Agent 9: Flood-a-Geddon!

Agent 9 #1

by James Burks

Agent 9 is a feline secret agent will do whatever it takes to save the world--even if it means destroying a few things along the way.

The Super-Secret Spy Service's mission is to keep the world safe from maniacal villains. And Agent 9 is one of its best operatives. Although 9 always manages to complete the mission, there is occasionally some collateral damage (like the priceless Pigasso painting that was destroyed while foiling an art heist). So Agent 9 is now on probation.

But when bumbling supervillain King Crab manages to overtake S4 headquarters, there is no one else to turn to. Nine--along with a robotic partner named FiN--is all that stands between King Crab and his diabolical plans to melt the polar ice caps and build a massive water park. Can Agent 9 prove to be the right cat for the job by overcoming impulsive behavior and saving the world from a complete flood-a-geddon?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Adventure, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

I've worked as an artist in the animation industry for companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Nickelodeon. Projects I've worked on include the Emperor's New Groove, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Space Jam, the Iron Giant and the television shows, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Ni-hao Kai-lan, the Dinosaur Train and most recently on Cartoon Network's PowerPuff Girls.

I also write and illustrate my own books including the Graphix graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel, and Agent 9.

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent 9 is under probation after a little too much damage on her last mission. The impulsive agent who is a little too lax about maintenance and instructions. However, when King Crab captures the main base she's the only one left who can stop King Crab from melting the ice caps and sending the world into a Flood-a-geddon. But can Agent 9 learn from her past mistakes enough to save the day, or is she doomed to bumble things?

This is a super fun secret agent graphic novel with a likable, if flawed, feline agent and her wise robot fish FiN sidekick. Burks' illustrations instantly pull you in. The pacing is perfect. Agent 9 learns some great lessons (eventually). There's lots of fun for readers, and I just may have to get about 5 more copies of this to keep up with the demand that's sure to come once readers at our school meet Agent 9. I was worried this may be a little too young for our middle schoolers just based on the cover, but I think they will really enjoy it along with the elementary kids. There was a lot in this that reminded me of The Incredibles and Penguins of Madagascar movies, so fans of those will definitely LOVE this. Highly recommended to graphic novel spy story fans.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Agent 9 is learning about taking care of tools and others' property, so while there are machine casualties at the beginning and property damage that does get better by the end. King Crab has tied some agents up, but he's a pretty goofy bad guy and more worthy of a head shake than any fear.

[Kennedy Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a really good quick read, the one thing about it though is it feels like your reading the second book. Like I've missed out on the first book, and that made the book hard to understand at some points in the book. But overall this was a good quick read!

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a fun Nickelodeon like cartoon super spy story, there's also a message. Which is obviously stated and the main character actually learns. Humor, minimal detail but full panel illustrations on each page. Main character is modern as they are not gendered. Easy for the adult, right for the early reader or reluctant reader.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent 9 gets the job done! But sometimes with disastrous - and expensive - side effects. She is rather impatient and definitely very sure of herself. And so over-zealous with completing her missions that she has managed to get suspended from the Super-Secret Spy Service. So she trains every day with her sidekick robot FIN. Which is awesome because she is prepared when King Crab kidnaps all of the other agents so they won't thwart his evil plan to melt the ice caps with a giant heat ray, flood the world and then open his own water based theme park! He tries to kidnap Agent 9 but she manages to evade his squid creature. She and FIN race to town to intercept the shipment of the heat ray and figure out a plan to rescue all of the other Super-Secret Spy Service agents. Of course, Agent 9's impulsiveness interferes with her plans but she and FIN manage to reach King Crab's headquarters - but FIN is captured! (Partially because of Agent 9's impatience.) Will Agent 9 be able to rescue FIN and stop Flood-a-Geddon?! And has she learned any lessons from her latest escapade?
And there are lessons to be learned - but they are disguised with enough action and adventure that the book does not seem didactic or preachy. Also - Agent 9 is a cat so for all the cat lovers out there - this is a perfect pick!

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Agent 9 has been put on probation for some reckless choices while on missions for the Super-Secret Spy Service (completing the mission probably shouldn't come at the price of an avalanche that destroys a town). But when the rest of the service is taken hostage, Nine is the only one left to battle the evil King Crab and stop his plans to take over the world.

Lots of fun, fast-paced action, and laughs. This will be perfect for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGATORS, feeling ideal for those 2nd-3rd graders. Looking forward to more.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiger Cat, Agent 9 has an act first, think later type attitude. On probation with the Super Secret Spy Service after racking up millions of dollars in property damages, she is granted one last chance to redeem herself. When Agent 9’s boss, 0, and sidekick, Fin, are captured by King Crab, it’s up to Agent 9 to save them and save the day. Will she succeed. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. The plot is engaging and entertaining. Filled with chase scenes and humor, readers who enjoy graphic novels, adventure, and action will enjoy reading this book.4.5 stars, Grades 3 to 5

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent 9 is a leap-before-you-look kind of cat who's also a spy currently on probation because of all the damage she causes due to her recklessness and hastely made decisions. When left in a situation where she alone can help everyone, will she be able to do it?

This graphic novel is totally action packed and in mega full color. Definitely a book for cat and spy lovers.

[Wes Molebash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Lots of action, beautifully drawn, and it’s HILARIOUS. King Crab is my new favorite villain of all times. Can’t wait to read more books in this series!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fun, fun!
Agent 9 (a cat) and his robot buddy (a fish) are full of action … maybe too much action, and not enough planning.
Fast paced; easy reading graphic novel adventure story.

[Dylan Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids loved it! Read multiple times

[Ellen]

Cute secret agent story. Is it weird that one of my favorite things about this is that Agent 9 is never assigned a gender?

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every 8 and 9 year old boy’s dream. I wish they’d had these fun graphic novels when my kids were little.

[Arman Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good spy story! It would be a thrill to read more from this.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun quick read with my son

[Jake McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Posted At: https://www.jake-s-entertainment-revi...

Author James Burks started out as an animator for animated movies such as The Iron Giant, The Emperors New Groove, and Treasure Planet to name a few, as well as working on recent animated tv shows such as The Powerpuff Girls Reboot and Bravest Warriors. His most well-known publications were a series of comics titled Bird and Squirrel which finds the said animals in hilarious hijinks that are funny and adventurous. Following his success with those graphic novels, In 2021, James Brooks would release his newest creation, Agent 9 in a story of wacky secret agent hijinks titled Flood-A-Geddon which would mark the first time for me to be introduced to this author's cartoony and zany style of writing and illustrating.

Agent 9 is a confidant and competent secret agent who is also a cat. After being put on probation for her clumsy actions when trying to stop evil threats, Agent 9 is given one more chance to redeem herself as she finds herself in the middle of an evil plot by King Crab as he plans to melt the polar ice caps and flood the earth so he can build his own water park. The only thing standing in his way is Agent 9 as well as her robotic assistant FiN who will try to put an end to Crab’s plans before he can initiate Flood-A-Geddon.

The best way to describe this comic is adorable, cartoony, adventurous, and overall funny and self-aware. The feel of reading this comic is almost like watching an animated series but on paper. The storytelling has that classic good old-fashioned cartoon vibe while putting a fun and adorable spin on secret agent-like narratives. The author's background in animation explains how the characters and story almost feel like something you'd see in a cartoon made in the 90s or early 2000s. There are character-building moments, but the novel never forgets to have fun with itself to make the reader feel like they're on the ride of a lifetime. The humor is silly and nonsensical, but it's also very charming and it knows how to talk to kids while still giving them something to laugh along with.

The Characters are simple but effective and Brooks delivers on classic character cliches as if they are being told for the very first time. Agent 9 will no doubt be relatable to many kids and even some parents for her suave but also adorable dialogue that will make anyone reading smile. She won’t be alone as her robotic assistant FiN also gets some time to shine even despite the fact he only uses one word to talk. King Crab is your classic incompetent villain who you’d think would get old after a while but the writing and pacing know how much incompetence to show from our villain while still making him funny and a decent threat. If there is a sequel on the way, I would love to see more characters work alongside Agent 9, but the cast that we do get satisfies well enough to make for an enjoyable secret agent mission.

The Illustrations are adorable and simple. Even with a simplistic style, the characters and backgrounds are very expressive and full of life. Agent 9’s cute character design, in particular, is very engaging to watch and her wide range of expressions is just a joy to comprehend. Panels are laid out in an interesting and even action-packed way when the story picks up the pace. You’ll also find that there are just as many panels that are dialogue-heavy as there are scenes with no dialogue mainly made to show the illustrations in all their glory. These illustrations are so good that they make me wish I could see them in an animated series which just emphasizes how much the author understands how to create imagery that can dazzle and bring a sense of joy and adventure.

I’ve never read any of James Brooks Bird and Squirrel comics, but if Agent 9 has shown me anything it's that this author clearly has talent in creating fun stories that will definitely enchant kids and even bring out a smile to adults who are kids at heart. If you're looking for something challenging and thought-provoking you won’t get it here, but if your looking for something that is just plain fun with likable characters and goofy scenarios, you’ll for sure have a blast reading about Agent 9’s ventures just like I did when I started reading from page one.

(Final Grade: B+)

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved finding another one of these on Netgalley! Agent 9 has to learn to breathe and pause before acting here… because she destroys a lot and makes her job harder. The illustrations in this are gorgeous - so much colour, so vibrant, so fun. Definitely a go for KS1/LKS2 - will be trying to track down for school!

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jack Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

The high energy artwork will draw the young and young-at-heart in and the lighthearted spy gags will keep them hooked.

[peppermint purple · Rating 4 out of 5]

last summer i reviewed a books i read with my little sister as we encouraged her to get better at reading while school was out. summer vacation is back and so is the baby reading program. i am back with another review of a book i read my sister. shes 7 btw. spoilers ahead but i dont think there are any seven-year-olds on goodreads so im good.

she struggles to stay interested in text books so my mom suggested we try graphic novels for her. i picked this one up because of how profoundly ADORABLE the illustrations were. its a secret agent spy kitty cat u guys. hit me right in the weak spot. art is 10/10 would look at again

the plot is fairly predictable but my sister begged me to read every single day so id say she was engaged haha the language is simple and easy enough to understand, id place it at 2nd-3rd grade reading level -- its also full of puns which require some familiarity with colloquial american expressions to get -- such as "being tied up", "being in hot water", "to cook somehing up", etc. additionally it often has slightly more difficult words which provide great vocabulary-building opportunity.
the only caveat, id say, is that the book assumes familarity with standard trappings of the spy genre, so i had to explain to my sister the meanings of things like spy ("fights bad guys"), mission ("a job"), headquarters ("where her boss is"), secret base ("her house where she works"), training mission ("a fake mission to practice"), etc.

moving on from the language, the bad guy is cartoonish and incompetent and is honestly only there for laughs -- there isnt a single scary scene in this book. the lesson that agent 9 learns is quite literally spelled out and very plainly shown in the story (to not be destructive, to not be hasty and to think things through, to be patient)

i docked a star because in an effort to keep the book relatively simple (i assume), there is no character aside from agent 9, her robot fish who speaks in beeps exclusively, her boss who shows up for two scenes, and the bad guys. so she has no friend/comrade to bounce quips off of. a very me-centric complaint because i love banter. anyway it seems this is rectified in the next book.

final note, from an islamic perspective: the content of this book is entirely unproblematic, there is no magic or poor lessons being taught. the gender of the cat is not disclosed but i think thats mostly because the book is from first person so there was no opportunity to refer to agent 9 as he or she. the book title is a pun on the christian concept of armageddon but i did not explain that to my sister and she did not ask haha she assumed it was a made-up word based on the word "flood" (the bad guy want to flood the word to build his own personal water park)

verdict? my sister wanted to drag us all to jarir to get the sequel before we were hafway done with the book. shed give it five stars.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively and then some, this comic for very young readers has a tigerish cat called Agent 9, who it seems never manages to pull off a mission without some disaster or other, and therefore starts this volume of his adventures on a last-chance probation. But there won't be a mission without some idiotic baddie and his robo-squid, and plans for flooding the world and making it a fun park for aquatic beasties (the name 'Waterworld' was taken…). The book's appeal does kind of depend on an enjoyment of the silly – the baddie is not alone in being daft, such as the implausible way our hero can understand every identical 'beoop' from his flying drone as an entirely different message. But the appeal is a broad one, on a par with the Saturday morning cartoons our creator has worked on in the past. The fact I saw it when it was over two years old and we've only had one sequel suggests the franchise didn't really take off, which was a surprise – there may be hundreds of books like this out there, but this was a friendly and enjoyable one, and for once not something so daft and gaudy people over a certain age were excluded.

Oh, and most reviews have the lead as a female, because yes there is no gender in this, although I can't help but feel some got confused about the word 'feline'. Don't hate me for thinking the thing is a male, though – it's certainly going to be over-thinking the whole book to discuss it much anyway.

[Jester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent 9, who works for the Super-Secret Spy Service (S4), has unconventional ways of getting the job done. Nevertheless, they get it done! However, their unconventional ways often get them in trouble with headquarters. Because of that, Agent 9 is on probation.

The problem? Supervillain King Crab takes over S4 and plans to flood the world! It’s up to Agent 9 and their tiny robot companion, Fin, to save HQ and the world!

I love books with animal protagonists, especially cats. The art is great, as is the plot. The humor is juvenile. Reading this book felt like watching a cartoon. The book’s target audience will enjoy this.

Agent 9 isn’t given a gender. Perhaps they are non-binary, or the author left that interpretation up to the readers. Even though most orange cats are male, I interpret Agent 9 as female.

Speaking of orange cats, I’m sure netizens are aware of the meme about orange cats. Basically, it’s that they aren’t the smartest. While Agent 9 is smart, maybe it’s their orangeness that makes them complete missions in outlandish ways?

I'm rating this a 4.5 stars, rounded to 5.

Note: Using new rating system starting 2025.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Agent 9 has a difficult time with thinking things through and not blowing everything up. This personality trait is probably why Agent 9 is on probation at the Super Secret Spy Service. This secret spy is forced back into the game when supervillain King Crab has captured all the agent's... except him! He must now race to save the world from King Crab's plan to destroy the world and make it into one huge water park.

Agent 9: Flood-A-Geddon! was super cute. It read like an episode of a kid's TV show. I really enjoyed that he learns his lesson to think things through and be patient which is something I could learn to do too! Lots of great action and flow to the story. I did think it was strange that this was the first book in what I am assuming is a series. It read like we already got to know Agent 9's backstory. It would be nice to get a story on how he got his start and met/created his friend FiN.

I think a lot of kids will get excited about Agent 9. It has a lot of action, fun, and even had me chuckling a time or two. I hope this turns into a series because it has some great potential!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an eARC courtesy of Razorbill/Penguin Young Readers Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is not normally a book I would enjoy & it is supremely ridiculous. Like absurd for the most part. And, no, this is not a book that is by any means my favorite. But if you have a library full of kids who loved Investigators, they are going to love this one too. It is a gut feeling, but I think this one will be a hit.

For Libraries: I do think this is one to take a chance on. I know I will.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I wasn't sure about the illustration style at first, but I got used to it. Agent 9 has a lot to learn to curb her impulsivity. Thankfully, she does learn!

Parts of the story reminded me of the movie, "The Penguins of Madagascar", especially the parts with the super villain, King Crab. I got a kick out of him, always ordering stuff online.

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Burks’ children’s books. The artwork is always so cute and attractive, and the characters are fun. And he also doesn’t treat his audience, children, as if they’re stupid. The artist in me kept aweing at some of the scenes.

This one is more action-packed than heartfelt like Bird & Squirrel, but I would definitely read another one.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another James Burks hit! Agent 9 is a fun, action-packed graphic novel that reminds me of Bad Guys.

Agent 9 makes mistakes but finds ways to fix them. The illustrations will pull many readers in, and the humor will keep them reading.

If you enjoy graphic novels, and most readers I know do, you'll want to check this out!

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jessica F · Rating 3 out of 5]

"There's more to being a good agent than just completing the mission."

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was a fun book. Agent 9 learns to think things through a bit more and be less impulsive.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea, but I could see why kids would like it.