An account of a teenage musician who must locate "the perfect song" in order to save the soul of an old fellow musician. The narrative touches on a variety of subjects, like figuring out who you are as you grow up, dealing with family issues, grieving, navigating friendships, etc. However, none of these subjects are covered in great detail, and the dialogue consists primarily of expressions that have been overused and have lost their impact. In addition, I find it hard to believe some of the story's details given the circumstances. The concept was intriguing, but I didn't think the execution worked well.

I don't like how cartoonish the artwork is. A more realistic tone would be better for this kind of narrative.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing ARC of this book to reviewers.

"Malcolm Kid and the Perfect Song" by Austin Paramore is a delightful and heartwarming middle grades book that follows the adventures of Malcolm, a young boy with a passion for music, as he embarks on a quest to find the perfect song. Through whimsical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, Paramore creates a charming tale that celebrates the joy of creativity, friendship, and self-discovery. With its engaging story, endearing characters, and vibrant illustrations, Paramore's book is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever dared to dream and dance to the beat of their own perfect song.

This book combines friendship, family, creative expression, and even a touch of romance in one excellent package. The art is so unique and fun. It is also a nuanced depiction of grief and growing up.

An interesting approach here. While the book really only introduces the conflict (the hunt for the perfect song) we are able to dig deep into character history and influences. It could be a fascinating series, though this one doesn't have a complex plot of it's own.

Malcolm Kid loves music but unfortunately no one in his house feels the same way. His keyboard breaks and he is in search of a new on, he has no money and a strange man in a music shop offers him a new one…
There is real life situations that a black teen would face which makes the story more accessible to readers.
The characters are great and the story has themes of family, music, friendship and history.
A fun graphic novel about following your dreams.
There is a perfect set up for a sequel which I eagerly await!

This was a really delightful story about friendship, music, family, and the history and experience of Black musicians in America. I really loved how it was so tender and charming but also felt very honest about the experience of being a Black teen. I would love to put this in my library, although I will note that there were several instances of mild cursing; while it felt pretty harmless and realistic, it could be something that would give middle school librarians pause, unfortunately. Still, a really fantastic book! It seemed like it might be setting up for a sequel, which I would love to see!

A fun graphic novel about being true to yourself and your own dreams! I think the idea of the storyline was great, but I needed a bit more. I would however, read a sequel if there was one.

From start to finish, this book is full of energy and enthusiasm. There is no dull moment; it’s all action, catchy phrases and sarcasm, which make it a good graphic novel. Huge credit to the author and creative team for bringing together a fun and vigorous story.

The plot involves a typical teenager going thru adventures with a sidekick and a mission to fulfill. But the way it is narrated, especially for a graphic novel, is very uncustomary. Other graphic novelists could learn a thing or two in terms of the story’s style and flow. And I love the graphics! Very expressive; attention to detail is excellent. It is a perfect combination of weirdness and beauty. I love the artist’s courage to explore uncanny techniques.

The only downside was the ending. I know I’ve been all praises on its plot, but I expected something more impactful here, a better finale. Something seems lacking, and the music theme tapers out even though it’s supposed to be all about music.

But overall, I enjoyed it and am pretty sure everyone will fall in love with the characters and message the book aims to convey.

This was a great graphic novel. First of all, my ten-year-old devoured it in one sitting and is looking forward to a continuation of the story. I also really enjoyed it. Sometimes a graphic novel can make your feel like you are skipping over parts of the story but this one is super well done. Between the compelling story and the expressive images, lots of nuance and detail are covered in a quick read.

I totally recommend this book and am also looking forward to whatever comes next - it definitely feels like it's being set up for a second book.

I really enjoyed the concept of this story, I think it was really well done! The illustrations were absolutely beautiful and I think that having this dtory be told theough a graphic novel format really made the story more special.

Malcolm Kid loves music in a household where that love is not nurtured. One day his keyboard breaks and he needs a new one. He has no money but a creepy guy in a music shop offers him a new one - for a bit price. This story was whimsical with wonderful characters and a lovely ending. I look forward to more books from this author!

I really enjoyed this book and think it would be valuable for many of my students. The characters were well thought out and the story was well developed.

I loved this book! To be honest, I used to love graphic novels, but I’ve fallen out of them recently. This book definitely reignited my love for the genre. I love all the little details, like the chapters being marked with piano keys and the ‘Malcolm Os’, I could go on. It feels realistic but magical at the same time, a perfect mix of reality and fantasy.

This is a cute, heartfelt story that went in directions I didn’t expect! While the cover might look like it’s a middle-grade graphic novel, this is pretty firmly YA with some more mature content and language.

I feel like this book is best approached with as little knowledge of the story as possible. In hindsight, I’m surprised I didn’t figure out the twist sooner, but I’m kinda glad I didn’t. The ending, as in the very last page, still has me ruminating. I think this one would be good for a book discussion so folks could debate their interpretations of that ending.

The artwork, style, and coloring created an immediately immersive experience. I was sucked right into Malcolm’s story. I read it during two sessions, and I thought about it in between! I feel like the illustrator created a such a sense of intimacy, both between the characters AND between the reader and Malcolm’s inner world. I liked the “malcolmOS updates.” 😊

I really enjoyed this one and will keep an eye out for future work from the author, Austin Paramore, and the illustrator, Sarah Bollinger.

Review posted to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5460624376

Is there such thing as a perfect song and what kind of "deal" do you need to make in order to create/discover it? That's what Malcolm finds out in this heart-felt graphic novel. Throughout his journey to help the old man trapped in his keyboard, Malcolm learns "we live life to leave something behind." It comes down to legacy: your family and the impact you have made on them, not what the world thinks of you. Along for the ride is Malcolm's childhood friend, January aka "Ary". Together they try to find the "perfect song", while also helping to find their way back to each other. I loved the graphics, especially the tech icons used to reflect the characters thoughts/feelings. Definitely left me wondering if there will be another story...Thanks to Oni Press & Net Galley for the physical & digital arcs.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Oni Press, for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review and comments
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Malcolm Kid has a talent for music, but his own self-deprecation keeps him from dreaming too big. When circumstances mean that he misses an audition for a part-time job performing, he is reunited with January, his childhood friend, who takes him to a strange instrument shop for a new keyboard. This takes Malcolm on a journey to discover "The Perfect Song" to free the cursed soul of a jazz musician currently trapped inside his new keyboard.
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Filled with genuinely heart-warming moments, funny lines, and great art, this graphic novel was a really pleasant surprise. I always like to have a graphic novel on the go, and this was a great light-hearted read (albeit with some heavier moments) to dip in and out of. I loved the character of January and was really intrigued by the guy who runs the music shop, and I hope there will be a second book to continue the story, as the ending definitely left things open for more adventures with Malcolm. And I have to mention the art, beautifully drawn, and it felt almost animated and in motion.
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Overall, it was a great read. I'm happy I requested this one!

IT WAS TOO SHORT!!
omg as a young, black, musician I loved this story a little bit too much. Okay, it was amazing. I loved Malcolm and his group of friends (Cam mainly lol) and I loved his friendship with Ary. You don't see black rep like this in YA graphic novels so ofc i was eating it up 😚 if black joy were a book, this would be it.

AND THE ART STYLE BRO!! Somehow the monochrome worked for this story and I loved the little ending illustrations and Yung Trav's soundcloud ig 😭😭

Ary and Malcolm's friendship is so well-written and it feels genuine. I do like the themes portrayed throughout the book, and the lesser broad but subtle one about umm contracts :P

but I digress. I loved this story and I'd reccomend it to anyone. side note, this book feels kind of nostalgic, like a 2000's cartoon :)

Music has a special place in my heart and I appreciated the love for music that comes through this graphic novel. I will definitely be purchasing this for others to enjoy!

An awesome graphic novel with beautiful illustrations. I loved this story and while reading it could definitely imagine the characters in an animation, so much of this popped off the pages.

This was so dang enjoyable! I went in knowing not too much about the plot and I recommend you do, too.

A summary that doesn’t give too much away— Malcolm Kid is down on his luck. He’s a high schooler who just wants to be a musician. His dreams are temporarily dashed when his keyboard gets smashed and his parents grow angry with him. Then, Malcolm and his friend January acquire a new keyboard under ~shady~ circumstances. The two don’t know what they’re in for, and their new possession leads them on a quest around town.

The combination of energetic artwork + silly dialogue was *chef’s kiss.* This comic was just so fun! This story touches on the love of music, complex family dynamics, loss, and gentrification— all with a lot of humor and heart. There are also some cool video game and social media elements. I’ll definitely be on the watch for a sequel!

Recommended if you’re interested in a humorous comic about a young musician that perfectly balances being lighthearted and touching. Out on August 1!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for the ARC!