A very fun approach to John Constantine and his world of the Occult for YA. Constantine is one of the most interesting characters that has been present in most of the most important comic books in recent history.

More DC Comics for Kids! You know how much I love this middle grade series, and introducing hard-bitten demonologist John Constantine - one of my favorites! - to kids with a kid-friendly background makes me SO happy. Don't fret, none of his dark backstory or unattractive habits show up here. Johnny Constantine is a kid who just happens to know magic and knows a handful of demons in his native London, but when he's sent to boarding school in America, he discovers that his magic isn't as easily accessible here. Johnny, who prefers to be called "Kid", is a loner with no patience for friends, but a fellow student named Anna is too interested in Johnny's abilities when she sees him manifest a pencil out of thin air. Turns out, Anna likes magic, too! The two new friends also have some concerns about one of their teachers, who seems to have it out for Johnny and who may or may not be a witch.

The story is hilarious and so well done. We perfectly get the feel for Johnny's loner, antihero character, a guy who learned in childhood that you push people away before they can reject you, or run screaming from your abilities; whatever happens first. It's a guessing game, and a few well-known and loved DC characters make appearances, making this a book kids and their parents can enjoy together (still thrilled that The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid introduced my then 7-year old to Swamp Thing). There's magic mixed with the struggles of being a kid - making friends, enduring school, staying out of the way of a teacher who doesn't like you - and will appeal to graphic novel readers in a big way. I'm really hoping I get to see more of Kid Constantine.

Author Ryan North is a comic book writer who kids will know from his Eisner- and Harvey Award-winning run on Adventure Time. Sign up for his newsletter at his author page. Derek Charm is an Eisner Award winner whose work you'll recognize from Star Wars and Archie Comics.

Thanks to NetGalley & DC for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a re-imagining of John Constantine's life through a kid's lenses, and it works brilliantly. Be forewarned, however, his comic stories involve demons and witches, as does this book. They're really not that scary in this graphic novel thanks to the snarky yet soft art style, but just want to warn anyone that's just not into that stuff.

I absolutely ADORED the art style throughout the book, I would say it's close with Ben 10's animation style with how bright and expressive it is. Gosh, I hope this gets turned into an animated movie or something, it works really well. The demons Johnny hangs out with look like muppets, it's hilarious.

Anna and Johnny were great as well, Anna had a bustling personality and pushed Johnny to grow into his jerk with a heart of gold persona he often has in the other comics. There's a GREAT cameo of a popular demon character that more seasoned DC fans will know and they did a great job adapting the character here!

Brilliant graphic novel, DC keeps hitting these out of the park!

The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher is intended for children ages 7+. There aren’t any warnings for this book despite there being ghosts and demons. None of them are particularly scary. Most of them in fact are friends of Johnny Constantine’s!

I thought the story was quite entertaining. John Constantine was recognizable in his younger iteration. He thinks he’s amazing, but not without struggles. He also recognizes his failures and had some very real growth throughout the story. Johnny learned that he wasn’t so alone when he found a friend in both Anna and the friendly demon Etrigan who is famous for speaking only in rhymes. He also learned that he can’t abandon his friends when times get tough and that his friends will also be there for him as well.

Overall, I think that The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher is a fun story not just for middle grade children, but there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s familiar struggles, interesting plot and character development, along with some good lessons along the way. Not to mention a fun reveal at the end of the story on just who Anna actually is! You’re not going to want to miss this one!

My full review can be found here: https://thegeekiary.com/the-mystery-of-the-meanest-teacher-a-johnny-constantine-graphic-novel-review/98001

I have always loved the brooding John Constantine. DC kids is bringing readers a young Constantine who prefers to be called Kid. He still talks with demons, and gets into bits of trouble. Some trouble is so bad he gets sent to an American boarding school where he tries to hide his magic and abilities, but it doesn’t work as trouble seeks him out. This was a fun graphic novel for upper elementary and middle school. It has a bit of humor without being as dark as many adults remember Constantine being. It has something for everyone. I could see this book becoming a big series and then a TV series.

You might not expect a "young John Constantine" graphic novel to work, but The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher nails the character as he might have been as a young person. The plot is twisty, the graphics enhance the story, and the other characters are full people.

The newer YA graphic novels from DC are doing a great job of telling 'old' or classic characters through a new lens for a younger audience. North's story about young Constantine gives an authentic portrayal of Constantine's snark and distrust but builds upon that for a great middle grade story.

Very fun, imaginative story! Great illustrations with really vivid colors. The characters are very likable but I wish they’d had more backstory to them (especially Anna, Ms. Kayla and Etrigan).

<i>Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>