As a rule, I don't read graphic novels mostly just because with everything else I read, I don't have the time. Walker Bean looked like it would be fun to read with Griffin, though. It was :) [full review] ( )

3rd-5th
This book is probably geared more towards boys in this age category. Many young boys are interested in fantasy fiction. Also, they are more likely to relate to a male main character. ( )

Place me in the minority but this adventure on the high seas didn't work for me. I couldn't seem to have any enthusiasm for this book. The art was not to my liking. The characters looked murky or simply off-putting, liked they'd stepped out of an Edvard Munch painting. The numerous half blurbs of the characters also didn't work for me. I gave this to my 10-year-old to read wondering if maybe I was too adult for the "magic" of the story and he didn't have much to say about it. He is a tremendous reader too. I dislike knocking the work of other authors but I can't seem to find a great deal to enjoy with this one. Maybe if we could use half stars here, I'd give it 2.5.

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I picked this up for my nine year old son, and found myself drawn to the wonderful art and intriguing story, so in the end I nicked it from him and read it myself. Walker Bean's beloved grandfather is horribly ill. He made the mistake of looking into the eyes of the pearl skull, stolen from the hoard of the hideous merwitches who destroyed Atlantis. The skull must be returned, but only young Walker is willing to do so. The skull is stolen! There's a sea-battle! Walker stows away on a pirate ship. Pursued by the mysterious Doctor, the Royal Navy and the merwitches themselves! Can his determination and the odd crazy invention hello him fight through to save his grandfather?
This is just so damn good. Writer artist is clearly influence by Tintin, Where's Wally and a host of others, he also reminded me of Richard Sala, especially with his willingness to go full on ghastly with the nightmarish merwitches. It's a cracking read, thrilling and fascinating, with brilliant characters and an ending that goes from a jaw-droppingly epic set-piece reversal to a quietly moving funeral at sea. Highly, highly recommended ( )

Disgusting sea witches, magic skulls, pirates and a talking Squid-Man, where was this graphic novel when I was a kid? ( )