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Brain Camp
Neither artistic, dreamy Jenna nor surly, delinquent Lucas expected to find themselves at an invitation-only summer camp that turns problem children into prodigies. And yet, here they both are at Camp Fielding, settling in with all the other losers and misfits who've been shipped off by their parents in a last-ditch effort to produce a child worth bragging about.
But strange disappearances, spooky lights in the woods, and a chilling alteration that turns the dimmest, rowdiest campers into docile zombie Einsteins have Jenna and Lucas feeling more than a little suspicious...and a lot afraid.
But strange disappearances, spooky lights in the woods, and a chilling alteration that turns the dimmest, rowdiest campers into docile zombie Einsteins have Jenna and Lucas feeling more than a little suspicious...and a lot afraid.
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
49 people are currently reading
3167 people want to read
About the author
Susan Kim
38 books42 followersSusan Kim & Laurence Klavan cowrote the graphic novels City of Spies and Brain Camp. Susan is also a five-time Emmy nominee for her work in children's television and a Writers Guild Award winner for best documentary. She wrote the stage adaptation of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, teaches writing at Goddard College, and is a blogger for the Huffington Post. When Susan was little, her family spent a lot of time on the road. Susan enjoyed it, but it made her anxious. In Wanderers, Susan explores her worst fears about being far from home and having to rely on people you don't even know, much less trust.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 499 reviews
May 21, 2018
Mulder and Scully go to Summer camp and find Aliens of course. The summer camp turns out to be the Stepford wives, turning out perfectly well behaved smart children. Luckily, the sexual tension helps the two sweethearts keep their heads enough to foil the evil plan of the government and aliens.
The art was fantastic. This is a great middle grade read. I thought it was fun.
The art was fantastic. This is a great middle grade read. I thought it was fun.
February 27, 2018
What an awful piece of writing. I hated this one so much I'll be removing it from my classroom library. It has NO redeeming qualities--other than it's a comic book and kids would like it for that reason only. The writing is awful. The character development is barely there. The plot is nonexistent.
And other reasons it was so bad? Cursing, using the R-word more than once, illustrating one of the character's wet dreams (really!). Ish. I'm mad I spent any money on this horrid book.
And other reasons it was so bad? Cursing, using the R-word more than once, illustrating one of the character's wet dreams (really!). Ish. I'm mad I spent any money on this horrid book.
August 22, 2018
Their parents are terrible people. Their parents knew that their children were going to be brainwashed to be perfect. This is awful and parents should accept who they that they're not perfect Ivy League children. Every child has their strengths and weaknesses. No one is the perfect child and those parents should have known better. Also the ominous ending with the President and the feathers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2013
I really liked the IDEA of this (camp for gifted kids actually seems to be brainwashing them and then it turns out it's because of aliens/the government) but it felt just like kind of rushed and too simplistic?
Also (spoiler I guess whatever)
Faith Hicks' art was cute and great.
IDK, I feel like this could have been really great if it were longer? Or just, I don't know, I guess GNs don't have to be longer to have characters you care about (cough Robot Dreams cough crying forever about it), but just somehow more developed.
But it was a fun quick read and I'd give it to tweens.
Also (spoiler I guess whatever)
Faith Hicks' art was cute and great.
IDK, I feel like this could have been really great if it were longer? Or just, I don't know, I guess GNs don't have to be longer to have characters you care about (cough Robot Dreams cough crying forever about it), but just somehow more developed.
But it was a fun quick read and I'd give it to tweens.
July 11, 2015
3.5/5
February 3, 2016
Are you the kind of person who, when someone else starts to gag or throw up, you instantly feel nauseous? If so, this book may not be for you! The gross out factor is strong with this one. Consider yourself warned. For me, the ickiness only added to the story, but I can easily see myself having a hard time if I had a queasy stomach.
Brain Camp was an interesting read, but ultimately, a let down. The first 1/3 of the book was fantastic! I was hooked into this story of a summer camp that clearly had something that just wasn't quite right. It was creepy, original, and the art made the story even more engrossing. The style of the art is remarkable. It is such a perfect match for the tone of the B-Movie story, very bold. The colouring was also really vivid with a great colour palette.
The let down of this graphic novel was the story and character building in the last 2/3. Things began to quickly spiral in both the plot and the quality of storytelling. Instead of feeling like the book had a well thought out story it was like the whole thing was taken over by a small child. "AND THEN this happens! AND THEN that happens!" with no sense of reason or character. There are times where I was just left wondering why? how? who? what? It didn't feel mysterious or suspenseful. Instead, it was annoying to not have basic questions answered so the story would feel complete. The motivations of the characters are never discussed. The reason for the side effects the campers experience is never even mentioned. Things happen as a matter of convenience, rather than something built into the story.
Brain Camp ended up feeling more slapdash than I would have like. BUT, it was interesting. It's a unique story with some fun twists and turns and fantastic art. I think it would be really enjoyable as long as your expectations weren't set as high as mine.
Brain Camp was an interesting read, but ultimately, a let down. The first 1/3 of the book was fantastic! I was hooked into this story of a summer camp that clearly had something that just wasn't quite right. It was creepy, original, and the art made the story even more engrossing. The style of the art is remarkable. It is such a perfect match for the tone of the B-Movie story, very bold. The colouring was also really vivid with a great colour palette.
The let down of this graphic novel was the story and character building in the last 2/3. Things began to quickly spiral in both the plot and the quality of storytelling. Instead of feeling like the book had a well thought out story it was like the whole thing was taken over by a small child. "AND THEN this happens! AND THEN that happens!" with no sense of reason or character. There are times where I was just left wondering why? how? who? what? It didn't feel mysterious or suspenseful. Instead, it was annoying to not have basic questions answered so the story would feel complete. The motivations of the characters are never discussed. The reason for the side effects the campers experience is never even mentioned. Things happen as a matter of convenience, rather than something built into the story.
Brain Camp ended up feeling more slapdash than I would have like. BUT, it was interesting. It's a unique story with some fun twists and turns and fantastic art. I think it would be really enjoyable as long as your expectations weren't set as high as mine.
June 14, 2016
Great premise, terrible execution.
April 16, 2018
I really wanted to like this graphic novel, but really just didn't. I like Faith Hicks' drawing style, and the cover really drew me in (especially with the spot varnishing on the eyes of all of the creepy zombie kids surrounding our two main characters). What got me about this were the rampant plot holes: Maybe I wasn't a critical/observant enough reader to pick up on some of these things, but unfortunately, by the midpoint of the book, I was so inundated by cliches that I was having trouble paying attention anymore. I also felt really awkward about the random sexual references that surfaced out of nowhere. I think these were meant to lend authenticity, but instead, they just creeped me out.
Ultimately, the main characters' expressions on the cover accurately capture my feelings about this book.
Ultimately, the main characters' expressions on the cover accurately capture my feelings about this book.
September 6, 2016
The best part of this one is Faith Hicks's artwork, which is so inviting and fun. The story is okay, a sort of sci fi/ conspiracy/horror anti-testing story written by two supposedly fine playwrights, Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan, but the funny thing is, the dialogue and story here are not nearly as good as in Hicks's own stuff like The War at Ellsmere or (especially) Friends with Boys and The Adventures of Superhero Girl. It's okay, though improbable on lots of levels (and I don't just mean the whole kids birthing birds bit… this is sci fi, basically, they can do what they want, I guess… though I dod think this goes off the deep end in ridiculous ways…) but it's the sudden kissing, the presumption that the two of the main rebel characters have this chemistry that makes it Work for them against the Man… and the evil camp owner, oy, who gets to be Secretary of Education??!!… this is kinda (very) cheesy compared to the fresher, more reality-based Friends with Boys or even the fresher and funnier newer The Adventures of Superhero Girl story that I love… 2 stars for story and dialogue and 4 for the art…
September 3, 2016
Huh this one was a little weird. Interesting but weird. Only thing I really liked was the art. This wasn't bad or anything but I don't know, I didn't like this as much but at the same time I found something to like which was the art. A weird read.
September 28, 2025
1⭐️ ~ wtf did I just read?!?! I’m convinced this was a fever dream bc WTF I’m scared.
August 6, 2013
Like Zombies Calling, it's basically a B movie in graphic novel format. Fun enough to read, but nothing spectacular. Definitely a creative premise, though. Unfortunately, the characters fall a little flat for me. Great art, though.
December 22, 2017
Um. weird.
It's a creepy (but sorta funny?) tale about summer camp . The story is compelling from the beginning, but seems to really lose steam as the plot progresses.
It almost seems as though the author didn't really know where to go with the story, so decided to end it rather abruptly (and, in my opinion, unsatisfyingly).
While the story itself is appropriate for middle grade-age children, other reviewers have pointed out that the narrative contains several pejorative words, bullying, and verbally abusive relationships between parent and child. Overall, it does not paint a nice picture of the children's lives, but that might be the point.
Still, the illustrations are wonderful and bring out the disturbing Stepford Wives-like atmosphere at the camp. I enjoyed the book, but wished it had been developed a bit more.
It's a creepy (but sorta funny?) tale about summer camp . The story is compelling from the beginning, but seems to really lose steam as the plot progresses.
It almost seems as though the author didn't really know where to go with the story, so decided to end it rather abruptly (and, in my opinion, unsatisfyingly).
While the story itself is appropriate for middle grade-age children, other reviewers have pointed out that the narrative contains several pejorative words, bullying, and verbally abusive relationships between parent and child. Overall, it does not paint a nice picture of the children's lives, but that might be the point.
Still, the illustrations are wonderful and bring out the disturbing Stepford Wives-like atmosphere at the camp. I enjoyed the book, but wished it had been developed a bit more.
November 15, 2015
2.5 stars
February 29, 2024
this book scares me
November 4, 2023
“Something isn’t quite right at Camp Fielding” is the premise for a summer camp-from-hell experience for a pair of young teens.
I actually read this YA graphic novel a few years ago and never reviewed it, and while recently taking a walk through my local library I spotted it and checked it out again. I also re-discovered why I didn’t review it, it just wasn’t that great, but Kathleen and I are honest in our reviews on our blog and I can share reviews even if they aren’t completely positive.
Jenna and Lucas are underachieving teens who mysteriously are selected for an all-expenses-paid summer camp, that they never applied for, under the premise that it will boost their college readiness skills. Their parents eagerly agree and off they go the very next morning arriving a week later than most campers. These two misfits bond with Dwayne and the three immediately notice that something is very off at the camp. Campers seem to be growing intellectually in leaps and bounds, but a strange bird-like creature is controlling the camp directors and feathers ominously appear in connection with unexplained events. When Dwayne is sidelined it is up to Jenna and Lucas to figure out what is happening and try to save all the campers from an insidious plot.
Faith Erin Hicks is a favored author/artist of mine (Friends with Boys, the Nameless City trilogy, Pumpkin Heads and Comics Will Break Your Heart), although in this book she strictly provides the art. And the art is what elevates this meh graphic novel. She draws appealing characters and really shows emotions and nuances that help push the narrative forward.
Taken in parts there are some good elements in the story- there is an attempt to show some racial and socioeconomic diversity, issues with growing teen bodies are addressed, and there is an interesting supernatural twist. But stitched together it didn’t quite work. As I said earlier, the art by FEH elevated the story and I have read many books by her since. I believe a YA audience will enjoy this story and art as they consider how they themselves would save the day as Jenna and Lucas did. (Actual review 3.5/5)
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2020/09/0...
I actually read this YA graphic novel a few years ago and never reviewed it, and while recently taking a walk through my local library I spotted it and checked it out again. I also re-discovered why I didn’t review it, it just wasn’t that great, but Kathleen and I are honest in our reviews on our blog and I can share reviews even if they aren’t completely positive.
Jenna and Lucas are underachieving teens who mysteriously are selected for an all-expenses-paid summer camp, that they never applied for, under the premise that it will boost their college readiness skills. Their parents eagerly agree and off they go the very next morning arriving a week later than most campers. These two misfits bond with Dwayne and the three immediately notice that something is very off at the camp. Campers seem to be growing intellectually in leaps and bounds, but a strange bird-like creature is controlling the camp directors and feathers ominously appear in connection with unexplained events. When Dwayne is sidelined it is up to Jenna and Lucas to figure out what is happening and try to save all the campers from an insidious plot.
Faith Erin Hicks is a favored author/artist of mine (Friends with Boys, the Nameless City trilogy, Pumpkin Heads and Comics Will Break Your Heart), although in this book she strictly provides the art. And the art is what elevates this meh graphic novel. She draws appealing characters and really shows emotions and nuances that help push the narrative forward.
Taken in parts there are some good elements in the story- there is an attempt to show some racial and socioeconomic diversity, issues with growing teen bodies are addressed, and there is an interesting supernatural twist. But stitched together it didn’t quite work. As I said earlier, the art by FEH elevated the story and I have read many books by her since. I believe a YA audience will enjoy this story and art as they consider how they themselves would save the day as Jenna and Lucas did. (Actual review 3.5/5)
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2020/09/0...
December 13, 2018
3.45 stars.
It took me a long time to finally pick this up because I don’t have a very great track-record with its publisher, First Second. I’ve read three other books published by them, Anya’s Ghost, and Boxers and Saints. All of these books were good but… unsettling or unsatisfactory in some way, and that’s the impression I’m left with whenever I think of them.
I think Brain Camp may be my favorite First Second book I’ve read… either this or Saints. The story was interesting but jarring at the same time, because I didn’t really expect it to be as creepy as it was. There’s blood and a gross act of plunging a hand into someone’s throat. When things like that happened it was like I said: Jarring. And I'm someone who likes me some weird shit, okay? But whenever it happened here it always seemed like it came out of left field and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book.
I enjoyed this book overall, however I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the storytelling was smoother. It moved way too fast. One frame they’re here, the next frame they’re there, and it was really… Just, bad and not well done, and I would have liked Brain Camp a lot more if the pacing was better. I mean, there were THREE people working on this book (plus editors and such), and no one caught on to how bad that was? Ever heard of first making a storyboard and mapping out your panels and then revising them before going ahead and inking/colouring something that's way too rushed? No? I can tell. This overarching issue with pacing was the main thing that gave the whole book an unsettling feeling overall.
The art has the same thick cartoony style like most other First Second books, but I liked it.
It took me a long time to finally pick this up because I don’t have a very great track-record with its publisher, First Second. I’ve read three other books published by them, Anya’s Ghost, and Boxers and Saints. All of these books were good but… unsettling or unsatisfactory in some way, and that’s the impression I’m left with whenever I think of them.
I think Brain Camp may be my favorite First Second book I’ve read… either this or Saints. The story was interesting but jarring at the same time, because I didn’t really expect it to be as creepy as it was. There’s blood and a gross act of plunging a hand into someone’s throat. When things like that happened it was like I said: Jarring. And I'm someone who likes me some weird shit, okay? But whenever it happened here it always seemed like it came out of left field and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book.
I enjoyed this book overall, however I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the storytelling was smoother. It moved way too fast. One frame they’re here, the next frame they’re there, and it was really… Just, bad and not well done, and I would have liked Brain Camp a lot more if the pacing was better. I mean, there were THREE people working on this book (plus editors and such), and no one caught on to how bad that was? Ever heard of first making a storyboard and mapping out your panels and then revising them before going ahead and inking/colouring something that's way too rushed? No? I can tell. This overarching issue with pacing was the main thing that gave the whole book an unsettling feeling overall.
The art has the same thick cartoony style like most other First Second books, but I liked it.
September 20, 2011
This is a classic "Body Snatchers" story. Not to say that is bad, it's actually a pretty fun story. It sets up the eerie mood right from the start. But it's not just a creepy story, you get to see a real friendship grow between the two characters. The only thing holding it back is that is sticks tight to the "Body Snatcher" story arc and is fairly predictable because of it. However it is well told and expertly handled.
The artwork is very stylized, you could say cartoony. But the characters are very expressive and the storytelling is always clear. If you are familiar with the Scott Pilgrim books, it is similar. Don't be fooled by the art though, at first I thought this would be a good book for little kids, but there are some mildly disturbing images and some coming of age stuff that may not be good for the littlest of ears. It is a young adult book after all.
Reviewer: Chris for Book Sake
The story starts off giving you a short glimpse of what's to come and then it creepily moves on from there. The parents are seduced by the idea of their children doing something, anything more than what they are doing right now and when the kids get to the camp, they start seeing the changes in the other kids as well. This "body snatchers" story is a bit odd and quirky and for those that haven't read the similar storyline before it will be something new and different in the way of graphic novels for them. This is definitely not a superhero graphic novel, which I appreciate.
All of the art is well done and following the story along was always easy. Sometimes I have trouble figuring out which word balloon I should be reading next, but everything flowed perfectly in this one. This should be a fun one for young readers that are looking for an offbeat read.
Reviewer: Jessica for Book Sake
The artwork is very stylized, you could say cartoony. But the characters are very expressive and the storytelling is always clear. If you are familiar with the Scott Pilgrim books, it is similar. Don't be fooled by the art though, at first I thought this would be a good book for little kids, but there are some mildly disturbing images and some coming of age stuff that may not be good for the littlest of ears. It is a young adult book after all.
Reviewer: Chris for Book Sake
The story starts off giving you a short glimpse of what's to come and then it creepily moves on from there. The parents are seduced by the idea of their children doing something, anything more than what they are doing right now and when the kids get to the camp, they start seeing the changes in the other kids as well. This "body snatchers" story is a bit odd and quirky and for those that haven't read the similar storyline before it will be something new and different in the way of graphic novels for them. This is definitely not a superhero graphic novel, which I appreciate.
All of the art is well done and following the story along was always easy. Sometimes I have trouble figuring out which word balloon I should be reading next, but everything flowed perfectly in this one. This should be a fun one for young readers that are looking for an offbeat read.
Reviewer: Jessica for Book Sake
June 6, 2012
Plot: Who doesn't love a horror story set at a camp? Truly, there is just something so fun about being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of creepy, zombie-like children to make a book fun.That is exactly what happens in this book. Jenna and Lucas find themselves at a camp that will supposedly make them into the brilliant children that their parents want them to be. Unfortunately, that comes at a price. I love that it's not a traditional zombie graphic novel, and that the explanation is a bit.. out there. It's nice to have something completely unthinkable be the reason behind zombie-like behavior.
Characters: I think anyone can relate to not living up to their parents standards, or at least, feeling a bit of sibling rivalry. I enjoyed Jenna and Lucas as characters. They had potential but were not quite meeting their potential. I love the way they figure out what is going on and how persistent they are in saving themselves from a similar fate while trying to stop what is happening to their fellow campers.
Graphics: I just love the graphics. I'm a huge fan of full-color and I love the artistic styling in this graphic novel. Definitely an appealing read all around.
Characters: I think anyone can relate to not living up to their parents standards, or at least, feeling a bit of sibling rivalry. I enjoyed Jenna and Lucas as characters. They had potential but were not quite meeting their potential. I love the way they figure out what is going on and how persistent they are in saving themselves from a similar fate while trying to stop what is happening to their fellow campers.
Graphics: I just love the graphics. I'm a huge fan of full-color and I love the artistic styling in this graphic novel. Definitely an appealing read all around.
January 27, 2015
Meh. This was an interesting book, but the plot wasn't great and relationships just came and went. The art wasn't great, but it wasn't awful.
Anyhow, about the book. I liked the premise. The only problem with it is that we don't know what the motive behind the camp director was. It could be money; it could be him trying to be charitable to the aliens. When he met with the 'mother alien', it was mentioned that he had a drinking problem. THIS HAS NO BEARING ON THE STORY. It was just dumbly thrown into the book.
The relationship between Jenna and Lucas is interesting, but it wasn't well explained. They hated each other one day, and then soon they were in love? That's just illogical.
Again about motives: What the heck were their parents thinking? The book says that they knew, but how does that show in their actions? I don't think it does at all.
In summary, this was a fun book to read in the hour before going to bed. It seems almost like a children's book, except for the swearing and weirdly inappropriate content. It's an interesting book for teenagers, as long as you don't think about it too much.
Anyhow, about the book. I liked the premise. The only problem with it is that we don't know what the motive behind the camp director was. It could be money; it could be him trying to be charitable to the aliens. When he met with the 'mother alien', it was mentioned that he had a drinking problem. THIS HAS NO BEARING ON THE STORY. It was just dumbly thrown into the book.
The relationship between Jenna and Lucas is interesting, but it wasn't well explained. They hated each other one day, and then soon they were in love? That's just illogical.
Again about motives: What the heck were their parents thinking? The book says that they knew, but how does that show in their actions? I don't think it does at all.
In summary, this was a fun book to read in the hour before going to bed. It seems almost like a children's book, except for the swearing and weirdly inappropriate content. It's an interesting book for teenagers, as long as you don't think about it too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2012
I'd read this yesterday at the library after being overjoyed to randomly find it on the shelves. I've been wanting to read this for a while, having read and loved Friends with Boys by Erin Faith Hicks. For the most part, it lived up to the expectations.
I'll warn you, this is a surprisingly dark story. You'd kind of expect that, what with the idea of teens being sent to a camp that "reprograms" them to be Stepford children. I just wasn't expecting the level that I saw here, which was sort of nice. Many graphic novels aimed at teens tend to sugar coat or under develop anything that would make you squeamish, which can often end with the comic feeling that much harder to connect with.
The "big bad" was a little hard to swallow, though. I'm willing to go along with it, but it just seemed a little bit much at times. It didn't ruin the overall fun of the comic, so no big worries.
The artwork is what I really loved and I'm glad I read it. I'll continue to try to look for anything by Hicks- her artwork is wonderful and this fact alone made the graphic novel worth reading.
I'll warn you, this is a surprisingly dark story. You'd kind of expect that, what with the idea of teens being sent to a camp that "reprograms" them to be Stepford children. I just wasn't expecting the level that I saw here, which was sort of nice. Many graphic novels aimed at teens tend to sugar coat or under develop anything that would make you squeamish, which can often end with the comic feeling that much harder to connect with.
The "big bad" was a little hard to swallow, though. I'm willing to go along with it, but it just seemed a little bit much at times. It didn't ruin the overall fun of the comic, so no big worries.
The artwork is what I really loved and I'm glad I read it. I'll continue to try to look for anything by Hicks- her artwork is wonderful and this fact alone made the graphic novel worth reading.
February 6, 2011
Some Spoilers follow:::::::::::::
Interesting opening: by page 4 I thought two kids were dying as they were coughing up bird feathers.
Characters give hilarious descriptions of themselves as they are labeled in school as "bright" but an "underachiever" or a trouble maker, or hyper. I see this often in schools, and some kids you just question what you can do to motivate them, so they often get labeled as such.
Recommended for mature middle school ages & up: girl begins period; insinuated wet-dream as the boy dreams about the girl & then wakes up, shocked, and goes to wash his under-roos in the sink
Overall, not quite what I was expecting what with the gigantic birds trying to hatch babies in the bodies of the intelligence-challenged. I'm not much for the science-fiction novels, but a quick read. Graphic novels always make for a good story as the pictures were lively, keep the eyes moving, and the story was easy to follow.
Interesting opening: by page 4 I thought two kids were dying as they were coughing up bird feathers.
Characters give hilarious descriptions of themselves as they are labeled in school as "bright" but an "underachiever" or a trouble maker, or hyper. I see this often in schools, and some kids you just question what you can do to motivate them, so they often get labeled as such.
Recommended for mature middle school ages & up: girl begins period; insinuated wet-dream as the boy dreams about the girl & then wakes up, shocked, and goes to wash his under-roos in the sink
Overall, not quite what I was expecting what with the gigantic birds trying to hatch babies in the bodies of the intelligence-challenged. I'm not much for the science-fiction novels, but a quick read. Graphic novels always make for a good story as the pictures were lively, keep the eyes moving, and the story was easy to follow.
May 1, 2013
This is a strange little tale that finds two teenagers sent to a camp that promises to turn them (and I quote) into winners! At first it seems a case of mass mind washing but things quickly take a turn for the surreal as Jenna and Lucas discover there is a lot more to this camp than meets the eye. While the illustrations are superb I found the story only vaguely interesting as it seems familiar to me somehow. I don't whether its because its the kind of story that seems familiar but isn't or if it is just a re-hash of the goosebumps style stories I read when I was a kid, but something about was just a little too predictable and strangely safe, which meant that my imagination wasn't caught and my interest lost. Don't get me wrong it was a good read but it as just lacking that little something to make it pop.
May 5, 2016
I picked this up at the library to feed my kids' graphic novel addiction. My daughter spent the next two hours glued to its pages, barely looking up to eat and acknowledge anyone. 'You have to read this!' she told me and sure enough, I was also hooked from the first page. We passed it on to her younger sister and, yes, same effect. It's just such a great plot with so much mystery, great characters and an anarchic embrace of non-conformity. The pages are refreshingly uncluttered but the zombies and aliens are genuinely creepy looking. Highly recommended!
July 20, 2017
I love most everything Faith Erin Hicks does, and this has been sitting on my shelf for years. A fun pseudo-horror novel with some really cool elements, I think the big flaw is that the book feels like it should be longer. Instead, it sort of leaps from place to place, and the result is a book that's got a lot of great parts even with an uneven whole. Fun art, fun concept, but not the greatest on the execution end.
February 19, 2016
This is a graphic novel for teens due to language and some puberty stuff. It was just okay for me. I think that the story was good, but I didn't care for the ending. I am assuming that it will continue in another volume. I think I have some kids at my library that will really enjoy it. I'm just not much of a graphic novel fan.
October 16, 2016
Jenna and Lucas each have parents that are disapproving of their lack of school interests. They are recruited by a representative from Camp Fielding, an educational camp that will turn them into stellar teens. But when Jenna and Lucas arrive, things are getting weird. A sickness, gloppy food, and some kids end up missing. Good pacing of story and really dig the art.
March 28, 2017
Story: 2 stars
Art: 4 stars
The story set-up was rather intriguing, but soon after both main characters arrive at the camp, things unravel and become too outlandish. The second half of the book doesn't match the first half; they read like two completely different stories. The romance isn't really believable either. Interesting premise though, and the art is above average.
Art: 4 stars
The story set-up was rather intriguing, but soon after both main characters arrive at the camp, things unravel and become too outlandish. The second half of the book doesn't match the first half; they read like two completely different stories. The romance isn't really believable either. Interesting premise though, and the art is above average.
September 15, 2011
Fun, quick read about a bunch of less-than-perfectly-accomplished kids who get sent to a new camp where no matter how stupid they think they are, they become really smart really quick. The main boy and girl figure out something is afoot, and somehow their mutual attraction saves the day.
June 1, 2017
This graphic novel was just not for me. It was weird, which didn't sway my rating. I can enjoy a little weirdness. However, I found the use of the term retarded and the wet dream sequence to be very tasteless. Was all that necessary? I just did not enjoy this one.
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