Batpig – Space Farce

Gary Yorkshire loves great-tasting sandwiches, mud baths, video games and hanging out with his friends, Brooklyn the Bat and Carl the Fish.

One day after playing Go Fish (a favourite game of Carl’s), Gary tries playing a prank on Brooklyn. This misfires and Brooklyn bites Gary in fright. She apologises, but little do they know that Gary will soon be flying through the skies like his favourite comic superhero The Crimson Swine!

At first, he’s hungry all the time, finds he’s suddenly really strong, and needs hardly any sleep. Then he begins to float and can move stuff with his mind! He has to tell someone! Brooklyn can hardly believe it, but sure enough her pig friend can suddenly fly. This is HUGE! Should they tell Carl? They are all close friends but they both know he is terrible at keeping secrets. When Carl learns the truth he wreaks his revenge for being excluded – completely by accident!

Batpig – Meat the Enemy

Batpig may suddenly have superpowers, but nothing can prevent him stepping in chewing gum on the footpath. His mind begins to spin on inventing a solution.

Meanwhile, when not in costume, Batpig is Gary Yorkshire, a normal pig/boy going to school. Every morning he must pass a butcher shop. The owner stands out the front and calls him all sorts of names and tells lots of meat jokes. Things get even worse for Gary when he has to look after his VERY demanding younger cousin named Mervin.

Mervin thinks everything is boring. He even thinks The Crimson Swine is “…stupid and dumb!” When Gary learns of a new villain in town threatening the factory of the town’s favourite biscuit makers, he knows he must do something. But how? He has to look after Mervin.

Not only does this villain (called The Butcher) threaten biscuit supply, she wants to know the truth behind Batpig’s mask. Who is he really? After many wads of chewing gum, a depressed robot dough maker and a double kidnap, Batpig saves the day.

This Graphic novel contains two stories about the new superhero in town – Batpig!

The first is Batpig‘s origin story and the second involves juggling multiple responsibilities – Babysitter, friend, superhero and keeping his secret, a secret! Illustrated in black and white and set out in chapter format, this first book in the Batpig series made me laugh out loud.

Just like real friends, this pig, fish and bat know each other’s quirks, faults and strengths. They enjoy hanging out and playing video games together, and loyalty comes first even when facing their own fears. I particularly liked the way the first story flicked from ‘then and now’. Batpig is in terrible danger, and just when something is going to happen, the story flicks to a flashback, upping the tension and excitement.

Can’t wait for the next action packed episode of Batpig!

Author / Illustrator – Rob Harrell

Age – 6+

Graphic Novel

Read a review of another funny book by Rob Harrell (Click on the Cover)

(2021, Graphic Novel, Comic, Animals, Pig, Bat, Fish, Friendship, Secret, Superhero, Fly, Jealousy, Accidental Villain, Giant Lizard, Humour, Funny, Laugh out loud, Animal jokes, Two stories, Action, Series)