I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Lost in the Future: The Storm was a book I was drawn to from the cover, but I was very disappointed with the story inside.
The graphic novel follows a group of mis-fit kids who go on a school trip and are taunted by their classmate who bully's them relentlessly. The kids are fat shamed, thin shamed, called geeks, and shamed for being disabled. I can understand the author is trying to send a message about bullying and reasons behind it through this, but I think it could have been done less harshly. I DNF halfway through as it just wasn't a book I enjoyed sadly.

I really liked the illustrations in this graphic novel, as well as the basic character design. I thought it was entertaining but also felt too quick. Too short and not building enough into the story. Maybe the next one will be better. I still thought it was unique and interesting enough to finish it.

TW for The Storm: Lost in the Future vol. 1: bullying; ableist and fat shaming comments.

When wondering about the future, one may imagine flying cars or underwater domes, but Lost in the Future proposes a future inspired by traditions and customs of the Middle Ages–and a grisly societal rule. While incredibly imaginative, I had issues with characterization: mainly, the misunderstood bully whose aggression matches what he experiences at home. This is real and valid and should be addressed with compassion, but it doesn’t excuse the pain he inflicted on others. I guess the magic of storytelling is you can have the other characters just show “radical forgiveness.” I also think in 2024 it is in poor taste to make jokes/comedic relief out of a kid who repeatedly says he’s hungry and the narrative claims is “fat.” And two other statements made about a child with limited mobility slowing the group down in a chase. Your opinion may be different upon reading, so give it a shot!

I foresee this series exploring different eras and having a multitude of side characters. The art style and designs are pretty attention-grabbing.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to read this work via NetGalley and Papercutz.

Sadly I didn't like this graphic novel at all! I think I should have, considering how much I love shows like Adventure Time and Gravity Falls, but sadly this really fell flat for me. I didn't like the artstyle, and I cared neither for the story nor the characters (who each embody a different tired stereotype).
All in all, I cannot believe this was originally published in 2021 and not 2011. The Storm is sadly an antiquated comic that doesn't really add anything to the very exciting world of middle grade graphic novels. I'm giving it two stars instead of one simply because I'm not the target audience, and some kids might actually like it.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Lost in the Future is a fast paced graphic novel about a group of kids who are transported (into the future?!) during a class field trip.

I really loved Alex Fuentes’ illustration style. It feels like you're reading something straight out of Cartoon Network, and the bright, vivid colors are eye-catching and really quite fun! It's wonderful to look at, which is why I pick up the majority of graphic novels I read. A+ all around.

This book is categorized in Netgalley as Children's fiction, and on Goodreads it is tagged as Children, Middle Grade, and YA. If I were to hand this to any kids I know, I would be looking for the older ones who lean towards YA. I enjoyed this as a 33 year old adult, but I wouldn't let any child under the age of 13 read this. Which actually might be a bit lenient, but here's the deal:

This graphic novel is chock full of stereotypes, and at one point shows a fairly graphic depiction of child abuse (Father with a belt swinging in motion towards a child in front of him). As an adult, I’m able to move on because I’m desensitized to violence in what I read and watch. Children are not, and should not be.

The stereotypes can also be harmful. An overweight boy who complains about being hungry all the time, and is relentlessly made fun of by the bully (and sometimes even by his own friends, even if it is meant in good faith). The bully who is unnecessarily cruel at every turn because his own Father abuses him at home. The smart Asian girl who has the solution to every problem. The disabled girl (uses crutches) who is slowing them down.

The only thing I really loved when it came to characters was Antoine, who used mature advice and a caring hand when it came to talking with the bully. That was well done.

Will I continue on with this series? Absolutely yes. The ending left a very fun cliffhanger.

Should it be marketed for an older audience? Unequivocally yes.

Available November 26, 2024.

I enjoyed the story. The characters were true to how kids can be.
The colours are gorgeous, but didn’t enjoy the type of drawing. It made the characters look too angular?

While this graphic novel did not appeal to me, I think a younger middle grade audience might enjoy it. It didn't really have a lot of depth and took liberties with assuming the audience would understand things that were not explained. Also, it is supposed to take place in the future, but looked more like the middle ages with weird monsters. Overall, it was just ok.

Lost in the Future by Damian, published by Papercutz, offers a compelling narrative that flows effortlessly, reminiscent of watching an engaging adult animated series. The storytelling is smooth and keeps you hooked, making it easy to immerse yourself in the world the author has created.

However, what detracted from my experience were the extremely stereotypical characters. The tough guy who bullies nerds, the overweight character whose entire personality revolves around food—even in life-threatening situations—and the nerdy Asian with glasses are all tropes that feel outdated and overused. I was hoping for a fresh take that would break away from these old-fashioned molds, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

Despite these shortcomings, the story itself is intriguing enough to keep me invested. My final rating is 2.5 stars, which I’m rounding down because, as someone who values character development, I found this aspect lacking in the novel.

Thank you to Papercutz and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy.

An adventure-filled graphic novel with really interesting artwork, and with a gripping storyline – and with an open ending.
I’m hoping it is what it looks like – the first book in the series – and the open ending is in fact sort of, kind of a cliffhanger, and the story will continue.

Wow, I knew I would like it because the premise really intrigued me, but I ended up enjoying it even more than I expected. I was surprised by how open-ended the finale was (but I liked it, though), so I'll definitely be reading any future releases. I genuinely liked all the characters, even the bully, who kinda gradually redeemed himself (or started doing it) throughout the graphic novel.

Lost In The Future is an adventurous graphic novel with a very unique art style. I'd like to point out the characters designs that were very well thought of, every character was different in a beautiful way, their personalities were well created as well.
From my knowledge, this is a first book in a series and I'm already intrigued in other parts, especially seeing what eras the kids will travel to.

I tried to like this book, but I think it just wasn't for me. I wasn't the greatest fan of the art style or the characters. I was very confused by the setting and the plot as well.

I actually enjoyed this. Reading graphic novels as a filler for in between reading fiction books. I would read this again and cant wait to see what the rest of the series would be like.

Love a graphic novel. This was really interesting and unique. I think this is going to find its people quickly and they’ll love it. Thought the illustration style and the colouring was gorgeous.

Overall I found this to be an okay graphic novel, but there was nothing I particularly loved about it and I definitely felt that I am significantly older than the target audience while I was reading the book because it did all seem a little juvenile to me.

I really enjoyed this first instalment of this story. I felt the cast of characters on this journey really work well together including the bully. I was drawn in right away and wanted to know more. I’ll have to keep this series in mind as the next ones come out! I’m hooked and can’t wait for more. Highly recommend!

A school field trip to an ancient castle goes terribly wrong for a group of friends, when a dangerous storm erupts. As they are about to leave the castle, four friends are cornered by their arch nemesis— the class bully, who tries to pull one of his usual pranks. Instead, they all get the scare of their lives, when they fall down a tunnel that transports them into the future: a future where mankind has nearly disappeared from the face of the earth, and where nature has taken control.

This Land of the Lost-esque story features a group of misfits who must team up with their bully and a group of knights to find their way back home. The story is a typical teenage adventure but the art style, that is where this graphic novel excels. The illustrations are so vivid and eye-catching. I absolutely loved the artwork on each panel. Event though it was this element of the novel that keep me flipping the pages, as opposed to the actual story, especially after the tenth time the bully threw a tantrum, this graphic novel is still a great read for young readers.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Papercutz for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Sara, Driss, Arnold and Mei end up falling into a hole on a school field trip to the castle ruins of the Knights Templar. It’s all a bully called Piero’s fault, who falls into the hole with them.

The hole is a tunnel to another time!! A future where nature has taken over. Dangerous monsters almost get them! But out of the blue, a human called Antoine, saves them. He brings them to a medieval looking town and he not only gives them food and shelter and tries to help them get back, but he also has a good talk with the bully, making him realize he should be nice to the others and they could even become friends!

Getting back is not easy and will they even end up in the right time?

The illustrations were very colorful and fun and I enjoyed reading this adventurous story!

A school trip to ancient castle ruins goes horribly wrong for Sara, Arnold, Mei and Driss. Cut short because of an incoming storm, the friends
make their way back to the school bus. But someone is waiting for them, ready to spring.

Piero has taunted them all before, calling them nerds and losers, but this time his target is Sara, who is on crutches. In fright, Sara loses her balance and falls down a hole in the ruins, pulling Piero with her. Her friends try to save her but tumble in after her.

They land sore, but safe (or so they think) at the bottom of a tower. The storm has arrived and water is swiftly swirling their ankles. Something in the ruins gives way and they are swept through a hole... and into somewhere strange.

Tensions are high among them as Piero tries to lay blame. They set off, knowing they must do something to try and find a way home. They are surrounded by jungle and monsters lurk and lunge from everywhere. As they flee, teeth are gnashing on their heels. Even the plants want to eat them!

To their relief, a man appears from nowhere and leaps to their rescue. He offers them food, shelter and news of where they are. They learn they are in the future, but it looks medieval to the group. All the while Piero is clashing with the others, making things even harder.


This graphic novel in predominately shades of orange, pinks, purples, and greens is quirky in story and style.

The Storm is the first in a series of four friends and their school nemesis, being transported through a portal to another time. This portal was also used by an ancient society to escape their own persecution.

The anomaly of begin told they are in the future but it looking more medieval than high tech or post apocalyptic (as usual in a jump through time) - is an interesting twist. I'm keen to learn what has happened between 2024 and the future they find themselves in, in the next episode.

A separate thread within the story is Piero and his anger issues. No one understands him, but through events, Piero begins to understand himself.

Be warned - you will be caught up in the action and intrigue and left hanging.... desperately waiting for the next book like me!

Thanks to Papercutz and Net Galley for the ARC of this title

Age - 9+

Graphic Novel

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I thought this was pretty cute. I liked the use of color to set the tone and also to keep the background from adding too much clutter. Of course, the bully is annoying, but he's set up to have growth. I like that the adult just straight up tells him that he needs others more than they need him. Even though they're children, the adults are pretty straightforward with them instead of coddling. And the ending establishes the structure going forward with these kids and their adventures. Even though this is for kids, I'd still be interested in where it goes.