Story: 3 starsArt: 3 starsChildren's full-color graphic novel. Two orphans in the wild west set off in search of their outlaw father. A lot of action with little character development. While the ending is heartwarming, it didn't quite feel fully resolved to me.

A kids western themed graphic novel that tries to be the comics of old, but falls flat. As you read Varmints it has the feel of the old Orphan Annie cartoon, or like it wants to be Dagwood, or even Bumstead. But the story just doesn’t cut it. It’s to long for a cartoon, but not detailed enough for a graphic novel. The reader goes from scenario to scenario with no in between. This title was not for me.

*Varmints by Andy Hirsch was quite a wild, western adventure following two siblings, Opie the hothead and Ned the sweetheart, trying to find their Pa. There are problems around every corner, and you never know how they are going to get through the situation, but somehow they do! I know my students who like adventurous graphic novels will be a fan of this one. The story ended with a cliffhanger, so I am assuming there will be more to come!

Graded By: BrianCover Story: Which Way Did He Go, George?Drinking Buddy: You Must Be Thirteen to Drink HereTestosterone Level: You'll Shoot Your Eye OutTalky Talk: Smile When You Say ThatBonus Factors: Wacky Races, Ticket to RideBromance Status: We Don't Need No Stinkin' BadgesRead the full book report here.

What a fun book! This is a narrative world that Hirsch has been working on for a while, albeit in self-published minicomics. This is the first sustained story with these characters, and I hope this book is successful enough to warrant further volumes.

Young Ned and his sister Opie are on the hunt for their Pa. Only Opie knows that their father is also the illusive criminal kingpin known as PA. As they search for their missing patriarch, the siblings undertake a number of exciting adventures involving giants, horse rustlers, and a thrilling cross-country race in which the winning gets an exclusive face-to-face meeting with PA!This book was awesome. Science Comics' Andy Hirsch did such a magnificient job on this all-ages graphic novel by First [...]

Despite feeling a bit disconcerted at the start of the book because I wasn't clear about the whereabouts of the protagonists' mother, I ended up enjoying this one thoroughly. Not only was it packed with humor and thrills and gasp-worthy situations that left their fate in the air--at least briefly--but there were also plenty of parts that touched my heart and made me feel deeply. After all, it's hard for two youngsters to make it on their own, especially in the Wild West. As they search for the c [...]

This graphic novel follows a brother and sister in the mythical Old West. The death of their mother has spurred them in their search of Pa, an outsized outlaw who left them when they were small. The run into bandits, bears, and more as they seek him out and take on challenges head on. The illustrations are brightly colored and attention-grabbing, but the superficial portrayal of diverse cultures is a disappointment. Still, there is fun to be had in this book. Varmints is recommended as an additi [...]

I think the book was good, it was really funny but at the same time strange.Opie and Ned went to all sorts of places in the Wild West.They meet a bunch of cowboys, ride on a bunch of horses.I almost loved the whole book except for one thing.The ending didn't end up as a really good one, it didn't seem like an ending.

My 6 y.o. is very much into graphic novels right now and mostly reads them to himself, but he likes me to read him the ones that are more difficult. This one was fun.

SEE-IT Award nominee. I'm giving these all 5 stars to avoid spoilers, and holding off on review until the award has been presented.

openbooksociety/article/vaVarmintsBy Andy HirschISBN 978-1-62672-279-0Brought to you by OBS Reviewer ScottVarmints, by Andy Kirsch, is a series of conundrums that lead to disaster and also to the meaning of family. The resonate theme throughout the lead protagonists Opie and Ned, two youngsters in the wild west, is that of cooperation and sticking together through thick and thin. The trials they face are great, and they must overcome them and their personal differences in their quest to find Pa, [...]

comicsalternative/comics-a

Fun and engaging with incredibly appealing cartoon art.

This is a graphic novel/comic book that reminds me of the old comics I read as a child. Being an adult now, I was not impressed so much with this book, but I definitely think children (8 to 12) would enjoy this book. The illustrations are colourful, detailed and humorous. They definitely add to the story and help to show what is happening. Opie and her little brother Ned have lost their Ma and are now traveling the Wild West in search of their Pa so they can be a family. While on their journey, [...]

Taking place in the Old West, two siblings have lost their mother and home, and Opie (the older sister) is seeking the man she holds responsible. But she and her brother Ned run into one predicament after another in the search for "Pa", the crime boss. In fact, the two siblings spend most of their time running from one risky situation to another, squabbling the whole time. The siblings end up working in a saloon, running from horse rustlers, and entering a contest for a chance to talk to "Pa" fa [...]

This book is like a series contained within itself. Each chapter is a different adventure for Opie and her brother Ned. The thread connecting each chapter is their search for the crime king, Pa, who happens to be their dad. Set in the ol' west, the story has the stereotypical western scenes: saloon brawl, horse thieves, saloon girls, hoppin' the train, etc. I wanted to enjoy it more, but the story is disconnected in many places and doesn't flow well, so it's just okay. There is violence - the bi [...]

Received from the publisher for an honest review. A Opie and her young brother Ned have lost their Ma and are now traveling the Wild West in search of their Pa so they can be a family. Through their travels, trouble is never far behind, one adventure after another and Ned making friends along the way. The story flows nicely from one chapter to the next. The illustrations truly help tell the story. Will the siblings from their Pa and become a family again? Read this very visual graphic novel and [...]

Graphic novel with arguing siblings. Not my favorite characters even though the story was decent enough.

This story does not resonant with me - that being said, I can see how young readers would enjoy the antics of each of the characters.

Pretty cute - certainly seems like there are more adventures in store.

Our favorite western by far (of course, we are bias)! The books is gorgeous and funny, and it reflects the author's wonderful personality really well. We love working with Andy!