What do you think?
Rate this book
Earth Boy
A new original graphic novel from the team behind the New York Times bestselling Plants vs. Zombies comics, Paul Tobin and Ron Chan!
Benson, young teen boy with dreams of venturing into space and becoming a Galactic Ranger, is given the chance to make his hopes a reality when he's selected to join an elite academy full of strange characters and unusual alien classmates.
But when a combination of culture shock, bullying, and administrative secrets shake his confidence, Benson must dig deep and fight to prove he belongs.
Benson, young teen boy with dreams of venturing into space and becoming a Galactic Ranger, is given the chance to make his hopes a reality when he's selected to join an elite academy full of strange characters and unusual alien classmates.
But when a combination of culture shock, bullying, and administrative secrets shake his confidence, Benson must dig deep and fight to prove he belongs.
136 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2021
About the author
Paul Tobin
897 books410 followersPaul 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 24, 2021
Benson Chow is the first Earthling accepted into the Global Ranger school. He quickly find that Earth is considered a backwater planet of subhumanoids once he arrives. The beginning quarter of this book really dragged but don't let that deter you. It's mainly told through a journal Benson keeps and there is way too many entries. Things quickly pick up once Benson decides to put his head down and focus on school, not what others think. Then an event happens that requires Benson to use his new found skills and that's where the book gets really good.
This graphic novel is mainly intended for children. There are lots of lessons to be learned here of acceptance and trusting your own experiences over social prejudices. Ron Chan's water colors are fantastic.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
This graphic novel is mainly intended for children. There are lots of lessons to be learned here of acceptance and trusting your own experiences over social prejudices. Ron Chan's water colors are fantastic.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
May 11, 2021
Sooooo boooooring. Opening the cover, I thought I'd be able to read this sci fi kids book about the first earth boy at a galactic ranger boarding school full of aliens in less than 45 minutes. But it took me twice that time to pull myself through the many dull captions about Benson Chow's many dull days dealing with bullies, discrimination, administrative indifference, and depression. Pirates eventually show up, but way too late to matter.
I was surprised to find that growing up on a farm is akin to a super power in space, what with all the incredibly applicable animal husbandry knowledge and the sage advice farmer dads are constantly dropping. I guess I grew up on the wrong farm, 'cuz all I got are a couple small scars from temperamental cows and a father who had a drinking problem and died prematurely from all the stress brought on by the fickleness of the weather and corn futures.
The art is okay, but the coloring is in weirdly flat pastels that looked murky and kept anything from popping off the page even during action scenes.
I was surprised to find that growing up on a farm is akin to a super power in space, what with all the incredibly applicable animal husbandry knowledge and the sage advice farmer dads are constantly dropping. I guess I grew up on the wrong farm, 'cuz all I got are a couple small scars from temperamental cows and a father who had a drinking problem and died prematurely from all the stress brought on by the fickleness of the weather and corn futures.
The art is okay, but the coloring is in weirdly flat pastels that looked murky and kept anything from popping off the page even during action scenes.
March 1, 2021
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
“Don’t be concerned with how someone looks. Pay attention to where they’re looking. And don’t care too much about where they’ve been. Look to see where they’re going.”
Wow. At first I thought this graphic novel was dragging on too long, but once I got past the set up in the first quarter it blossomed into a superbly touching and trying story about facing adversity, bullying and hardship with strength, courage and friendship.
It may seem a little depressing how the only human is so mistreated and demeaned by other alien species but it was a good lesson for readers in how not to treat others and other species too. And it also showed all the wisdom and courage you need to overcome being bullied.
The art really was very beautiful and extremely unique. Especially towards the end. Every page was a piece of art I wanted to print and hang on my wall.
So, all in all, a surprisingly amazing graphic novel showcasing a coming of age story that really teaches the reader about things that’ll reverberate quite clearly in their own lives.
“Don’t be concerned with how someone looks. Pay attention to where they’re looking. And don’t care too much about where they’ve been. Look to see where they’re going.”
Wow. At first I thought this graphic novel was dragging on too long, but once I got past the set up in the first quarter it blossomed into a superbly touching and trying story about facing adversity, bullying and hardship with strength, courage and friendship.
It may seem a little depressing how the only human is so mistreated and demeaned by other alien species but it was a good lesson for readers in how not to treat others and other species too. And it also showed all the wisdom and courage you need to overcome being bullied.
The art really was very beautiful and extremely unique. Especially towards the end. Every page was a piece of art I wanted to print and hang on my wall.
So, all in all, a surprisingly amazing graphic novel showcasing a coming of age story that really teaches the reader about things that’ll reverberate quite clearly in their own lives.
March 26, 2021
Don't let the cover turn you off, this is a wonderful well-built world here, about an earth boy, from the future, who is accepted at a very exclusive acadamy that has never had any earth people there before.
And yes, it is very much a fish out of water, hard time in middle or high school sort of story, but with a lot more back story, and a bunch of aliens.
And the way he resolves all his problems is pretty amazing, and well thought out.
Stayed up past my bedtime to finish, so that is saying something. Enjoyed it much more than I thought i would.
And yes, it is very much a fish out of water, hard time in middle or high school sort of story, but with a lot more back story, and a bunch of aliens.
And the way he resolves all his problems is pretty amazing, and well thought out.
Stayed up past my bedtime to finish, so that is saying something. Enjoyed it much more than I thought i would.
February 16, 2025
After independent reading on Friday, I told my students I was LOVING this book. One of them said "yeah, I saw you laughing."
This book, aside from being beautiful and a fresh take on familiar ideas, is funny AND sentimental. It was just what I needed this week. It is saying big things in small ways. I would read a whole series of graphic novels based in this universe.
This book, aside from being beautiful and a fresh take on familiar ideas, is funny AND sentimental. It was just what I needed this week. It is saying big things in small ways. I would read a whole series of graphic novels based in this universe.
October 28, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this graphic novel. It won a prize and I got it to give to a grandchild who will be 11 next month. She might love it. I would have seen right through it, even at that age... maybe.
So the good: messaging about holding on, determination, dreaming big, using opportunity no matter how it comes, and using what you know to get through tough situations.
The troubling: don't tell, not even if someone is doing something dangerous to themselves and others. A lot of hitting. The bullying without real consequences. Real, maybe, but still...
"Life isn't fair" is a reasonable message, but that doesn't mean we should not always strive to make things fair. You shouldn't have to save people's lives and gain wealth to deserve fair treatment. Not telling about bullying is unhelpful. Bullies don't stop because you are strong enough to take it or you hit them harder or you become the hero of the story. Sometimes that makes them move on to bully someone else, but an intervention by someone with greater power might have changed that behavior, and that's what I would have liked to see. This story fails to recognize most of that, and even the four-eyed teacher who can see into the future fails to do anything to address bullying. The best is a lot of "good advice" from a counselor.
There's some disguised engagement with race and bigotry. Benson Chow is Asian and his grandfather is the most visually interesting character to me.
But what most bothered me personally was that this is really bad science fiction. It's set in 3115 but everything looks entirely too familiar to be 1100 years in the future. Benson has a pet dog and is caring for cows and pigs along with an alien miniature elephant-looking creature. Cows and pig 1100 years in the future? Really? The kid goes across the universe to another galaxy, but we still see "galaxy" used too often. Intelligent species from all over the universe, but they all seem to be bi-pedal, symmetrical, with opposable thumbs and faces with eyes, mouth, and nose. They all breathe air. True, some have four arms, six eyes, or wings, but they all look like people in costumes.
I love the identical twins who do not look alike but most of the people can't tell them apart because they smell exactly the same and their harmonics are identical. That's clever and a running gag.
Not so clever? People from other galaxies know about leashes and pets and the joke about "How many X does it take to change a lightbulb?" Benson gets that joke. They go to the movies. I don't want to talk about the gender issues. This is a boy story. Totally boy.
Great action throughout. Good voice. Ultimately the challenges and conflicts are predictable and resolved about the way any adult would assume. However, the print is very small and there is a lot of text. It's from Dark Horse, a studio I toured 24 years ago because it's in Portland, Oregon—or was here the last time I checked.
So the good: messaging about holding on, determination, dreaming big, using opportunity no matter how it comes, and using what you know to get through tough situations.
The troubling: don't tell, not even if someone is doing something dangerous to themselves and others. A lot of hitting. The bullying without real consequences. Real, maybe, but still...
"Life isn't fair" is a reasonable message, but that doesn't mean we should not always strive to make things fair. You shouldn't have to save people's lives and gain wealth to deserve fair treatment. Not telling about bullying is unhelpful. Bullies don't stop because you are strong enough to take it or you hit them harder or you become the hero of the story. Sometimes that makes them move on to bully someone else, but an intervention by someone with greater power might have changed that behavior, and that's what I would have liked to see. This story fails to recognize most of that, and even the four-eyed teacher who can see into the future fails to do anything to address bullying. The best is a lot of "good advice" from a counselor.
There's some disguised engagement with race and bigotry. Benson Chow is Asian and his grandfather is the most visually interesting character to me.
But what most bothered me personally was that this is really bad science fiction. It's set in 3115 but everything looks entirely too familiar to be 1100 years in the future. Benson has a pet dog and is caring for cows and pigs along with an alien miniature elephant-looking creature. Cows and pig 1100 years in the future? Really? The kid goes across the universe to another galaxy, but we still see "galaxy" used too often. Intelligent species from all over the universe, but they all seem to be bi-pedal, symmetrical, with opposable thumbs and faces with eyes, mouth, and nose. They all breathe air. True, some have four arms, six eyes, or wings, but they all look like people in costumes.
I love the identical twins who do not look alike but most of the people can't tell them apart because they smell exactly the same and their harmonics are identical. That's clever and a running gag.
Not so clever? People from other galaxies know about leashes and pets and the joke about "How many X does it take to change a lightbulb?" Benson gets that joke. They go to the movies. I don't want to talk about the gender issues. This is a boy story. Totally boy.
Great action throughout. Good voice. Ultimately the challenges and conflicts are predictable and resolved about the way any adult would assume. However, the print is very small and there is a lot of text. It's from Dark Horse, a studio I toured 24 years ago because it's in Portland, Oregon—or was here the last time I checked.
February 20, 2021
Edelweiss+ provided me a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this was going to be more middle grade when I picked it up, and while the story itself would be appealing to my students, the writing is pretty dense for a graphic novel. I'm not saying that's a bad thing--just that it requires more concentration and comprehension than many of the more simplistic graphic novels in my library.
Benson dreams of attending an illustrious intergalactic school and becoming a Galactic Ranger. When he becomes the first Earthling ever admitted, he can't wait. Unfortunatly, Earth and its humans are looked down on by pretty much every alien being, meaning things aren't much different form a regular school: Benson is bullied, ignored, and made to feel like he doesn't belong...even by the teachers.
He does manage to make a few friends, and he eventually is able to shine in class--the question is will he be allowed to continue? When he ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, he finds himself on an unauthorized intergalactic joyride with his worst enemy--and things go south fast.
Though fast paced, there's a LOT of narration to read...which can make things feel a little overwhelming. But Benson and his friends are great characters, and Benson's journey is one young people will relate to.
I thought this was going to be more middle grade when I picked it up, and while the story itself would be appealing to my students, the writing is pretty dense for a graphic novel. I'm not saying that's a bad thing--just that it requires more concentration and comprehension than many of the more simplistic graphic novels in my library.
Benson dreams of attending an illustrious intergalactic school and becoming a Galactic Ranger. When he becomes the first Earthling ever admitted, he can't wait. Unfortunatly, Earth and its humans are looked down on by pretty much every alien being, meaning things aren't much different form a regular school: Benson is bullied, ignored, and made to feel like he doesn't belong...even by the teachers.
He does manage to make a few friends, and he eventually is able to shine in class--the question is will he be allowed to continue? When he ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, he finds himself on an unauthorized intergalactic joyride with his worst enemy--and things go south fast.
Though fast paced, there's a LOT of narration to read...which can make things feel a little overwhelming. But Benson and his friends are great characters, and Benson's journey is one young people will relate to.
October 23, 2024
Earth Boy (2021)
Author - Paul Tobin
Artist – Ron Chan
Genre – Kids, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Synopsis: Benson, a kid who dreams of going into space, is selected to be part of an intergalactic academy
Earth Boy is a sci-fi adventure about a boy from Earth trying to fit in amongst the hundreds of other students from varying intergalactic species. While the concept is kind of unique, the core tale is pretty much similar to the ‘out of place student’ tales.
The story starts off slow but at all times tries to be as relatable as possible. Themes such as bullying has been handled well and the second half of the novel is pretty good. There is a good discussion on adaptation, and the one main story that actually takes place. The finale is a solid piece that wraps up the whole story perfectly.
Much of the first half is spent on a daily chronicle of events taking place, which is fine, but its bits and pieces. The allegory of the whole story is pretty much on the nose, and could have been slightly more creative.
The artwork is great and captures the vibrancy of the world created by the writer.
Overall, this is a great book for kids as it contains good morals and features some really creative ideas. But older readers might enjoy the fun story albeit the predictable story telling.
RJG Rating – 3.75/5
Goodreads – 3.66/5
Author - Paul Tobin
Artist – Ron Chan
Genre – Kids, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Synopsis: Benson, a kid who dreams of going into space, is selected to be part of an intergalactic academy
Earth Boy is a sci-fi adventure about a boy from Earth trying to fit in amongst the hundreds of other students from varying intergalactic species. While the concept is kind of unique, the core tale is pretty much similar to the ‘out of place student’ tales.
The story starts off slow but at all times tries to be as relatable as possible. Themes such as bullying has been handled well and the second half of the novel is pretty good. There is a good discussion on adaptation, and the one main story that actually takes place. The finale is a solid piece that wraps up the whole story perfectly.
Much of the first half is spent on a daily chronicle of events taking place, which is fine, but its bits and pieces. The allegory of the whole story is pretty much on the nose, and could have been slightly more creative.
The artwork is great and captures the vibrancy of the world created by the writer.
Overall, this is a great book for kids as it contains good morals and features some really creative ideas. But older readers might enjoy the fun story albeit the predictable story telling.
RJG Rating – 3.75/5
Goodreads – 3.66/5
February 11, 2022
I truly loved this book. It was not quite what I expected and proved to be a deeper story than what I thought. I read some reviews and a lot of them wanted there to be more action and to be more exciting but really, this book I think was meant to be a slice of life type with some sci-fi thrown into the mix. Benson Chow, ordinary Earther, is accepted to the prestigious Kayrus Academy which churns out the finest intergalactic explorers in the galaxy. Set in the future, Earth has only recently joined other planets in an intergalactic alliance but is heavily looked down upon as being backward, dirty, and impoverished. This means Benson really has a challenge ahead. But getting to the meat of the book, we're along for the ride with Benson as he runs head on into challenges such as proving himself, defending himself, and fending off bullying of the space degree. Luckily he finds himself in the company of other misfits and with their friendship, and his own courage, he makes his own path while learning some valuable lessons along the way.
July 5, 2022
I liked so much about this book - but my favorite thing was the life lessons throughout (that weren't preachy). Plus there is lots of subtle humor right off. And, it's super creative.
A young man (boy) with lots of responsibilities and a big imagination decides he wants to be the first human to join an intergalactic space force. Much to everyone's surprise (including his dream-killer friend), he is selected.
He is bullied at the academy and handles it pretty well. Other things that he deals with is rumors and group hate.
A couple favorite quotes: "People see what they expect to see and what they want to see."
"If you don't know what's out there 00 everything becomes your enemy--and if you don't know your enemy--he stays your enemy."
Truly my only complaint is stylistically the drawings and especially the print were too small to read easily.
A young man (boy) with lots of responsibilities and a big imagination decides he wants to be the first human to join an intergalactic space force. Much to everyone's surprise (including his dream-killer friend), he is selected.
He is bullied at the academy and handles it pretty well. Other things that he deals with is rumors and group hate.
A couple favorite quotes: "People see what they expect to see and what they want to see."
"If you don't know what's out there 00 everything becomes your enemy--and if you don't know your enemy--he stays your enemy."
Truly my only complaint is stylistically the drawings and especially the print were too small to read easily.
December 29, 2020
While I would have liked a little more action, or events happening, the overall story is packed. The illustrations are strong, colorful and detailed. The "middle school/high school" trying to fit in story has been done before, even with aliens, but this is fresh due to the characters. It is a simple story, but several layers (and great "potty humor" too!) A new fantasy/science fiction graphic novel, that while I want more of, I also feel this is a solid story alone.
July 2, 2022
Graphic Novel
Benson is the first person from Earth chosen to be a student at an elite galactic academy. He struggles with bullies and figuring out how to belong. With the support of friends and his advisor, he figures out who he is and how he fits in. He even saves the academy and expands studies across the universes.
Amazing artwork.
Benson is the first person from Earth chosen to be a student at an elite galactic academy. He struggles with bullies and figuring out how to belong. With the support of friends and his advisor, he figures out who he is and how he fits in. He even saves the academy and expands studies across the universes.
Amazing artwork.
March 3, 2026
This is a slow one. Very focused on day-to-day social drudgery and bummer circumstances. But you're always rooting for the protag. And, eventually, you get a fun adventure.
Also, I don't normally pay much attention to this. But they put a very reasonable price point on this book. Good on ya, Dark Horse Comics!
MPA ratings: PG for language, some violence, and for rude humor
Also, I don't normally pay much attention to this. But they put a very reasonable price point on this book. Good on ya, Dark Horse Comics!
MPA ratings: PG for language, some violence, and for rude humor
May 31, 2021
middlegrade/teen graphic novel with Asian protagonist - fitting in at new school/elite space academy; adventure and friendship
surprisingly (and pleasantly) more complex than I thought this would be. Enjoyed it and would like to see more.
surprisingly (and pleasantly) more complex than I thought this would be. Enjoyed it and would like to see more.
September 7, 2021
Fun and touching space adventure.
This graphic novel aimed at younger readers is a lot of fun but doesn’t shy away from topics like bullies and the advantages wealth can bring. Highly recommended.
This graphic novel aimed at younger readers is a lot of fun but doesn’t shy away from topics like bullies and the advantages wealth can bring. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2022
I guess not all the comics my 5 year old chooses for me at the library can be as good as Hilda...
Incredibly repetitive plot which is unfortunate because the art is great and the initial idea could have turned into something better.
Incredibly repetitive plot which is unfortunate because the art is great and the initial idea could have turned into something better.
November 11, 2022
[3,5]
It's a lot of information to process at once. Perhaps I would have preferred several longer volumes. The story is predictable, but it is well-drawn and enjoyable. I liked the different characters drawn (the characters who didn't really have a big role in the graphic novel).
It's a lot of information to process at once. Perhaps I would have preferred several longer volumes. The story is predictable, but it is well-drawn and enjoyable. I liked the different characters drawn (the characters who didn't really have a big role in the graphic novel).
Want to Read
March 25, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
April 21, 2021
Big ideas, worthy commentary, gorgeously illustrated and a whole lot of fun to read.
September 26, 2021
This was good! Not a new favourite - the story and characters never properly managed to grab my interest, but this is a graphic novel that I can certainly see being popular.
April 21, 2022
The art was fine. There were so many different minor points in the storytelling that I took issue with, so it wasn’t a pleasant read.
January 1, 2023
Excellent! Such a dense and thoughtful read! Love the alien designs and coloring!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews