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Bad Island
Something on this island is up to no good . . .
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island-especially one teeming with weird plants and animals. But what starts out as simply a bad vacation turns into a terrible one, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the island's dangerous inhabitants. With few resources and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them . . . or spell their doom. One thing Reese knows for This is one Bad Island.
When Reese is forced to go on a boating trip with his family, the last thing he expects is to be shipwrecked on an island-especially one teeming with weird plants and animals. But what starts out as simply a bad vacation turns into a terrible one, as the castaways must find a way to escape while dodging the island's dangerous inhabitants. With few resources and a mysterious entity on the hunt, each secret unlocked could save them . . . or spell their doom. One thing Reese knows for This is one Bad Island.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
148 people are currently reading
2596 people want to read
About the author
Doug TenNapel
54 books501 followersDoug TenNapel is the Eisner Award winning writer/artist of over sixteen graphic novels. He is published by Image Comics and Scholastic/Graphics.
He's been married for 27 years to the love of his life and has four book-loving kids.
Doug's favorite authors include G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reads mostly philosophy but tends to get his fiction from audio-books.
His performs live art demonstrations on his Facebook page, and has animated using pixel art for clients like BlueSky software and Electronic Arts. He also regularly posts on his Youtube channel.
Doug tries to write and draw something every day as a discipline that also happens to be a career.
He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
He's been married for 27 years to the love of his life and has four book-loving kids.
Doug's favorite authors include G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. He reads mostly philosophy but tends to get his fiction from audio-books.
His performs live art demonstrations on his Facebook page, and has animated using pixel art for clients like BlueSky software and Electronic Arts. He also regularly posts on his Youtube channel.
Doug tries to write and draw something every day as a discipline that also happens to be a career.
He currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 659 reviews
June 4, 2011
It’s enough to make you want to take up brain surgery. I read some comics for kids and I can hardly move through the recycled tropes and old overdone ideas cluttering up the pages. Then I read a book by Doug TenNapel. When the man’s Ghostopolis came out last year I was delighted. Sure, we’ve all seen the idea of the afterlife as a city done before (May Bird, Billy Bones, etc.) but TenNapel’s storytelling managed to incorporate this odd and unique internal logic that I’d never seen anywhere before. Now I’ve picked up his next Graphix GN Bad Island and while I wish I could just compare it to something I’ve seen before I cannot. What currently operates in the brain of this man baffles me. His books read like fever dreams that make sense (and if rumors about his next cardboard-related comic are to be believed he’s not exactly going mainstream anytime soon). Sometime a kid wants a stand alone graphic novel that also happens to be “epic”. And if it’s epic you seek, epic you will find in this strange near-indescribable little piece.
Okay. Here comes the tough part of the review. The part where I try to summarize the plot. Bear with me now. Two planets. Two rebellious sons. In a distant universe a battle wages. Giant creatures have secured the freedom of a relatively tiny species that they allow to live on their very skin. The giants rely on these people to operate their battle armor and other internal mechanics, which is a good thing since the tiny people’s previous hosts have returned to reclaim their slaves. The son of the king of the giants is determined to fight as well, but his efforts lead only to his capture at the hands of the enemy and banishment to a far away world. Meanwhile, centuries later here on earth, teenaged Reese is trying desperately to figure out how to get out of the lame family vacation his dad has planned. No one seems thrilled to be taking a boat ride, not Reese or his mom or his snake-obsessed little sister Janie. And that’s before the family gets caught up in a freak storm and shipwrecks on a strange deserted island. There they find creatures the like of which they’ve never seen, a strange artifact that appears to be leading them somewhere, and a malevolent presence that wants something that they have and is willing to do anything it can to get it back.
I recently had a conversation with a children’s author about whether or not kids vs. teens prefer series books with cliffhanger endings. We both agreed that in our experience kids are actually less delighted by series than their older counterparts. A child between the ages of 9-12 is more interested in a bit of smart storytelling. Sometimes seeing a “1” on the spine just frustrates them. One of TenNapel’s more remarkable qualities is the fact that he creates perfect little worlds that have no need of sequels. None at all. Now the danger of creating your own mythology is that no one else is going to buy it. And the best way to make them buy into it is to make it horrendously long or the first in a series. That TenNapel consistently packs whole worlds into his books without making them (A) 500 pages long or (B) The first of a 10-book series or (C) incoherent isn’t just rare in this day and age. It’s near impossible to find in any other GN author for kids. Thank god he actually has the chutzpah to pull it off.
Myth making is all well and good, but what sets this book apart from the usual heroic narrative pack is the family element. At the heart of this story is a tale about getting to know (and care about) your siblings and parents in the midst of true danger. As such, the book fleshes out a family that not only rings true on the page but that you want to know more about. I think the moment when I was completely on board with them was when Janie insisted on lugging her dead snake with her wherever the family went. The gentle macabre nature of this just struck me as oddly real. Then there’s the change that comes over Reese’s dad, from bumbling to capable. I was also fairly pleased that the mom could hold her own and didn’t need any of the typical rescuing moms tend to lend themselves to in books of this sort. I was also pleased to see that there’s more than a jot of humor to this story. There are overt physical gags, like the dad getting bitten by the snake and (my personal favorite) managing to light all the matches in the matchbox on fire at once. But there are subtler spoken gags as well, and a real family camaraderie and back and forth that makes you believe in these people. Interestingly, I found the sections with the humans far more interesting than the ones with the giants. As it should be.
And for the art? TenNapel has a distinctive style that reveals itself in sharp jaw lines and akimbo elbows. At the same time he knows how to keep a page interesting. Shadows and scenes seen from different angles appear alongside variegated panel sizes and consistently interesting layouts. There’s a controlled messiness to TenNapel’s style that serves him here. With this book he can use his style to bring forth the dirt and grime of the outdoors. Indeed I think he’d have a harder time if he ever set one of his stories in a pristine, clean, robotic world. His is an art of well-ordered chaos, on the edge of going entirely insane. Nothing bad really happens to our heroes in this book, but you are never in any doubt that it would take surprisingly little to change that fact. The lure of TenNapel's art is that it verges on the insane.
Actually, the book that this would pair the best with might be Don Wood’s own island-related graphic novel Into the Volcano. In both cases you have reluctant boy protagonists coming into their own to save their family members. Both also have a strange reluctance to trust an island. Wood, because they can always blow up or emit poison gas or try to kill you some other way. TenNapel because they might one day just up and leave with you still on them. On its own, however, Bad Island provides the mix of storytelling and action, heart and excitement, which many a graphic novel strives for and few actually attain. There’s substance to this puppy. Something that sticks long after you’ve read it. And for many a kid, that’ll be enough. Definitely check it out.
For ages 9-12.
Okay. Here comes the tough part of the review. The part where I try to summarize the plot. Bear with me now. Two planets. Two rebellious sons. In a distant universe a battle wages. Giant creatures have secured the freedom of a relatively tiny species that they allow to live on their very skin. The giants rely on these people to operate their battle armor and other internal mechanics, which is a good thing since the tiny people’s previous hosts have returned to reclaim their slaves. The son of the king of the giants is determined to fight as well, but his efforts lead only to his capture at the hands of the enemy and banishment to a far away world. Meanwhile, centuries later here on earth, teenaged Reese is trying desperately to figure out how to get out of the lame family vacation his dad has planned. No one seems thrilled to be taking a boat ride, not Reese or his mom or his snake-obsessed little sister Janie. And that’s before the family gets caught up in a freak storm and shipwrecks on a strange deserted island. There they find creatures the like of which they’ve never seen, a strange artifact that appears to be leading them somewhere, and a malevolent presence that wants something that they have and is willing to do anything it can to get it back.
I recently had a conversation with a children’s author about whether or not kids vs. teens prefer series books with cliffhanger endings. We both agreed that in our experience kids are actually less delighted by series than their older counterparts. A child between the ages of 9-12 is more interested in a bit of smart storytelling. Sometimes seeing a “1” on the spine just frustrates them. One of TenNapel’s more remarkable qualities is the fact that he creates perfect little worlds that have no need of sequels. None at all. Now the danger of creating your own mythology is that no one else is going to buy it. And the best way to make them buy into it is to make it horrendously long or the first in a series. That TenNapel consistently packs whole worlds into his books without making them (A) 500 pages long or (B) The first of a 10-book series or (C) incoherent isn’t just rare in this day and age. It’s near impossible to find in any other GN author for kids. Thank god he actually has the chutzpah to pull it off.
Myth making is all well and good, but what sets this book apart from the usual heroic narrative pack is the family element. At the heart of this story is a tale about getting to know (and care about) your siblings and parents in the midst of true danger. As such, the book fleshes out a family that not only rings true on the page but that you want to know more about. I think the moment when I was completely on board with them was when Janie insisted on lugging her dead snake with her wherever the family went. The gentle macabre nature of this just struck me as oddly real. Then there’s the change that comes over Reese’s dad, from bumbling to capable. I was also fairly pleased that the mom could hold her own and didn’t need any of the typical rescuing moms tend to lend themselves to in books of this sort. I was also pleased to see that there’s more than a jot of humor to this story. There are overt physical gags, like the dad getting bitten by the snake and (my personal favorite) managing to light all the matches in the matchbox on fire at once. But there are subtler spoken gags as well, and a real family camaraderie and back and forth that makes you believe in these people. Interestingly, I found the sections with the humans far more interesting than the ones with the giants. As it should be.
And for the art? TenNapel has a distinctive style that reveals itself in sharp jaw lines and akimbo elbows. At the same time he knows how to keep a page interesting. Shadows and scenes seen from different angles appear alongside variegated panel sizes and consistently interesting layouts. There’s a controlled messiness to TenNapel’s style that serves him here. With this book he can use his style to bring forth the dirt and grime of the outdoors. Indeed I think he’d have a harder time if he ever set one of his stories in a pristine, clean, robotic world. His is an art of well-ordered chaos, on the edge of going entirely insane. Nothing bad really happens to our heroes in this book, but you are never in any doubt that it would take surprisingly little to change that fact. The lure of TenNapel's art is that it verges on the insane.
Actually, the book that this would pair the best with might be Don Wood’s own island-related graphic novel Into the Volcano. In both cases you have reluctant boy protagonists coming into their own to save their family members. Both also have a strange reluctance to trust an island. Wood, because they can always blow up or emit poison gas or try to kill you some other way. TenNapel because they might one day just up and leave with you still on them. On its own, however, Bad Island provides the mix of storytelling and action, heart and excitement, which many a graphic novel strives for and few actually attain. There’s substance to this puppy. Something that sticks long after you’ve read it. And for many a kid, that’ll be enough. Definitely check it out.
For ages 9-12.
May 27, 2012
4.5 Stars
Bad Island by Doug TenNapel asks the question—Just how bad can the family vacation possibly get? :) This colorful, in your face, action packed comic is full of surprises and heart. It’s BIG heart shows and beats on every page!
Mom, Dad, Reese, and Janie set out rather reluctantly on a family boat trip that runs into all kinds of bad when they hit rough waters. Nothing derails a family vacation faster than a good ‘ole fashion shipwreck! After washing ashore Bad Island, the story turns even more dangerous when they discover the island may be hiding much more than they could ever imagine! Can the gang put aside their family tension and work together to survive?
Let’s meet the family---we have the geeky, hapless Dad, who might not be as clueless as he seems. Kickass Mom! This woman is smart, strong, and protective, so yes—I loved her from the get go. Reese—the sullen teenager so determined to pull away from his family and the headstrong and super loud little sister—Janie. Oh, and Pickles—the family pet of sorts. Hehe….Add all that up and you get a barrel of fun and adventure! I adored this family! Their quick, realistic, fun, witty banter pushed this story along with such love! The sarcasm made me giggle and smile. How do you survive being shipwrecked on a deserted island with your family and danger around every corner? Sarcasm. :D Hell, that’s how I survive any and all of my family outings.
“I’m kind of worried. What are we supposed to do out here in the middle of nowhere?
Same as we always do for the kids…pretend like we know what we’re doing.”
Combine the fun family dynamic with constant action, this book is a sure fire hit for comic book lovers! This book projects such strong messages of family, love and loyalty. It warmed my heart! You will see the emotion and love in their eyes on every page! Can’t recommend this book enough! It has everything—monsters, machete action, snakes, love, and fun!
Plus…this book holds two of my “would-love-to-say-that-in-real-life” phrases! What? Yeah, I’m that geeky! :D
1. “Prepare for impact”—I blame too many sci-fi movies as a kid.
2. Get behind that rock! Not even sure why—just the absurdity of the comment itself makes me giggle! Would love to just yell it out some day! Hehe…
Anywho…..til next time!
Bad Island by Doug TenNapel asks the question—Just how bad can the family vacation possibly get? :) This colorful, in your face, action packed comic is full of surprises and heart. It’s BIG heart shows and beats on every page!
Mom, Dad, Reese, and Janie set out rather reluctantly on a family boat trip that runs into all kinds of bad when they hit rough waters. Nothing derails a family vacation faster than a good ‘ole fashion shipwreck! After washing ashore Bad Island, the story turns even more dangerous when they discover the island may be hiding much more than they could ever imagine! Can the gang put aside their family tension and work together to survive?
Let’s meet the family---we have the geeky, hapless Dad, who might not be as clueless as he seems. Kickass Mom! This woman is smart, strong, and protective, so yes—I loved her from the get go. Reese—the sullen teenager so determined to pull away from his family and the headstrong and super loud little sister—Janie. Oh, and Pickles—the family pet of sorts. Hehe….Add all that up and you get a barrel of fun and adventure! I adored this family! Their quick, realistic, fun, witty banter pushed this story along with such love! The sarcasm made me giggle and smile. How do you survive being shipwrecked on a deserted island with your family and danger around every corner? Sarcasm. :D Hell, that’s how I survive any and all of my family outings.
“I’m kind of worried. What are we supposed to do out here in the middle of nowhere?
Same as we always do for the kids…pretend like we know what we’re doing.”
Combine the fun family dynamic with constant action, this book is a sure fire hit for comic book lovers! This book projects such strong messages of family, love and loyalty. It warmed my heart! You will see the emotion and love in their eyes on every page! Can’t recommend this book enough! It has everything—monsters, machete action, snakes, love, and fun!
Plus…this book holds two of my “would-love-to-say-that-in-real-life” phrases! What? Yeah, I’m that geeky! :D
1. “Prepare for impact”—I blame too many sci-fi movies as a kid.
2. Get behind that rock! Not even sure why—just the absurdity of the comment itself makes me giggle! Would love to just yell it out some day! Hehe…
Anywho…..til next time!
April 6, 2012
Teenage Reese is not looking forward to his family’s vacation – they’re going to have an adventure on his parents’ boat and he would rather stay at home. But the vacation quickly goes from bad to worse when they’re caught in a freak storm and become stranded on a mysterious island. When they start exploring, they quickly realize that it’s full of strange flora and fauna – like nothing they’ve ever seen before – and most of it is hostile. By working together, the family is able to survive and unravel the secrets of the island’s origins and strange life forms. And Reese and his dad have a chance to work on their relationship, which has been suffering for some time now. Honesty, trust, and reliance on one another bring them all closer together as a family. Their struggle is paralleled in the “island’s” story – it/he is really from another world where his actions (disobeying his father) have caused the pain and enslavement of another race his people had sworn to protect. He’s desperate to get home to his family and set things right, but is trapped on Earth – betrayed and powerless.
Excellent story-telling and vivid imagery make this an exciting read. Even the dead snake humor grows on you. I liked how the family rolled with the punches – they didn’t despair (or completely freak out) despite the situations in which they found themselves. Capable characters with problem-solving skills are always a plus. Doug TenNapel’s imagination makes for some great (and weird!) stand-alone works (I also enjoyed Ghostopolis).
Excellent story-telling and vivid imagery make this an exciting read. Even the dead snake humor grows on you. I liked how the family rolled with the punches – they didn’t despair (or completely freak out) despite the situations in which they found themselves. Capable characters with problem-solving skills are always a plus. Doug TenNapel’s imagination makes for some great (and weird!) stand-alone works (I also enjoyed Ghostopolis).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2014
This was my third graphic novel by Doug TenNapel...and it was good. I guess. Kind of like Cardboard, there were good elements, and there were not-so-good elements. What first stuck me as a little off were the first few pages. Full page spread, one right after another. Some pages went by with me not understanding what I was seeing. The technical aspects of the scene were great, well rendered and colorful, but the first few pages of the book weren't really adding anything to me. Even after the reveal, I went back to see if they made sense, but they just didn't work, story-telling wise, for me. They didn't tell the story very well. These elements were reflected here and there in the rest of the novel. In it, there are two basic storylines. The first is about a family on vacation that shipwrecks onto an island straight out of their nightmares. The second is sort of a series of flashbacks to some war of an alien race that ends up explaining the presence of the island. A little.
I'll start out with the positives. Again, the technical aspects of the drawing and style were great. Also, a lot of the creatures on the island were wildly creative. Carnivorous tree? Anyone? That legitimately scared me when I turned the page and saw that thing. The novel also had a very nice, wrapped up ending, which is hard to do, especially in graphic novels. I also noticed something that seemed present in all of TanNapel's graphic novels, especially in this one: the people don't really react as one would expect to overly strange and abnormal occurrences. They might freak out a little, right away, but then they get to work and fight whatever is threatening them, without really acknowledging how strange it all is. As a result, the family is a great dynamic, working well with each other and off one another too keep one another alive. They also have a bit of a rocky relationship that just adds to what makes them more realistic. There was one particular moment where In the end, they're cool, resourceful, and fun, for the most part. The tension building up was good, as well as the mystery. Finally, there was some great humorous lines sprinkled here and there. Finally, what was nice was that the novel didn't stay sugarcoated kid-friendly the entire time. As soon as they get to the island, the daughter's
Now come the negatives. Unfortunately, like the first few pages of the book, some things were simply underdressed. While the mystery was good, the reveal was a little, underwhelming. I know, that might not seem to be underwhelming, but honestly, the mystery was so much better. That second story was very underdeveloped. I wanted to see more of it, learn more about the beings, the war. Instead, they were simply plot devices, nothing more. That was disappointing.
The family itself, as said before, were, for the most part, great. However, I did have several issues with them as characters. While the dad seemed to be the main character, he wasn't developed all that much, (his insight to his son's thought processes was cool). There is a subplot (sort of) when the son . While the sentiment is ok, that thread was underdeveloped and doesn't really lead to anything new, as it should have (being such big, relationship- changing news) The mom was obnoxiously obsessed with her plants right away, but she gets better. The son is angsty right away, but he gets better. The main problem I have is the daughter. She is a little girl who is SO OBNOXIOUS I could barely stand it. She is always running around, screwing things up, being selfish, and just making rash, little girl decisions and spewing out thoughts that just made me want to drop-kick her off the island. Truly she, and the rest of the family, would be a whole lot safer with her gone. I suppose the author was just trying to capture the little obnoxious character of a small girl, but she is just horrible! The author also tries way too hard to make her a different than the average little girl and ends up portraying her to the point of uncaring for her family. The family's arc starts with her running around everywhere calling for Pickles, her pet. One expects it to be a cat or some other cute little animal, but it turns out to be a Wow! Didn't see that coming! Oh wait I did. You're trying too hard.
Final notes:
Altogether, I had some issues with the piece, but the art and story were creative enough (except the bad aliens, which could swear I saw in Star Wars before).
I'll start out with the positives. Again, the technical aspects of the drawing and style were great. Also, a lot of the creatures on the island were wildly creative. Carnivorous tree? Anyone? That legitimately scared me when I turned the page and saw that thing. The novel also had a very nice, wrapped up ending, which is hard to do, especially in graphic novels. I also noticed something that seemed present in all of TanNapel's graphic novels, especially in this one: the people don't really react as one would expect to overly strange and abnormal occurrences. They might freak out a little, right away, but then they get to work and fight whatever is threatening them, without really acknowledging how strange it all is. As a result, the family is a great dynamic, working well with each other and off one another too keep one another alive. They also have a bit of a rocky relationship that just adds to what makes them more realistic. There was one particular moment where In the end, they're cool, resourceful, and fun, for the most part. The tension building up was good, as well as the mystery. Finally, there was some great humorous lines sprinkled here and there. Finally, what was nice was that the novel didn't stay sugarcoated kid-friendly the entire time. As soon as they get to the island, the daughter's
Now come the negatives. Unfortunately, like the first few pages of the book, some things were simply underdressed. While the mystery was good, the reveal was a little, underwhelming. I know, that might not seem to be underwhelming, but honestly, the mystery was so much better. That second story was very underdeveloped. I wanted to see more of it, learn more about the beings, the war. Instead, they were simply plot devices, nothing more. That was disappointing.
The family itself, as said before, were, for the most part, great. However, I did have several issues with them as characters. While the dad seemed to be the main character, he wasn't developed all that much, (his insight to his son's thought processes was cool). There is a subplot (sort of) when the son . While the sentiment is ok, that thread was underdeveloped and doesn't really lead to anything new, as it should have (being such big, relationship- changing news) The mom was obnoxiously obsessed with her plants right away, but she gets better. The son is angsty right away, but he gets better. The main problem I have is the daughter. She is a little girl who is SO OBNOXIOUS I could barely stand it. She is always running around, screwing things up, being selfish, and just making rash, little girl decisions and spewing out thoughts that just made me want to drop-kick her off the island. Truly she, and the rest of the family, would be a whole lot safer with her gone. I suppose the author was just trying to capture the little obnoxious character of a small girl, but she is just horrible! The author also tries way too hard to make her a different than the average little girl and ends up portraying her to the point of uncaring for her family. The family's arc starts with her running around everywhere calling for Pickles, her pet. One expects it to be a cat or some other cute little animal, but it turns out to be a Wow! Didn't see that coming! Oh wait I did. You're trying too hard.
Final notes:
Altogether, I had some issues with the piece, but the art and story were creative enough (except the bad aliens, which could swear I saw in Star Wars before).
August 24, 2017
We have really enjoyed reading Doug TenNapel's graphic novels (like Ghostopolis and Cardboard), so when I saw this book at our local library, I was very excited to check it out.
This book presents an intense tale of a family's summer adventure gone awry mixed with glimpses of Transformer-like alien giants at war with another empire. The book weaves two disparate tales together in a dramatic and fantastic manner, with a climactic and somewhat parallel ending that is very satisfactory.
I love that the main characters are part of a loving, but somewhat troubled and harried family, who attempt to forge a connection on a sea voyage. The interactions between the parents and children seem very sincere, even with the requisite nagging and bickering on a family vacation.
I appreciate that Mr. TenNapel shows the conflicted nature of Reese's teenage character, showing his irritation and angst, but also highlighting his need to be understood and loved by his parents.
Despite the danger and freakish nature of the alien flora and fauna, the book is not too scary. And I love that even the more hideous 'monsters' are kind of cute. The colorful illustrations are absolutely marvelous, with wonderful details and very expressive characters.
Overall, it's a really enjoyable read and I expect it will appeal to older elementary school children, teens, and adults alike.
interesting quotes:
"Lyle, never kiss a snake." (p. 20)
"As long as my family is okay, nothing can ever freak me out." (p. 94)
"Great, we get a standard-sized slot for a metric artifact." (p. 196)
This book presents an intense tale of a family's summer adventure gone awry mixed with glimpses of Transformer-like alien giants at war with another empire. The book weaves two disparate tales together in a dramatic and fantastic manner, with a climactic and somewhat parallel ending that is very satisfactory.
I love that the main characters are part of a loving, but somewhat troubled and harried family, who attempt to forge a connection on a sea voyage. The interactions between the parents and children seem very sincere, even with the requisite nagging and bickering on a family vacation.
I appreciate that Mr. TenNapel shows the conflicted nature of Reese's teenage character, showing his irritation and angst, but also highlighting his need to be understood and loved by his parents.
Despite the danger and freakish nature of the alien flora and fauna, the book is not too scary. And I love that even the more hideous 'monsters' are kind of cute. The colorful illustrations are absolutely marvelous, with wonderful details and very expressive characters.
Overall, it's a really enjoyable read and I expect it will appeal to older elementary school children, teens, and adults alike.
interesting quotes:
"Lyle, never kiss a snake." (p. 20)
"As long as my family is okay, nothing can ever freak me out." (p. 94)
"Great, we get a standard-sized slot for a metric artifact." (p. 196)
May 15, 2018
After this and Ghostopolis, I’m quickly becoming a fan of Doug TenNapel for his fast paced, action packed, engaging stories. A good recommendable graphic novel, appropriate for a YA audience, but fun for me as well!
4/5
4/5
Read
September 2, 2022Good book. writen by the guy who wrote cardboard and ghostopolis.
May 23, 2025
Read Joey’s brother’s comic book and it was pretty good!
December 6, 2011
The title is no joke. This island is very bad.
Although Ghostopolis's setting may have appeared darker than this, I was far more creeped out by the content here. We meet all kinds of warped and lethal animals, including the villainization of one of my most favorite icons. The illustrations of the bad, bad things are spikey, unnatural, and assymetrical. Very very ugly for a book this cartoony. There is a dark otherworldly reason the island is the way that it is, and an unfortunate family ends up in the middle of it. I enjoyed how flawed the family was - TenNapel does a nice job of character development in the middle of the super high-creature-action mess. This book has a lot packed into it. Creature-feature, high-action, family drama, a very few :cute: evil creatures, sci-fi puzzles, redemption stories, and oh yeah, a volcano of stomach acid.
::giggle::
I had a hard time believing that the family accepted the creatures as easily and quickly as they did. Although I suppose you wouldn't have a choice in that situation. Also, they seemed to magically know a lot of things (hiding place?). But considering all the stuff packed in here, TenNapel didn't do too bad.
As usual, TenNapel's art is beautifully colored (good job, Katherine Garner and Josh Kenfield!), and mostly very accessible, except for the creeptastic creatures which are SUPPOSED to be terrifying and ugly.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I want to read it again.
Dig.
Although Ghostopolis's setting may have appeared darker than this, I was far more creeped out by the content here. We meet all kinds of warped and lethal animals, including the villainization of one of my most favorite icons. The illustrations of the bad, bad things are spikey, unnatural, and assymetrical. Very very ugly for a book this cartoony. There is a dark otherworldly reason the island is the way that it is, and an unfortunate family ends up in the middle of it. I enjoyed how flawed the family was - TenNapel does a nice job of character development in the middle of the super high-creature-action mess. This book has a lot packed into it. Creature-feature, high-action, family drama, a very few :cute: evil creatures, sci-fi puzzles, redemption stories, and oh yeah, a volcano of stomach acid.
::giggle::
I had a hard time believing that the family accepted the creatures as easily and quickly as they did. Although I suppose you wouldn't have a choice in that situation. Also, they seemed to magically know a lot of things (hiding place?). But considering all the stuff packed in here, TenNapel didn't do too bad.
As usual, TenNapel's art is beautifully colored (good job, Katherine Garner and Josh Kenfield!), and mostly very accessible, except for the creeptastic creatures which are SUPPOSED to be terrifying and ugly.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I want to read it again.
Dig.
April 16, 2012
"'Nope. This island was populated only by hostile creatures ... and I think it was intentional!'
'But who would do that? The military? Some greedy, corrupt corporation?'
'Son, you've watched too many movies.'
'Then who? Canada?'"
After a forced "fun" family vacation turns disastrous, Reese and his family find themselves shipwrecked on a remote island, surrounded by strange plants and wildlife. What the family soon discovers is that the island is the direct product of an ancient battle waged beyond our planet. And if the family doesn't discover what their found clues and artifacts mean, it will be too late.
This was a fun, quick read, definitely a good one for tween and reluctant readers. I enjoyed TenNapel's GHOSTOPOLIS, and the artwork in this GN is similarly strong, with great coloring and action sequences. I've read how the plot in this work parallels some incidents in the tv series LOST, but having never watched that show, I'll take their word for it. If you're looking for strong character development and an airtight plot, seek elsewhere. But if you take this book for what it is, it's a good read, one that is sure to keep a reader's interest.
'But who would do that? The military? Some greedy, corrupt corporation?'
'Son, you've watched too many movies.'
'Then who? Canada?'"
After a forced "fun" family vacation turns disastrous, Reese and his family find themselves shipwrecked on a remote island, surrounded by strange plants and wildlife. What the family soon discovers is that the island is the direct product of an ancient battle waged beyond our planet. And if the family doesn't discover what their found clues and artifacts mean, it will be too late.
This was a fun, quick read, definitely a good one for tween and reluctant readers. I enjoyed TenNapel's GHOSTOPOLIS, and the artwork in this GN is similarly strong, with great coloring and action sequences. I've read how the plot in this work parallels some incidents in the tv series LOST, but having never watched that show, I'll take their word for it. If you're looking for strong character development and an airtight plot, seek elsewhere. But if you take this book for what it is, it's a good read, one that is sure to keep a reader's interest.
July 22, 2016
This is the third graphic novel that I've read by Doug TenNapel and although it wasn't as good as his other two book I've read. I definitely recommend his books.
Bad Island is about a family going on a boat trip. There are two main characters: The Family and the Aliens.
The family starts out leaving the house. Reese the eldest child is upset that he has to go on this dumb family vacation and admits later in the book he planned on running away. Janie the little sister is a typical annoying kid sister with a love for animals. Mom and Dad are just trying to do the best they can. While on this boat trip a storm washes them onto a deserted island. Or so they thought. The island ends up being filled with weird plants and even weirder animal life.
Underlying story is kind of like Finding Nemo. You need to believe that your kids can do things on their own. That they have the ability to make great decisions if you just let them. And like with his other graphic novels, this one is based heavily on family.
Not my favorite of his, but definitely a fun read.
Bad Island is about a family going on a boat trip. There are two main characters: The Family and the Aliens.
The family starts out leaving the house. Reese the eldest child is upset that he has to go on this dumb family vacation and admits later in the book he planned on running away. Janie the little sister is a typical annoying kid sister with a love for animals. Mom and Dad are just trying to do the best they can. While on this boat trip a storm washes them onto a deserted island. Or so they thought. The island ends up being filled with weird plants and even weirder animal life.
Underlying story is kind of like Finding Nemo. You need to believe that your kids can do things on their own. That they have the ability to make great decisions if you just let them. And like with his other graphic novels, this one is based heavily on family.
Not my favorite of his, but definitely a fun read.
June 4, 2015
I liked this comic book because it was really funny that Janie got lost and that Mr. Pickles died, when Reese didn't want to go to the trip during in the weekend that he wanted to stay home by himself. That Reese and Janie found a rock that had a correl in it like a swirly thing on it. When Reese saved his parents and killed some creature with a gun when they got saved by a man and when Reese killed the Giant and one animal helped the family so they couldn't be in danger.
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June 4, 2015I really like this book because it is really interesting. I liked the part when the little girls snake died and she steel pretended that it was alive.
November 22, 2020
I really want to enjoy Doug TenNapel's graphic novels. This is my second adventure with his work having read Ghostopolis a few weeks back but there is just something so rushed in the stories and so silly with the characters that I just cannot get into them. There are huge, engaging and exciting ideas and worlds here but a tiny, thumping heart that forces the narrative along with little investment in character.
Firstly, I have to give the fullest credit to the range of creative ideas that TenNapel shows here. Two different worlds adjoin in this island story. Our own, featuring a nuclear family who are hanging on together by the barest of threads and then another alien world filled with robot-like characters and their hosts warring against giant-flea-riding aliens. Although the destinies of the two worlds only come together at the end, the dual narrative is constant throughout although tethered by the faintest threads.
When the family go on holiday on dad's yacht, a storm crashes and casts them upon an island whose flora and fauna is like no other. Together they uncover a link to the alien world and must awaken an old soldier before they lose their lives to the island's dangerous inhabitants.
As with Ghostopolis, I just found myself not connecting or caring about any of the characters. They don't have much that is likable about them apart, perhaps, from the son. Much of this, I feel, is due to TenNapel's attempt to tell what is an epic story in a tenth of the pages.
I cared little if at all about what happened to the family who were freakishly adaptable to this alien environment. It felt, much like Ghostopolis, as if the characters were just there to move the plot along and that it was the world-building and monsters who were the main characters. I can see the parallels between the alien world and ours and between that transition into adulthood and two boys (well one boy and a hulking boy-robot) looking to prove that they can live independently but it read a little too clunky for me.
On saying this I have no doubt that Y6+ readers would enjoy this romp. very much. It is rich with touches of humour.
Firstly, I have to give the fullest credit to the range of creative ideas that TenNapel shows here. Two different worlds adjoin in this island story. Our own, featuring a nuclear family who are hanging on together by the barest of threads and then another alien world filled with robot-like characters and their hosts warring against giant-flea-riding aliens. Although the destinies of the two worlds only come together at the end, the dual narrative is constant throughout although tethered by the faintest threads.
When the family go on holiday on dad's yacht, a storm crashes and casts them upon an island whose flora and fauna is like no other. Together they uncover a link to the alien world and must awaken an old soldier before they lose their lives to the island's dangerous inhabitants.
As with Ghostopolis, I just found myself not connecting or caring about any of the characters. They don't have much that is likable about them apart, perhaps, from the son. Much of this, I feel, is due to TenNapel's attempt to tell what is an epic story in a tenth of the pages.
I cared little if at all about what happened to the family who were freakishly adaptable to this alien environment. It felt, much like Ghostopolis, as if the characters were just there to move the plot along and that it was the world-building and monsters who were the main characters. I can see the parallels between the alien world and ours and between that transition into adulthood and two boys (well one boy and a hulking boy-robot) looking to prove that they can live independently but it read a little too clunky for me.
On saying this I have no doubt that Y6+ readers would enjoy this romp. very much. It is rich with touches of humour.
March 29, 2017
Story: 5 stars
Art: 5 stars
Full-color teen graphic novel with a really inventive science fiction premise. Could probably also be read by older middle schoolers who like action and don't scare easily. Art and coloring are exceptional. Like all of TenNapel's books (Ghostopolis & Cardboard), this one features a broken family who begins to change and heal through their adventure. I really love that aspect of his work.
Art: 5 stars
Full-color teen graphic novel with a really inventive science fiction premise. Could probably also be read by older middle schoolers who like action and don't scare easily. Art and coloring are exceptional. Like all of TenNapel's books (Ghostopolis & Cardboard), this one features a broken family who begins to change and heal through their adventure. I really love that aspect of his work.
October 28, 2020
This was a great book that I read yesterday and I would like to share this review with you guys. it was a great book with an interesting story. I liked how it connected everything together. the person who thought up this book is a super creative person. it was super interesting how the author decided to incorporate aliens and monsters and dead dudes in a kid-friendly way. I especially liked the part where it had them just hide like in plain sight which shows that it's at least somewhat realistic and not just straight out crazy. in conclusion, the story was great and the artwork was beautiful, and it's a good book overall.
June 22, 2024
What a cool and interesting graphic novel. I picked it up out of curiosity because I enjoyed the art, but I enjoyed the storyline too. I think it’s hilarious that we as the reader get the whole lore and background but the characters in the book don’t, they just know they’re saved but they don’t know WHY. I really loved the family dynamic here, and the humor was on point too. The whole scene about drop-kicking Johnny was so funny. But, are we going to ignore the fact that the people were just continued to be enslaved?? For however many years the prince was asleep on earth? Once he went back to his family did they liberate them again??? I’d like to think so but we don’t really get to know.
Either way, an enjoyable quick read with a quirky art style and fun plot with great characters.
Either way, an enjoyable quick read with a quirky art style and fun plot with great characters.
April 22, 2018
4.5
(I totally see where Doug TenNapel came up with creatures from his Nnewts series Escape from the Lizzarks...)
Though I was totally thrown off by the beginning of this book (the giants and enslaved human-like creatures), I loved this well-done family story. Dad knew what was up, and I loved Reese's character growth. There was a lot of family love in this story + adventure, of course.
I found this to be a really positive and uplifting story.
(I totally see where Doug TenNapel came up with creatures from his Nnewts series Escape from the Lizzarks...)
Though I was totally thrown off by the beginning of this book (the giants and enslaved human-like creatures), I loved this well-done family story. Dad knew what was up, and I loved Reese's character growth. There was a lot of family love in this story + adventure, of course.
I found this to be a really positive and uplifting story.
February 1, 2018
Just okay.
It was imaginative (think disconnected family comes together on wayward family vacation when they stumble upon Lost) but wasn’t really my thing. You could tell the author was creating a richer universe that goes beyond our recognizable world, but it felt too alien and like the characters took it too much in stride rather than reacting to the sheer otherworldliness.
Then again, perhaps I’m being way too harsh and it’s probably written for much younger and less critical readers!
It was imaginative (think disconnected family comes together on wayward family vacation when they stumble upon Lost) but wasn’t really my thing. You could tell the author was creating a richer universe that goes beyond our recognizable world, but it felt too alien and like the characters took it too much in stride rather than reacting to the sheer otherworldliness.
Then again, perhaps I’m being way too harsh and it’s probably written for much younger and less critical readers!
December 8, 2017
I'm enjoying Doug's graphic novels with my 7 year old boy.
He was most engaged in this one, turning the pages before i got to read them to him, to see what will happen next.
It's a great family adventure on an unknown island. Weird, strange, a bit scary, a bit innocent, wonderfully imagined world. Both of us enjoyed it and loved it. Each TenNapel's comic has a nice message at the end and this was no exception.
He was most engaged in this one, turning the pages before i got to read them to him, to see what will happen next.
It's a great family adventure on an unknown island. Weird, strange, a bit scary, a bit innocent, wonderfully imagined world. Both of us enjoyed it and loved it. Each TenNapel's comic has a nice message at the end and this was no exception.
September 12, 2020
This is a great ride. Filled with aliens, a strange island, a family who THINK they’re going on a lovely holiday and a gorgeous sibling bond. What happens when you get stranded on a strange desert island filled with never before seen plants and some strange creatures? Gorgeously illustrated and brilliantly paced.
August 24, 2017
This book was a lot better than I expected. The family dynamic was wonderful and there was pretty good charioteer growth for a stand alone graphic novel. The art was really unique and the creatures were very interesting.
May 25, 2017
It's a cute story, but the dialogue is rough. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. The art is fun.
March 9, 2018
The theme of the story is that an thing is possible
April 3, 2019
Fun, colorful, exciting.
September 25, 2019
I read this in the hopes of being able to recommend it to my students (at-risk middle/high school). It was a neat little story and I think they will like it. My 3-year old saw me reading it and wanted in on the action. He loved it too, although I think it was a bit too scary for him.
June 2, 2020
This book was so good! I really loved it! The creatures were cool and I loved all the crazy things that happened
June 28, 2022
My kids wanted me to read this lol, was a fun, quick read.
December 14, 2023
This is a fun, and ultimately, heartwarming story about love of family.
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