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Batpig #1
Batpig: When Pigs Fly
Introducing a supremely hilarious graphic novel featuring an unstoppable, super-swine hero who boldly fights for justice . . . in between taking mud baths and eating tasty sandwiches.
Gary Yorkshire was your perfectly average, fuzzy pink pig who loved tasty sandwiches, video games, mud baths, and hanging out with his friends Carl the fish and Brooklyn the bat. Until one day . . . a radioactive bat bite gives him powers he never would have dreamed of! Inspired by his old Crimson Swine comics, Gary decides that he'll use his powers for good and becomes (drumroll) Batpig! Now he just needs a good zinger of a Batpig slogan, a spandex costume that flatters his rear end . . . and maybe a little advice about how in the world to defeat supervillains?
Gary Yorkshire was your perfectly average, fuzzy pink pig who loved tasty sandwiches, video games, mud baths, and hanging out with his friends Carl the fish and Brooklyn the bat. Until one day . . . a radioactive bat bite gives him powers he never would have dreamed of! Inspired by his old Crimson Swine comics, Gary decides that he'll use his powers for good and becomes (drumroll) Batpig! Now he just needs a good zinger of a Batpig slogan, a spandex costume that flatters his rear end . . . and maybe a little advice about how in the world to defeat supervillains?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
36 people are currently reading
2246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 17, 2021
I heard this author speak recently and he had quite the story to tell about his life, his book Wink and how this book, When Pigs Fly, came to be. I love graphic novels and I love 8year old humor. This has potty jokes for kids and sarcasm/witty one liners for the grownups. I can’t wait for the next Batpig book!
October 7, 2021
Batpig is genuinely laugh out loud lol funny, and I still feel emotionally attached to Gary, Carl, and Brooklyn right now!
I recommend for parents of not-so-eager readers. Batpig could be the highly flammable material for igniting a new love of reading.
I recommend for parents of not-so-eager readers. Batpig could be the highly flammable material for igniting a new love of reading.
February 22, 2022
It's laugh-out-loud funny, a must have for your graphic novel collection!
August 18, 2022
This loopy, goofy superhero parody intended for the middle-school or younger crowd actually amused me more than I would have thought possible since the Batpig strips were my least favorite part of Rob Harrell's Wink graphic novel. But the potty humor and metafiction works for me. I also like the weird unaddressed queasiness caused by a world where humans and anthropomorphize animals cohabitate while humans still eat those animals' meat. Hooooowwww?
December 31, 2021
A fun story for kids who enjoy the Captain Underpants books.
April 9, 2022
Batpig - Space Farce
Gary Yorkshire loves great-tasting sandwiches, mud baths, video games and hanging out with his friends, Brooklyn the Bat and Carl the Fish.
One day after playing Go Fish (a favourite game of Carl's), Gary tries playing a prank on Brooklyn. This misfires and Brooklyn bites Gary in fright. She apologises, but little do they know that Gary will soon be flying through the skies like his favourite comic superhero The Crimson Swine!
At first, he's hungry all the time, finds he's suddenly really strong, and needs hardly any sleep. Then he begins to float and can move stuff with his mind! He has to tell someone! Brooklyn can hardly believe it, but sure enough her pig friend can suddenly fly. This is HUGE! Should they tell Carl? They are all close friends but they both know he is terrible at keeping secrets. When Carl learns the truth he wreaks his revenge for being excluded - completely by accident!
Batpig - Meat the Enemy
Batpig may suddenly have superpowers, but nothing can prevent him stepping in chewing gum on the footpath. His mind begins to spin on inventing a solution.
Meanwhile, when not in costume, Batpig is Gary Yorkshire, a normal pig/boy going to school. Every morning he must pass a butcher shop. The owner stands out the front and calls him all sorts of names and tells lots of meat jokes. Things get even worse for Gary when he has to look after his VERY demanding younger cousin named Mervin.
Mervin thinks everything is boring. He even thinks The Crimson Swine is "...stupid and dumb!" When Gary learns of a new villain in town threatening the factory of the town's favourite biscuit makers, he knows he must do something. But how? He has to look after Mervin.
Not only does this villain (called The Butcher) threaten biscuit supply, she wants to know the truth behind Batpig's mask. Who is he really? After many wads of chewing gum, a depressed robot dough maker and a double kidnap, Batpig saves the day.
This Graphic novel contains two stories about the new superhero in town - Batpig!
The first is Batpig's origin story and the second involves juggling multiple responsibilities - Babysitter, friend, superhero and keeping his secret, a secret! Illustrated in black and white and set out in chapter format, this first book in the Batpig series made me laugh out loud.
Just like real friends, this pig, fish and bat know each other's quirks, faults and strengths. They enjoy hanging out and playing video games together, and loyalty comes first even when facing their own fears. I particularly liked the way the first story flicked from 'then and now'. Batpig is in terrible danger, and just when something is going to happen, the story flicks to a flashback, upping the tension and excitement.
Gary Yorkshire loves great-tasting sandwiches, mud baths, video games and hanging out with his friends, Brooklyn the Bat and Carl the Fish.
One day after playing Go Fish (a favourite game of Carl's), Gary tries playing a prank on Brooklyn. This misfires and Brooklyn bites Gary in fright. She apologises, but little do they know that Gary will soon be flying through the skies like his favourite comic superhero The Crimson Swine!
At first, he's hungry all the time, finds he's suddenly really strong, and needs hardly any sleep. Then he begins to float and can move stuff with his mind! He has to tell someone! Brooklyn can hardly believe it, but sure enough her pig friend can suddenly fly. This is HUGE! Should they tell Carl? They are all close friends but they both know he is terrible at keeping secrets. When Carl learns the truth he wreaks his revenge for being excluded - completely by accident!
Batpig - Meat the Enemy
Batpig may suddenly have superpowers, but nothing can prevent him stepping in chewing gum on the footpath. His mind begins to spin on inventing a solution.
Meanwhile, when not in costume, Batpig is Gary Yorkshire, a normal pig/boy going to school. Every morning he must pass a butcher shop. The owner stands out the front and calls him all sorts of names and tells lots of meat jokes. Things get even worse for Gary when he has to look after his VERY demanding younger cousin named Mervin.
Mervin thinks everything is boring. He even thinks The Crimson Swine is "...stupid and dumb!" When Gary learns of a new villain in town threatening the factory of the town's favourite biscuit makers, he knows he must do something. But how? He has to look after Mervin.
Not only does this villain (called The Butcher) threaten biscuit supply, she wants to know the truth behind Batpig's mask. Who is he really? After many wads of chewing gum, a depressed robot dough maker and a double kidnap, Batpig saves the day.
This Graphic novel contains two stories about the new superhero in town - Batpig!
The first is Batpig's origin story and the second involves juggling multiple responsibilities - Babysitter, friend, superhero and keeping his secret, a secret! Illustrated in black and white and set out in chapter format, this first book in the Batpig series made me laugh out loud.
Just like real friends, this pig, fish and bat know each other's quirks, faults and strengths. They enjoy hanging out and playing video games together, and loyalty comes first even when facing their own fears. I particularly liked the way the first story flicked from 'then and now'. Batpig is in terrible danger, and just when something is going to happen, the story flicks to a flashback, upping the tension and excitement.
January 17, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Gary is an ordinary pig, who hangs out with his friends Carl (who is a fish) and Brooklyn (who is a bat). They hang out in their city neighborhood, eat sandwiches, play video games, and read Crimson Swine comics. When he is accidentally bitten (I thought by Brooklyn, but the sysnopsis says by a radioactive bat, and I don't remember Brooklyn being radioactive.), he develops super powers. He and Brooklyn work on honing these together, and don't tell Carl because he doesn't keep secrets well. This leads to sadness and anger on Carl's part that the other two acknowledge but don't quite know how to handle. Still, they work on costumes, catch phrases, and ring tones suitable for a super hero, and Batpig starts to save the day on small occasions. Carl's Lizard has a junk food combo dripped on him that turns him into the villain on the cover, and as Batpig makes the news, it's harder and harder to hide things from Carl. When they finally let their friend in on the secret, he does a decent job of keeping it. Batpig also battle The Butcher, whose real identity is clear to the reader but not to Batpig, and narrowly manages to save his friends and the city from destruction.
Strengths: This is based on a character from Ross' comics in Wink, and hits the middle school sweet spot for goofy while cleverly working in issues of personal identity. The city setting is interesting, and Gary's parents are both alive! I also enjoyed how characters from Gary's regular life are the ones who become the villains he must fight. The illustration style is fresh, and I enjoyed the muted orange and purple-toned color palette, which was a nice change for a super hero story and gives it an air of gravitas. (I would have expected bright primary colors.) A great follow up to Wink.
Weaknessses: Not sure if this is good or bad; It took me about half the book to realize that Brooklyn was female, because the convention of longer eyelashes on cartoon girls was not observed. The character's gender doesn't matter, but I'm old and was briefly confused. Also, still have questions about why his little cousin Mervyn wears a shirt and pants, but Gary only wears pants.
What I really think: I have limited space for graphic novels, so only buy a small percentage of the ones that are published, but will purchase this for the good balance of super heroes with friendship issues as well as the larger font and fun illustrations. Plus, you know, BATPIG.
Gary is an ordinary pig, who hangs out with his friends Carl (who is a fish) and Brooklyn (who is a bat). They hang out in their city neighborhood, eat sandwiches, play video games, and read Crimson Swine comics. When he is accidentally bitten (I thought by Brooklyn, but the sysnopsis says by a radioactive bat, and I don't remember Brooklyn being radioactive.), he develops super powers. He and Brooklyn work on honing these together, and don't tell Carl because he doesn't keep secrets well. This leads to sadness and anger on Carl's part that the other two acknowledge but don't quite know how to handle. Still, they work on costumes, catch phrases, and ring tones suitable for a super hero, and Batpig starts to save the day on small occasions. Carl's Lizard has a junk food combo dripped on him that turns him into the villain on the cover, and as Batpig makes the news, it's harder and harder to hide things from Carl. When they finally let their friend in on the secret, he does a decent job of keeping it. Batpig also battle The Butcher, whose real identity is clear to the reader but not to Batpig, and narrowly manages to save his friends and the city from destruction.
Strengths: This is based on a character from Ross' comics in Wink, and hits the middle school sweet spot for goofy while cleverly working in issues of personal identity. The city setting is interesting, and Gary's parents are both alive! I also enjoyed how characters from Gary's regular life are the ones who become the villains he must fight. The illustration style is fresh, and I enjoyed the muted orange and purple-toned color palette, which was a nice change for a super hero story and gives it an air of gravitas. (I would have expected bright primary colors.) A great follow up to Wink.
Weaknessses: Not sure if this is good or bad; It took me about half the book to realize that Brooklyn was female, because the convention of longer eyelashes on cartoon girls was not observed. The character's gender doesn't matter, but I'm old and was briefly confused. Also, still have questions about why his little cousin Mervyn wears a shirt and pants, but Gary only wears pants.
What I really think: I have limited space for graphic novels, so only buy a small percentage of the ones that are published, but will purchase this for the good balance of super heroes with friendship issues as well as the larger font and fun illustrations. Plus, you know, BATPIG.
September 15, 2022
Kto jest miłośnikiem komiksów? A może jest ktoś z was, kto chociaż raz w życiu przeczytał taki komiks? Ja z moją Helenką podnosimy rękę i ogłaszamy, że jesteśmy fankami wszelakich, kolorowych komisów. Co jest przy nich zabawy i śmiechu to nasze. Przed wami pierwszy tom przygód pewnej małej świnki Grzesia Podlaskiego, który w dziwny sposób nabiera mocy, dzięki którym lewituje, ma ogromną siłę oraz przenosi przedmioty.
Z taką mocą wiążą się też obowiązki. Pierwszy tom przedstawia od początku, kim jest Grześ, jaką ma rodzinę oraz przyjaciół i o przyjaciołach przeczytasz najwięcej. Grześ od początku nabrania mocy ma ręce pełne roboty i ugania się za bandytami i przywróceniu spokoju w okolicy. Jeżeli wasze dziecko dopiero raczkuje w czytaniu, to tutaj śmiało możecie kupić i uczestniczyć w przygodach Grzesia i jego przyjaciołach, takich jak Gryzelda, która jest nietoperzem oraz rybka zwana Karolem. Pełna przygód zwrotów akcji, ale i pokazująca, czym jest przyjaźń, jak trzeba dbać o nią, bo stracić przyjaźń można bardzo szybko.
Czcionka i kolorowe chmurki dialogowe na pewno zaciekawią wasze pociechy. Ta metoda poznania literek i nauki czytania sprawdza się u Heli, a to za sprawą tego, że dialogi są krótkie i czytelne okraszone fantastycznymi obrazkami, które nie tylko dziecko rozmieszą.
Polecamy z wielkim uśmiechem na twarzy.
Z taką mocą wiążą się też obowiązki. Pierwszy tom przedstawia od początku, kim jest Grześ, jaką ma rodzinę oraz przyjaciół i o przyjaciołach przeczytasz najwięcej. Grześ od początku nabrania mocy ma ręce pełne roboty i ugania się za bandytami i przywróceniu spokoju w okolicy. Jeżeli wasze dziecko dopiero raczkuje w czytaniu, to tutaj śmiało możecie kupić i uczestniczyć w przygodach Grzesia i jego przyjaciołach, takich jak Gryzelda, która jest nietoperzem oraz rybka zwana Karolem. Pełna przygód zwrotów akcji, ale i pokazująca, czym jest przyjaźń, jak trzeba dbać o nią, bo stracić przyjaźń można bardzo szybko.
Czcionka i kolorowe chmurki dialogowe na pewno zaciekawią wasze pociechy. Ta metoda poznania literek i nauki czytania sprawdza się u Heli, a to za sprawą tego, że dialogi są krótkie i czytelne okraszone fantastycznymi obrazkami, które nie tylko dziecko rozmieszą.
Polecamy z wielkim uśmiechem na twarzy.
December 1, 2021
You'll laugh
You'll cry
You'll eschew bacon for all eternity
It's the origin story you have been waiting for. Ok, it's the origin story I HAVE been waiting for & I was not let down. Never have I been happier to wear my official "Proud Batpig" pin.
Honestly this is a graphic novel that fans of Capt Underpants and Dog Man and all those highly graphic Wimpy Kid knock offs can enjoy WITH their parents. And then everyone (who hasn't) can read "Wink" one of the best novels of 2020.
You'll cry
You'll eschew bacon for all eternity
It's the origin story you have been waiting for. Ok, it's the origin story I HAVE been waiting for & I was not let down. Never have I been happier to wear my official "Proud Batpig" pin.
Honestly this is a graphic novel that fans of Capt Underpants and Dog Man and all those highly graphic Wimpy Kid knock offs can enjoy WITH their parents. And then everyone (who hasn't) can read "Wink" one of the best novels of 2020.
April 10, 2023
very funny, even if you are not an 8-12 yr old. also rob harrell is the nicest man in the world
May 27, 2023
This was just silly fun. I think the kids in our graphic novel book club at the library will enjoy the gross humor.
July 14, 2023
Zo'n boek dat iedereen weer een leesboost kan geven. Vaak luidop gelachen, zelfs met de kaka-mopjes.
January 3, 2022
Move over Dog Man, Bat Pig is here.
March 2, 2025
Foarte comic! 🐖🤣🐽
July 5, 2021
Hilarious. Perfect for fans of Captain Underpants.
3 things:
1-hilarious
2-friendship
3-connection to Wink
Thank you NetGalley and Dial Books for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
3 things:
1-hilarious
2-friendship
3-connection to Wink
Thank you NetGalley and Dial Books for sharing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2024
This is a hoot! I will definitely be reading more of this series. You need to have a sense of humor to really appreciate this fantastic book. I found myself smiling and laughing through most of this book as Gary, Brooklyn, and Carl discover a new super hero. I do think some younger readers might not fully understand or “get” all the laughs/puns that are written in this book but they’ll still enjoy the story. I think a reader’s age, maturity and life’s experiences helps them fully appreciate this book.
Gary was once a normal, boring pig. Not normal as in a barnyard style pig but normal as in a 6th grade pig who loves video games, comic books, and playing cards. His best friends were Carl, a fish and Brooklyn, a bat. He’d play Go Fish with Brooklyn and Carl, (I hope you got that laugh – Go Fish with Carl, the fish). I can’t help but smile/chuckle just thinking of this book as there’s so many great lines and these friends are so very entertaining. With lines like, “I’m gonna go hop in the toilet for a bit. Get wet.” (Carl) “AAAAA! I wanna go home! And I also wanna pony!!” “Batpig sped off like…..like a pig in a leotard.” “I know Gary. I’m sorry I haven’t created a Batpig ringtone for you yet.” It was a typical night of playing cards that changed Gary’s life forever.
It’s a hilarious read but these friends also wrestled with a variety of different issues that young children also cope with and I liked how they addressed and tackled it. From talking things out, to trying a different solution, to encouragement, the friends never strayed far from one another. This is an easy graphic novel to follow with bright colorful text boxes and just a handful of characters to follow. I loved the variety of text fonts that were used to bring this book to life. Children will love this graphic novel but anyone who is looking for a good laugh should read it, for its bound to put a smile on your face, just like it did mine. 5 stars
Gary was once a normal, boring pig. Not normal as in a barnyard style pig but normal as in a 6th grade pig who loves video games, comic books, and playing cards. His best friends were Carl, a fish and Brooklyn, a bat. He’d play Go Fish with Brooklyn and Carl, (I hope you got that laugh – Go Fish with Carl, the fish). I can’t help but smile/chuckle just thinking of this book as there’s so many great lines and these friends are so very entertaining. With lines like, “I’m gonna go hop in the toilet for a bit. Get wet.” (Carl) “AAAAA! I wanna go home! And I also wanna pony!!” “Batpig sped off like…..like a pig in a leotard.” “I know Gary. I’m sorry I haven’t created a Batpig ringtone for you yet.” It was a typical night of playing cards that changed Gary’s life forever.
It’s a hilarious read but these friends also wrestled with a variety of different issues that young children also cope with and I liked how they addressed and tackled it. From talking things out, to trying a different solution, to encouragement, the friends never strayed far from one another. This is an easy graphic novel to follow with bright colorful text boxes and just a handful of characters to follow. I loved the variety of text fonts that were used to bring this book to life. Children will love this graphic novel but anyone who is looking for a good laugh should read it, for its bound to put a smile on your face, just like it did mine. 5 stars
July 26, 2023
A fun, silly book that had me laughing all the way through. This would be a great book for reluctant readers who are just beyond beginning readers. The illustrations in this graphic novel are clever and hilarious.
December 27, 2024
This is such a brilliant book that had me laughing so much when reading it! Batpig is in trouble, he’s tied to a rocket about to hurtle into space. But who is Batpig and how did he get here, a back story is about to explain! The book is printed on thick glossy pages and looks like a colourful comic book throughout.
The back story explains how Gary Yorkshire, a normal pig living in the city ends up becoming a superhero with powers after being bitten by his friend Brook the bat. I love what happens and how Gary ends up trying to fly and do other things with Brook not being able to help so much because she has her own issues about flying. The book is set up to look like a comic book, with more than one story within the whole book itself. There is such brilliant humour throughout and I love how Gary is trying out all sorts of lines and ideas for costumes when he first discovers his superpowers .
All of the stories are about Batpig although I do like the story about one of Gary’s friends Carl the fish. In his story he’s trying hard not to reveal Batpig’s true identity and it’s so funny to see the illustrations and read the silly things he ends up saying. The whole book is filled with so much brilliant humour and every page looks like a comic book with characters having speech bubbles and lots of illustrations set up just like the traditional superhero comics. The stories are all so much funnier though and there are a few places I found myself laughing aloud at how silly things got. I especially like the story nearer the ending when we find out what substance makes Batpig weak.
The illustrations look really good really adding to the humour on each page. I love how everyone looks, their expressions, the silly expressions you see of some villains and the way everything and everyone looks. The story ends up culminating in an interesting tale about Gary having to babysit a smaller pig called Mervin and I love what happens at the end of that tale. The book finishes with a final page showing what’s in store in the next book and I really do hope there will be more in the series as I can’t wait to see what will happen next to Batpig and his friends! I would recommend this as it’s such a funny and brilliant story which really made me laugh and smile. And there’s an added bit at the start, the author’s small to those reading which is a great message for kids to read.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
The back story explains how Gary Yorkshire, a normal pig living in the city ends up becoming a superhero with powers after being bitten by his friend Brook the bat. I love what happens and how Gary ends up trying to fly and do other things with Brook not being able to help so much because she has her own issues about flying. The book is set up to look like a comic book, with more than one story within the whole book itself. There is such brilliant humour throughout and I love how Gary is trying out all sorts of lines and ideas for costumes when he first discovers his superpowers .
All of the stories are about Batpig although I do like the story about one of Gary’s friends Carl the fish. In his story he’s trying hard not to reveal Batpig’s true identity and it’s so funny to see the illustrations and read the silly things he ends up saying. The whole book is filled with so much brilliant humour and every page looks like a comic book with characters having speech bubbles and lots of illustrations set up just like the traditional superhero comics. The stories are all so much funnier though and there are a few places I found myself laughing aloud at how silly things got. I especially like the story nearer the ending when we find out what substance makes Batpig weak.
The illustrations look really good really adding to the humour on each page. I love how everyone looks, their expressions, the silly expressions you see of some villains and the way everything and everyone looks. The story ends up culminating in an interesting tale about Gary having to babysit a smaller pig called Mervin and I love what happens at the end of that tale. The book finishes with a final page showing what’s in store in the next book and I really do hope there will be more in the series as I can’t wait to see what will happen next to Batpig and his friends! I would recommend this as it’s such a funny and brilliant story which really made me laugh and smile. And there’s an added bit at the start, the author’s small to those reading which is a great message for kids to read.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy.
November 11, 2021
Batpig is ready to swoop into the lives of middle-grade readers and is set to bring action, life lessons and gross-out giggles.
There was nothing special about sixth-grader pig Gary Yorkshire. He enjoyed playing video games, reading comics, taking mud baths and hanging out with his friends, Carl the fish and Brooklyn the bat.
But then Brooklyn accidentally bit her friend and now there’s nothing ordinary about Gary. He has superpowers - strength, flight and mind control. Batpig has been born and must now fight wrongdoers, evil villains and save the city. But can the apartment-dwelling Gary become a super swine…
I was laughing-out-loud from the first moment I met Gary - he was strapped to a rocket, had been forced-fed a poison pill and was heading straight to the sun courtesy of the actions of a potty-mouthed lizard called Repto-man - more on him later.
Gary’s origin story is woven in to two individual adventures, both of which are bursting with silliness and an abundance of pig puns. The action and laughs come thick and fast as Gary, with the help of Brooklyn, gets to grips with his new powers. There are spandex costumes to be created, catchphrases to master and the perfect superhero ringtone to compose.
All superheroes need villains and Gary finds his in the form of Carl’s pet lizard who morphs into Repto-man and a crazed butcher who is on a mission to take over the world. Batpig is going to need all of his swine superpowers and a little help from his friends but with Carl feeling neglected and Brooklyn’s fear of flying it isn’t going to be easy to save his own bacon and the city.
Each character brings plenty of humour, heart, wit and sarcasm and readers will each have their favourites - I think Carl who loves hanging out in toilet bowls is mine. In amongst the laughs, gross-out scenes and potty-jokes, there are some nice messages about identity and friendship. Anyone who has felt like the one left out of a friendship trio will relate to Carl who is kept out of the superhero secret thanks to his reputation as a bit of a blabbermouth.
When Pigs Fly is a very entertaining and engaging start to a new series and I look forward to more adventures with Batpig and his friends, the next title is due out in 2022.
With huge thanks to Harper Collins for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 7+.
There was nothing special about sixth-grader pig Gary Yorkshire. He enjoyed playing video games, reading comics, taking mud baths and hanging out with his friends, Carl the fish and Brooklyn the bat.
But then Brooklyn accidentally bit her friend and now there’s nothing ordinary about Gary. He has superpowers - strength, flight and mind control. Batpig has been born and must now fight wrongdoers, evil villains and save the city. But can the apartment-dwelling Gary become a super swine…
I was laughing-out-loud from the first moment I met Gary - he was strapped to a rocket, had been forced-fed a poison pill and was heading straight to the sun courtesy of the actions of a potty-mouthed lizard called Repto-man - more on him later.
Gary’s origin story is woven in to two individual adventures, both of which are bursting with silliness and an abundance of pig puns. The action and laughs come thick and fast as Gary, with the help of Brooklyn, gets to grips with his new powers. There are spandex costumes to be created, catchphrases to master and the perfect superhero ringtone to compose.
All superheroes need villains and Gary finds his in the form of Carl’s pet lizard who morphs into Repto-man and a crazed butcher who is on a mission to take over the world. Batpig is going to need all of his swine superpowers and a little help from his friends but with Carl feeling neglected and Brooklyn’s fear of flying it isn’t going to be easy to save his own bacon and the city.
Each character brings plenty of humour, heart, wit and sarcasm and readers will each have their favourites - I think Carl who loves hanging out in toilet bowls is mine. In amongst the laughs, gross-out scenes and potty-jokes, there are some nice messages about identity and friendship. Anyone who has felt like the one left out of a friendship trio will relate to Carl who is kept out of the superhero secret thanks to his reputation as a bit of a blabbermouth.
When Pigs Fly is a very entertaining and engaging start to a new series and I look forward to more adventures with Batpig and his friends, the next title is due out in 2022.
With huge thanks to Harper Collins for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 7+.
January 7, 2025
Gary the pig gets accidentally bit by his bat friend Brook, who has a teensy radioactivity problem, and Gary discovers he has superpowers. Gary and Brook figure out Gary's powers and workshop his superhero persona, but their other best friend Carl is feeling left out during all this. In his jealousy he whips up a concoction meant for Gary that accidentally lands on Carl's pet lizard, and a supervillain who has feasted on potty jokes is unleashed. Can Batpig stop the evil lizard? How about a sinister butcher with a vendetta against Gary and an evil robot?
This was a humorous superhero graphic novel with a creative origin story. I like that Gary and Brook work things out with Carl pretty quickly once they realize they've left him out. I can see kids really liking the goofy humor in this. (It would especially appeal to InvestiGators fans; similar kinds of humor.)
Notes on content:
Language: No swears. Some literal potty jokes...see Other comment below.
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some ill intent but no one is seriously hurt.
Ethnic diversity: The evil butcher is the only human character, she is white.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: The lizard's cage was right next to a potty joke book that was left open, so he always has mild toilent and poop related jokes which some families may want to avoid.
This was a humorous superhero graphic novel with a creative origin story. I like that Gary and Brook work things out with Carl pretty quickly once they realize they've left him out. I can see kids really liking the goofy humor in this. (It would especially appeal to InvestiGators fans; similar kinds of humor.)
Notes on content:
Language: No swears. Some literal potty jokes...see Other comment below.
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some ill intent but no one is seriously hurt.
Ethnic diversity: The evil butcher is the only human character, she is white.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: The lizard's cage was right next to a potty joke book that was left open, so he always has mild toilent and poop related jokes which some families may want to avoid.
September 3, 2021
Gary was just an average pig, hanging out with his friends Carl (a fish) and Brooklyn (a bat) when an unfortunate (fortunate?) event gave Gary superpowers! Now, in an effort to fight wrong doers, and maybe even supervillains, Gary needs the help of his buddies - he needs his secret kept, he needs a cool costume and a catchy slogan - and maybe some advice.
We first met Batpig in Harrell's Wink, as a comic Ross used to help make sense of his condition. I loved those panels so much and was excited to see Gary's "origin story". Really funny, and there's a bunch of silly gross stuff -like sticking gum up Gary's nose - that will not only keep the readers engaged, but will leave them wanting more. I know I'll need more than 1 copy of this - hope this is going to be a series.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
We first met Batpig in Harrell's Wink, as a comic Ross used to help make sense of his condition. I loved those panels so much and was excited to see Gary's "origin story". Really funny, and there's a bunch of silly gross stuff -like sticking gum up Gary's nose - that will not only keep the readers engaged, but will leave them wanting more. I know I'll need more than 1 copy of this - hope this is going to be a series.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
October 11, 2021
I almost overlooked this one. I saw it in a catalogue, but didn't order it. There was just something about the cover that didn't appeal. I also didn't notice that it was written by Rob Harrell. If I had, I probably would have bought it as I loved Wink.
Luckily, I then received an eARC from Netgalley. This is one of the funniest graphic novels I have read! It is very clever, with a dry sense of humour. It has just the right amount of toilet humour for the target market ("That's so pooping awesome!") and little asides to the reader ("Look at Carl keeping a secret! Go Carl!"). I devoured this in one setting, thoroughly enjoyed it & then went straight back to my catalogue & purchased it for our library!
Luckily, I then received an eARC from Netgalley. This is one of the funniest graphic novels I have read! It is very clever, with a dry sense of humour. It has just the right amount of toilet humour for the target market ("That's so pooping awesome!") and little asides to the reader ("Look at Carl keeping a secret! Go Carl!"). I devoured this in one setting, thoroughly enjoyed it & then went straight back to my catalogue & purchased it for our library!
December 12, 2021
Ah yes, perfect for fans of Dogman and any other silly superhero graphic novel. Harrell even rips a few pages from the Dogman playbook with the "breaking of the third wall" as well as the potty humor and villainous characters.
I picked it up because I had read Harrell's fiction narrative Wink based on his personal experience but had heard about his Batpig character. It's a great brain break with some fun characters-- a pig who becomes a superhero "batpig" after being bitten on the schnoz by his bat friend and he also has a fish friend who wants to be a villain now that there's some kind of secret between the pig and bat-- which uses some soda and cheese. It's goofy and it works. Certainly worthy of a new series for the crowd to fly off the shelves and be checked out repeatedly.
I picked it up because I had read Harrell's fiction narrative Wink based on his personal experience but had heard about his Batpig character. It's a great brain break with some fun characters-- a pig who becomes a superhero "batpig" after being bitten on the schnoz by his bat friend and he also has a fish friend who wants to be a villain now that there's some kind of secret between the pig and bat-- which uses some soda and cheese. It's goofy and it works. Certainly worthy of a new series for the crowd to fly off the shelves and be checked out repeatedly.
January 6, 2022
The main character in Wink by Rob Harrell wrote comics about a character named Batpig, and now Batpig has his own graphic novel! I liked this, but I thought I would like it a lot more based on how much I loved Wink. My favorite part is the snarky, irreverent narrator. Gary is a pig who lives in a world where animals and humans live side-by-side. There are animals and human children in Gary's school. When his bat friend Brooklyn accidentally bites Gary's nose, he develops superpowers and becomes Batpig. He realizes he should use these powers for good, like stopping gum from getting stuck to the sidewalk and to people's (Gary's) boots. But, when a supervillain begins attacking the city, Batpig needs to step up. It's a good read-alike for Dog Man.
January 30, 2022
This was definitely not my favorite book. Now, everyone has their own opinions or whatever, but I just thought this book was a bit childish and strange, even for me, a child. I just thought it was super weird that a pig is in a world where he goes to school with humans, especially when humans eat bacon. And a fish has a pet lizard? I even felt bad for the lizard at the end, all he wanted to do is to be as an equal with the other animals, but the pig didn't give a crap when he shrunk the poor lizard. I read this book in one sitting, and I was very uncomfortable and confused. Also why does the pig only wear shorts? Gross. Kids don't wanna see pig nipples. I can’t be too mad though, I did like the art style and the bat, but other than that I'm afraid I did not like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2022
Batpig: When Pigs Fly is a comical and entertaining children's book written in comic book style and is highly amusing, especially for it being about a pig in a cape!!
The story begins with Batpig being in deep trouble, attached to a rocket and then flashes back to how Batpig became Batpig.
The story gave me the giggles for most of the way through. The chapters are short and although the book is quite long it doesn't take much reading to get through.
For those children that are after a proper laugh, or for those that don't like reading 'normal' story books this would be ideal and keep them occupied for a short while. There's a new caped hero on the block and kids will want to know about this one!!
The story begins with Batpig being in deep trouble, attached to a rocket and then flashes back to how Batpig became Batpig.
The story gave me the giggles for most of the way through. The chapters are short and although the book is quite long it doesn't take much reading to get through.
For those children that are after a proper laugh, or for those that don't like reading 'normal' story books this would be ideal and keep them occupied for a short while. There's a new caped hero on the block and kids will want to know about this one!!
September 29, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
First in a new series by Harrell.
Gary's (pig) friend, Brooklyn (bat), accidentally bites him and suddenly he develops some superhero abilities. After some trial and error, Batpig is created. He heads around town stopping some minor and then a bit more major as Gary gains confidence.
Two stories are included in this volume. Mid to upper elementary level readers will appreciate the ridiculous scenarios and dialogue. The artwork brings readers in to the scenes and lets them be part of the action as the three friends learn valuable lessons to go with the fun and crime fighting.
I received an electronic ARC from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
First in a new series by Harrell.
Gary's (pig) friend, Brooklyn (bat), accidentally bites him and suddenly he develops some superhero abilities. After some trial and error, Batpig is created. He heads around town stopping some minor and then a bit more major as Gary gains confidence.
Two stories are included in this volume. Mid to upper elementary level readers will appreciate the ridiculous scenarios and dialogue. The artwork brings readers in to the scenes and lets them be part of the action as the three friends learn valuable lessons to go with the fun and crime fighting.
November 29, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the review copy of Batpig: When Pigs Fly by Rob Harrell. This book is an absolute HOOT!
Gary is having a pretty normal life when a radioactive bat bite gives him super powers. Gary decides to use his powers for good save the city. First, he needs to come up with a great slogan and figure out how to vanquish bad guys with the help of his best friends - Carl the fish and Brook the bat.
Students in second through fifth grade (and probably beyond) will love the puns, the hidden jokes, and the on point bathroom humor. I laughed multiple times while reading this book. I immediately put my physical copy in my shopping cart.
Gary is having a pretty normal life when a radioactive bat bite gives him super powers. Gary decides to use his powers for good save the city. First, he needs to come up with a great slogan and figure out how to vanquish bad guys with the help of his best friends - Carl the fish and Brook the bat.
Students in second through fifth grade (and probably beyond) will love the puns, the hidden jokes, and the on point bathroom humor. I laughed multiple times while reading this book. I immediately put my physical copy in my shopping cart.
Read
February 6, 2022OMG. This book is so funny that I literally stopped reading it halfway through so that I could gather my children next to me and read it aloud (from the beginning) to them. As graphic novels go, this is actually a great read-aloud! Carl's mother had my daughter cracking up all day (I won't ruin her great nickname for her son, but we've been saying it all day around here...). Hilarious illustrations accompanied by truly clever dialogue... Really hoping this is the beginning of a beautiful series.
Read
September 6, 2025Join Gary, also known as Batpig, and his friends Brooklyn and Carl, as they find adventures in this graphic novel by Rob Harrell.
Gary takes on the thrilling role of superhero! He's hoping to save the world or at least stop people from littering and saying bad words. With the help of his friends, he does succeed in conquering a giant lizard and a mean Meat Lady and her robot.
Full of laughs, danger, and adventure WHEN PIGS FLY is perfect for readers looking for a fun-filled, colorful read. Rob Harrell is also the author of the memoir WINK.
Gary takes on the thrilling role of superhero! He's hoping to save the world or at least stop people from littering and saying bad words. With the help of his friends, he does succeed in conquering a giant lizard and a mean Meat Lady and her robot.
Full of laughs, danger, and adventure WHEN PIGS FLY is perfect for readers looking for a fun-filled, colorful read. Rob Harrell is also the author of the memoir WINK.
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