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Mighty Jack #2
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
Like a bolt from the blue, Jack's little sister Maddy is gone—carried into another realm by an ogre.When Jack and Lilly follow Maddy’s captor through the portal, they are ready for anything . . . except what they find waiting for them in the floating crossroads between worlds. Even the power of their magic plants may not be enough to get them back to earth alive.Alone and injured, Jack and Lilly must each face their own monsters—as well as giants who grind the bones of human children to feed their “beast” and a fearsome goblin king in the sewers down below. But when Jack finds himself in a tough spot, help comes from the most unlikely the goblin king!Ben Hatke, the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Zita the Spacegirl, concludes his latest middle-grade fantasy-adventure graphic novel series, Mighty Jack, with the energetic finale to his retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2017
142 people are currently reading
1781 people want to read
About the author
Ben Hatke
55 books1,214 followersBen Hatke is an author and illustrator of graphic novels and picture books. Most notably he is the creator of the Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel series.
He posts art and stories online at:
www.benhatke.com
He posts art and stories online at:
www.benhatke.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 413 reviews
September 30, 2018
A great follow-up to the first book in the series. I've been waiting a good long while for this one to come out.
And so has my little boy. In fact, *he's* the one who actually tracked this sequel down. I didn't know it was out yet until he brought it back from the library.
If that isn't a solid recommendation for a book, I don't know what is...
Do make sure to read #1 in the series first though. I mean, that should be a given, right?
You're not a monster, right?
And so has my little boy. In fact, *he's* the one who actually tracked this sequel down. I didn't know it was out yet until he brought it back from the library.
If that isn't a solid recommendation for a book, I don't know what is...
Do make sure to read #1 in the series first though. I mean, that should be a given, right?
You're not a monster, right?
April 6, 2021
The story continues and immediately expands in imagination and drama.
There's a lot more fighting, and a constant sense of danger. Some of the thoughtless politics bugged me (the goblins' unquestioning servitude to their leader; the defining role of blood).
But my kid loved the story and thought the artwork was fantastic. I'm surprised the next book is a crossover! I guess we'll have to check out the Zita books next.
There's a lot more fighting, and a constant sense of danger. Some of the thoughtless politics bugged me (the goblins' unquestioning servitude to their leader; the defining role of blood).
But my kid loved the story and thought the artwork was fantastic. I'm surprised the next book is a crossover! I guess we'll have to check out the Zita books next.
first-second-publications
September 5, 2017Mighty Jack and the Goblin King continues the vivid, warm, and sensitive epic fairytale adventure its prequel started. In this volume, the garden behind Jack’s house has gone wild with creatures set loose by the magic beans Jack and Maddy planted. One particularly mean creature has kidnapped Maddy, and now Jack and his neighbor Lilly must rescue her from the dangerous world beyond the vines and stalks.
August 10, 2017
It's no secret around here that I love Ben Hatke's work. All of it. Every last drop of ink, right down to the tiniest, silliest character. Everything is very vivid and lively, with bright, bold colors* and big, big emotions, and I always, always, always finish his stories with a giant smile on my face.
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King was no exception. It's got that perfect blend of whimsical fantasy, sweet and fearless characters, and lush, vibrant coloring that I've come to associate with Hatke's work, and it's also possibly the funniest book he's written, thanks in large part to the goblins (goblins! Anf gobblets! I WANT A GOBBLET. Dammit, how does Ben always make me care about and want these silly little creatures in every. single. book.) As I've said before (in probably every review of Ben Hatke's work that I've ever written), the story feels like elements of my childhood come to life. It's a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, so of course there's that, but also, the giants remind me of the Gorgs from Fraggle Rock, with maybe a dash of Little Monsters and something else from my childhood that I can't quite out my finger on. And Jack and Lilly . . . where to even begin with Jack and Lilly. They're all the best bits of all of my childhood favorite adventurers combined, but with more modern finesse. There's really nothing not to like about them, and I very, very much would like to see an entire series featuring the adventures of Lilly .
This one plunges right into the action, wasting no time from where the first book left off. This is great, but it also means that you definitely should read book one first (though that said, there is enough info given, and most people are familiar enough with the concept of Jack and the Beanstalk, that the majority of readers would still be able to pick this up and read/understand/enjoy it just fine, even without having read book 1. But, dude, read book 1. It's good!) The stakes feel very high in this (poor Lilly gets dragged through the ringer from page one!), and Ben reinterprets/repurposes original elements from Jack and the Beanstalk and similar tales in very fun, clever ways.
And it's just a joy to read. I mean, there's a giant suit full of rats, you guys. I know that's probably repugnant to a lot of you, but I mean, clearly with a blog name like "The Book Rat," I'm more than happy to find surprise rats in my books... And yeah, okay, maybe the rats aren't really good guys here (typical), and maybe a fewof them get a little stabbed. But still. The old sight gag of something smaller (two kids stacked one on the other's shoulders, etc), pretending to be full-sized and Very Important is only made funnier and more absurd by the fact that it's rats. But even for those of you who won't be won over by the rats, I can't imagine there will be many people who will pick this or any of Hatke's books up and not be charmed. And those who are already fans may find a surprise special guest or two tucked away in these pages...
If I haven't already made it clear, you should be reading Ben Hatke's books . Like, now.
*And shout out to Alex Campbell and Hilary Sycamore on the gorgeous coloring for this series!
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King was no exception. It's got that perfect blend of whimsical fantasy, sweet and fearless characters, and lush, vibrant coloring that I've come to associate with Hatke's work, and it's also possibly the funniest book he's written, thanks in large part to the goblins (goblins! Anf gobblets! I WANT A GOBBLET. Dammit, how does Ben always make me care about and want these silly little creatures in every. single. book.) As I've said before (in probably every review of Ben Hatke's work that I've ever written), the story feels like elements of my childhood come to life. It's a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, so of course there's that, but also, the giants remind me of the Gorgs from Fraggle Rock, with maybe a dash of Little Monsters and something else from my childhood that I can't quite out my finger on. And Jack and Lilly . . . where to even begin with Jack and Lilly. They're all the best bits of all of my childhood favorite adventurers combined, but with more modern finesse. There's really nothing not to like about them, and I very, very much would like to see an entire series featuring the adventures of Lilly .
This one plunges right into the action, wasting no time from where the first book left off. This is great, but it also means that you definitely should read book one first (though that said, there is enough info given, and most people are familiar enough with the concept of Jack and the Beanstalk, that the majority of readers would still be able to pick this up and read/understand/enjoy it just fine, even without having read book 1. But, dude, read book 1. It's good!) The stakes feel very high in this (poor Lilly gets dragged through the ringer from page one!), and Ben reinterprets/repurposes original elements from Jack and the Beanstalk and similar tales in very fun, clever ways.And it's just a joy to read. I mean, there's a giant suit full of rats, you guys. I know that's probably repugnant to a lot of you, but I mean, clearly with a blog name like "The Book Rat," I'm more than happy to find surprise rats in my books... And yeah, okay, maybe the rats aren't really good guys here (typical), and maybe a fewof them get a little stabbed. But still. The old sight gag of something smaller (two kids stacked one on the other's shoulders, etc), pretending to be full-sized and Very Important is only made funnier and more absurd by the fact that it's rats. But even for those of you who won't be won over by the rats, I can't imagine there will be many people who will pick this or any of Hatke's books up and not be charmed. And those who are already fans may find a surprise special guest or two tucked away in these pages...
If I haven't already made it clear, you should be reading Ben Hatke's books . Like, now.
*And shout out to Alex Campbell and Hilary Sycamore on the gorgeous coloring for this series!
May 18, 2018
The more I read, the more I feel like Maddy is a plot device more than a character. What an absolute waste, and how frustrating when I was hoping to find positive disability rep here. I love the rest of this story (The Goblin King story arc was awesome!), I would read on, but I really wish Maddy's character & disability were handled a little differently. Here's hoping Maddy's character gains more depth, substance, and strength in future books.
March 17, 2017
I really like how this series is for kids just on the cusp of becoming teens. It's a tricky time to accurately portray, but these books feel authentic, despite all of the fantasy. This one was a bit more formulaic or less fantastical in some way, so it felt a little less exciting than the first volume. The epilogue has me so excited to see what's next, though, and I will definitely recommend this volume along with the first to tweens on up!
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
July 19, 2017
Good follow-up to the cliffhanger ending of the first book.
November 2, 2017
A great conclusion to the series but it felt almost too rushed. I’d have been happy if this had been a trilogy and we could’ve had a bit more time to enjoy this new world as well as their adventures running solo. Lily in particular should’ve had more time with her goblin journey. I’m very excited at the crossover shown in the epilogue, sort of like the Avengers hints in the early Marvel movies...
November 9, 2017
AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I love it.
I love it.
October 20, 2018
I gasped so loud at that ending that I scared my partner!
This volume was just as good as the first one. The world-building is unique, the characters are believable and likable. The plot was engaging, thrilling, and fun. I love this series and now that I've read two series by this author, I'm thinking he might become a favorite!
This volume was just as good as the first one. The world-building is unique, the characters are believable and likable. The plot was engaging, thrilling, and fun. I love this series and now that I've read two series by this author, I'm thinking he might become a favorite!
February 11, 2018
My favorite Hatke book to date! I’m even more excited now about our school visit with Ben!
April 7, 2017
Thanks for the advance copy NetGalley! My son Ronan and I loved this one. We are fans of his other books as well and this one was right up there with his other works. Believable and likable characters, exciting action and heartfelt sentiment. Hatke always has strong female characters and this one follows suit. I recommend these books to boys and girls all the time and I'll be adding this one to the mix. There's a lovely surprise ending as well.
October 2, 2017
I wasn't in love with the first Mighty Jack volume, but this second one managed to win me over! Jack and Lilly have chased the ogre who stole Maddy into an alternative dimension. They quickly end up separated and Lilly actually has a plot that's worth reading this time becoming the Goblin King! Maddy is saved, the weird transdimensional universe is saved, and everyone makes it home safe... But not really the same... My one complaint is that the action is a bit too fast-paced, but it's a fun, exciting book with great male and female characters. And the end offers quite a welcome surprise!
October 28, 2017
I loved the first "Mighty Jack" book and this second in the series doesn't disappoint. This story of a boy, his autistic sister and homeschooled neighbour starts off where the last book ended at a high point that has the characters off and running from the beginning. Non stop action from beginning to end with fantastic creatures such as goblins, giants and rat creatures. Hatke's illustration is always wonderful and brings this fantasy world to life. The book ends on a note that makes us think there will obviously be another sequel. I sure hope so! This is a fun series!
November 6, 2018
This full-color graphic novel completes the fractured fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk started in the first Mighty Jack book. Neither graphic novel contains a full story arc by itself, so be sure to read the first book before this one. When Jack and Lilly get split up, her Goblin King story line outshines the protagonist's mission. From the epilogue, there will be a crossover book with Zita next, which should be epic.
February 15, 2019
Following *immediately* on the heels of Mighty Jack, the friends try to take back what they lost. Sewers and portals and pipes, with a dangling plot thread that is driving me crazy ... and final page that made me very, very happy.
In suspense, and happily so!
In suspense, and happily so!
May 3, 2018
Fun, solid adventure by one of the masters. Many of Hatke's books include unending surprises - new creatures, new worlds, and this had less of that then I wanted.
But it was breezy, fun, loved the suspended world.
But it was breezy, fun, loved the suspended world.
December 7, 2017
Well the first book was fantastic, and this was better. I love it, I want so many more books in this series. Lilly's arc was one of my fave things in books.
You gots HURTS and INJURATIONS.
You gots HURTS and INJURATIONS.
July 5, 2019
It just keeps getting better.
January 13, 2020
It was a really really really good BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I liked when the girl Lilly killed the goblin king. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaàaaaaaaaaaaaaa the book was confusing. It was confusing because they cep ending up in random places. But I really liked the goblins. And when Lilly turned into the goblin it was awesome. And when the goblins jrove the car. And when Lilly fot the goblin king.
September 8, 2017
This and Mighty Jack are really a single story in two volumes. So spoilers ahead.
Starting with the way it starts with Lily and Jack in hot pursuit of the ogre that kidnapped Maddie -- up a beanstalk.
Featuring not only goblins, but giants, rats, and more. Like the reappearance of the dragon, a car in a sewer, Lily's sack of plant stuff, pipes, broken ribs, and the effects of goblin blood.
It has an epilogue to hint at future story -- and, oh, yes, confirm a link to Zita the Spacegirl.
Starting with the way it starts with Lily and Jack in hot pursuit of the ogre that kidnapped Maddie -- up a beanstalk.
Featuring not only goblins, but giants, rats, and more. Like the reappearance of the dragon, a car in a sewer, Lily's sack of plant stuff, pipes, broken ribs, and the effects of goblin blood.
It has an epilogue to hint at future story -- and, oh, yes, confirm a link to Zita the Spacegirl.
May 19, 2020
Jack's sister has been kidnapped by Giants and it is up to Jack and his friend Lilly to rescue her from the world they now find themselves in, created by the plants that Jack and his sister planted in the previous book. Among the perils they face is the Goblin King and the machine that Giants run to keep up their rule that must devour a human or explode.
A story full of impulsive action, heroism, friendships and sacrifices that have to be done to save a world. But it's not over yet for Jack when he discovers he has to team up with another at the end to save the world.
A story full of impulsive action, heroism, friendships and sacrifices that have to be done to save a world. But it's not over yet for Jack when he discovers he has to team up with another at the end to save the world.
July 18, 2017
The best part about having a 10-year-old daughter who reviews books for our local bookstore is the chance to read some of my favorite books before they're released. No, I mean, um, the best part is that she learns to analyze and appreciate books and write about them succinctly while gaining confidence in her skill... but also, you know, the getting to read them early part. :)
A fun follow-up to the first Mighty Jack book, definitely a sequel in that it will only be understood and appreciated with knowledge of the first book. So go find that one now so you can enjoy this on September 5. :)
A fun follow-up to the first Mighty Jack book, definitely a sequel in that it will only be understood and appreciated with knowledge of the first book. So go find that one now so you can enjoy this on September 5. :)
January 15, 2021
This volume ends up being an homage of sorts to Labyrinth if it had been directed or designed by Terry Gilliam. Maddy takes the place of Toby, except she's much older and potentially more capable of taking action than an almost toddler. She's there to recharge the castle and continues to be little more than a prop in the form of a selectively mute maiden in distress.
3366FF (family/couple home cornfield)
3366FF (family/couple home cornfield)
December 20, 2017
This should really be the Mighty Lilly series. Jack is an ass, and Lilly has to spend way too much of her time pulling the ass's ass out of the fire. This series shines when she makes the tough calls, heroic gestures and sacrifices necessary to save the day. It falters when it focuses on the Jack and the Beanstalk elements.
December 23, 2016
Sometimes Hatke is almost too brilliant. It's a tough call, but this might be even better than the first one. He plays off of classic fairy tales and makes them totally his own in a wonderful new way.
February 15, 2017
Those last few pages!!!
September 24, 2017
This is the second book in the Mighty Jack series and was an absolutely amazing read! I am a huge Hatke fan and really enjoy both the Zita the Spacegirl series and the Mighty Jack series. My 10 year old son also reads these graphic novels and they are his absolute favorite right now. This is a very fun and feel good story that’s an absolutely pleasure to read.
In this book Jack and Lilly chase the ogre who kidnapped Maddy into another dimension; a sort of floating crossworlds between the worlds. It is incredibly creative and fun to read about with lots of adventure and action.
I love Hatke’s illustration; the drawing lines are fairly simple but the color is spectacular and the creativity behind the illustration is amazing. The illustration really makes the whole amazing story come alive.
I also like there are some interesting topics covered in here. Of course this storyline continues with the importance of supporting and protecting family. It also covers some about struggling with finances, not taking things at face value, friendship and responsibility.
There is a nice big surprise at the end of the book too, which absolutely thrilled both me and my son.
Overall this was an amazing read and I loved every moment of it. This is a fantasy graphic novel that is aimed at middle grade readers but is great for readers of all ages. Everything about this graphic novel is perfect from the story to the illustration. Highly recommended.
In this book Jack and Lilly chase the ogre who kidnapped Maddy into another dimension; a sort of floating crossworlds between the worlds. It is incredibly creative and fun to read about with lots of adventure and action.
I love Hatke’s illustration; the drawing lines are fairly simple but the color is spectacular and the creativity behind the illustration is amazing. The illustration really makes the whole amazing story come alive.
I also like there are some interesting topics covered in here. Of course this storyline continues with the importance of supporting and protecting family. It also covers some about struggling with finances, not taking things at face value, friendship and responsibility.
There is a nice big surprise at the end of the book too, which absolutely thrilled both me and my son.
Overall this was an amazing read and I loved every moment of it. This is a fantasy graphic novel that is aimed at middle grade readers but is great for readers of all ages. Everything about this graphic novel is perfect from the story to the illustration. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2018
More a straight-forward adventure for Jack and Lilly than the first volume. I'm more than a bit annoyed by the "captured girl to be bride to monstrous king/chief" trope. Yes Lilly is having none of it but it does leave me shaking my head asking "why is it always rape". Bad enough for Lilly to be injected with goblin blood against her will - even if it does make her more of a kick-butt fighter.
Lilly is also the voice of reason in the start of the book, arguing to go back and bring in adults (maybe with guns), but she also gets sucked in to the world in a way that Jack is not.
Basically you end up wondering why Jack has top billing here. The first book was his story, but this one is shared between him and Lilly and her story is the dominant one.
Lilly is also the voice of reason in the start of the book, arguing to go back and bring in adults (maybe with guns), but she also gets sucked in to the world in a way that Jack is not.
Basically you end up wondering why Jack has top billing here. The first book was his story, but this one is shared between him and Lilly and her story is the dominant one.
July 26, 2018
I had to read this to see how the story ends. It was okay, I guess. It's sort of like Hatke took a little bit of everything from the fridge and threw it all into a stew pot. The story and action felt forced. Things happened because Hatke thought it might be cool, not because that's what the characters would do or needed to do.
Nice epilogue.
But we never find out why Lilly did some odd things in the first book.
Hatke's art is always fantastic, but I thought the colors were rather flat in this book. I hope he goes back to his "Zita" style of colors in his next book, this computer aided coloring isn't working for me.
Nice epilogue.
But we never find out why Lilly did some odd things in the first book.
Hatke's art is always fantastic, but I thought the colors were rather flat in this book. I hope he goes back to his "Zita" style of colors in his next book, this computer aided coloring isn't working for me.
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