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Rapunzel's Revenge #2
Calamity Jack
Jack likes to think of himself as a criminal mastermind...with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, plotter, planner, trickster, swindler...maybe even thief? One fine day Jack picks a target a little more giant than the usual, and one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk.
With help from Rapunzel (and her trusty braids), a pixie from Jack's past, and a man with inventions from the future, they just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of good people ....while catapulting themselves and readers into another fantastical adventure.
With help from Rapunzel (and her trusty braids), a pixie from Jack's past, and a man with inventions from the future, they just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of good people ....while catapulting themselves and readers into another fantastical adventure.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2010
57 people are currently reading
3611 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Hale
145 books14.1k followersShannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews
February 8, 2014
“Calamity Jack” is a brilliant sequel to Shannon and Dean Hale’s ever popular classic “Rapunzel’s Revenge” and this graphic novel is a great retelling of the classic fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk.” “Calamity Jack” is one of the most brilliant sequels that both adults and children will love for ages.
Ever since Jack was a little child, he would always scheme to take other people’s possessions to the distress of his hardworking mother. One day, however, a giant named Blunderboar came in to Jack’s mother’s store and while he brought some bread from her, his head smashes the top of the doorway to the store, which upset both Jack and his mother since Blunderboar refused to pay for the damage and Jack and his mother did not have enough money to fix it.
So Jack hatched a plan to go into Blunderboar’s penthouse to steal his goose to get back at Blunderboar, unfortunately Jack does not know how to get into Blunderboar’s penthouse. So, Jack buys some magic beans from a mysterious person and when Jack threw the beans into the ground, they grew into a beanstalk and Jack was able to climb onto the beanstalk and get inside Blunderboar’s penthouse and steal the goose that laid the golden eggs. Unfortunately, the beanstalk ending up uprooting Blunderboar’s penthouse and Jack accidentally killed one of Blunderboar’s henchmen when he was trying to cut down the beanstalk to stop it from uprooting Blunderboar’s penthouse. After Jack escapes from the city, Blunderboar is furious and he vows to get back at Jack at all costs.
Now that Jack has met up with Rapunzel in the last book, he and Rapunzel go back to Jack’s hometown and they discovered that Blunderboar has taken over the city while vicious ant people terrorize the citizens. Along with their new ally, Freddie, Rapunzel and Jack try to save the people from Blunderboar’s tyranny.
Shannon and Dean Hale have done it again in this classic retelling of a popular tale “Jack and the Beanstalk” and they made Jack in this tale just as shrewd and cunning as his original version and children will love the “Jack and the Beanstalk” reference in this book as it is more modernized since Jack lives in a city in this version. Also, Shannon and Dean Hale has done a superb job at telling the story from Jack’s point of view instead of Rapunzel’s, making the audience relate more to Jack as he struggles to become one of the good guys. Nathan Hale’s illustrations are much more improved in this book as the characters look much smoother than in “Rapunzel’s Revenge” as Jack and Rapunzel’s faces look much smoother and less rough. Also, Nathan Hale makes the scenery much different in this book as the book takes place in a city rather than the western ranch city in “Rapunzel’s Revenge” and the city looks like a city from the 1600s.
“Calamity Jack” is a great sequel to a brilliant retelling of a classic fairy tale that adults and children will love for many years. I would recommend this book from children ages six and up since small children might not understand the fairy tale parody in this book.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
January 23, 2016
I usually don't like to use the word delightful because it reminds me of delicious so than I think of food and graphic novels are not food. But somehow I just think this is delightful.
As a sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge it’s pretty darn good. Now we get the point of view of Jack -obviously- and he is a funny character. It starts off pretty much right were Rapuzel's story leaves off. It gives a quick background at what Jack was up to even before he met Rapuzel. You know where he gets the magic beans and steals the goose.
Both Rapunzel and Jack are still a great team and the two new characters make it just that much funnier than the last. I was interested in the story more than I thought I would be too.
Just swallowed this up with ease. I still prefer novels but as a graphic novel this is delightful. Now I've read nearly all of Hale's work!
As a sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge it’s pretty darn good. Now we get the point of view of Jack -obviously- and he is a funny character. It starts off pretty much right were Rapuzel's story leaves off. It gives a quick background at what Jack was up to even before he met Rapuzel. You know where he gets the magic beans and steals the goose.
Both Rapunzel and Jack are still a great team and the two new characters make it just that much funnier than the last. I was interested in the story more than I thought I would be too.
Just swallowed this up with ease. I still prefer novels but as a graphic novel this is delightful. Now I've read nearly all of Hale's work!
February 23, 2025
1 Sentence Summary: Jack returns to his hometown, which has been taken over by giants, and with the help of Rapunzel attempts to set things right again.
My Thoughts: Great follow up to Rapunzel’s Revenge. It was fun to see some of Jack’s backstory. And to watch their romance develop. Lots more adventures and intrigue and hair lassoing!
Recommend to: People who enjoyed Rapunzel’s Revenge
(Warnings: death)
My Thoughts: Great follow up to Rapunzel’s Revenge. It was fun to see some of Jack’s backstory. And to watch their romance develop. Lots more adventures and intrigue and hair lassoing!
Recommend to: People who enjoyed Rapunzel’s Revenge
(Warnings: death)
September 21, 2020
Ok.Not as good as Rapunzels Revenge
August 19, 2024
This was a very enjoyable book but not quite as good as the first book. Because this was continuing the same story we didn’t get many new characters and because it was so short I didn’t fall in love with the characters or anything. But other than that I really loved Rapunzel and Jack and I’m glad I read this book. If you haven’t read these books yet I think you should at least read the first. You won’t regret it.
EDIT REREAD: This one was good but the first is usually the best for me and it was this time. It was too cheesy sometimes and kind of boring but other than those things I liked it. My thoughts on it are mostly the same as my original review.
EDIT REREAD: This one was good but the first is usually the best for me and it was this time. It was too cheesy sometimes and kind of boring but other than those things I liked it. My thoughts on it are mostly the same as my original review.
October 14, 2019
I loved Rapunzel’s Revenge, so I figured I would love Calamity Jack as well.
In the end, I did, but it was a slow start. Jack is a bit of a con artist, and is not really very likable, when we first meet him. However, he grows on you, and once things started clicking, I was cheating for him just as much as Rapunzel was.
Still set in the odd sort of Western time, with ogres and giants and fun stuff like that.
If you can get past Jack’s backstory, and see his heart, you will like this second book.
In the end, I did, but it was a slow start. Jack is a bit of a con artist, and is not really very likable, when we first meet him. However, he grows on you, and once things started clicking, I was cheating for him just as much as Rapunzel was.
Still set in the odd sort of Western time, with ogres and giants and fun stuff like that.
If you can get past Jack’s backstory, and see his heart, you will like this second book.
June 9, 2022
*review to come*
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Jack has long been a trickster - he's just not had the best of luck. When a heist involving magic beans, a beanstalk, and giants goes wrong, Jack leaves town. After his adventures with Rapunzel (in RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE), Jack returns home to Shyport only to discover that the giant, Blunderboar, is in charge, the city is in ruins thanks to an infestation of ant people, and his mother is being held captive and is in charge of baking bones into bread. It's up to Jack and Rapunzel to save the day!
I'm often asked to give booktalks on great books for tweens and I always inlcude the Hale's first graphic novel outing, RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE (and now CALAMITY JACK!). These two books are a librarian's dream come true! The Hales combine witty dialogue, action and adventure, beautifully detailed artwork, and lots of humor to create the perfect graphic novel. I would give this one to anyone who is not convinced in the value of graphic novels or anyone who's a newbie to the style. (And of course old fans, too!)
The fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is given the steampunk treatment in CALAMITY JACK, and those looking for a great adventure read will devour this one. There's even a cute bit of romance thrown in, so I think this book will have wide appeal. It is a sequel to RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE, but readers don't necessarily have to read the first one to pick this one up. The book starts with Jack's past and gives us a little information on how Jack and Rapunzel met, so I doubt readers will feel lost.
As I mentioned, the dialogue is very witty - there were a few lines I just had to read aloud to my husband because they were too great to keep to myself. The artwork is very detailed - young Jack is pictured with his tongue out while thinking and we get a glimpse that he hasn't lost this habit as an adult. It's this attention to detail that make the art stand out. The text and illustrations pair perfectly and work together, which makes this an excellent example of a graphic novel. (And be sure to check out the inside cover page for a peek at our authors and illustrator snuck into the artwork.)
This is a book to share, to pass around to friends, and re-read, because each time you'll see something new. I'm hoping we can look forward to more graphic novels from this creative team - I'd love to see their take on other fairy tales.
Jack has long been a trickster - he's just not had the best of luck. When a heist involving magic beans, a beanstalk, and giants goes wrong, Jack leaves town. After his adventures with Rapunzel (in RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE), Jack returns home to Shyport only to discover that the giant, Blunderboar, is in charge, the city is in ruins thanks to an infestation of ant people, and his mother is being held captive and is in charge of baking bones into bread. It's up to Jack and Rapunzel to save the day!
I'm often asked to give booktalks on great books for tweens and I always inlcude the Hale's first graphic novel outing, RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE (and now CALAMITY JACK!). These two books are a librarian's dream come true! The Hales combine witty dialogue, action and adventure, beautifully detailed artwork, and lots of humor to create the perfect graphic novel. I would give this one to anyone who is not convinced in the value of graphic novels or anyone who's a newbie to the style. (And of course old fans, too!)
The fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is given the steampunk treatment in CALAMITY JACK, and those looking for a great adventure read will devour this one. There's even a cute bit of romance thrown in, so I think this book will have wide appeal. It is a sequel to RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE, but readers don't necessarily have to read the first one to pick this one up. The book starts with Jack's past and gives us a little information on how Jack and Rapunzel met, so I doubt readers will feel lost.
As I mentioned, the dialogue is very witty - there were a few lines I just had to read aloud to my husband because they were too great to keep to myself. The artwork is very detailed - young Jack is pictured with his tongue out while thinking and we get a glimpse that he hasn't lost this habit as an adult. It's this attention to detail that make the art stand out. The text and illustrations pair perfectly and work together, which makes this an excellent example of a graphic novel. (And be sure to check out the inside cover page for a peek at our authors and illustrator snuck into the artwork.)
This is a book to share, to pass around to friends, and re-read, because each time you'll see something new. I'm hoping we can look forward to more graphic novels from this creative team - I'd love to see their take on other fairy tales.
June 11, 2010
I was looking forward to read the sequel of Rapunzel's Revenge, and it was fun to read but not necessarily as cool as the first.
The story has switched gears and our main character is Jack and as the reader we get to see what his past is all about and how did he ever get that goose? Well we get find out here, and see Jack back in his hometurf.
It was funny and the illustrations and the placements are really just great and I could only imagine how much work is put into them. I missed that Rapunzel's pigtails were no longer on her head, but change can be good. What this one was missing was that I really didn't get that fairytale feel like I did with the previous one. I didn't feel as invested in the story as I like to be. I'm guessing that the setting of Rapunzel's story fit better with the characters. This is targeted towards a younger audience who will be sure to love it, but it didn't capture me as much as the first.
Still give it a try if you have read the first and come away with a good laugh.
The story has switched gears and our main character is Jack and as the reader we get to see what his past is all about and how did he ever get that goose? Well we get find out here, and see Jack back in his hometurf.
It was funny and the illustrations and the placements are really just great and I could only imagine how much work is put into them. I missed that Rapunzel's pigtails were no longer on her head, but change can be good. What this one was missing was that I really didn't get that fairytale feel like I did with the previous one. I didn't feel as invested in the story as I like to be. I'm guessing that the setting of Rapunzel's story fit better with the characters. This is targeted towards a younger audience who will be sure to love it, but it didn't capture me as much as the first.
Still give it a try if you have read the first and come away with a good laugh.
July 11, 2017
We recently read Rapunzel's Revenge and were excited to see that there was a sequel to the story. This second book in the series offers an unusual take on the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, with some interesting twists, danger and some romance thrown in for good measure.
It was a quick, entertaining read and I enjoyed how the authors incorporated different fairy tales into the one story. I love how spunky and adventurous Rapunzel is and I really enjoyed the graphic novel format. I also liked Jack's dilemma about trying to make up for his wayward youth. Our oldest also really enjoyed reading this book and we hope that more stories will be forthcoming.
July 2017 update: Reread this book following our children's book club meeting featuring graphic novels. It's a terrific story and a fun, fast read. Certainly worth a second read!
It was a quick, entertaining read and I enjoyed how the authors incorporated different fairy tales into the one story. I love how spunky and adventurous Rapunzel is and I really enjoyed the graphic novel format. I also liked Jack's dilemma about trying to make up for his wayward youth. Our oldest also really enjoyed reading this book and we hope that more stories will be forthcoming.
July 2017 update: Reread this book following our children's book club meeting featuring graphic novels. It's a terrific story and a fun, fast read. Certainly worth a second read!
September 24, 2023
Art is OK. Story is OK. And most of this is kind of OK. I really wish I could say more of this collection, but very rarely was I not finding myself going through a variation of common motions in regards to plot, dialogue, and "twists". The artwork was alright, but I've seen so many great works lately that I can't notch this any higher than "it works". Maybe someone with a fascination with Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel will find this amazing...but even diehards might be a bit let down.
February 20, 2010
I had the pleasure of reading Rapunzel's Revenge for the 2008 Cybils. Shortly after the Cybils ended, Nathan Hale, the illustrator, posted sketches of the sequel, Calamity Jack. Thus began my year long obsession of waiting for the sequel.
On page 50 of Rapunzel's Revenge Jack gives a quick explanation of why he's hiding out in the badlands of Gothel's Reach. It's a throw away line, two sentences long. Calamity Jack fills in the blanks of that story as Jack and Rapunzel travel to the city to set things right.
Before Jack and Rapunzel arrive in town to stop the ant people and bring down another tyrant Jack reveals his past. His story as expected is a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk but in an urban setting. Jack also goes into his history and transformation from schemer and petty crook to the character we meet in the first book.
Most of Jack's transformation is told through Nathan Hale's excellent illustrations. I especially like the panels on page 13 that begin to show Jack's insecurities.
From page 40 onwards the focus is on Jack's return to the City with Rapunzel. Quickly they are in the middle of trouble with the Ant People terrorizing the train they're on and later the City itself. The trolls are using the ants as an excuse to run the town with an iron fist. With the help of a plucky and technology obsessed newspaper man they decide to put an end to Blunderboar's monopoly over the City.
I loved Calamity Jack. I have to admit to having a literary crush on Jack. So having a graphic novel centered on him was two days of pure reading joy.
The comic ends on a romantic cliff hanger and I'm hoping it means that there might be a third adventure in the future.
I bought the book for review.
On page 50 of Rapunzel's Revenge Jack gives a quick explanation of why he's hiding out in the badlands of Gothel's Reach. It's a throw away line, two sentences long. Calamity Jack fills in the blanks of that story as Jack and Rapunzel travel to the city to set things right.
Before Jack and Rapunzel arrive in town to stop the ant people and bring down another tyrant Jack reveals his past. His story as expected is a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk but in an urban setting. Jack also goes into his history and transformation from schemer and petty crook to the character we meet in the first book.
Most of Jack's transformation is told through Nathan Hale's excellent illustrations. I especially like the panels on page 13 that begin to show Jack's insecurities.
From page 40 onwards the focus is on Jack's return to the City with Rapunzel. Quickly they are in the middle of trouble with the Ant People terrorizing the train they're on and later the City itself. The trolls are using the ants as an excuse to run the town with an iron fist. With the help of a plucky and technology obsessed newspaper man they decide to put an end to Blunderboar's monopoly over the City.
I loved Calamity Jack. I have to admit to having a literary crush on Jack. So having a graphic novel centered on him was two days of pure reading joy.
The comic ends on a romantic cliff hanger and I'm hoping it means that there might be a third adventure in the future.
I bought the book for review.
February 9, 2017
I think Calamity Jack was better than the first book in the series. It had a more consistent pace, and a larger cast of characters. Of course there were a ton of characters in Rapunzel's Revenge, but they were all very minor characters who were only an active part of the story for a few pages. Pru and Freddie on the other hand were actually important characters, and were there throughout the entire book. The writing style is still simplistic, and the plot is still cliché, but if you enjoyed the first book in the series, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
October 23, 2010
One Sentence Review: I loved Rapunzel's Revenge and this sequel is nice but it seemed to have an entirely different flavor that its predecessor, a fact that ultimately doesn't work in its favor.
May 13, 2010
I actually liked this better than the first one! I love the character of Jack, and really enjoyed finding out his backstory. The jabberwocky and the bandersnatch were great, too!
March 3, 2010
Cute! Not as good as the first book, but very cute.
December 28, 2014
Favorite graphic novel series...I want more! :)
February 13, 2015
Meh. Rapunzel's Revenge was much better. This was a bizarre hodge-podge of whatever. Sorry. Didn't do it for me.
November 13, 2025
Shannon Hale I love you so much I love Jack I love Rapunzel I love the indigenous rep I love idiots to lovers I love retellings I love character development I love it when kids love their moms and I love you Shannon hale 🫶🏽
July 3, 2020
4.5- I really love the illustrations, and the plot was interesting and it added a good twist to the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story. The ending was a little cliche for me, but overall, it was a good read.
June 26, 2024
I liked it
July 9, 2021
I loved this book! A great mix of adventure, romance and graphic novels.
April 16, 2016
Find this review and more fantastical things at The Leaning Tower of Tomes.
The review:
+ In Calamity Jack, it is our prankster and thief Jack who takes center stage with Rapunzel as his backup. It’s a creative take on the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, and focuses a lot on Jack’s inner conflict about being a “good” guy when he thinks he’s “bad”, and his insecurities and moral questionings. Jack seems more of an intimate character than Rapunzel does, back in Rapunzel’s Revenge. Rapunzel’s still being absolutely bad-ass here, but this is Jack’s time to shine, and we get a surprising amount of backstory regarding him.
+ I enjoyed the steam-punk and western flair of these graphic novels, although Calamity Jack takes place in an industrial city run-over and being run by giants. The giants, the villains of the story (as well as some random, frightening ant people), were pretty despicable and one-dimensional. They’re bad guys, they’re horrible, they eat people — and our heroes are out to stop them and save the city!
+ In terms of the artwork, I think it has improved since Rapunzel’s Revenge. Characters’ faces look smoother and more consistent, or, as another reviewer pointed out, maybe I’m just getting used to Nathan Hale’s art style. In any case, I found I didn’t have as many problems with the illustrations in Calamity Jack than I did in the previous book, where I wasn’t a huge fan of the artwork.
+ This book is pretty open-ended in a really sweet way, so there’s definitely room for a third book. Also, I’ll briefly mention that I appreciate having a brave, funny, and likable Native American protagonist. We need more of the better-known European-originated fairy tale retellings led by racially diverse characters.)
+ In the end, Calamity Jack was an entertaining, quick graphic novel read. It’s quite different from Rapunzel’s Revenge, but still fun and quirky and action-packed. I might like Calamity Jack better than Rapunzel’s Revenge, actually (and I don’t dislike Rapunzel’s Revenge as much as my mini-review of it seems to imply). ♦
So tell me...
Have you read Calamity Jack? Or Rapunzel’s Revenge? If you haven’t, would you be interested to? Comment below letting me know! And, as always, happy reading!
Follow me @ toweroftomes on Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | and Bloglovin’!
The review:
+ In Calamity Jack, it is our prankster and thief Jack who takes center stage with Rapunzel as his backup. It’s a creative take on the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, and focuses a lot on Jack’s inner conflict about being a “good” guy when he thinks he’s “bad”, and his insecurities and moral questionings. Jack seems more of an intimate character than Rapunzel does, back in Rapunzel’s Revenge. Rapunzel’s still being absolutely bad-ass here, but this is Jack’s time to shine, and we get a surprising amount of backstory regarding him.
+ I enjoyed the steam-punk and western flair of these graphic novels, although Calamity Jack takes place in an industrial city run-over and being run by giants. The giants, the villains of the story (as well as some random, frightening ant people), were pretty despicable and one-dimensional. They’re bad guys, they’re horrible, they eat people — and our heroes are out to stop them and save the city!
+ In terms of the artwork, I think it has improved since Rapunzel’s Revenge. Characters’ faces look smoother and more consistent, or, as another reviewer pointed out, maybe I’m just getting used to Nathan Hale’s art style. In any case, I found I didn’t have as many problems with the illustrations in Calamity Jack than I did in the previous book, where I wasn’t a huge fan of the artwork.
+ This book is pretty open-ended in a really sweet way, so there’s definitely room for a third book. Also, I’ll briefly mention that I appreciate having a brave, funny, and likable Native American protagonist. We need more of the better-known European-originated fairy tale retellings led by racially diverse characters.)
+ In the end, Calamity Jack was an entertaining, quick graphic novel read. It’s quite different from Rapunzel’s Revenge, but still fun and quirky and action-packed. I might like Calamity Jack better than Rapunzel’s Revenge, actually (and I don’t dislike Rapunzel’s Revenge as much as my mini-review of it seems to imply). ♦
So tell me...
Have you read Calamity Jack? Or Rapunzel’s Revenge? If you haven’t, would you be interested to? Comment below letting me know! And, as always, happy reading!
Follow me @ toweroftomes on Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | and Bloglovin’!
August 1, 2015
It's pretty much exactly what you hope for if you liked the first one: more great interaction between Jack and Rapunzel, some nifty backstory for Jack that really lets you feel his connection to his family and his shame at the things he's done, and some great steampunk action and fighting sequences that are easy to follow and visually entertaining to read. The dialogue and asides seemed a little clearer and less cluttered in this volume as compared to the first one, and I kinda liked the introduction of a new character that made Jack think about whether he had competition for Rapunzel's romantic attention. (I don't know about how well it was handled, as it never got complicated and there was never REALLY a contest, but I wouldn't really highlight the interpersonal complexity between characters as one of the strengths of this volume, which is okay because it has many other strengths.)
I liked that Rapunzel kept proving that she was a force to be reckoned with, and I liked how creative Jack sometimes got. I wasn't a huge fan of how one-dimensional the villain's plan was, because I actually really think people would have smelled a rat if a new city authority rose to power and then suddenly there was a rampaging ant army to fight and the only targets the ants strike are enemies or competition of said city authority. The other thing I really got irritated at was that there were these weird brownie creatures who worked for the bad guys and would scream as a way to drive invaders out, and the way they dealt with them was to send pixies up to them and distract them by FLIRTING WITH THEM. Which was played as funny. It's kind of unusual for something with Hale's influence in it to depict female characters this way--as a group of lady characters literally using (diluted, not-too-explicit) sex appeal to defeat the enemy. Who was of course entirely a group of male characters, and certainly every single one was heterosexual and charmed by the sudden appearance of female strangers. I would have needed more background on both brownie culture and pixie culture to not see that as contrived and sort of a very strange message.
I also thought it was weird that Rapunzel literally told Jack she loved him at one point and then later in the story he was STILL whining about how he might have to accept defeat because Rapunzel might like Frankie better. Still, they're cute together and it was nice to see their relationship deepening.
Visually the book was really good and clear and enjoyable, and I love the facial expressions. I would recommend this for people who liked the first one and like fairy tale stuff with more action.
I liked that Rapunzel kept proving that she was a force to be reckoned with, and I liked how creative Jack sometimes got. I wasn't a huge fan of how one-dimensional the villain's plan was, because I actually really think people would have smelled a rat if a new city authority rose to power and then suddenly there was a rampaging ant army to fight and the only targets the ants strike are enemies or competition of said city authority. The other thing I really got irritated at was that there were these weird brownie creatures who worked for the bad guys and would scream as a way to drive invaders out, and the way they dealt with them was to send pixies up to them and distract them by FLIRTING WITH THEM. Which was played as funny. It's kind of unusual for something with Hale's influence in it to depict female characters this way--as a group of lady characters literally using (diluted, not-too-explicit) sex appeal to defeat the enemy. Who was of course entirely a group of male characters, and certainly every single one was heterosexual and charmed by the sudden appearance of female strangers. I would have needed more background on both brownie culture and pixie culture to not see that as contrived and sort of a very strange message.
I also thought it was weird that Rapunzel literally told Jack she loved him at one point and then later in the story he was STILL whining about how he might have to accept defeat because Rapunzel might like Frankie better. Still, they're cute together and it was nice to see their relationship deepening.
Visually the book was really good and clear and enjoyable, and I love the facial expressions. I would recommend this for people who liked the first one and like fairy tale stuff with more action.
June 19, 2017
Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
Calamity Jack by Shannon and Deal Hale is the sequel to their first graphic novel, Rapunzel's Revenge. I picked up Rapunzel's Revenge a while ago, because I had just finished reading some of Shannon's other books, and I loved them. When I went to the library to grab the copy on reserve, I was shocked to see that it was a graphic novel. I hadn't read any previously and wasn't interested in starting. But, I was in a hurry and my indecisiveness made me hesitate long enough that I decided I would just take the copy for now, and bring it back later. But, I was bored, still had the book and started to read it. And, I read it in one sitting because I found it to be positively delightful.
So, when I heard that they were writing a sequel told from Jack's perspective, I knew I had to read it. And it was just as delightfully fun as the first novel! Jack and Rapunzel have a great relationship. Their banter and the way they play off of each other never fails to make me laugh. This is Jack's story of climbing up the beanstalk and taking on the giants. Where Rapunzel's story was mostly in the wild's of the west, Jack's story puts us right in the middle of the industrial city.
Jack is a crazy character. He's mischievous, tricksy, and a lot less devious than he thinks he is. He fancies himself a bit of a criminal genius, but he's rather a bit more of a bumbler, who sometimes gets lucky. But, when Rapunzel is with him, with her crazy awesome hair and hard-core butt kicking abilities, things usually go much smoother.
I will admit that I didn't like this book as much as I liked Rapunzel's Revenge. I truly enjoyed it, I laughed just as much as before, but there was just a little something missing for me. It just wan't quite... there, the way that Rapunzel's story was for me. But it's definitely worth the read, especially if you read and enjoyed Rapunzel's story.
I will say that both of these books are awesome for reluctant readers. They are both fast paced, the dialogue is perfect and the drawings are fabulous. I am much more open to reading graphic novels after reading these books because when done right, the pictures add a whole new layer of depth and you catch nuances that weren't there before.
Calamity Jack by Shannon and Deal Hale is the sequel to their first graphic novel, Rapunzel's Revenge. I picked up Rapunzel's Revenge a while ago, because I had just finished reading some of Shannon's other books, and I loved them. When I went to the library to grab the copy on reserve, I was shocked to see that it was a graphic novel. I hadn't read any previously and wasn't interested in starting. But, I was in a hurry and my indecisiveness made me hesitate long enough that I decided I would just take the copy for now, and bring it back later. But, I was bored, still had the book and started to read it. And, I read it in one sitting because I found it to be positively delightful.
So, when I heard that they were writing a sequel told from Jack's perspective, I knew I had to read it. And it was just as delightfully fun as the first novel! Jack and Rapunzel have a great relationship. Their banter and the way they play off of each other never fails to make me laugh. This is Jack's story of climbing up the beanstalk and taking on the giants. Where Rapunzel's story was mostly in the wild's of the west, Jack's story puts us right in the middle of the industrial city.
Jack is a crazy character. He's mischievous, tricksy, and a lot less devious than he thinks he is. He fancies himself a bit of a criminal genius, but he's rather a bit more of a bumbler, who sometimes gets lucky. But, when Rapunzel is with him, with her crazy awesome hair and hard-core butt kicking abilities, things usually go much smoother.
I will admit that I didn't like this book as much as I liked Rapunzel's Revenge. I truly enjoyed it, I laughed just as much as before, but there was just a little something missing for me. It just wan't quite... there, the way that Rapunzel's story was for me. But it's definitely worth the read, especially if you read and enjoyed Rapunzel's story.
I will say that both of these books are awesome for reluctant readers. They are both fast paced, the dialogue is perfect and the drawings are fabulous. I am much more open to reading graphic novels after reading these books because when done right, the pictures add a whole new layer of depth and you catch nuances that weren't there before.
April 7, 2011
“I like to think of myself as a criminal mastermind... with an unfortunate amount of bad luck.” Thus begins Calamity Jack, the sequel toRapunzel's Revenge. Jack isn't exactly a bad guy, but he has always loved to craft schemes, leading him to spending his childhood as a petty thief. When Jack's mother falls into hard times, Jack knows that he needs to pull off the biggest scheme of his life. But when things go terribly wrong, he's forced to flee. Years later, he returns with intentions of redeeming himself, but his home city of Shyport has changed for the worst. With the help of Rapunzel, Jack knows that he needs to cook up more more scheme, and this time he cannot afford to fail.
In Rapunzel's Revenge, Jack was Rapunzel's romantic interest, and sidekick along with providing much of the comic relief. In Calamity Jack, he takes on the role of leading man very well. Perhaps what I like the most about Jack is the fact that he feels very true to life, despite the clockwork influenced fantasy setting. Jack is someone that's done some rotten things. Despite his intentions, people often get hurt as a result. In Calamity Jack, he tries to prove to both his mother and Rapunzel that he can be a good guy too. I found it interesting that in his quest to prove his worthiness for Rapunzel's love, he often ends up accidentally pushing her away. I felt like this made him feel more like a “real guy,” as I could see plenty of people making similar mistakes.
Calamity Jack is a retelling of the fairy tale Jack in the Beanstalk. I like how the author incorporates original elements of the fairy tale (Jack and the Beanstalk), into the main storyline. Another thing worth noting is the artwork (this is a graphic novel after all). While reading Rapunzel's Revenge, I found I had a few issues with the consistency of the artwork, as well as the clarity of some of the actions scenes. This is not an issue I had with Calamity Jack, although I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that that artist, now more used to drawing the characters, has improved, of that I've become more used to the art style. I liked Nathan Hales designs for some of the more monstrous characters, and found them really unique.
Calamity Jack is a great selection for those who have read and enjoyed Rapunzel's Revenge, and should appeal to new fans as well. I don't know if they're planning on writing a third book, but I will be reading it if they do.
In Rapunzel's Revenge, Jack was Rapunzel's romantic interest, and sidekick along with providing much of the comic relief. In Calamity Jack, he takes on the role of leading man very well. Perhaps what I like the most about Jack is the fact that he feels very true to life, despite the clockwork influenced fantasy setting. Jack is someone that's done some rotten things. Despite his intentions, people often get hurt as a result. In Calamity Jack, he tries to prove to both his mother and Rapunzel that he can be a good guy too. I found it interesting that in his quest to prove his worthiness for Rapunzel's love, he often ends up accidentally pushing her away. I felt like this made him feel more like a “real guy,” as I could see plenty of people making similar mistakes.
Calamity Jack is a retelling of the fairy tale Jack in the Beanstalk. I like how the author incorporates original elements of the fairy tale (Jack and the Beanstalk), into the main storyline. Another thing worth noting is the artwork (this is a graphic novel after all). While reading Rapunzel's Revenge, I found I had a few issues with the consistency of the artwork, as well as the clarity of some of the actions scenes. This is not an issue I had with Calamity Jack, although I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that that artist, now more used to drawing the characters, has improved, of that I've become more used to the art style. I liked Nathan Hales designs for some of the more monstrous characters, and found them really unique.
Calamity Jack is a great selection for those who have read and enjoyed Rapunzel's Revenge, and should appeal to new fans as well. I don't know if they're planning on writing a third book, but I will be reading it if they do.
September 22, 2024
What a perfect sequel. I find myself genuinely unsure of which of the two books is 'better'!
Part of that may be that this doesn't feel like a continuation. Switching to Jack's POV allows this to become its own narrative that almost stands just fine alone. I personally like the familial tension better in this book, since Jack's mother is such a wonderful character. At the same time, there's a miscommunication/jealousy conflict! On my fourth or so read, though, I find I really don't mind. Then again, there's the weird "civilized city vs uncivilized Wild West" dichotomy... But then you also have a really exciting "cops are in on it" plot I think serves as a great springboard to larger issues for children. If this paragraph seems muddled, that's because that is exactly how I feel trying to put one book above the other. It may well come down to which character you like better.
Little things:
All the new characters are wonderful! I wish that but largely I felt they were compelling and well-written (and -illustrated!)
The plot is adorably simple and strong-- like the last book! Everything is fairly tightly wound, and the internal and external conflicts mix seamlessly.
The worldbuilding is INCREDIBLE; I completely believed that this took place in the same universe as Gothel's land while being far enough away to encourage a completely different culture, landscape, and architectural style. I wish more fantasy worlds were this realistic-- if you went from one side of America to the other you wouldn't find the same city on both sides, so why do that in fantasy? Honestly, I'd be willing to see even more of this world.
The romance is heart-meltingly cute, to the point that I still squee over it as an adult. And how often do you get to squee?
I can't speak at all as to the accuracy of Native American representation here. I will say, again, that I am just plain glad a man of color gets to be a love interest and have his own story. Jack is such an instant favorite character.
In short: have you read Rapunzel's Revenge? Read this. Have you not read Rapunzel's Revenge? Read both. Hope this recommendation proves instructive.
Part of that may be that this doesn't feel like a continuation. Switching to Jack's POV allows this to become its own narrative that almost stands just fine alone. I personally like the familial tension better in this book, since Jack's mother is such a wonderful character. At the same time, there's a miscommunication/jealousy conflict! On my fourth or so read, though, I find I really don't mind. Then again, there's the weird "civilized city vs uncivilized Wild West" dichotomy... But then you also have a really exciting "cops are in on it" plot I think serves as a great springboard to larger issues for children. If this paragraph seems muddled, that's because that is exactly how I feel trying to put one book above the other. It may well come down to which character you like better.
Little things:
All the new characters are wonderful! I wish that but largely I felt they were compelling and well-written (and -illustrated!)
The plot is adorably simple and strong-- like the last book! Everything is fairly tightly wound, and the internal and external conflicts mix seamlessly.
The worldbuilding is INCREDIBLE; I completely believed that this took place in the same universe as Gothel's land while being far enough away to encourage a completely different culture, landscape, and architectural style. I wish more fantasy worlds were this realistic-- if you went from one side of America to the other you wouldn't find the same city on both sides, so why do that in fantasy? Honestly, I'd be willing to see even more of this world.
The romance is heart-meltingly cute, to the point that I still squee over it as an adult. And how often do you get to squee?
I can't speak at all as to the accuracy of Native American representation here. I will say, again, that I am just plain glad a man of color gets to be a love interest and have his own story. Jack is such an instant favorite character.
In short: have you read Rapunzel's Revenge? Read this. Have you not read Rapunzel's Revenge? Read both. Hope this recommendation proves instructive.
September 24, 2012
Calamity Jack: by Shannon & Dean Hale, Illustrated by Nathan Hale. Genre: Fiction, Romance, Action. 144 pages
For people who haven't read the book, This Review contains spoilers!
This book is a sequel to the book Rapunzel's Revenge. This book talks about the story of Jack -the one from Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack, in the story is accused a murderer because he had cut down the beanstalk and made a giant fall and die. The leader of the giants, Blunderboar, who would eat bread made from ground human-bones and the richest person in Jack's hometown "Clan Park", had executed an demonic plan to secretly kidnap humans, while being a hero who protects them. He put other giants in ant-human disguises and sent them out on raids to the town. Soon after, the people who couldn't take on the force of the giants, were taken away (known to people as, eaten by the "giant-ant-huamns") and were hopelessly running away. Blunderboar, then took place and used some more giants as guards and polices to take care of the ant-humans, and officially took over the security of the town from the mayor. This plan; however, was discovered by Jack and his gang (Rapunzel, "Pru" the pixie, and "Freddie" the mechanic and Journalist) during their search & rescue of Jack's mother, who was the baker of the town, taken away and lock up to back human-bone-bread for Blunderboar. At the end, Rapunzel and Jack takes down Blunderboar, who was on his run. into the sea and once again, become heroes.
My favorite part of this book was the action part, when Jack and the gang sneaked in to Blunderboar's lair -largest tower in the center of the city with various, numerous guards. The amount of action and gag was major and gave me a great time while I read this section. Not to mention the part where Pur became mad at Jack because of his last attempt to sneak in to Blunderboar's lair, he left out Pur and went on his own, and betrayed the gang and told Blunderboar about the plan to intrude; thus, putting the whole group in great danger.
For people who haven't read the book, This Review contains spoilers!
This book is a sequel to the book Rapunzel's Revenge. This book talks about the story of Jack -the one from Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack, in the story is accused a murderer because he had cut down the beanstalk and made a giant fall and die. The leader of the giants, Blunderboar, who would eat bread made from ground human-bones and the richest person in Jack's hometown "Clan Park", had executed an demonic plan to secretly kidnap humans, while being a hero who protects them. He put other giants in ant-human disguises and sent them out on raids to the town. Soon after, the people who couldn't take on the force of the giants, were taken away (known to people as, eaten by the "giant-ant-huamns") and were hopelessly running away. Blunderboar, then took place and used some more giants as guards and polices to take care of the ant-humans, and officially took over the security of the town from the mayor. This plan; however, was discovered by Jack and his gang (Rapunzel, "Pru" the pixie, and "Freddie" the mechanic and Journalist) during their search & rescue of Jack's mother, who was the baker of the town, taken away and lock up to back human-bone-bread for Blunderboar. At the end, Rapunzel and Jack takes down Blunderboar, who was on his run. into the sea and once again, become heroes.
My favorite part of this book was the action part, when Jack and the gang sneaked in to Blunderboar's lair -largest tower in the center of the city with various, numerous guards. The amount of action and gag was major and gave me a great time while I read this section. Not to mention the part where Pur became mad at Jack because of his last attempt to sneak in to Blunderboar's lair, he left out Pur and went on his own, and betrayed the gang and told Blunderboar about the plan to intrude; thus, putting the whole group in great danger.
January 7, 2010
I’m so sorry. I was looking forward to reading this book after reading “Rapunzel's Revenge”. I had told everyone how great Shannon Hale’s book was and how I was looking forward to the second book. “Rapunzel's Revenge” was about a girl over coming bad. This book is about someone that is bad and we are supposed to like him. It didn’t work for me. No matter how you color coat it Jack is a two-bit thief and a liar that never realized he was wrong and never changed. I wouldn’t want to be Rapunzel in a year when she finds Jack gone along with everything of value that she has. Who knows maybe Rapunzel did change him or maybe she will become just part of his band of thieves. What I do know is I won’t be encouraging my friends to read this book to their kids. Shannon should go back to writing books like “The Goose Girl” and “Book of a Thousand Days”. These stories are good well written stories about good over coming bad. Maybe in a world where evil seem to trump good more often Shannon Hale thinks she needs to keep up with the times. If so I will be reading less Shannon Hale.
November 1, 2018
We learn Jack's backstory. Clearly, this is Jack of Beanstalk fame. He lives a life of petty crime, trying to help his mother make ends meet as she's being threatened with having to pay protection money to the "mob" *ahem* I mean, giants. Jack goes for a big final heist, but things go wrong and a giant dies. On the run, he encounters Rapunzel (in book 1), and is now returning with her to see if he can be reunited with his mother and be forgiven for his crimes. His town is being overrun by gigantic ants & the giants have been put in charge of security. But it appears that only the competitors of the giants are being destroyed by rampaging ants.
Also, I thought this was hilarious:
Also, I thought this was hilarious:
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