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Sparks! #2
Sparks! Double Dog Dare
Sparks is in for trouble when he starts seeing double!
Who's a good dog?!
Charlie and August, the two cats that control the mechanical superhero dog, Sparks, are keeping the city safe. But when a second, evil Sparks shows up and starts causing trouble around town, everybody blames the real Sparks. Determined to prove that Sparks is still the hero everyone can count on, Charlie and August set out to uncover the shocking truth about who is responsible for all the chaos.
Who's a good dog?!
Charlie and August, the two cats that control the mechanical superhero dog, Sparks, are keeping the city safe. But when a second, evil Sparks shows up and starts causing trouble around town, everybody blames the real Sparks. Determined to prove that Sparks is still the hero everyone can count on, Charlie and August set out to uncover the shocking truth about who is responsible for all the chaos.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2020
About the author
Ian Boothby
257 books39 followersMultiple Shuster Award, Harvey Award and Eisner Award nominee and an Eisner Award–winning comic book creator best known for his work as the lead writer on Simpsons Comics and Futurama Comics for Matt Groening's Bongo Comics. Boothby has written more Simpsons Comics issues than any other writer. He is a regular writer for MAD Magazine. He has also worked on various Canadian television series and is a well known stand-up, sketch and improv comedian working in the Vancouver area. He co-created Free Willie Shakespeare for the Vancouver Theatresports League which won the Jessie Richardson Theatre Award for Excellence in Interactive Theatre.
A writer for multiple television series including CBC's Switchback, Street Cents, "Big Sound" and Popular Mechanics for Kids. He is the co-writer of the DVD film Casper's Haunted Christmas and screenwriter of the Cartoon Network special Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy.
The creator of the sketch comedy series The 11th Hour, called "The funniest sketch series since SCTV" by the National Post, as well as the creator of the TV pilots Space Arm, Vancouver PM and I Dig BC and the co-creator of Channel 92 along with Dean Haglund and Christine Lippa. Boothby founded the Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch group Canadian Content. He currently performs with the sketch comedy group Titmouse! and "The Critical Hit Show: a Live Dungeons & Dragons Comedy Experience," writes for CBC Radio's The Irrelevant Show, and co-hosts the podcasts Sneaky Dragon, Compleatly Beatles, Totally Tintin, The Fansplainers and Full Marx - a Marx Brothers Podcast with David Dedrick. He has also written the ebook It's About Tolerance Stupid : essays on improv & how to make things better without making yourself crazy. He is the writer of Sparks! a graphic novel series for the Scholastic Corporation's Graphix line with art by Nina Matsumoto, and Exorsisters, an ongoing series from Image Comics with art by Gisele Lagace.
He also appeared in the Adam Sandler film Happy Gilmore.
Ian Boothby is married to Y The Last Man co-creator and artist Pia Guerra and regularly contributes cartoons with her to MAD Magazine and The New Yorker.
A writer for multiple television series including CBC's Switchback, Street Cents, "Big Sound" and Popular Mechanics for Kids. He is the co-writer of the DVD film Casper's Haunted Christmas and screenwriter of the Cartoon Network special Scary Godmother: The Revenge of Jimmy.
The creator of the sketch comedy series The 11th Hour, called "The funniest sketch series since SCTV" by the National Post, as well as the creator of the TV pilots Space Arm, Vancouver PM and I Dig BC and the co-creator of Channel 92 along with Dean Haglund and Christine Lippa. Boothby founded the Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch group Canadian Content. He currently performs with the sketch comedy group Titmouse! and "The Critical Hit Show: a Live Dungeons & Dragons Comedy Experience," writes for CBC Radio's The Irrelevant Show, and co-hosts the podcasts Sneaky Dragon, Compleatly Beatles, Totally Tintin, The Fansplainers and Full Marx - a Marx Brothers Podcast with David Dedrick. He has also written the ebook It's About Tolerance Stupid : essays on improv & how to make things better without making yourself crazy. He is the writer of Sparks! a graphic novel series for the Scholastic Corporation's Graphix line with art by Nina Matsumoto, and Exorsisters, an ongoing series from Image Comics with art by Gisele Lagace.
He also appeared in the Adam Sandler film Happy Gilmore.
Ian Boothby is married to Y The Last Man co-creator and artist Pia Guerra and regularly contributes cartoons with her to MAD Magazine and The New Yorker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 12, 2021
The cats who don a dog suit to perform stupendous feats of derring-do are back in another action-packed adventure. This time around there's a mischievous double performing rotten feats of doggy-doo, and making the cats super dog out to be a villain. Who's behind the hijinks, and how can they be stopped?
Another fun episode, highly recommended to kids of all ages.
Another fun episode, highly recommended to kids of all ages.
July 6, 2021
Awesome! I hope there's a 3rd one :)
September 11, 2020
This review is for the first two books.
I thought this was going to be another stupid, capitalize-on-the-dumb-humor-audience book (don't get me wrong, it will appeal to that audience as well) but it turned out to be clever and funny and quite original in many aspects. The premise alone is worth cracking these open. The interplay between the two cats is great, and the validation of August's anxiety (especially in the second book) is pretty great. The art is cartoony, but well-done (though there's a lot of action, so it could feel busy to some readers- not this one, though). I don't get surprised often by kids' comics these days. I enjoy a lot, but don't get surprised a lot.
I thought this was going to be another stupid, capitalize-on-the-dumb-humor-audience book (don't get me wrong, it will appeal to that audience as well) but it turned out to be clever and funny and quite original in many aspects. The premise alone is worth cracking these open. The interplay between the two cats is great, and the validation of August's anxiety (especially in the second book) is pretty great. The art is cartoony, but well-done (though there's a lot of action, so it could feel busy to some readers- not this one, though). I don't get surprised often by kids' comics these days. I enjoy a lot, but don't get surprised a lot.
May 21, 2021
The first Sparks book was a delightful adventure that easily stood well on its own, featuring plenty of humor, action, goofy visuals, and even a heartfelt backstory behind one of its main characters. I was not expecting to find it had a sequel... but I knew I had to read it anyhow. And it retains the wacky charm of the first book, while further delving into the backstory of another character.
Charlie and August, two stray cats who operate a robotic dog suit and perform rescue missions as a dog named Sparks, are shocked to find that there's an imposter Sparks out there. And worse, the fake Sparks is wreaking havoc in their name, turning the city against them! But even as the two of them (with some help from their freeloading squirrel friend Steve-O and their talking litterbox) try to solve this mystery, Charlie suddenly feels like he's about to be replaced as one of Sparks' operators. What's causing Charlie's insecurity? Why does he hate pizza and birthdays so much? And can he and August put aside their differences long enough to stop the false Sparks from destroying the city?
Just like the first book, the artwork is bright and colorful, stylized to be wacky and cartoony. It wouldn't look out of place in a Saturday morning cartoon, and has plenty of fun visuals. I also appreciate that each cat looks distinctive and has its own style, instead of being carbon copies of each other.
The story focuses mainly on wacky hijinks and humor, but is still fun to follow. And it has some unexpected emotional depth as well, as Charlie has to face his past and grapple with his insecurities. The last book focused on August's past and fears, so it's nice to see Charlie get some development as well. And while Steve-O is still on the obnoxious side as the comic relief sidekick, it's nice to see him contributing to the plot in a productive way.
Just as fun as the first book, Double Dog Dare is a delightfully goofy and fun read. And while it's geared mainly towards kids, adults will enjoy it as well.
Charlie and August, two stray cats who operate a robotic dog suit and perform rescue missions as a dog named Sparks, are shocked to find that there's an imposter Sparks out there. And worse, the fake Sparks is wreaking havoc in their name, turning the city against them! But even as the two of them (with some help from their freeloading squirrel friend Steve-O and their talking litterbox) try to solve this mystery, Charlie suddenly feels like he's about to be replaced as one of Sparks' operators. What's causing Charlie's insecurity? Why does he hate pizza and birthdays so much? And can he and August put aside their differences long enough to stop the false Sparks from destroying the city?
Just like the first book, the artwork is bright and colorful, stylized to be wacky and cartoony. It wouldn't look out of place in a Saturday morning cartoon, and has plenty of fun visuals. I also appreciate that each cat looks distinctive and has its own style, instead of being carbon copies of each other.
The story focuses mainly on wacky hijinks and humor, but is still fun to follow. And it has some unexpected emotional depth as well, as Charlie has to face his past and grapple with his insecurities. The last book focused on August's past and fears, so it's nice to see Charlie get some development as well. And while Steve-O is still on the obnoxious side as the comic relief sidekick, it's nice to see him contributing to the plot in a productive way.
Just as fun as the first book, Double Dog Dare is a delightfully goofy and fun read. And while it's geared mainly towards kids, adults will enjoy it as well.
January 8, 2021
Series Info/Source: This is the 2nd volume in the Sparks graphic novel series. I bought this book for my son for Christmas.
Story (4/5): Charlie and August are still trying to be heroes through the mechanical superhero dog suit that they navigate (named Sparks). Then an evil Sparks shows up and starts to blame the real Sparks. Charlie and August must figure out who the evil Sparks is so that they can clear their good name! While I didn’t find this volume quite as hilarious as the first one, I still enjoyed it.
Characters (4/5): I love Charlie and August and the Litter Box and the crazy squirrel. They are all a lot of fun and very well done. I liked the inclusion of the new neighbor cat and am curious to see what is done with that character in the future.
Setting (4/5): The story is set mostly around Charlie and August’s neighborhood, but parts also take place in their house. It’s fine but not the focus of the story.
Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): The drawing style is very cartoony and brightly colored, not my favorite but it matches the goofy tone of the story well. The story is funny and well written. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as the first volume but it was still a lot of fun and is something readers of all ages can enjoy.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun addition to the Sparks series. If you like cats and humor, you will find this entertaining. The graphic novel is well drawn and easy to follow. This is a great graphic novel series for all ages and is entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Story (4/5): Charlie and August are still trying to be heroes through the mechanical superhero dog suit that they navigate (named Sparks). Then an evil Sparks shows up and starts to blame the real Sparks. Charlie and August must figure out who the evil Sparks is so that they can clear their good name! While I didn’t find this volume quite as hilarious as the first one, I still enjoyed it.
Characters (4/5): I love Charlie and August and the Litter Box and the crazy squirrel. They are all a lot of fun and very well done. I liked the inclusion of the new neighbor cat and am curious to see what is done with that character in the future.
Setting (4/5): The story is set mostly around Charlie and August’s neighborhood, but parts also take place in their house. It’s fine but not the focus of the story.
Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): The drawing style is very cartoony and brightly colored, not my favorite but it matches the goofy tone of the story well. The story is funny and well written. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as the first volume but it was still a lot of fun and is something readers of all ages can enjoy.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this was a fun addition to the Sparks series. If you like cats and humor, you will find this entertaining. The graphic novel is well drawn and easy to follow. This is a great graphic novel series for all ages and is entertaining for kids and adults alike.
August 20, 2020
Middle grade graphic novel. I read this because the first book Sparks! was one of our student choice award nominees last year. This one didn't seem to have the same flow as the first one. Charlie is the bravest cat in the world and August is the smartest, together they team up to wear a superdog suit and save the day. There are villains dressed in a second Sparks suit trying to frame the two heroes. How can they clear their name?
The story was fun to read, but a bit disturbing. When the villains were revealed, I was a bit groosed out. And the robotic pandas were a bit creepy. You might want to check it out if you enjoyed the first one, but I hesitate to recommend it otherwise.
The story was fun to read, but a bit disturbing. When the villains were revealed, I was a bit groosed out. And the robotic pandas were a bit creepy. You might want to check it out if you enjoyed the first one, but I hesitate to recommend it otherwise.
May 24, 2022
Someone is out there masquerading as Sparks and instead of doing good, causing harm! Can Charlie and August figure out who is besmirching their secret identity and why?
Readers of the first book got a little foreshadowing about this adventure and should know from the start who is inside the bad Sparks. Watching Charlie and August figure it out is a good mix of adventure and humor. This is a quick read with superhero, alien, and cat elements in a graphic novel form for readers who love any of those.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are perilous situations and a face off, but everyone ends up ok (well, a gelatinous being is spread out but you get the sense it will eventually be ok).
Readers of the first book got a little foreshadowing about this adventure and should know from the start who is inside the bad Sparks. Watching Charlie and August figure it out is a good mix of adventure and humor. This is a quick read with superhero, alien, and cat elements in a graphic novel form for readers who love any of those.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are perilous situations and a face off, but everyone ends up ok (well, a gelatinous being is spread out but you get the sense it will eventually be ok).
May 8, 2020
Wow, I was really disappointed by this one. Sparks! was one of my favorite graphic novels the year it came out. It was so full of wit, banter, and snarky details (like the “Live. Love. Laugh” art on the wall of the evil-aliens-posing-as-humans’ house). I booktalked it a lot, in schools and on the library floor. This sequel felt as though it wasn’t written by the same person. It was all action and little else. I feel like I have to purchase it for my library because I turned so many readers on to the first that I know they’ll be anticipating the sequel—but if it was a standalone, I wouldn’t give it a second glance.
Thanks due to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC.
Thanks due to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC.
August 15, 2020
August the world’s smartest cat and Charlie the world’s bravest cat are back in this sequel to Sparks, which is a masterpiece (seriously go read it). The two cats drive a robotic dog suit called Sparks to do good. But there is another Sparks suit that’s trashing August and Charlie’s good name.
August took much of the spotlight in the first volume now it’s Charlie’s turn. Charlie’s story is familiar to those who help abandoned cats and it’s is a good lesson for children thinking about getting a pet.
As with the first book the art is amazing. Thick smooth lines and colours just pop.
Unfortunately the pacing of this book is not as good as the original. I felt the payoff came before a proper build up. It still a worthy sequel. I had to sneak the book away from my daughter who has been carrying it around. A Sparks volume 3 is coming and we can not wait.
August took much of the spotlight in the first volume now it’s Charlie’s turn. Charlie’s story is familiar to those who help abandoned cats and it’s is a good lesson for children thinking about getting a pet.
As with the first book the art is amazing. Thick smooth lines and colours just pop.
Unfortunately the pacing of this book is not as good as the original. I felt the payoff came before a proper build up. It still a worthy sequel. I had to sneak the book away from my daughter who has been carrying it around. A Sparks volume 3 is coming and we can not wait.
September 11, 2023
August and Charlie are two cats who go around disguised as a dog, Sparks, who is a hero always saving the day. With August's smarts and computer and tech expertise, the two are always just in time to make everything better. But when another "Sparks" shows up causing mayhem and chaos, August and Charlie's Spark is getting all the blame. Will they be able to find the culprits who are defaming their name?
I'm liking this series more than I thought. I really like how the two cats have such a kind heart towards one another and towards others. It's a fun read, with all the gizmos, and explosives, with care and kindness still exemplified in the story.
I'm liking this series more than I thought. I really like how the two cats have such a kind heart towards one another and towards others. It's a fun read, with all the gizmos, and explosives, with care and kindness still exemplified in the story.
March 6, 2022
It has been a while since I read the first book so I can't really compare them but I liked this one enough. It had a (not-so-subtle) message about not abandoning your pets just because they get older and a little mention about how declawing is cruel. There was also a little PSA about bees involved, which I appreciate as a conservationist but also felt like it was kind of shoehorned in there and didn't really fit. I have to admit that I had totally forgotten the squirrel character from the first book and I don't think he really added much. But still a cute story overall.
December 16, 2024
I really enjoyed the first one, my daughter and I had a couple of laugh out loud moments. I picked it up on a trip to the local library, we went to the central location, a little bigger. Because of the Canada post-strike, we currently do not have access to inter-library loans, much to our chagrin. I did not enjoy this book quite as much, however, felt a little more choppy, but Ri still thought it was pretty good and was looking forward to reading it. I will certainly pick up the third when I get the chance.
November 12, 2020
There's an imposter running around causing chaos, looking just like Sparks - who is it and how can it be stopped?
August - "smartest cat in the world."
Charlie - "bravest cat in the world"
new neighbor cat is a polydactyl, and when August mentions it, Charlie feels threatened
"Just IMAGINE all the things we could do in the sparks suit if we had an extra digit on our paws."
"I may not have thumbs, but my brain's as good as a thumb sometimes."
March 28, 2022
August, superälykäs kissa ja hänen kumppaninsa, mitään pelkäämätön Charlie kohtaavat pahan Sparks-doppelgängerin, joka sotkee ja tuhoaa ja saa oikean Sparksin näyttämään syylliseltä kaikkeen. Kun väkijoukko alkaa kääntyä Sparksia vastaan, on Augustilla ja Charliella näytön paikka siitä, että he ovat hyvien puolella. Hauskaa, jännittävää ja laadukasta lastensarjakuvaa kaikille lapsille ja lapsenmielisille. Sparksit kannattaa lukea järjestyksessä.
June 18, 2020
This book was awesome! If anyone likes the first Sparks book they are going to LOVE this one!! I know, People have different opinions but, this book was a masterpiece in my opinion! I love how Charlie and August have to fight off a fake Sparks. There is so much humor and little details and I rate this book five stars. Overall, this book is awesome.
March 13, 2021
The heroic and funny cats are back in the Sparks dog suit! Once again, they go and save people in the skies and in the waters. They face off against an evil dog and have to try and save the world. My favourite part is when they find out there is an evil dog behind their back. It was so good I couldn't put the book down, and was sad when we had to return it to the library.
April 2, 2023
Got to reading this a while ago, thought it was great, but sorta underwhelming, idk! I loved how they focused on Charlie and his past in this one, was wondering about that, but it wasn't as memorable as #1 and #3. I dunno, I'll probably re-read soon, I'd rate 4.5 but this site ain't got that, very great!
January 25, 2025
A good dog named sparks is a hero in the whole city! But they are facing a big mission. Another villain is dressed up as sparks and destroying the whole city! Everyone in town is really angry at sparks and thinks that sparks is destroying everything in the city, but in the end everyone gets to know that someone else was dressed up like sparks and everyone says sorry to sparks for being mean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2026
Since I'm accidentally reading these in anti-chronological order, it was fun to get a little more insight into the characters I was introduced to in the third book of this trilogy. I can't wait to see how the story began!
November 26, 2020
Fun and Funky!
A fun book that my family loves!My daughter can't wait for the next book!This is full of fun and a big surprise!But I won't spoil it for you!So go read and have some fun!
A fun book that my family loves!My daughter can't wait for the next book!This is full of fun and a big surprise!But I won't spoil it for you!So go read and have some fun!
December 12, 2020
This book is just amazing it has villain's, good guys, mystery's, secret's, copy cats, peoples back story's, and talking animals its has everything its full of adventure and about 2 cats dressed in a dog suit. + Evil brain thing in the dog suit.
January 7, 2021
A new graphic novel series for the boys. Pretty silly but clever and the boys like it. Cats save people by using a super powered dog suit. Theo says “I thought it was hilarious.” Will says, “ I liked when the litter box made all the animals dance.”
March 5, 2023
Bedtime read with my 8 year old son. This one had a bit more humour than the first which was great. Had both my son and I laughing out loud. We’ve already started the third one and my son is sad that there is not a 4th one listed yet
September 5, 2020
Surprisingly action-packed!
September 22, 2020
I love Sparks...but they honestly just recycled the plot of the first book. I hope the next in the series is a new story!
October 11, 2020
Continued adventures of 2 cats who dress up in a dog suit to do heroic things. Not as good as #1 but entertaining.
November 21, 2020
Not quite as streamlined as the first one as far as story goes but I'm always up for more Sparks!
December 20, 2020
Fun! Action-packed! I liked this just as much as the first story.
March 24, 2021
Action! adventure! Cats worried about what their friends think. Sparks is set up by another "dog" trying to make their life harder.
May 18, 2021
Super cute! Who would have expected that the hero dog is actually two cats? In this volume, Charlie has a tragic backstory, and fears he'll be replaced by the new neighbor cat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews