Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo Book 2: The Middle-Route Run

I really like seeing more of Rickety's origins and the cast of colorful, fun characters makes every scene play out like a movie. I like the mature tone taken with the story, meaning there is violence, existential crisis, and an even a sole curse word without feeling like "ooh, this story is sooo edgy." I just admire the all-ages quality this story has.

Not to mention the artwork and coloring are A1. ( )

Literary merit: okay
characterization: good
recommendation: yes
reading level: young adult

Rickety Stitch is a comical character that is searching for his true identity, which takes him and his friend the gelatinous goo on several adventures including the one on the most dangerous road in the world of Eam.

The story and characters are very comical, so makes for a very entertaining read. Do not take this one too seriously but get ready for a very enjoyable read. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Great
Reading Level: High School
Recommend: Highly Recommend

The Middle-Route Run is the second book in the Rickety Stitch and Gelatinous Goo graphic novel series. Reading the first in this series is highly recommended. The story continues as we follow a bardic skeleton, Rickety Stitch, and his slime companion, Goo. Together they continue the journey from book 1 as they try to recover Rickety's missing memories from the time when he was alive. They encounter trials, tribulations, and make new friends on the way.

This graphic novel uses it's art to compliment the dialog and story in the best way. A lot of context is found in the expression of the characters, background art, and between the lines of text. The art style of the work is cartoony and fluid while never losing it's sense of scale or proportion. Each panel is illustrated in full, but is never so busy that it distracts from the story being told.

I highly recommend this for graphic novel collections for both public libraries and school libraries with the caveat that it should be firmly placed at the high school level. While the art and publisher may suggest grades 7-9, the subject matter, jokes, and language all point to grades 9+. If you have readers that enjoy: Dungeons and Dragons, Nimona, and anyone who wants to see humor in their fantasy. ( )