'The Smurfs #24: The Smurf Reporter' by Peyo is a graphic novel about a village of famous blue characters.

This time around, one of the Smurfs gets the idea that the old way of getting news isn't working. This leads to the creation of a printing press and finding gossip to fill the pages which leads to comedy and bad feelings. This also leads to a plot by Gargamel to capture the Smurfs.

It's fun and also kind of a send up of news and news culture. The satire is pretty strong here and makes for a good story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from papercutz and NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

The Smurf Reporter by Peyo follows the (mis)adventures of one Smurf who takes it upon himself to start reporting the events of the previous day for all to read, after seeing how stories can get distorted by word of mouth. However, just as many problems can arise when facts are reported without tact. Can harming still reign in Smurf as guilty secrets are revealed? The news in the Smurf papers draws the attention of the one person the Smurfs don't want attention from- Gargamel!

These stories add new elements to the Smurfs’ story, further evolving them for today in ways I don't necessarily agree with, but at least this time it bothered me less. Like the concept of payment among the Smurfs. That's new. On the flip side, I love the lessons on the destruction that rumour can unleash. Reporter Smurf may have had good intentions at the start, but fell prey to tabloid sensationalism instead. It's not just the reporters that need to be responsible. Readers need to use their common sense and not blindly believe everything that's in print. Recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley & Papercutz for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A rather timely subject. While the focus of the story is more on tabloids and sensationalism than "fake news", it takes a long look at responsible journalism and responsible consumption. The reporter dips into rumor and scandal because it sells. The other smurfs believe it without question. Surprisingly political for a kid's book.

I eally liked this comic. It puts in a little about the press and how it has gone from one print to a printing press. It follows allong from journalism to being papparazzi. Itr's a great moral story told by Smurfs in a wya that young er people can understand.

I am so torn on The Smurf Reporter. What is there not to like about The Smurfs? The story was a great attempt by Gargamel to catch the Smurfs, but, as usual, he fails in his mission. It was entertaining and spot on theme wise, but the first part of the book made the Smurf lover in me cringe. The smurfs would never speak to each other that way. Nor would they assault each other. I have been wracking my brain trying to remember a time when they "paid" each other, and I can't think of a single time they did. I understand the current tone toward journalists and media found in the first part of the book, but I just don't think it belongs there in Smurf Village. I am probably alone in that sentiment, however, so take it as a grain of salt.

Thank you NetGalley and Papercutz for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.