
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem starts innocuously with young Owen’s unwanted trip to the circus and quickly spirals out of control as more and more of the zany circus life intersects starts to intersect with his. Bearded ladies, strongmen, clowns with multi-purpose balloons and gypsy psychics – the staples of circus antics – have Owen’s best interests at heart, especially when he gets into trouble. Trouble defines the riotous action that propels the story and gives it flair of its own. A great Graphic Novel, Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem will have you chortling away at the bizarre and strange occurrences that happen in the ‘Greatest Show on Earth.’
The story is masterfully written. In Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem. the action flows from panel to panel seamlessly; words are apropos to the action at hand. Speech is well meted out and Owen, the star of the story, never ceases to lose the central image. Hijinks upon hijinks occur and are handled with a talent Sava seems to have mastered. The interplay between Sava’s story, Holmes’ art and Sycamore’s coloring is as dynamic and as entertaining as one can expect from a zany issue collaborated on. The graphic novel gels in an unbelievable way, wending and weaving the story until its rollicking end. The writing is top notch and accentuates the art in a fashion that is sure to please graphic novel lovers everywhere. Although I believe it is aimed at slightly a lower age demographic than the reviewer, I still received a massive amount of satisfaction at the end of the story.
The art was perfect for this subject. The colors were applied brilliantly. There is no complaint that in the art department Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem delivers. Vibrant and lively, with mounting bizarre circumstances, the art is pushed over the top in the realms of maintenance of consistent style, odd angles of perspective, and the ‘mayhem’ involved just being part of Circus life. It’s a deft line that Holmes draws, never wavering, and Sycamore’s color accentuates and punctuates his message. The art alone elicits a positive response in the reader simply telling the story, words aside. But with the addition of word balloons, the ‘picture’ is complete. This is an especially good case where art propels story in a satisfying fashion. Kudos should be allotted for Holmes’ and Sycamore’s fine work.
Overall, I would highly recommend Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem.to anyone. Although the graphic novel is aimed at a younger reader base, adults can still get a nostalgic sense of passion throughout the course of the book. The zany antics of circus life pour through, entertaining as they progress. The stereotypical ‘circus tropes’ are played to the hilt and you’ll find yourself laughing out loud at times. Any lover of the graphic novel as an art form would do well to give this a gander. It’s good, clean fun that provides a nice light read everyone can enjoy.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem
Scott Christian Sava, Mike Holmes, Hillary Sycamore
ISBN: 978-1-62672-504-1
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott
Review:
Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem starts innocuously with young Owen’s unwanted trip to the circus and quickly spirals out of control as more and more of the zany circus life intersects starts to intersect with his. Bearded ladies, strongmen, clowns with multi-purpose balloons and gypsy psychics – the staples of circus antics – have Owen’s best interests at heart, especially when he gets into trouble. Trouble defines the riotous action that propels the story and gives it flair of its own. A great Graphic Novel, Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem will have you chortling away at the bizarre and strange occurrences that happen in the ‘Greatest Show on Earth.’
The story is masterfully written. In Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem. the action flows from panel to panel seamlessly; words are apropos to the action at hand. Speech is well meted out and Owen, the star of the story, never ceases to lose the central image. Hijinks upon hijinks occur and are handled with a talent Sava seems to have mastered. The interplay between Sava’s story, Holmes’ art and Sycamore’s coloring is as dynamic and as entertaining as one can expect from a zany issue collaborated on. The graphic novel gels in an unbelievable way, wending and weaving the story until its rollicking end. The writing is top notch and accentuates the art in a fashion that is sure to please graphic novel lovers everywhere. Although I believe it is aimed at slightly a lower age demographic than the reviewer, I still received a massive amount of satisfaction at the end of the story.
The art was perfect for this subject. The colors were applied brilliantly. There is no complaint that in the art department Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem delivers. Vibrant and lively, with mounting bizarre circumstances, the art is pushed over the top in the realms of maintenance of consistent style, odd angles of perspective, and the ‘mayhem’ involved just being part of Circus life. It’s a deft line that Holmes draws, never wavering, and Sycamore’s color accentuates and punctuates his message. The art alone elicits a positive response in the reader simply telling the story, words aside. But with the addition of word balloons, the ‘picture’ is complete. This is an especially good case where art propels story in a satisfying fashion. Kudos should be allotted for Holmes’ and Sycamore’s fine work.
Overall, I would highly recommend Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem.to anyone. Although the graphic novel is aimed at a younger reader base, adults can still get a nostalgic sense of passion throughout the course of the book. The zany antics of circus life pour through, entertaining as they progress. The stereotypical ‘circus tropes’ are played to the hilt and you’ll find yourself laughing out loud at times. Any lover of the graphic novel as an art form would do well to give this a gander. It’s good, clean fun that provides a nice light read everyone can enjoy.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 30, 2017
Owen is completely disinterested in visiting his Uncle Bob's animal circus while his parents are busy with their own pursuits. Everything around him seems fake, and even the animals are humans wearing costumes. But what starts out seeming to be a boring day turns into quite a wild ride as he ends up nibbling on Animal Crackers and turning into various animals and saving the day. I liked how he chose to become a tortoise so that his shell would be impregnable to all those knives tossed by a ninja, which showed some quick thinking. It's up to Owen to find his missing uncle, defeat Contorto, and set things right again. Middle grade readers will enjoy the story and Owen's attitude at the start of the story and at its conclusion as he cannot wait to return to the circus once again. I'm still curious as to whether the cookies replenish themselves or can only be used once. I'm not clear from reading the story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews