Odd Is on Our Side

Odd Is on Our Side is a graphic novel collaboration between Fred Van Lente and Dean Koontz, featuring manga-style illustrations by Queenie Chan. The story follows Odd Thomas, a fry cook with supernatural abilities who can see and communicate with the dead. Set during Halloween in the small town of Pico Mundo, California, the narrative centers on Odd Thomas as he investigates mysterious occurrences and encounters spirits of the deceased. With his girlfriend Stormy Llewellyn by his side, Odd must determine if the town's Halloween festivities are concealing genuine supernatural threats. The book combines elements of supernatural mystery with the visual storytelling style of manga, presenting Odd's quest to protect his town from hidden dangers. Key characters include the spirit of Elvis Presley, who appears to Odd but offers limited guidance, and Police Chief Wyatt Porter, who supports Odd's unique methods of investigation. This installment in the Odd Thomas series explores themes of good versus evil while examining how appearances during Halloween may mask genuine darkness lurking beneath the surface.

Readers found this graphic novel adaptation captures the quirky tone of Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas character while delivering a simpler, lighter story than the novels. The artwork by Queenie Chan received positive mentions for depicting Odd's supernatural encounters. Likes: - Quick, entertaining Halloween-themed story - Maintains Odd's distinctive narrative voice - Accessible for younger readers - Good entry point for new fans Dislikes: - Plot too basic compared to the novels - Short length left some wanting more - Limited character development - Some found the art style too manga-influenced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) Multiple reviews noted this works better as a companion piece than a standalone story. One reader commented: "Perfect for fans who want more Odd Thomas between novels, but newcomers should start with the books." Several mentioned finishing it in under an hour, with mixed feelings about the brief length.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman The story of a living boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard combines supernatural elements with mystery in a way that mirrors Odd's interactions with the dead.

Ghost Girl Detective by C.L. Raven The tale centers on a teenage detective who solves crimes with help from ghostly companions, featuring similar paranormal investigation elements.

Medium Raw by Steven Booth A cook who communicates with murder victims helps police solve crimes, paralleling Odd Thomas's role as both a fry cook and supernatural investigator.

The Ghost and the Graveyard by Genevieve Jack The narrative follows a protagonist who moves to a small town and discovers an ability to see spirits, sharing core elements with Odd's experiences in Pico Mundo.

Ghost Detective by Scott William Carter The protagonist works as a private investigator who can see ghosts, creating a similar blend of supernatural abilities and mystery-solving elements.

🔸 "Odd Is on Our Side" is part of a larger universe that began with Dean Koontz's 2003 novel "Odd Thomas," which was later adapted into a 2013 film starring Anton Yelchin. 🔸 Illustrator Queenie Chan is known for her work in manga-style comics and has created several successful original series, including "The Dreaming" and "In Odd We Trust." 🔸 The character of Elvis Presley appears as a silent ghost throughout the Odd Thomas series, serving as both comic relief and a spiritual guide to the protagonist. 🔸 Pico Mundo, the setting of the story, is a fictional desert town in California inspired by small communities in the Mojave Desert where author Dean Koontz spent time. 🔸 Co-author Fred Van Lente has written extensively for Marvel Comics, including popular runs on "Amazing Spider-Man" and "Incredible Hercules," bringing his comic expertise to this graphic novel format.