Beetle & the Hollowbones

Beetle is a goblin witch-in-training who spends her days studying magic at the mall under her grandmother's guidance. Her best friend Blob Ghost is trapped within the mall's walls, unable to venture outside. The arrival of Beetle's former best friend Kat Hollowbone, now a powerful sorceress apprentice, brings change to their routine. Together they must confront the plans of Kat's aunt, who intends to demolish the mall for her own purposes. Through vivid artwork and supernatural storytelling, this graphic novel explores themes of friendship, growing up, and finding one's place in the world. The story bridges coming-of-age narratives with magical elements while examining the complexities of rekindling old bonds and forging new paths.

Readers highlight the engaging art style and vibrant color palette, with multiple reviewers noting how the visuals enhance the supernatural elements. The LGBTQ+ representation resonates with young readers who appreciate seeing queer characters in middle-grade comics. Positive feedback focuses on: - Clear, expressive character designs - Fast-paced storytelling - Authentic friendships and family dynamics - Accessibility for young readers new to graphic novels Common criticisms include: - Plot moves too quickly in final act - Some world-building elements feel underdeveloped - Supporting characters could use more depth Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (450+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.6/5 (50+ ratings) "The art style perfectly captures the spooky-but-not-scary tone," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader on Amazon mentions "rushing through the ending left some questions unanswered." Several readers compare it favorably to shows like The Owl House for its similar themes and atmosphere.

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill A gentle graphic novel about magical creatures and friendship centers on a young blacksmith learning to care for mystical tea dragons.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh A middle-grade graphic novel follows a girl who becomes the apprentice to the town witch while discovering her own magical heritage.

Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag In a world where girls become witches and boys become shapeshifters, a young boy challenges tradition by pursuing forbidden magic.

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith Two noble siblings hide from assassins by joining a group of magical weavers, leading to discoveries about identity and power.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker A teen witch who works in her grandmother's bookshop helps a werewolf friend investigate magical happenings in their town.

🌟 The author, Aliza Layne, originally developed the story from her webcomic "Demon Street," which she published online from 2015 to 2019 🎨 The book features LGBTQ+ representation through its main character Beetle, who is non-binary, and explores themes of identity and acceptance 🌙 The story combines elements of both modern and traditional witch culture, incorporating smartphones and social media alongside magical spells and familiars 🏆 Beetle & the Hollowbones was nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (ages 9-12) 📚 The graphic novel's art style uses a unique color palette dominated by autumn-inspired oranges and purples, reflecting both the spooky atmosphere and the mall setting where much of the story takes place