Bandette Volume 3: The House of the Green Mask

Bandette #3

by Paul Tobin, Colleen Coover (Illustrator), Steve Lieber (Illustrator)

Bandette, greatest thief in all the lands, uncovers the greatest of all mysteries! A clue to the location of the legendary House of the Green Mask! But the sinister Voice has set his sights on the same treasure, and sent a deadly assassin after the same secrets! Worse, he's stolen the dearest thing to Bandette's heart. Now, she's after revenge! (And also chocolate.)

Eisner-Award winning Bandette returns to print!

"Bandette is a treasure."--Comic Book Resources

"I want to make something very clear: you have absolutely no excuse not to buy this."--Charles Meier, A Thief In The Broad Daylight

Includes all new Urchin stories!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult, Fiction, Mystery, Adventure, Humor

136 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2016

About the author

Paul Tobin is the Eisner-award winning, New York Times-bestselling author of Bandette, Colder, and many other comic books and graphic series.

Bandette, drawn by Colleen Coover, was awarded the Eisner Award for Best Digital Series in 2013, 2016, and 2017; and was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award for Graphic Literature in 2016. His original graphic novel I Was the Cat was nominated for an Eisner in 2015.

The Genius Factor: How to Capture an Invisible Cat , first in his five-book series of middle-grade books, came out in 2016 from Bloomsbury Kids. It was followed in 2017 by How To Outsmart A billion Robot Bees , and How To Tame A Human Tornado in March 2018.

Reviews

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/26/25: Reread just for quick fun to get back to speed after discovering later volumes to read!

Updated review, 6/20/17:

Bandette: "I commend you on your whimsical frivolities. A proper life is weightless, no?"

I am rereading this as part of my summer YA GN course with a focus on kickass girls, and this fits, but is the sixties Pink Panther/Audrey Hepburn French version. It is way too short, has "urchin stories" (for young kids) and an origin story, for fillers, but this time I thought: This is less about story than it is about style and humor and American ideas of French noir dialogue. It's just fun:
* Bandette's chihuahua Pimento
*Always elegant assassins, one Madame Revolver who can shoot a fly at 100 paces
*The Mogul Mughal Emerald
*Daniel, who is cuter when he blushes
*Dancing girls who dance with their clothes ON (those late fifties censors)
*Bandette's The Three Ballerinas who will "flirt outrageously" to get information for her
*"I am Cassandra, Third Daughter of the Moon's Full eye. We're not sure what that means, she won't tell us."
*"Please accept several candy bars as an apology."

So the dialogue from Tobin is better, funnier than I recalled from earlier volumes, or even this volume when I first read it. 3.5 rounded up to 4 just because.

12/19/16 I am now into the flow of the irrepressible Bandette and love all of the love letters it sends to French art and culture, and stars of the period, and now, including US stars like Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn. Coover's work is the heart of Bandette, it's all about style and fun and color. Inspector Clousseau, Pink Panther, wine, jazz. . . and a sassy teen bandit! The story in this volume is not remarkable, and it's very short, as usual. Three stories fill out the still slim book, one a kind of "origin" story of Bandette, a precursor to this work ala Pink Panther, and Cat Burglar.

I like the nod to 19th century Parisian artists in this one, works of same stored in the House of the Green Mask. That's the heart of this one, protecting those paintings, okay. Fun, but slight. But fun, sure! There's a story of Monsieur and Margot looking for the House, yawn. . .

But the art is always way worth checking out in this series. For the art alone, maybe 3.5. Rounded down to 3 because the story is just okay, then rounded up because of all the fun listed above to 4 stars. Whimisical rating for a whimsical girl and series.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Bandette and I absolutely loved it. The book has this kitschy, retro Parisian vibe that really sucks you in. The art is exquisite. You can feel all the love put into this book by the married couple you made it.

Received an advance copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

Years ago a muse to the great 19th century Parisian artists was rumoured to have been given a number of invaluable artworks by them which she stored in a room in the fabled House of the Green Mask. Now, a hidden enemy is kidnapping Bandette’s friends and blackmailing her for the location – sacre bleu!

I love Bandette but this third volume plain sucked. The story is vague and uninteresting without any real sense of progression or direction, let alone urgency or tension, and the villain is barely written at all. The B-story of Monsieur and Margot looking for the House was even less interesting as they just wander about Paris drinking tea. And what an anticlimactic finale!

Bandette’s overly-cutesiness bothered me a lot in this one too. Talking to pigeons in an exaggerated polite way, telling everyone she feels the need to stomp before stomping, calling people she’s standing behind on the phone - she’s like Zooey Deschanel in comics form! Gah! And by the way Paul Tobin, “candy bars” is an Americanism - in Europe they’re either called chocolate, chocolate bars, sweets or GIMME!

I enjoyed Colleen Coover’s artwork especially as its French influence suits the French setting, but Paul Tobin’s story was really lacking this time around. Bandette is a fine series and I’d recommend the first two volumes to anyone, particularly fans of Batman ’66, but this third book is disappointingly boring and uninspired. Prest… zzz…

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another cute volume of Bandette's (mis)adventures. To be honest, there are times when this book almost gets a little too cutesy for my tastes... but then I look at the gorgeous cartooning again and all is forgiven.

If you like your comicbooks quirky, fun and French, you could do worse than to check out Bandette.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: January 1, 2022

Saw this presented as a new book, but when I actually picked it up at the library I realized it was a new edition of the last volume of the Bandette series I'd read six years ago. But it's so good, I just read it again anyway.

And it did prompt me to check if Vol. 4 ever came out, and IT DID! So I'm going to get that in the near future! Yay!


ORIGINAL REVIEW: December 20, 2016

I love Bandette, and reading her adventures makes me ever so happy.

FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Foreword / Kurt Busiek -- Bandette in "The House of the Green Mask" / Paul Tobin, writer; Colleen Coover, illustrator -- Urchin Stories: B.D. Belgique in "The Dogs" / Paul Tobin, writer; Steve Lieber, illustrator -- Urchin Stories: Heloise in "To Hire a Thief" / Paul Tobin, writer; Cat Farris, illustrator -- Criminal Intent, or, The Terror of Bait's Hollow / Paul Tobin, writer; Colleen Coover, illustrator -- The Music / Paul Tobin, writer; Colleen Coover, illustrator -- Portrait of a Muse [Suzanne Valadon] / Paul Tobin with Colleen Coover, writers -- Character and Cover Design / Colleen Coover, writer and illustrator -- Special Thanks -- About the Authors

[Lata · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must not be the target audience for this series; I keep thinking I'm going to get the appeal of Bandette, the super thief, but I just don't. I like the artwork with its clear reference to old films and to Paris. Bandette the character doesn't do much for me, nor do her supporting characters.

[Maggie Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bandette is one of the most likeable characters out there. You just can't help by adore her bright, cheerful, thieving ways!

In her series, Bandette is a master thief who uses her powers mostly for good, and she dances around the city solving crimes and thwarting bad criminals. In this third volume, she has to prevent people from finding out about a mysterious cache of art and save her beau. It's a tough job, but with enough candy bars, Bandette can do anything!

It's hard to explain what makes Bandette such an enjoyable read. The book is filled with homages to great things like Audrey Hepburn and classic art and old school mysteries, but it remains it's own, unique creation. Bandette could easily be a frustrating character, but she easily falls into the category of entirely unhateable. The other characters are wonderful, the plots always ridiculous in the best way, and I can't get enough of PRESTO!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is I, Bandette, the world's most talented thief!"

Ahhh, how I love Bandette! She is cute and kick-ass and comes out with these razor-sharp one-liners - I found myself laughing aloud quite a few times whilst reading this third instalment.

Tobin and Coover write some hilarious scenes with brilliant artwork - you can't help but get swept up in all of the silly mayhem.

That said, I still prefer the second volume story-wise, I think this story was a bit thin on the ground and there wasn't a proper ending (it's left rather ambiguous for no doubt more volumes) but I'm not really complaining.

I shall definitely be investing in Bandette's future escapades! Au revoir...for now!

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continued joy and delight. I adore the art style and the story is whimsical noir-esque. Great fun.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were still some funny moments and some sweet ones, but this volume didn't delight me like the first two did.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bandette continues to delight & entertain! The world's best thief has come up against the enigmatic Voice, who has kidnapped several people, including Bandette's beloved Daniel, in an attempt to ascertain the location of the House of the Green Mask. The Mysterious Madame Presto, a legendary fabulist, had supposedly amassed a huge number of treasures and hidden them away in the house. Bandette & her followers must track down & release the kidnap victims as well as capture the elusive Voice. The treasures of the House of the Green Mask must not fall into his hands!

I cannot properly describe how wonderful these books are: frivolous, light-hearted, lovely fun.

There are also several short stories at the end, like in the previous books. Here's an excerpt that will help you get the feel of the tone of these books:

"Ahh, you have arrived," Bandette said. "We can get down to business, then, no?"

"W-what?" Heloise stuttered. "Business? What business? And...you can't be here."

"I must be here," Bandette said, looking around as if to make sure. "For I am currently in no other places, so by simple means of elimination, this is where I must be, yes? Do you like strawberries, Heloise?"

"No."

"This cannot be true!" Bandette said, springing to her feet. "Strawberries are delicious, and they go quite well with candy bars. Though, to be sure, all things go well with candy bars, even...and perhaps especially...more candy bars."

[Natasha den Dekker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great!! It was actually better than the previous two instalments. It was also nice to see Bandette finally show how much Daniel means to her - but it was done in a really fun and quirky way.
The plot is thickening though - there's a scene where I'm wondering who Bandette is (or who she's related to...)

Can't wait for the next one!

[Owen]

Bandette is delightful, and makes me laugh out loud. I'm not sure that the story elements here were quite as harmonious as in the first volume, but it was still enjoyable the whole way through. I'd definitely recommend stealing a moment or two in which to read this.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bandette comics are quite possible my favorite thing in the entire world.

[Charles Gory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Nate]

A slightly darker and more plot-driven Bandette story. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, as the plot is vague at times with underdeveloped villains and an anticlimactic ending. Also, while there are some adorable moments here, I wasn’t as delighted by Bandette herself. She’s kind of annoying actually. A shame, because I quite liked the first two books. At least it’s beautiful to look at, though.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am still here for Bandette because this is a rollocking all-ages adventure book with plenty of quirk and interesting mysteries.

However, I am getting a little tired of the candy bars. I feel like Bandette’s signature traits and behaviors overwhelmed the story a little here, like she’s spending more time giving the audience a nod and a wink instead of getting on with things.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foreword proposes that what makes this series successful is that it embodies "love and style" both in what the creators put into it and in how the combination of story and art manifests. Couldn't agree more. Pure delight.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bandette, and reading her adventures makes me ever so happy.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Bandette 3: House of the Golden Mask continues Tobin's and Coover's wonderful tale of chocolate and larceny. What might have become a one-trick pony is instead saved by smart story choices and character growth. There are surprises/twists at the end but at its heart, this is really all about hoping Bandette will show up in every panel.

Story: A legendary woman modeled for all the great artists in the impressionistic era - and hid all her treasures in 'the house of the green mask'. But where is this treasure now? Bandette has the clues but so do Monsieur and his lovely new accomplice Margot. When several people with ties to the Green Mask are kidnapped, including Bandette's precious Daniel, the mystery becomes personal. Using all her resources (and manhandling some pigeons in the process), the race to find the House of the Green Mask is on!

I really love the mix of mod 1960s styles (think Austin Powers without the silliness) with an infectious exuberance. As well, the relationship of Bandette and delivery man Daniel is perfectly written - neither soppy nor overly earnest. There's even a great "Spiderman" inspired kiss in the middle with Bandette hanging upside down from her wire. This is truly a series that could have gone very wrong easily but somehow this bit of magical realism hits all the right notes for a grand adventure you don't want to end.

Of the new characters in this volume, my favorite would have to be Quant-attired Dart Petite. Her deadpan singlemindedness contrasted with Bandette's squirrely casualness were a pleasure to read. I could see her in any number of fun 1960s spoof movie/series from Get Smart to Our Man Flint. I hope to see her again in future volumes.

House of the Green Mask completes this story arc but sets up for future volumes with a new big bad in the form of The Voice. I greatly look forward to the next Bandette to see where her adventures go from here! Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Favour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know there's one more book, but for now, this is all the Bandette I will be reading.

So! This was probably the best of the first three books. Bandette when she's fired up and in her caped-crusader feels has proven to be my favorite Bandette. It immediately starts out with a good amount of intrigue as random people, including Daniel, are abducted. I didn't find the actual House of the Green Mask mystery to be all that interesting, aside from Bandette revealing she might be a princess or something?? That was weird. The villains also felt very disposable.

But it was just fun seeing Bandette calmly blackmail all these rich folks into helping her find Daniel, and when she did find him (they sort of found each other), she finally kissed him! I've never been so relieved for a character's feelings as I have for Daniel's. All it took was him literally getting kidnapped and almost dying for Bandette to finally show full affection towards him. My sincerest congratulations.

Again, the mini-comics were nice but not necessary, and the story at the end featured Heloise the police officer this time. Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as Margot's. Every time that woman talks about the massive crush she has on her chain-smoker boss who curses too much and isn't even particularly handsome, I just shake my head. It's a losing game, she's young, and she needs to find someone else at the station.

Still the best book of the first three Bandettes, but I'll get around to reading the last one later.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly, these books are outrageously charming, a sort of fusion of glamorous 1960s heist films (Charade!) and early superhero culture. There's mystery, banter, romance and adventure economically packed into a slender package, all expertly plotted. Just imagine if Audrey Hepburn could have played an acrobatic, butt-kicking, nuanced thief-heroine, using her skills as a ballerina to do her own stunts. Yes, it trades more than a little in gender stereotypes, but otherwise it couldn't be more perfect. It seems as though the adventures continue in digital form, but I'll miss these bright and beautiful pages. The ancillary material (short stories in prose and graphic novel form) is also delightful.

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bandette is great fun, it's a light, fluffy romp of thievery that is just the spark of whimsy I need right now. The story isn't complicated; Bandette does amazing things, fueled by pastries and chocolate bars, the dialogue is cute and snappy, a rare film is stolen, a movie party is had. The retro-chic setting is only spoiled by cell phones, which honestly don't spoil it by much, any modern hints are unobtrusive. The art is gorgeous, the action sort of BANG! POW! ZAP! with lots of acrobatics on Bandette's part, all so cinematically presented I felt like I was watching it. And there's a hint that Bandette might be, I don't know, something more than what we know- I'm curious to see where that goes!

[Milliebot · Rating 4 out of 5]

How is this series so stinkin cute!? I just can't get over the feel-good, sassy thief vibes Bandette gives me. I want to be friends with her, part of her gang of helpful urchins and each chocolate with her after we pull off a caper! Monsieur is a character that's growing on me too.

As usual, at the end there are little shorts illustrated by different artists and this one also had another collab between Tobin and Coover about a thief in a catsuit. I hope we get more of her story! There's always a short story as well. It adds some background/history between the characters.

I don't see any sign of a fourth book though, so I'm left waiting! :[

[Randal · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you loved the first two volumes (as I did!), then you should at least enjoy this one. However, it is the weakest of the three volumes so far. While the humor and the joy of Bandette are certainly present, this book seems to be coasting on that instead of adding anything to the series. I found the story to be extremely lacking in this one, and I had hoped for the introduction of interesting and fun new villains, such as Matadori (who is sadly missing from this tale).

All in all, it was still an enjoyable read, just not as great as the first two volumes!

[Stef · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read detailing the adventures of Bandette, this time those regarding—as the title suggests—the House of the Green Mask, a rumored treasure trove of rare art goodies. Daniel gets kidnapped, and we’re introduced to Dart Petite, a skilled markslady/poisoner, and the mysterious The Voice, who’ll no doubt reappear in future installments. Bandette is in top form, unflappable as always; even with Daniel in peril, she’s mostly annoyed. I’m not super into the urchin stories at the end, although I do like the behind-the-scenes details about the writing and art.

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating; pg each volume has one or two semi-inappropriate scenes that make the books a little less kid friendly, pushes toward adult readers. A couple nearly-in-flagrante on the couch, a man in a hot tub with 3 women, a stripper… quick, not super explicit, but suggestive.
Recommend: 10th and up with content considerations

So. Cute.
I loved the art and the stories, the bonus short stories at the end. Bandette’s urchins and their nod to Sherlock, the art style so reminiscent of early comics, Daniel the best scooter driver… this series adorable and I fully recommend them.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I think Bandette is one of the most charming thieves ever? Oui! I do! This latest volume has the same whimsy, charming, and derring-do as the other volumes, with a new mystery. I love the information included at the end of the book (about a real life muse in the art world who had a life filled with scandal.)
I'm looking forward to the next volume in particular due to the very mysterious hint? would I even call it a hint? foreshadowing? about Bandette. Anyway, another solid offering.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a single, long story. I like the way that Tobin has based it on historical personages, and that he gives us some references at the back of the book. The art continues to be lovely and the dialogue winningly whimsical.

The prose story at the back I can take or leave. I think the whimsy works when it is Bandette speaking, but when the entire story is written in that style it's a little much.