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Spy School Graphic Novels #1
Spy School the Graphic Novel
Can an undercover nerd become a superstar secret agent? The first book in Stuart Gibbs’s New York Times bestselling Spy School series is now a graphic novel!Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him? Actually, no. There’s been a case of mistaken identity—but that doesn’t stop Ben from trying to morph into a supercool undercover agent, the kind that always gets the girl. And through a series of hilarious misadventures, Ben realizes he might actually be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life! Join Ben Ripley as he survives his first year at the Academy of Espionage in action-packed, full-color panels.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
648 people are currently reading
1580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 13, 2023
Apparently, I forgot so many elements associated with this book until I read the graphic novel. It was like everything came back at all once. Publishing has noticed the uptick in demand for graphic novels for younger readers, so it's no surprise that they are going through and adapting some of the bigger series that have done well in the market. If you're a fan of spy/heist/espionage books than this is definitely one that you would be interested in checking out. It follows Ben Ripley who is recruited to go to a special middle school for the CIA. While there he encounters a series of events that lead to a case of mistaken identity and a plot to kill him. The storyline is pretty true to the original text. Of course, for the sake of brevity some of it was trimmed down. I wasn't the biggest fan of the artwork. It felt kind of "blocky," but for the most part I can understand why younger readers gravitate to this series and the graphic novel adaptations.
June 29, 2022
oh I love the series 😩
IT'S JUST AS I REMEMBER ITTT 😭♥
IT'S JUST AS I REMEMBER ITTT 😭♥
February 24, 2022
Well that was fun. I want more. Plus a Netflix show.
August 4, 2021
I almost enjoyed the graphic novel version of this story better than the book. I loved the illustrations accompanying the text because they really brought the the action to life. So much fun!
March 10, 2022
Characters were flat, but the mystery aspect and spy tropes kept me hooked. The tension is well-paced and Ben doesn't know who to trust either. There's a fun twist that I didn't see coming! Kids will definitely get way more mileage from this.
February 16, 2022
Awesome
It was amazingly. I have read all the spy school books and for Stuart Gibbs to come out with a graphic novel was amaze balls! I am really looking forward to future spy school graphic novels.
It was amazingly. I have read all the spy school books and for Stuart Gibbs to come out with a graphic novel was amaze balls! I am really looking forward to future spy school graphic novels.
April 2, 2023
great adaptation of the original
I was listening to the author talk about his adaptation of spy school into the graphic novel. First I read the regular book. Then I got the graphic novel version from my public library. I think it’s electronic book and I’ve got to say the way Kindle handles moving from panel to panel in an e-book, is so creative. Are used to not enjoy graphic novels in an e-book format because it was so hard to read everything. But this let me enjoy the well done illustrations by zooming in on each panel.
The story was a mix of seriousness and humor. But the illustrations equally shine along with the story. This is a definite book to enjoy.
I was listening to the author talk about his adaptation of spy school into the graphic novel. First I read the regular book. Then I got the graphic novel version from my public library. I think it’s electronic book and I’ve got to say the way Kindle handles moving from panel to panel in an e-book, is so creative. Are used to not enjoy graphic novels in an e-book format because it was so hard to read everything. But this let me enjoy the well done illustrations by zooming in on each panel.
The story was a mix of seriousness and humor. But the illustrations equally shine along with the story. This is a definite book to enjoy.
April 15, 2022
Fans of the immensely popular MG series by Stuart Gibbs will love this graphic novel version. Lots of action and flowed nicely.
February 13, 2022
Ben Ripley wants nothing more than to be a CIA agent. When he excels at an online game, he gets chosen to attend an elite spy school under the illusion of a nerdy science one. The only problem is that it's nothing like he expects it to be. The classes are a little more boring from what you see in movies. When Ben gets targeted by assassins, he has to rely on the star of the school Erica to help him get out of trouble. But there's a mole within the academy that's leaking information and they need to figure out who it is before it's too late.
Having never read any of the books in the Spy School series, I came into this one with a fresh mind. As a fan of graphic novels, this one reads really well. There's a perfect text to illustration ratio and the illustrations are vibrant with proper "action signals", like lines placed in the appropriate position. Ben is a relatable character since he was an ordinary child picked to attend this spy school His reaction to each situation are humorous and appropriate. I like how reliable Erica is and had a lot of fun reading this novel. I look forward to more like it!
Final Verdict: SPY SCHOOL THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is a fun story and perfect for fans of adventure, spies, humor, and graphic novels. It holds a child's interest with a fast-paced plot and action packed scenes.
Having never read any of the books in the Spy School series, I came into this one with a fresh mind. As a fan of graphic novels, this one reads really well. There's a perfect text to illustration ratio and the illustrations are vibrant with proper "action signals", like lines placed in the appropriate position. Ben is a relatable character since he was an ordinary child picked to attend this spy school His reaction to each situation are humorous and appropriate. I like how reliable Erica is and had a lot of fun reading this novel. I look forward to more like it!
Final Verdict: SPY SCHOOL THE GRAPHIC NOVEL is a fun story and perfect for fans of adventure, spies, humor, and graphic novels. It holds a child's interest with a fast-paced plot and action packed scenes.
May 4, 2025
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
Spy School has finally been turned into a graphic novel! I love the series, so I was very excited to see this get adapted. It was very true to the original, which I was pleased with. There were a few things that were slightly different, but it didn't really affect the story. The art was good, but I wish it had been a little better-just a personal preference for me. It was very cartoonish, which most middle schoolers will love. I loved getting to see what the characters looked like!
It was also very easy to follow, so new graphic novel readers will be able to follow the storyline with minimal to no confusion. This book is perfect for reluctant readers, graphic novel fans and anyone that loves Spy School. I look forward to the rest of the series being adapted!
Spy School has finally been turned into a graphic novel! I love the series, so I was very excited to see this get adapted. It was very true to the original, which I was pleased with. There were a few things that were slightly different, but it didn't really affect the story. The art was good, but I wish it had been a little better-just a personal preference for me. It was very cartoonish, which most middle schoolers will love. I loved getting to see what the characters looked like!
It was also very easy to follow, so new graphic novel readers will be able to follow the storyline with minimal to no confusion. This book is perfect for reluctant readers, graphic novel fans and anyone that loves Spy School. I look forward to the rest of the series being adapted!
April 1, 2022
Haven’t read the middle grade series that this graphic novel is based on, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Adventure, espionage, humor. Perfect for my 4/5th grade classroom library. Will buy others in the series as they are released.
February 11, 2024
Summary:
This exciting graphic novel by Stuart Gibbs, a New York Times bestselling author, was recommended by my 8th-grader son. He said it was easy to read and hard to put down!
The plot is about a middle schooler named Ben Ripley, who is smart, has a fascination for spies, and loves playing a video game on a CIA website but struggles in school due to all the bullying. Surprisingly, the CIA Academy recruits him, and although he does not have the skills to be a CIA agent and is super young, Ben is brave and somehow pushes through a series of hilarious misadventures and successfully passes his first year at the Academy.
Review:
I recommend this culturally generic book for students in grades 4-7th. The readers can identify with the main character because the plot starts at home and in middle school with Ben's dreams and struggles. As the story develops, we can see how the character grows by being brave and making the best of his circumstances. The text and illustrations are intertwined and well-balanced, making the story flow with excitement. I also loved the suspense and the mystery of finding out who was the bad guy and if Ben would use his intelligence to overcome the challenges in each situation.
Teaching ideas:
I would use this book in language arts to teach students the following themes: bullying, problem-solving, resilience, and perseverance.
This exciting graphic novel by Stuart Gibbs, a New York Times bestselling author, was recommended by my 8th-grader son. He said it was easy to read and hard to put down!
The plot is about a middle schooler named Ben Ripley, who is smart, has a fascination for spies, and loves playing a video game on a CIA website but struggles in school due to all the bullying. Surprisingly, the CIA Academy recruits him, and although he does not have the skills to be a CIA agent and is super young, Ben is brave and somehow pushes through a series of hilarious misadventures and successfully passes his first year at the Academy.
Review:
I recommend this culturally generic book for students in grades 4-7th. The readers can identify with the main character because the plot starts at home and in middle school with Ben's dreams and struggles. As the story develops, we can see how the character grows by being brave and making the best of his circumstances. The text and illustrations are intertwined and well-balanced, making the story flow with excitement. I also loved the suspense and the mystery of finding out who was the bad guy and if Ben would use his intelligence to overcome the challenges in each situation.
Teaching ideas:
I would use this book in language arts to teach students the following themes: bullying, problem-solving, resilience, and perseverance.
April 27, 2022
I am a big fan of graphic novels. When I say Stuart Gibbs bestselling series was going graphic I had to read it. I still love the story of a school that teaches kids to be spies and then sends them on missions. The graphic novel was decently done. The illustrations are fine, but there was something about the way it was colored that turned me off a bit. Please be aware I was reading a digital galley and that may be the reason why. Overall these books are a lot of fun for kids of all ages, and now they are in a format that will appeal to reluctant readers, and maybe even lead them to picking up the rest of the series in chapter book form.
February 3, 2022
I was lucky enough to find this book at my local independent bookstore, and I loved every minute. This book gave me a unique glance into the world of Ben Ripley. I had always wondered what the characters looked like, and this book illustrated them beautifully. I am also glad that they published this book because now a new group of readers can experience the magic of the world of Spy School.
April 28, 2022
Sooooo good! Its so cool to finally be able to actually see the characters in Spy School! Its one of my faveriote book series!
September 26, 2022
3.5
that was fun! not as attached with the characters as i wanted to be though
still, fun! this probably means much more to those who read the original novel. kids would love this!
that was fun! not as attached with the characters as i wanted to be though
still, fun! this probably means much more to those who read the original novel. kids would love this!
January 6, 2023
Not as good as the book itself.
April 15, 2023
prefer book to this but still enjoyed seeing a visual version
February 12, 2022
More like a 3.75.
Fun adaptation of the first entry in the very popular middle grade Spy School series. Well-drawn, with enough details to get the feel for the settings, good facial expressions, and consistent depictions of the characters.
The plot itself, for those unfamiliar with the original novel, concerns what happens after 12-year-old Ben is suddenly recruited by the CIA to attend a secret spy-training school. Ben's parents think he's been offered a scholarship to a science academy. The story is filled with mishaps, danger, action, friendships, frenemies, and more.
I hope the rest of the series is adapted to the graphic form; it's lots of fun for readers of all ages.
Fun adaptation of the first entry in the very popular middle grade Spy School series. Well-drawn, with enough details to get the feel for the settings, good facial expressions, and consistent depictions of the characters.
The plot itself, for those unfamiliar with the original novel, concerns what happens after 12-year-old Ben is suddenly recruited by the CIA to attend a secret spy-training school. Ben's parents think he's been offered a scholarship to a science academy. The story is filled with mishaps, danger, action, friendships, frenemies, and more.
I hope the rest of the series is adapted to the graphic form; it's lots of fun for readers of all ages.
February 24, 2022
Loved it!
September 30, 2021
this was downright hilarious! once this pubs I will absolutely recommend it to every middle grade reader!
May 19, 2022
The fabulous book has gotten a graphic novel and I had fun reading it!
I was very excited when I learned that there was a Spy School Graphic Novel! I really enjoyed the book (see review here) and I was hoping that with illustrations the book would become better!
And while it definitely got more action, and more excitement, and I really liked the illustrations… I did feel like quite a bit of the story got lost. Maybe it was me and it was late, but it just felt like I missed key parts and that the graphic novel mostly focussed on important events. So I am thankful that I read the book 4 years ago, yes, I don’t know all the details from the book, but even with that my mind could click parts of the graphic novel together, fill me in on small things that happened. And that is what made me keep on reading! Because really, sometimes we just went from x event to y event. Suddenly there was talk about a mole. Those ninja’s in that one class? Came out of nowhere while I loved that class in the normal novel. Evidenced by the fact that I used a quote about ninja’s in my normal book’s review (“This morning’s lecture was on how to avoid ninjas, which might have been interesting if step one hadn’t been “Stay out of Japan.”).
But despite some issues, I did have fun reading this. Seeing Ben get chosen to be part of the spy school, however not for pure reasons but for something else. I still feel for Ben because he thought he has true potential to be there. He thought that he was selected for the game he played. But while he does find out things and things do get tough, he never gives up. He never thinks F this and screw you all. OK, maybe he does a little, but not enough to give up. Instead he is making the most of it, having fun, making friends, figuring out how things work, and I just loved that. I love his math skills and how he is able to do difficult calculations just like that. Like with that note with a big number on it? He figures that out.
I did think it was a bit of a shame how the relationship between Erica and him was portrayed here. In the book it felt more natural, and I was rooting for them. In this one I just wasn’t a fan how Ben became more of a dog. Give hand, OK. DO this, OK. I remember in the book he was also awkward, don’t get me wrong. But it felt, different? I do hope that if there are more graphic novels that this becomes a more natural thing, because I do love them together.
I am still saddened that the spy world is so incompetent and that people just steal credit for stuff (what is this elementary school?).
The art was pretty good. It fitted well with the action scenes and definitely gave the book some oomph.
All in all, while I had some issues I still really had fun reading this one! I hope that the other books (which I still need to read) get the GN treatment.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was very excited when I learned that there was a Spy School Graphic Novel! I really enjoyed the book (see review here) and I was hoping that with illustrations the book would become better!
And while it definitely got more action, and more excitement, and I really liked the illustrations… I did feel like quite a bit of the story got lost. Maybe it was me and it was late, but it just felt like I missed key parts and that the graphic novel mostly focussed on important events. So I am thankful that I read the book 4 years ago, yes, I don’t know all the details from the book, but even with that my mind could click parts of the graphic novel together, fill me in on small things that happened. And that is what made me keep on reading! Because really, sometimes we just went from x event to y event. Suddenly there was talk about a mole. Those ninja’s in that one class? Came out of nowhere while I loved that class in the normal novel. Evidenced by the fact that I used a quote about ninja’s in my normal book’s review (“This morning’s lecture was on how to avoid ninjas, which might have been interesting if step one hadn’t been “Stay out of Japan.”).
But despite some issues, I did have fun reading this. Seeing Ben get chosen to be part of the spy school, however not for pure reasons but for something else. I still feel for Ben because he thought he has true potential to be there. He thought that he was selected for the game he played. But while he does find out things and things do get tough, he never gives up. He never thinks F this and screw you all. OK, maybe he does a little, but not enough to give up. Instead he is making the most of it, having fun, making friends, figuring out how things work, and I just loved that. I love his math skills and how he is able to do difficult calculations just like that. Like with that note with a big number on it? He figures that out.
I did think it was a bit of a shame how the relationship between Erica and him was portrayed here. In the book it felt more natural, and I was rooting for them. In this one I just wasn’t a fan how Ben became more of a dog. Give hand, OK. DO this, OK. I remember in the book he was also awkward, don’t get me wrong. But it felt, different? I do hope that if there are more graphic novels that this becomes a more natural thing, because I do love them together.
I am still saddened that the spy world is so incompetent and that people just steal credit for stuff (what is this elementary school?).
The art was pretty good. It fitted well with the action scenes and definitely gave the book some oomph.
All in all, while I had some issues I still really had fun reading this one! I hope that the other books (which I still need to read) get the GN treatment.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 26, 2023
This was a fun graphic novel! Very fun to read after the original novel. <3
September 5, 2023
I personally think the art style and making Spy School into a graphic novel took away from the original story. I loved the original, it was really good. The fight scenes are better when you make them up yourself. Also the suspense of finding out who the mole is is drastically less in the graphic novel.
August 10, 2022
This is apparently a popular middle grade series, so it's not really surprising that there's now a graphic novel version. The art is pretty good, and I take it that the adaptation is faithful enough. I think this one just misses me. The story doesn't really make sense, the character relationships definitely don't make sense, and the entire premise of the one boy in school who's terrible at everything being the most important just doesn't work for me. Which is all a shame, because I do really like the premise, and the main character's personality is appealing even when I'm rolling my eyes at him constantly being not good.
November 15, 2023
So good! This book made me nostalgic for the original Spy School books and brought back so many fantastic memories. This graphic adaptation of the first Spy School novel brought back a feeling similar to the joy of reading an amazing book for the first time. I might know the story already from the many times I've read it, but this graphic novel made it feel as if I were getting to know and enjoy the story all over again. I loved everything about it; the story, the art, and the characters. If you’re a fan of the original books, you’ll love this graphic novel.
September 29, 2025
This book had some unexpected turns.
April 6, 2025
If you’re looking for a fun and fast-paced read that blends adolescent awkwardness with classic espionage tropes, Spy School: The Graphic Novel delivers. The story is witty, energetic, and surprisingly clever. It remains age-appropriate and engaging for a younger audience.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the banter between characters. Their dialogue feels authentic to middle and high school students. It is awkward, funny, and occasionally a little over the top in the best way. The action scenes stand out as well. Each one feels exciting and suspenseful without becoming too intense or unrealistic for the target age group. The story offers just enough danger to feel thrilling while still feeling grounded.
The plot features plenty of twists, turns, and misdirections. These elements are similar to what you would expect in the best of the espionage genre. Setting the story in a spy academy for adolescents adds a fresh and unique spin to a familiar format. The younger characters are given real mysteries to solve. They often use critical thinking and observation to piece things together. Their efforts feel meaningful and believable, even within the more playful tone of the story.
At times, the series can feel a bit hokey. These kids are not running real-world espionage missions. However, that is part of the charm. The adults in the story often come off as exaggerated or even buffoonish. That would never work in an actual intelligence agency. However, this creative choice allows the students to shine and adds a sense of humor that keeps things light and fun.
The artwork is another strong element of the graphic novel. The depiction of the spy school includes traditional stone buildings and a historic-looking campus. These visuals make the setting feel grounded and believable. The art helps the spy world feel just real enough to draw readers in.
Ben, the main character, is incredibly easy to root for. He is awkward in all the right ways, which makes him both relatable and endearing. The supporting cast includes a variety of interesting personalities. Each one brings unique quirks and strengths to the story. The romantic subplots unfolding on campus are also charming. They feel very reminiscent of what students might experience in middle or high school.
Overall, Spy School: The Graphic Novel is an entertaining and well-executed story. It balances humor, mystery, and adventure while staying relatable for younger readers. Fans of spy fiction who are looking for something fun and fresh will find plenty to enjoy in this book.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the banter between characters. Their dialogue feels authentic to middle and high school students. It is awkward, funny, and occasionally a little over the top in the best way. The action scenes stand out as well. Each one feels exciting and suspenseful without becoming too intense or unrealistic for the target age group. The story offers just enough danger to feel thrilling while still feeling grounded.
The plot features plenty of twists, turns, and misdirections. These elements are similar to what you would expect in the best of the espionage genre. Setting the story in a spy academy for adolescents adds a fresh and unique spin to a familiar format. The younger characters are given real mysteries to solve. They often use critical thinking and observation to piece things together. Their efforts feel meaningful and believable, even within the more playful tone of the story.
At times, the series can feel a bit hokey. These kids are not running real-world espionage missions. However, that is part of the charm. The adults in the story often come off as exaggerated or even buffoonish. That would never work in an actual intelligence agency. However, this creative choice allows the students to shine and adds a sense of humor that keeps things light and fun.
The artwork is another strong element of the graphic novel. The depiction of the spy school includes traditional stone buildings and a historic-looking campus. These visuals make the setting feel grounded and believable. The art helps the spy world feel just real enough to draw readers in.
Ben, the main character, is incredibly easy to root for. He is awkward in all the right ways, which makes him both relatable and endearing. The supporting cast includes a variety of interesting personalities. Each one brings unique quirks and strengths to the story. The romantic subplots unfolding on campus are also charming. They feel very reminiscent of what students might experience in middle or high school.
Overall, Spy School: The Graphic Novel is an entertaining and well-executed story. It balances humor, mystery, and adventure while staying relatable for younger readers. Fans of spy fiction who are looking for something fun and fresh will find plenty to enjoy in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews