The Curse

The Dragon in The Closet #1

by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

Orin Bean has terrible luck and a problem with monsters. However, his Nana seems to be a powerful witch, but he's really a perfectly normal boy who just happens to have a dragon in the closet. What kid wouldn't want that? A fantasy comic book series for kids ages 5 to 10.

54 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2020

About the author

Carolyn Watson Dubisch is an award winning author/illustrator of 17 children’s books and the illustrator on five children’s books with various authors. She also writes and illustrates comics for kids. Some of her comic book series include “The Horribles”, "After The Robots Died" and “The Dragon in The Closet”. As a writer and artist she has designed alien bird-men for Star Wars games and colored Wolverine and Silver Surfer Comics for Marvel. She's also had her writing and illustrations in various children's publications including Highlights for Children, Hopscotch and Whimsy Magazines

She currently lives in a house by the beach in Mazatlán, Mexico with her husband, scifi-fantasy artist and writer, Mike Dubisch and her youngest daughter.. She also has a very old dog and four Mexican street cats who make life interesting every day

Reviews

[Dwee Andrea Nugraha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first issue of the comic book series, The Dragon in The Closet, feels a bit like an introduction. The characters are definitely appealing and there's a theme of children in peril which is exciting to say the least. The monster designs are something I really enjoyed and could relate to the character of Nana. Always struggling to keep Orin safe. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series to see what the story is with the mysterious character of the dragon who seems to know the future.

[Khoniker Musafir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I received it as a free download and thought it was a cute story. The character of Orin has a difficult lot in life but his super-powered Nana seems to be able to handle it. I should mention that I really, really like comics, so if that's not your thing then maybe it's not for you.

[Phil Mucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for monster loving kids, as I once was! Fanciful but ever so slightly scary monsters plague poor Orin's life, perhaps as the result of a curse placed on him by a dragon living in his Nana's closet (she's a witch!). Lots of fun with beautiful monster illustrations, and a tone reminiscent of Maurice Sendak and Roald Dahl.

[Shormila Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art was good. I wish the story was longer, but I will definitely be getting the next issue.

[Bappa Bhakta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some great art, and cool monsters. It's for younger readers which should be clearer in the description. I like it and how it draws from old fairy tales.

[Goutam Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon in The Closet is a comic story for younger kids. The bright red dragon character is probably my favorite part. Always speaking in rhyme and knowing the future. I saw from the book that it's also a webcomic and I'll probably go check it out.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young readers will love everything from the fantasy to the illustrations. This graphic novel really appeals to the age group and keeps their attention from start to finish. It's a great start and I can't wait to see where the author takes these characters next.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think ultimately this was a fun read for me. It had it’s ups and downs. I think the illustrations are really well done. It’s great for our younger generation and I think they would find it appealing and fun to read.

[Mike Dubisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful, charming artwork accompanied by whimsical prose and a twisting, winding plot that builds and builds characterize all of this author/illustrators work- Highly recommended!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

My family members are big fantasy fans and if there are dragons all the better so I had high expectations for The Dragon in the Closet. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. While the art is fairly well done, I do not think it is that well-written. This graphic novel written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch is like a comic book with several “episodes” in it. The story doesn’t seem to have much substance and doesn’t really flow well. The writing style reminded me of some of the writing I have read done by older elementary students.
Area of Potential Concern
The grandmother of the main character is a witch (complete with riding on a broomstick). Then there is the whole issue of the curse. Neither of these will be well-received by some audiences.
I would not place this title in a K-12 school library. I do not think it will appeal to a wide audience. It would probably most appeal to reluctant readers who are older elementary aged.
I received a complimentary copy of The Dragon in the Closet: The Curse. This is my honest review.

[Moira Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel with good illustrations and loads of excitement - dragons, witches, a curse and lots of added monsters. You are drawn into the short story to figure out the mystery - unresolved, the story will continue in next installments.

[Kristina Nearchou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me and my newphew flipping the pages with anticipation of what would happen next. The dragons stole the show for us in the comic that had us laughing about how the dragon gets his breakfast. A great comic series that had my newphew reading and drawing his own dragon afterward.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon In The Closet is a magical, whimsical, funny, captivating, adventurous, imaginative, unique, expressive, and endearing story! This book is a childrens/young adult comic book. I don't read comic books or graphic novels often, but this one had me completely engaged! It was full of twists, turns, and cliff hangers. I love that it mashes up various fairytales. Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Bean Stock, dragons, witches, fairy godmothers, and so much more is referenced in this book. You never know what will happen next! 

Orin Bean longs to be normal but bad luck seems to follow him. Thankfully, his Nana is always there to save him. One day, he finds out he is cursed, Nana is a witch, and the orcal dragon in Nana's closet is the only thing keeping him safe. What happens next is even more mind-blowing.

[BookLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had so much fun with The Dragon in the Closet, The Curse. This series has such a playful, imaginative feel to it, and this book really pulled us right back into that world. It’s one of those stories that doesn’t take long to get into—you’re just along for the ride from the start.

My daughter was all about the dragon again, and I have to agree… Nana is definitely a standout. There’s something about the mix of humor, mystery, and family connection that just works really well. As more of Orin’s story unfolds, you start to see how everything connects, which made it even more interesting to follow.

It’s light, fun, and just a little bit quirky in the best way. We’re definitely invested at this point and excited to keep going with the series.