What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Racer (2)
On your mark, get set, GO! Dive into the graphic novel sequel to GHOST HOG from the Eisner Award-nominated creator of MERMIN full of action, adventure, and speed!
Following the events of GHOST HOG, Truff, Claude, and Stanley are joined by a new friend, Vern, as he gears up for the big race back home in DRAGON RACER! He’s never won the race before…but this could be his year! Vern’s been practicing and practicing, both on and off the road. But when the other racers start to tease the fast driving dragon about his abilities on the track, he’ll have to put the pedal to the metal and prove he’s got the speed and finesse to compete in this year’s race.
After the big race, a young racing fan falls ill and needs a doctor urgently. The only racer with skills off the road is Vern, and he’ll need Truff’s help if they’re going to make it to the doctor in time. Will Vern be able to face his greatest challenge yet and prove that he’s got what it takes behind the wheel to save the day?
Zoom into this fast-paced graphic novel full of friendship, teamwork, and believing in yourself.
Following the events of GHOST HOG, Truff, Claude, and Stanley are joined by a new friend, Vern, as he gears up for the big race back home in DRAGON RACER! He’s never won the race before…but this could be his year! Vern’s been practicing and practicing, both on and off the road. But when the other racers start to tease the fast driving dragon about his abilities on the track, he’ll have to put the pedal to the metal and prove he’s got the speed and finesse to compete in this year’s race.
After the big race, a young racing fan falls ill and needs a doctor urgently. The only racer with skills off the road is Vern, and he’ll need Truff’s help if they’re going to make it to the doctor in time. Will Vern be able to face his greatest challenge yet and prove that he’s got what it takes behind the wheel to save the day?
Zoom into this fast-paced graphic novel full of friendship, teamwork, and believing in yourself.
168 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Joey Weiser
36 books20 followersJoey Weiser is the Eisner Award-nominated author of DRAGON RACER, GHOST HOG, and the MERMIN graphic novel series from Oni Press. His comics work ranges from writing and drawing for SPONGEBOB COMICS to coloring the JEDI ACADEMY: A NEW CLASS series. His first graphic novel, THE RIDE HOME, was published in 2007 by AdHouse Books. He is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design and currently lives in Athens, Georgia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
childrens-books
September 20, 2021D'AWWWWWWWWWWWW. This is such a fun, vibrant, adorably colourful graphic novel with an art style that reminds me of Steven Universe and Gravity Falls. Everything about this is just adorable and good-hearted and it will definitely leave a smile on your face.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
May 1, 2021
A fun, adventurous graphic novel for middle grade readers. I would say this is for the beginners even for this age group.
The characters are fun, lively and outspoken.
The plot is pretty easy to follow. The diverse animal characters make it more fun and distinct.
The illustrations and artwork are good.
The end wraps up things pretty well.
However, I feel the contents is much more like a TV cartoon show. I wanted some more dialogues here and there.
Overall, a fun read for all.
Thank you authors and publisher for the advance reading copy.
I love that dragon. It's the best part!
The characters are fun, lively and outspoken.
The plot is pretty easy to follow. The diverse animal characters make it more fun and distinct.
The illustrations and artwork are good.
The end wraps up things pretty well.
However, I feel the contents is much more like a TV cartoon show. I wanted some more dialogues here and there.
Overall, a fun read for all.
Thank you authors and publisher for the advance reading copy.
I love that dragon. It's the best part!
June 29, 2021
Claude and Stanley are forest spirits who investigate strange goings-on in the wilder places and help set things right. A little while ago, they found a ghost hog named Truff, and helped her work through the issues that had her haunting her place of death. She no longer haunts, but is still in the mortal world, and now resides with her family. But there are reports of strange noises and a speedy unknown object on the mountain.
The mystery is solved quickly when it turns out the disturbances are caused by a young dragon named Vern. It seems that he’s one of the animals that’s been taken in by a monastery a good ways up the mountain, and there’s a pedaled vehicle race he’d dearly love to win. That’s why he’s been practicing his off-road skills in his cart, the Divine Gale. Vern is defensively boastful, but friendly, so he invites Truff, Claude and Stanley to watch the race.
It turns out Vern is not on particularly good terms with the other animal racers, as he spends more time making the Divine Gale look pretty than practical. Also, Truff is a bit shocking to the humans who run the monastery, as non-malevolent ghosts are a new idea. One child-monk, Tulip, is particularly suspicious of Truff.
The race does not go as planned, but then a crisis arises that will force Vern to both rely on his new friend, and face his own past shame.
This children’s graphic novel is a sequel to Ghost Hog by the same creator, so the opening pages may be a little confusing until the characters explain who they are.
The plotline is set up well, making it clear how the pieces fall together to create the climactic crisis. The art is cartoony and easy to follow in most places.
The society depicted might not be the best to over-analyze though. Humans run the monastery, which teaches about “all deities” and allows the disciples to find their own path, while the animals, who are all fully sentient, are more or less permanent guests who came from trouble elsewhere. All animals seen (with one key exception) are shown to be intelligent and civilized, so one wonders what the obligate carnivores eat.
And perhaps the story ties up a little too neatly, but that’s a common feature of kids’ comics.
Content note: Death is discussed, and there’s some bullying.
Overall: A nifty story that should be suitable for fourth-graders on up, and accessible to younger readers with help from a parent or guardian.
The mystery is solved quickly when it turns out the disturbances are caused by a young dragon named Vern. It seems that he’s one of the animals that’s been taken in by a monastery a good ways up the mountain, and there’s a pedaled vehicle race he’d dearly love to win. That’s why he’s been practicing his off-road skills in his cart, the Divine Gale. Vern is defensively boastful, but friendly, so he invites Truff, Claude and Stanley to watch the race.
It turns out Vern is not on particularly good terms with the other animal racers, as he spends more time making the Divine Gale look pretty than practical. Also, Truff is a bit shocking to the humans who run the monastery, as non-malevolent ghosts are a new idea. One child-monk, Tulip, is particularly suspicious of Truff.
The race does not go as planned, but then a crisis arises that will force Vern to both rely on his new friend, and face his own past shame.
This children’s graphic novel is a sequel to Ghost Hog by the same creator, so the opening pages may be a little confusing until the characters explain who they are.
The plotline is set up well, making it clear how the pieces fall together to create the climactic crisis. The art is cartoony and easy to follow in most places.
The society depicted might not be the best to over-analyze though. Humans run the monastery, which teaches about “all deities” and allows the disciples to find their own path, while the animals, who are all fully sentient, are more or less permanent guests who came from trouble elsewhere. All animals seen (with one key exception) are shown to be intelligent and civilized, so one wonders what the obligate carnivores eat.
And perhaps the story ties up a little too neatly, but that’s a common feature of kids’ comics.
Content note: Death is discussed, and there’s some bullying.
Overall: A nifty story that should be suitable for fourth-graders on up, and accessible to younger readers with help from a parent or guardian.
July 3, 2021
'Dragon Racer' with story and art by Joey Weiser is a graphic novel sequel to Ghost Hog. If you haven't read that one, I suggest starting there.
Truff and her friends Claude and Stanley are minding their own business when Vern comes crashing in to their neighborhood. He is practicing for a big race that he is determined to win this year. He invites his new friends to come visit at the temple he lives at, but the other residents are wary of Truff, until Truff is needed to help Vern save someone.
I liked this graphic novel for younger readers. The characters are fun as is the story. The art is bright and colorful and I think young readers will really like this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Truff and her friends Claude and Stanley are minding their own business when Vern comes crashing in to their neighborhood. He is practicing for a big race that he is determined to win this year. He invites his new friends to come visit at the temple he lives at, but the other residents are wary of Truff, until Truff is needed to help Vern save someone.
I liked this graphic novel for younger readers. The characters are fun as is the story. The art is bright and colorful and I think young readers will really like this.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
March 18, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley.
Elementary level readers will love the vividly colored illustrations that emphasize the fast action during the practice and real races. They will also appreciate the diverse characters and how they interact. Compassion and empathy are subtly emphasized underneath the fun racing.
Vern the dragon desperately wants to win the annual race at the temple. He has been practicing by driving off road on the mountain and ends up with a car issue in a small village. Here he meets a variety of living beings, spirits and a ghost who help him get his racecar home to fix it. Readers then meet a wide variety of beings who all live at the temple. Excellent chance to introduce the Chinese Zodiac as readers see all twelve of the animals in the cycle - including Vern. Some of the animals are rude and bullies to Vern and his guests - another discussion point for readers and families. When a tragedy strikes, Vern is the one who jumps into action to save one of the human's lives. Together with Truff the ghost, they race down the mountain to get to the clinic to save Tulip's life. The story wraps with a return to the temple and a look at how attitudes have changed for other characters.
I received an electronic ARC from Oni Press through NetGalley.
Elementary level readers will love the vividly colored illustrations that emphasize the fast action during the practice and real races. They will also appreciate the diverse characters and how they interact. Compassion and empathy are subtly emphasized underneath the fun racing.
Vern the dragon desperately wants to win the annual race at the temple. He has been practicing by driving off road on the mountain and ends up with a car issue in a small village. Here he meets a variety of living beings, spirits and a ghost who help him get his racecar home to fix it. Readers then meet a wide variety of beings who all live at the temple. Excellent chance to introduce the Chinese Zodiac as readers see all twelve of the animals in the cycle - including Vern. Some of the animals are rude and bullies to Vern and his guests - another discussion point for readers and families. When a tragedy strikes, Vern is the one who jumps into action to save one of the human's lives. Together with Truff the ghost, they race down the mountain to get to the clinic to save Tulip's life. The story wraps with a return to the temple and a look at how attitudes have changed for other characters.
May 16, 2021
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Dragon Racer by Joey Weiser is a cute adventure graphic novel for children. It will appeal to fans of Owly, Bone, and the graphic novels of Gene Luen Yang. The story revolves around Vern, a blue dragon that is competing in a race that is the focus of much of this book. Themes include the importance of friendship, not teasing others, self-confidence, bravery, and standing up for what's right. One highlight of this book is the adorable art style. The colors pop off the page, and I felt like I was watching a cartoon on Disney Channel.
Overall, Dragon Racer is a great graphic novel that will appeal to children looking for a nice adventure with a little action in it. It has a bit more action (and dialogue) than Owly. It's for a younger crowd than Bone. And, the human characters aren't dealing with societal issues like in the graphic novels of Gene Luen Yang. It's hard to find a book that is very similar, since I don't usually read graphic novels for this age category anymore. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a parent looking for a graphic novel for your child, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!
Dragon Racer by Joey Weiser is a cute adventure graphic novel for children. It will appeal to fans of Owly, Bone, and the graphic novels of Gene Luen Yang. The story revolves around Vern, a blue dragon that is competing in a race that is the focus of much of this book. Themes include the importance of friendship, not teasing others, self-confidence, bravery, and standing up for what's right. One highlight of this book is the adorable art style. The colors pop off the page, and I felt like I was watching a cartoon on Disney Channel.
Overall, Dragon Racer is a great graphic novel that will appeal to children looking for a nice adventure with a little action in it. It has a bit more action (and dialogue) than Owly. It's for a younger crowd than Bone. And, the human characters aren't dealing with societal issues like in the graphic novels of Gene Luen Yang. It's hard to find a book that is very similar, since I don't usually read graphic novels for this age category anymore. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a parent looking for a graphic novel for your child, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!
February 26, 2021
I found it quite easy to enthuse over the first book in this series, which seemed to have a lot of the sensibility of the "Bone" comics, but a strictly child-friendly story, concerning a ghost bear and some new friends it gains. A new character is to the fore in this sequel, however, which might as well be a stand-alone book, for it has much the same liveliness and cartoonish art, but a different feel. Here a dragon with issues about proving himself is adamant that he will win the latest cart race – a race against some other peculiar characters (or groups thereof) that he's seen no success in before now. Vainly rehearsing his off-road manoeuvres, for a track-based race, he comes to the attention of our heroes of old – but will he get to show that his skills are what he hopes them to be? Well, all I can dare reveal is that the world of these books is getting more and more wacky, but that's wacky in a good way; the art is getting more competent with every dynamic splash-spread; and while this wasn't quite as distinctive as the series opener I am sure this is still going to be a hit. Both these books now offer energetic entertainment for the young fantasy comic reader.
April 5, 2021
Joey Weiser's Dragon Racer is a delightful read for all ages. It has gentle lessons for children about kindness and trusting others who are different from you, as well as fun puns for adults. For example, our Dragon Racer's name is Vern, short for Wyvern, as well as what I assume is an intentional Drag Race joke (I initially typed that instead of the book's actual title).
Weiser's dynamic art style supports the story, in that one can feel and "hear" the racing carts and the excitement of the crowd. I really love the panel of the monks' grouping up to intimidate Truff (of Ghost Hog fame). Weiser's influences show through, but his art is all his own.
The main lesson is one that many of us (myself included) can learn from: competition isn't everything, and helping our friends is much more important.
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review. Full disclosure, I'm friends with Joey, but I would love this story even if I wasn't.
Weiser's dynamic art style supports the story, in that one can feel and "hear" the racing carts and the excitement of the crowd. I really love the panel of the monks' grouping up to intimidate Truff (of Ghost Hog fame). Weiser's influences show through, but his art is all his own.
The main lesson is one that many of us (myself included) can learn from: competition isn't everything, and helping our friends is much more important.
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review. Full disclosure, I'm friends with Joey, but I would love this story even if I wasn't.
March 26, 2021
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This graphic novel was adorable, funny and heartwarming all at the same time. The colors are vibrant and dynamic and the art style is fun so it will definitely be a great read for younger audiences. I felt like the characters all have distinct personalities and there were so many different little touches that made then really individual. While the plot touched on some heavier topics such as everyone having different strengths and struggles, bullying and prejudice, these topics were lightly done which I also think will suit the younger audiences that this is meant for. Overall it's a really fun story with some fantastic and adorable characters.
This graphic novel was adorable, funny and heartwarming all at the same time. The colors are vibrant and dynamic and the art style is fun so it will definitely be a great read for younger audiences. I felt like the characters all have distinct personalities and there were so many different little touches that made then really individual. While the plot touched on some heavier topics such as everyone having different strengths and struggles, bullying and prejudice, these topics were lightly done which I also think will suit the younger audiences that this is meant for. Overall it's a really fun story with some fantastic and adorable characters.
June 25, 2021
I did not read "Ghost Hog" and did not realize this is a continuation of Truff's story. This time though, the focus is on Vern, a river dragon who left the river (due to bulling big brothers) and lives in the temple at the top of the hill. Vern dreams about winning first place in the Hippogryph Grand Prix, which is held every year at the temple. Truff and her friends are invited to visit, and accidentally bring a terrible bug with them. It'll be up to Vern and Truff to save the day, but will they be brave enough to do it? Great pictures that are really engaging for a younger audience. A little too heavy handed on the don't judge people/don't bully people, but maybe for children that really needs to be drawn out (no pun intended.) Fun book and I'll have to go check out Ghost Hog.
June 3, 2023
This is a cute GN, although I still get the same sort of vibe from this as from every other children's GN: that their world is almost artificially clean, and the troubles are super contrived.
I suppose that's the limitation of being kid-friendly, that they aren't generally able to push the borders even like Phoebe and Her Unicorn (ooo, Max has two moms who exist SO SCARY the Right bans them).
I mean, the book's very cute, and I would definitely recommend it for kids who love racing. I just can't shake the weird feeling I get when I read a BRAND NEW BOOK and it still feels familiar...
Also, I guess this is a Book 2? Yet it's easy enough to pick up the story even without reading Book 1!
April 28, 2021
This is a fast paced graphic novel about a racer who loves to go fast but has never won a race. He has been practicing and practicing and he really thinks this year will be the year he wins the race. All of a sudden one of the other racers falls ill and need someone to get him to the hospital fast. The only person for the job is the one who has been practicing on his speed and racing skills. Do you think he has what it takes to win the race and get the sick boy to the hospital in time? Read the book to find out.
I just reviewed Dragon Racer by Joey Weiser. #DragonRacer #NetGalley
I just reviewed Dragon Racer by Joey Weiser. #DragonRacer #NetGalley
April 13, 2021
I read this via Netgalley.
I enjoyed the illustrations and that everyone realized how mean they had been to Vern, but the story was just okay for me. While it's not necessary to read Ghost Hog to understand what's going on in this story, I did find it odd that the mythology built up in that book seem to be abandoned when it came to Dragon Racer. That said, this story will still have a lot of appeal to the early elementary crowd.
I enjoyed the illustrations and that everyone realized how mean they had been to Vern, but the story was just okay for me. While it's not necessary to read Ghost Hog to understand what's going on in this story, I did find it odd that the mythology built up in that book seem to be abandoned when it came to Dragon Racer. That said, this story will still have a lot of appeal to the early elementary crowd.
April 2, 2024
A book about a small river dragon lost but recused by a retired racer, Elder Gust, and wanting to be a racer just like him. Going through teasing and more, he finally finds friends, Claude, Stanley and Truff. Entering a national race but overpowered by his weakness, he loses but suddenly a poisonous disease takes over a girl and Vern, the river dragon volunteers to save Tulip, the sick girl from this horrible, serious disease and barely making it but does is rewarded with a trophy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
#2 WE DON'T OWN EITHER ONE
Sweet story of a racer who loves his car and all it's bells & whistles. He brags about winning but is a big faker. Some new friends including Truff, the Ghost Hog from #1 -- who he's disturbed with his offroad practice--push his car home up the mountain. No one there takes him seriously. But then a young neighbor gets sick--can he get her to a cure fast enough?
Winning isn't everything.
Mix of humans and creatures. His home seems Tibetan (buildings and monks)
Sweet story of a racer who loves his car and all it's bells & whistles. He brags about winning but is a big faker. Some new friends including Truff, the Ghost Hog from #1 -- who he's disturbed with his offroad practice--push his car home up the mountain. No one there takes him seriously. But then a young neighbor gets sick--can he get her to a cure fast enough?
Winning isn't everything.
Mix of humans and creatures. His home seems Tibetan (buildings and monks)
August 13, 2021
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I am definitely not the target audience here, but this book was adorable and I can't wait to pass it on to someone who is because I'm certain kids will love it. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and the story is a really sweet tale of friendship. Kids who are fans of graphic novels would find this a pretty sure bet!
I am definitely not the target audience here, but this book was adorable and I can't wait to pass it on to someone who is because I'm certain kids will love it. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and the story is a really sweet tale of friendship. Kids who are fans of graphic novels would find this a pretty sure bet!
December 2, 2024
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series. There isn't much scene setting in the beginning.
On a mountain with ghosts and forest spirits, a water dragon is obsessed with cart racing. He cares too much about winning and about the way his cart looks. A different problem arises where his speed and fearlessness come in helpful.
On a mountain with ghosts and forest spirits, a water dragon is obsessed with cart racing. He cares too much about winning and about the way his cart looks. A different problem arises where his speed and fearlessness come in helpful.
March 15, 2021
There's an interesting mix of paranormal/medieval fantasy (ghosts, spirits, monks) along with humorous talking animal characters in the Pogo Possum tradition. It's an interesting mix and often unexpectedly dramatic, but also fun and the store manages to balance all the elements.
March 23, 2021
This is a joyful, ostensibly silly book, which had my eight year old giggling as she raced through it, but beneath the fun (and it is fun) it is full of heart without preaching or posing, and tells a delightful story of friendship, dragons, ghosts and racing.
August 22, 2021
This was such a cute read. All about facing your fear and being confident in your abilities. Great middle grade graphic novel. Fun and wonderfully illustrated.
I definitely want to read more by this author. This was also a quick read for me.
I definitely want to read more by this author. This was also a quick read for me.
Want to read
April 26, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
November 24, 2021
Fun little graphic novel.
January 2, 2022
One of my 2021 favorites for Panel Patter. Joey's work in the all-ages field just keeps getting better and better.
January 27, 2022
The art is sweet but the story lacks nuance required to hold an adult readers attention.
September 23, 2023
Flames out the Muffler
January 21, 2024
My 6 yo loves this book. We've read it many times.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews