4 Kids Walk Into a Bank is a graphic novel that is both charmingly nostalgic yet very dark and tragic. It follows a group of preteen friends: Paige, “Stretch”, Walter and “Berger", who spend most of their days hanging out, playing D&D, and going to arcades. It’s not explicitly stated what time this takes place, but given the visual cues like clothing, floppy discs, ham radios, and kids still going to coin arcades – I’m going to hazard a guess 1980s, maybe early 1990s.

The four friends are shocked one day when a group of strange, threatening men walk right into Paige’s house, asking for her dad. It turns out, they know Paige’s dad from their youth, and say he owes them one last “job” – a bank robbery. Paige has a decision to make: stand by and watch her dad get himself into deep trouble… or, beat them to the chase and commit the crime before they have a chance.

This story gave me all of the classic, late-20th-century, close-knit, preteen outcast friend group vibes – the same feeling you get watching Stand by Me, The Goonies or The Sandlot. Sure, the friends might not always agree, but they are loyal to the end. And of course, they find themselves in a situation that is WAY too adult for 11-13 year olds to be handling by themselves… yet here we are. I’m a sucker for this genre/trope, and I love all the hints of nostalgia you see along the way in fiction like this.

But 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank has a much darker tone – perhaps more akin to Stand By Me – where the kids realize just how deep their problem is, and how poorly equipped they are to handle it. It’s their first taste of “adulthood”. The stakes are high for Paige: not only is her dad a single father, but they’re also poor. Her dad needs the money, but Paige, well, needs her dad. And she’ll do anything to keep the status quo.

Not only is does this book have feel-good, coming of age moments, but it's also a heist story. Essentially – and as the title indicates – Paige decides that she and her friends must be the ones to rob the bank before her dad's criminal "pals" force him to do so. If there's nothing left to rob, then they won't be able to rob it. Moreover, money for her and her dad! As one might expect, things don't totally go to plan.

I also really enjoyed the art in this one – a very rough, textured style, but with loads of color. Color is used effectively to set the mood and add to the intensity of certain scenes. There are also some great "cinematic" montages used for action scenes, and moments where characters are planning or spying. The way some of the scenes were framed gave me a Tarantino or Wes Anderson vibe. Additionally, the character and some scenes are introduced by "plaques" that were also reminiscent of Wes Anderson for me. The cinematic nature of the panels really added to the heist feel.

The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the ending, which left us on a cliff and didn't give enough answers to leave me feeling satisfied. Not everything goes to plan for our heroes... in fact it turns outright chaotic. What happens is a downer – but honestly, I felt, how else could it have ended? There was a note of hope and healing in the last couple pages, but I wanted more. The ending was way too abrupt for me, and I wish I knew more about our characters' fates.

Overall, I'm really glad I got a chance to read this. I enjoyed the art, the story... and after I finished, I found myself thinking about it for a while. It was an entertaining read, and I will always jump at the chance to read a good, standalone graphic novel. Now... I think it's time for me to go and rewatch some of my favorite heist and coming-of-age films!

A quick read with interesting characters, quite a few unexpected laughs especially in the first chapters and some cool looking graphics. At some points the digital reading might have spoilt a bit of the layout and I found myself going back a page a few times, thinking I missed a bit, which probably would have worked better with a physical copy. The intro was absolute genius though for viewing with sliding pages. Would definitely recommend for fans of indie graphic novels.

4 Kids walk into a bank in a dark comedy about a group of kids who end up committing a crime. It has Paige as the ringleader of a quartet of misfits and who are constantly making up games to entertain themselves with. She is a force to be reckoned with and most of this book can be summed up as this meme

Everyone: Paige no
Paige: Paige yes

On a more serious note, the story, while involving 11-12 year old characters is definitely not middle grade friendly. There is profanity, violence and lots of criminal shenanigans. When Paige finds out that her father’s old associates are back in town and have roped him in to rob a bank, she makes a plan with her three friends Berger, Stretch and Walter to rob it before they can. Child logic, don’t question it. She gets too carried away and they have a falling out but they also kinda rob the bank. Don’t worry, there are consequences.

Overall it’s a very comedic story and even the whole comic layout reflects it. Berger always ruins whatever they come up with, be it a game or their plans. Walter keeps throwing up. Paige sasses everyone in sight, is very impulsive and full of rage, much to the consternation of her father and her detective uncle. The artwork comes across as simplistic but it’s very well done. The characters look dynamic, and alive even in two dimensions. Recommended if you are in the mood for preteen shenanigans that go awry.

I read this book when I wasn't really in the mood for it and it definitely impacted my reading. I liked certain aspects of it but sometimes things just didn't click for me.

Exact rating: 4.5
(I'd love a physical copy of this!)

I really enjoyed this.. This is a story about 4 kids (11-12 years old) who try to rob a bank. Simple premise but laced with dark and humorous elements. Paige is the leader of this gang and because of some trouble with her dad, she makes that idea of robbing that bank. I liked her portrayal of a strong girl. Also, I loved her relationship with her father.

I loved the idea of using video games at the start of each chapter to represent what the kids were planning.

This graphic novel was hilarious, dramatic and a read I would recommend to anyone especially lovers of old 80s movies and heist movies (basically if you love Stranger Things!)! It definitely did not go the route that I thought it would and I was very impressed with how authentic and interesting it was. All in all, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank is awesome and highly entertaining. It may come off a bit offensive but that works out in it's favour.

Actual rating - 3.5 Stars

I actually enjoyed this graphic novel. This is a story about 4 kids (11-12 years old) who try to rob a bank. This is a dark and humorous tale. Paige is the leader of this gang and she has been shown as a fierce character. Because of an upcoming trouble her father can lead into, she makes that idea of robbing that bank. I liked her portrayal of a strong girl. Also, I loved her relationship with her father.

My favorite character was, however, Berger. He was so funny and notorious and was always a troublemaker for the group. The other characters were also dynamic and I like the overall group as each child has different qualities.

This book has been publicised as a middle-grade read because of the age group of the children involved in the story. But after reading this, I would say that this is not a suitable read for the children of that age group for sure. There is the use of strong language and graphic violence.

I liked the idea of using video games at the start of each chapter to represent the current planning of the kids. That idea was really unique and refreshing. I like the artwork to some extent but it was really simple as compared to the concept of the story.

I would definitely recommend this to someone who loves reading graphic novels and in need of something dark and humorous.

Dark, depressing, but *so* good. A young girl shouldering adult responsibilities leads her 3 friends in a scheme to keep her father from committing a crime. The art communicates the violent but compelling narrative beautifully, helping you feel for the kids as they confront adults and dive headfirst into dangerous situations.

So, this graphic novel is really not my thing. I was intrigued by a review at Pornokitsch, and I saw it at NetGalley and decided to take a look. And for half the story I felt bad about how it really wasn’t my thing, and yet I could really see how other readers would enjoy it more, and I wanted to give it a review that could help those potential readers.

Things I enjoyed throughout:
- the character portrayals
- the art
- the storytelling and small details that convey a lot
- the use of the graphic medium to play with story

Things I struggled with, more about what I like than flaws:
- too edgy for me
- sometimes too casually violent for me
- I wanted to know more about what made one character tick

About three-quarters of the way into the story, things come together with a different tone than I expected, and I stopped struggling and became painfully engaged with what was happening. From there, I looked through pages for nuances and jumped back to revisit places.

So, not really my thing. Really enjoyed it anyway. If if might be your thing, give it a shot.

Four kids aren’t very good at role-playing games but that’s one of their reasons for hanging out together. They all fit the role of misfits. Four thugs walk into the house where the four kids are failing at a role-playing game. The thugs have some sort of a past relationship with Paige’s father. The kids try to get to the bottom of why the thugs are in town, and they find evidence that the thugs are planning to rob a bank. Circumstances make it clear to Paige that she and her friends should rob the bank first. But that isn’t such a great idea because kids who aren’t very good at role-playing games will probably be even worse at robbing a bank.

Paige and her dad have their conflicts, but the story is interesting because it’s the dad who is walking a crooked path and his daughter is trying to get him to go straight — until she decides that the only way to protect him is to become a criminal herself. So this is sort of a story about a daughter looking out for her dad, but it’s also a story about friendship. Her dad’s friendships motivate him to engage in problem behavior, and Paige’s friendships motivate her friends to take risks to help her out. That’s an interesting dichotomy.

Much of the story is really pretty funny. But by the end, it’s incongruously dark and kind of sweet. Paige’s relationship to her father and the kids’ relationship to each other is touching. The art is straightforward and just about perfect for the story. This is a good effort, a really good effort that combines emotional honesty with humor and an offbeat take on growing up as a misfit.

This graphic novel is super funny and super nerdy. This is a really fun read with great characters, a fast story, and wonderful artwork. 

I recommend this if you like graphic novels, and if you want to start getting into them, this is great to start with.

After hearing so many awesome things about 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank during it's original run I finally decided I needed to check it out for myself. And I can't believe it took me so long. If any book deserves to be on a 'Best Comics of 2017' list it's this one. 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank blends an excellent story with some amazing artwork and gives readers a book they aren't likely to forget any time soon.

Evoking the nostalgic look and feel of the 1980s, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank follows a group of preteen misfits as they decide whether or not to rob a bank. While the book may seem like the set up for any number of quirky, kid-focused movies (also from the 1980 and 1990s) this is definitely not a story for kids. Paige, Berger, Walter, and Stretch may be losers who spend their nights playing Dungeons and Dragons but they also have some seriously foul mouths. 

Like, seriously foul mouths.

The basic set up sees an eleven year old girl named Paige, who is the ringleader of her little group, basically convincing her friends to rob a bank. It's not like they really want to rob a bank. But Paige's dad has a past history of criminal activity and rather than let her dad get wrapped up in his criminal friends' plans she decides to rob the bank before they can. It's not exactly a smart idea but, hey, she's eleven and her only remaining parent could go to jail if he gets caught!

I loved the kids in this book. It's great watching these nerdy little dudes try to figure out how they can rob a bank. All of the characters set themselves apart with their own personalities and little quirks. Obviously, Paige takes centerstage as the unrefuted ringleader of their little group. But the rest of them are great, too. I loved Berger who basically takes on the part of comic relief. He's always quick with an inappropriate quip and he plays the archetype well. With Stretch and quiet, nerdy Walter rounding out the team they've got all the smarts and skills they need to move forward with their terrible plan.

From start to finish, Matt Rosenberg spins a tale that will keep readers hooked. 

But while the story is great and I loved it, the artwork really needs some recognition. Tyler Boss is amazing. I loved the look and feel of this book. From the character designs to the backgrounds, it's one of the best looking books I've read this year. One of the reasons I probably liked it so much is I like that simpler style and it reminds a bit of David Aja's work on Hawkeye and The Immortal Iron Fist. It works perfectly with the story that's being told and he does a really great job mixing in that nostalgic feel to everything.

Basically, I loved 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank from start to finish and I can't recommend it enough.

I still can't believe it took me so long to finally read this book!

4 Kids Walk Into A Bank is the kind of book that you can give anyone regardless of how much they may know about comics beforehand. It's a great story with some seriously dark humor that will appeal to a wide variety of readers -- as long as they're not put off by a bit of profanity and some inappropriate jokes. Matt Rosenberg and Tyler Boss definitely did something great with this one. It deserves all the praise it's gotten and more.

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A REVIEW COPY WAS PROVIDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW

The premise is this: a group of gaming nerd boys in their tweens (11-12), led by a 12 year old girl, Paige, aka Sir Manly, who has the ability to beat up all her friends, decides to rob a bank so that her father does not rob a bank. This is Paige's way of saving her father and the boys go along with it despite the fact that science geek Walter, who does not speak louder than a mumble, continues to throw up every time things get a little intense.

Rosenberg does not need to come up with a better title. The title is shocking enough and it got me reading because guess what, this really is about 4 kids who walk into a bank. It is so funny and so dark, this is cowboy coffee with a shot of whiskey. This book hit me in the guts and I knew in my brain that I should not be laughing but it was so macabre and I couldn't help it. From the chapter headings - "Chapter One: As far bask as lunchtime I always wanted to be a Gangster" to the acknowledgments at the end "And most importantly, thank you to all the real child bank robbers out there for letting us tell your story. . ." this book is darkly hilarious.

I loved the tween logic of planning the heist, including their choice of disguises and the fact that Pat gets to drive the getaway car to the bank because he is tallest. Berger, who is the one that stole the family car insists that he gets to drive but his legs do not reach the pedals, so he has figured out by the end of the heist that if he ties blocks on his feet he will be able to drive.

In the end, this is a no saccharine, no happy ending, real guns, real blood comic. That is what makes this so refreshing, so yes, thank you to all the real child bank robbers for letting your story be told.

I loved this graphic novel!! 4 nerdy, misfit, Dungeons and Dragons playing kids (Paige,Stretch, Berger and Walter) get sucked in to a plot to rob a bank to save Paiges’ father from doing it. It’s illustrations and dialogue is written almost like an 80’s friend flick (like Sandlot or Goonies)

And because of their wild imaginations and constant gaming they are always imagining things in gaming, pop culture terms.

This graphic novel was hilarious, dramatic and a read I would recommend to anyone! ESPECIALLY lovers of those old 80s movies and heist movies! It definitely did not go the route that I thought it would and I was very impressed with how authentic and interesting it was. It’s hard to say more than that about something that was 210 pages. So, all I will say is READ IT! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

I almost didn't finish this book. It is very odd, but very compelling.

It is full of fbombs, and other swears, but that wasn't the problem I had with it at first.

It is that each chapter opens with the kids playing, and talking while they are playing. Sometimes they are playing D&D, or some role playing game. Sometimes it is an arcade game, and one time it was just them playing in the yard. Once I got used to these odd beginnings, then I really got into it.

It really does read like what would happen if some kids decided to robe a bank.

It won't say it is funny or fun, but it is compelling.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

I requested this ARC from NetGalley because I had just finished volume 1 of *Black* by Black Mask Studios, and really enjoyed it.

And I have to be honest.

I loved this from the very first splash page.

And got chills on the very last page.

This story was so, so, so good.

It was really well written - intense and hilarious!

I loved it.

And the art was a perfect fit.

Just pick this up and read it.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Diamond Distributors, and Black Mask Studios for a copy in return for an honest review.*

I’m not sure what I can say about this. The whole time I was reading it I was mostly thinking “What the Fuck?!”
I just didn’t make any sense to me and I almost screamed WHY?! at the end.
Other than that, I found it okay, I guess.
The characters weren’t too bad and it was a very fast read.

Did not catch my fancy but I'm sure it's for a very specific audience.

A graphic novel about a group of kids (11 and 12 years olds) that decide to rob a bank. The kids are hanging out at Paige's house when they first encounter a group of ex-cons her father knows. The kids figure out that the thugs are planning to rob a bank and want to involve her father. Since the ex-cons are not that bright, Paige decides she and her friends should rob the bank first to help out her father.

This is a crime caper that also deals with friendships and growing up. The kids are each smart and unique, and are basically outcasts from their peers. I liked the honesty and humor in the story, but it did get pretty dark. This story does have some bawdy humor, bad language, and a mature theme, so not really for younger kids.

Ah, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank is awesome and highly entertaining. It's bound to offend people too, which makes it even better. These four kids are Paige and her three male friends all eleven years old or so. Paige finds out that her dad's former friends are back in town to rob a bank with Paige's dad and Paige decides to stop this by robbing the bank first. She doesn't want to lose her dad and her nerd friends decide to help. Sounds heroic, right? Except the comic is full of violence, swearing and pissing off. These kids are great, nasty and dumb and this all has consequences. Not all of them make it out alive, so beware. Yet, the comic isn't violent hellfest, but more like it's about extremely dark humor and awesome ideas. My only complain is about the ending. It's too abrupt and short to convey anything and this would've deserved better. Something dark and something witty.

I liked the simplistic and slightly robotic art. The dull colors work so well with the imagery and create this odd and off-putting feeling, very Daria-like even. The panels are monotonic, but awesome and the best part is when the kids roleplay with weird toys. There's something very offensive in the comic and you can feel it through the art and it's hard to pull this off well. The kids are actual kids and the outcome of it all is so fitting too and no, heroic escapades hardly ever work in real life. I do recommend this!

This was quite a jovial, fun comic - four kids of different types (the bossy, upstart female one, the quietly spoken nerdy one with gender issues, the tall one, and the lunk who keeps gatecrashing) together work out the truth about the girl's life - that her father was once with some bank robbers, on a professional basis, and plans to be so again. But surely with their collective nous, they can beat them to the job and save the day? I think the book gets a little less out of the fantasy lives and game-playing of the characters than the creators think, but on the whole the kids are good to spend time with. The pages have artsy tricks, such as sound-effects that portray the consequence of the sound as opposed to spelling the noises out (ie a huge 'f*** you' instead of something like 'sproing' at one point), but even a comic novice will find some fun here. Even if the heroine isn't exactly a girly-girl, it's nice to have a female lead for such a role, and in-jokes such as the repeated grounded status she suffers, and Easter egg-styled quotes from Star Wars et al, all add to the charm of the piece.