The third volume of this acclaimed graphic novel series continues the story of Barney Guttman, a trans boy, and his friends, who met at the actually haunted haunted-house attraction of an amusement park. In this installment, the angels and demons continue their battle for control of the 13 planes of existence—though these “angels” and “demons” don’t reflect the traditional categories of good and evil. In fact, Barney and his friends have allied with the demons in order to keep the angels from dividing the world still further. But before Barney can help, he and boyfriend Logan have to escape the Guttman family reunion….
Author Hamish Steele weaves the characters’ individual paths of self-discovery with relatable (and very queer) interpersonal dramas and a madcap, dimension-spanning plot. The fantastical worldbuilding and hilarious storytelling are beautifully balanced by the everyday relatability of the characters. Underneath are well-wrought themes about the perils of dividing people, the ways of creating change, and the importance (and occasional aggravation) of found family. The artwork is some of the best in the already good series, moving us from small, domestic scenes to wide, apocalyptic landscapes and points in between.
This is rated as a YA book; I am making an exception and including it here because many middle-grade readers (and their adults) may learn of it via the Netflix show based on the series and/or wonder if its graphic format skews it younger than YA. I don’t think there’s anything wildly inappropriate for middle grade readers here, though some of the scarier parts mean it is likely best for the older end of that age range and up. (Adults as always should assess based on the specific young people in their lives.)
Overall, this is a queer mythography writ large, and it’s wonderful. Highly recommended.
Barney is White and also cued as Jewish (he wears a Hanukkah sweater at one point in the first book). Norma is South Asian; another character is Muslim and wears a hijab. Logan is Asian.
