Oh my goodness! I loved the art in this book. The setting was very interesting. The play on words was cute. The plot was a bit nonexistent, but that's because this was too short! I have a feeling that there is more to the story, in future installments.

What a great short little comic that bares a nice little “moral of the story” at the end. This did not pull any punches in getting to the punchline at all.

This is a short story, aimed at young audiences looking to start the path to horror literature.

Visually it is beautiful, even impressive. Both the illustration and the ink and choice of colors are great successes that add a lot to the final result.

Where I feel it could improve, however, is in the pacing of the narrative. Perhaps it is because of its short duration, or perhaps because of the age of its target audience, but it is impossible to avoid feeling it is more superficial than its visual proposal might indicate. If this title became part of a much larger story, maintaining fidelity to the wonderful graphic section, it would be a benchmark in this reading niche, I'm sure.

But the above is not a bad thing. It caters to a specific sector of readers, who I am sure will enjoy it and will be eager to explore the horror genre.

The adventurous illustrations make this comic jump off the page. Thank you Stone Arch Books and NetGalley for the advanced digital review copy.

2/5 stars.
This book had a lot of potential. I loved the idea that the librarian was the hero and protector of the books. The whole concept of ancient, evil books was extremely intriguing to me.
However, this book did not live up to the synopsis. There was absolutely no character development, and the reader was not even given the opportunity to digest what was happening or understand the severity of the adventure, before something else happens and the whole thing is over. I understand that the book wasn't supposed to be this deep, complicated and thought provoking read, yet this book was way too short to be able to properly deliver an adventurous, exciting story for middle grade readers. The 33 pages, although entertaining, were not enough to make me attach to the plot and characters. I think the author, with the opportunity to create a longer comic, would be able to create a gripping story with memorable characters and an engaging plot, however, unfortunately, this was not that.
Ona different note, I liked the art, especially with the "alternate universe" created through the curse, I thought that was delivered beautifully. The art style is fitting for the story, and was enjoyable to look through as the story unfolded.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital arc.

8-year-old son turns to first page... "Oh I am going to like this graphic novel!"

From the cool characters to the mystical adventure this tale will capture your attention and your imagination. My son and I sat together and devoured this middle grade graphic novel. A story about an ominous vintage locked book found in an antique dresser and the quest that ensues once it has been open.

At the close of the story my son exclaimed: "I hope this is a series!! I love this book!!".
(As an avid middle grade/graphic novel reader, I also enjoyed this book.

As always, truly grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Capstone, Stone Arch Books

A perfectly fine episode in a young horror compendium, this as a stand-alone is not really worth the chase. In a world where demon books and dodgy antiques dealers are rife, a young child (apparently a boy, but it's actually only the end-matter that confirms it) finds one of the former in a small chest of drawers sold by the latter. It's one of the older books, and its place in The Oldest Trick is going to put the kid in great danger... It's all rather well done, but needs to be slung together with companion pieces (there are some, apparently) to make the purchase a commendable one.

I was under the incorrect assumption that this was YA, seems it was for an even younger audience. This could have been a great story, the idea of a library that holds all the most dangerous books in the universe, assuming the right definition is given to dangerous, could have been awesome.

Even though written for young children, I found the dialog weak, feeling incomplete and rushed in some parts, but I assume that is because of the short attention span of the targeted audience.

I will say, I'm not sure I liked or agreed with the message sent in this story. I would want my child to take from this that not all bad things can be turned off. Closing your eyes can make a bad situation even worse. I'm more of the mind, if the story scares you, finish it and learn from it. Use what caused the fear to make you a stronger person. In this day and age, the message given here is closer to ignore it and it will go away, or close it and think of something else...that's how we got into the condition we are in now.

Thanks to @netgalley, Capstone, Stone Arch Books, and Steve Brezenoff, for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

The art is fascinating. The moral of the story is great. The length, though, leaves a lot to be desired and the dialogue is stilted. I'm glad I read it but it only took a few minutes to do so. I can't say I'd recommend buying it just because you don't get very much story for your money.

Very quick Read. I always love a good story about a book, even if it's an evil book. The artwork was beautiful and I really liked the librarian character. Hopefully we see more of him on adventures that would be fun

A very short cute middle grade graphic novel that drags you along, fast paced and loved the art style. I do wish it had been longer but I liked the concept and the message that it gives younger readers.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this comic. As I read through and reached the end I didn't realise. That said I can't wait for the next issue.

The story follows a young girl who discovers a secret ancient book with old tricks that eventually tricks her into a nightmare and she has to overcome the old books oldest trick by playing by its own game.

With help from the greatest librarian she defeats the ancient book and returns home.
This is a great read for kids

It's full of adventure and curiosity middle graders are family with. The art style is beautiful and unique. I loved the colouring and character designs as well

Thank you.

The Mighty Librarian hunts down deadly titles and keeps the The Library of Doom safe from villain's.

Dace finds a magical book hidden in her new dresser. When opening the book she enters a dreamlike nightmare were she meets the Mighty Librarian and fights against the evil lurking nearby.

A wonderful illustrated comic with a very intense storyline. I do feel is was a bit short and could have conveyed a little deeper storyline, but still a very enjoyable little book.

My thanks to Netgalley and Capstone, Stone Arch Books for the ARC.

Even though the story felt rushed and the pace was way too fast I still enjoyed this a lot.
This short comic is about a young girl, Dace, who finds "the Oldest trick" a book inside an old dresser that imprisons her in a dream in which she is helped by the librarian. The librarian is a mysterious being that finds supernatural books and captures them.
This gave me very strong vibes of the tv show "The Librarians" so if you're into it I think you would love this story.
The artwork was okay, nothing special but not bad by any means. However I did really like the eerie vibe of the artwork, it was a plus for me.
The only real flaw is that I wish it was either longer or a series.

The story had potential but it felt a little short it could have went a little longer with an adventure but in my opinion it ended too suddenly.

The Oldest Trick is a short, mild horror comic targeted for 3rd - 6th graders. The story follows Dace whose curiosity lands him in a nightmare dream world. To escape, Dace needs the assistance of the Librarian -- the keeper of the most dangerous books.

With colorful and detailed illustrations, The Oldest Trick is the perfect comic for fans of R. L. Stine and it is bite sized enough for that quick and needed fix of comic horror. Five stars.

I received a digital ARC from Capstone through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

The Librarian and the Library of Doom will draw in library users to see what kinds of books will be destined for the shelves. The curiosity shop tripped several "no" and "don't trust that man" from the beginning with the parents oddly insistent it was the best place to get a dresser. The question remains if they were resting their daughter for some reason, maybe that is something that might get revealed in future volumes. The Librarian was the best character in the books, and he should be. The Librarian being the most distinct character in terms of artwork also stood out.

Short, sweet, and delightfully eerie. Though only thirty three pages long, one could easily wish the story was triple the length. However, perhaps that's what the Oldest Trick wants you to think. 😉

I do like the artwork and believe that this would be a good beginning series for young readers and might grow into a great story

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Oldest Trick by Steve Brezenoff is an awesome children's graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Goosebumps or Locke and Key. The story revolves around a boy who discovers a mysterious book. When he opens it, a monster emerges and drags the boy into a nightmare-world. Can the Librarian save the boy and trap the monster?

Overall, The Oldest Trick is a nice children's graphic novel that would make the perfect gift for the elementary schooler in your life. One highlight of this book was the intriguing concept. When I saw the monster emerge from the book, I was on the edge of my seat. I was really curious to see the nightmare-world that the monster would bring the boy to . I did take off 1 star, because I wish that the story had been longer. But maybe that's a good thing. If you're intrigued by the description, or if you're a fan of children's graphic novels, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in August!