Calamity Jack
What's the Story?
Jack thinks of himself as a criminal mastermind with an unfortunate amount of bad luck. A schemer, a trickster …maybe even a thief?
But, of course, he’s not out for himself he’s trying to take the burden off his hardworking mum’s shoulders. She’d understand, right? He hopes she might even be proud. Then, one day, Jack chooses a target a little more …’giant’ than the usual, and as one little bean turns into a great big building-destroying beanstalk, his troubles really begin.
But with help from Rapunzel and other eccentric friends, Jack just might out-swindle the evil giants and put his beloved city back in the hands of the people who live there …whilst catapulting them and the reader into another fantastical adventure.
What's the Buzz?
"This action-packed sequel is every bit as entertaining as its predecessor, and then some. Jack’s big city, in contrast to Rapunzel’s Wild West, is a bustling technological marvel, which adds a little steam punk to the whole whimsical affair." - Reading Rants
"Readers will still be caught up by Shannon and Dean Hale’s terrific use of language and good sense of pacing...They understand the comic medium and use it to its fullest potential, never making the mistake of allowing their words to say too much at a time in which Nathan Hale’s art could be doing the work. For his part, his art walks the fine line of being terrific for younger readers and yet not too young for older ones." - Graphic Novel Reporter
"Nathan Hale’s graphic design is exceptionally well laid out and easy to follow, even for those still getting the hang of the format. The full-color artwork has depth, energy, and plenty of exaggerated violence and humor. The story stands alone in its focus on Jack and his troubles, but it will entice readers to pick up Rapunzel’s Revenge to see how he teamed up with the feisty Rapunzel in the first place." - Alvis Book Reviews
"Calamity Jack's got the same sassy, funny writing that made Rapunzel's Revenge such fun and the illustrations are just as eye-catching. I was a little afraid that the kick-butt heroine I so loved in Rapunzel's Revenge would be lost in a book about Jack, but it wasn't so. Rapunzel's back and she's just as feisty as ever." - Abby the Librarian
"Calamity Jack is as much fun as Rapunzel’s Revenge: full of action, gimmicks and wonderful characters. Rapunzel remains my favourite and even though the story here is not from her point of view, she is still a very important part of the story. And a cool one at that..." - The Book Smugglers
"Calamity Jack is fantastic like its predecessor, but I’m not sure it got the attention it deserved possibly because most of the critical attention has been focused on the retelling of girl-centered fairy tales such as Rapunzel, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Frog Prince." - Children's Literature Center @ San Diego State
"The story is wild, over-the-top, not exactly believable, and melodramatic -- but a whole lot of fun. This is a graphic novel adventure yarn with a touch of romance and lots of teamwork..." - Sonder Books
"Jack and Rapunzel have a great relationship. Their banter and the way they play off of each other never fails to make me laugh." - Basically Amazing
"By combining fairytale, fantasy, and much more, Shannon and Dean Hale have once again created a memorable graphic novel that fans of this genre will greatly enjoy." - Looking Glass Review
I definitely recommend CALAMITY JACK to middle grade readers. I think this classic tale with a twist will be especially appealing to youngsters since it is also in a very fun-to-read format! - Booking Mama
"Calamity Jack is great for those first time, non-graphic novel loving readers. The story is easy to follow, but exciting enough to keep one entertained, especially with the full-color illustrations. I think Calamity Jack may gear a little more towards boys, who will love all the action/fighting. Girls may be a harder sell, especially if they don’t like graphic novels, but if they give it a try they may just like it." - Book Blather
"A riproaring adventure with steampunk elements that will have readers begging for more from this trio." - Back To Books
"Rapunzel's Revenge and Calamity Jack are a librarian's dream come true! The Hale's combine witty dialogue, action and adventure, beautiful 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 graphic novels." - Green Bean Teen Queen
Where Can I Learn More?
The husband and wife writing team of Dean & Shannon Hale each have their own websites. Shannon's site has info and games while Dean concentrates on crazy short stories. In case you didn't know it, Shan and Dean were also a surf band in the 60's. Their biggest hit was Dreadcrumbs Curve. (I'm kidding ;P)
Besides being an illustrator, Nathan Hale also loves Legos. If you'd like to visit his site, click on the picture below of the custom Rapunzel & Jack Lego figures he made.
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