My tale begins in another time and another place, Ben Hatke was a young artist breaking into the comic scene with the publication of a charming graphic novel about a spacegirl named Zita. I was to meet Ben at a train station and escort him to an author event held at a public library.
I arrived at the designated station, searching for someone who looked like a cartoonist. As I scanned the arrivals, I could not see anyone who seemed to be seeking a librarian. The train had left the station and few travelers remained on the arrival side of the tracks.
Finally a young man came into view, nimbly working his way around the tracks, appearing to be on a grand adventure. I wondered: could this be the author/artist that I was to scheduled meet?
Bag slung over his should and flashing a winning smile, I soon learned that he was indeed Ben Hatke.
​We hurried off to the library and a room jam-packed with youngsters. Ben is not only an incredible artist, creating amazing stories with both words and images, he is also a talented performer. He wowed the audience with some impressive juggling and acrobatic skills. Sadly, the library director vetoed Hatke's offer to breathe fire. Nonetheless, his presentation was a showstopper. Then Ben graciously sat and signed books, personalizing each with a brief sketch.
When we finally finished up at the library all agreed that this was one author visit that no one would ever forget.
If you have been following comic artist Ben Hatke you know that he has created an impressive body of graphic novels and picture books for young readers. His latest book, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King does not disappoint. This story continues the saga of Jack. As readers will remember, Jack's sister Maddy has been captured and taken to another realm. It is up to Jack and his friend Lilly to use the magic of plants, a healthy dose of courage, and their wits to locate Maddy and bring her safely home.
In true Hatke fashion there are some bizarre characters, high-powered action scenes with plenty of sword-play, and a take-no-prisoners heroine who will leave readers cheering. Careful observation will offer readers glimpses of familiar themes, tropes, and characters.
A hallmark of Hatke's books is his brilliant use of dialog. Each character has his/her/its own distinct speech pattern. The story begs to be read aloud with ample pauses to appreciate the many visual bons mots waiting to be discovered within the pages.
There will be no spoilers from me except this: I gave an audible gasp when I arrived at a certain juncture in the story. Then my eyes filled with tears. How I love his characters and their stories. I Just Love Them

Hatke's adventurous spirit comes through again with Mighty Jack. This retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk is a sure winner with readers of all ages.

This is one of the nominees for the graphic novel portion of our state's children's choice book award. Excellently illustrated graphic novel that fans of all-ages comics like the Cleopatra and Zita series will enjoy.

As usual, Ben Hatke has done an amazing job. I love the artwork and the story and will definitely be recommending this one to my graphic novel reading friends.

A great fairy tale retelling that highlights the relationship between a brother and his autistic sister. Well told and interesting. Ben Hatke is always a great suggestion for a all ages. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Ben Hatke is a master of creating wonderful Middle Grade graphic novels, and Mighty Jack is no exception. Hatke's art style beautiful and the story is full of adventure, humor, and heroes.

Mighty Jack ends on a heck of a cliffhanger! Luckily, the sequel's out already. I took this home and had it stolen immediately by my 11-year-old, who read it for the plot and loved it. I read it for the artwork (there's one particularly languid panel of a dock, and a road wending up a hillside) and loved it. The story of a down-on-its-luck single-parent family and its super-weird garden is destined to be a modern classic. Recommended for all public and school libraries. Hatke's got the story and the art down beautifully, and this series, as well as his space series, sell really well to kids of all ages.

Great adventure story! Inclusive and affirming for kids with disabilities or on the spectrum. And it should spark interest in other fairy tales.

A sister who only talks now that she has this garden, a sword-wielding neighbor girl, weird plants--Jack has his hands full. A fun retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this was just starting point as Hatke leaves us with a cliffhanger. Characters from other Hatke books have cameos and there may be a link with the Zita books as the "bean" seller is from that series and there's a portal to somewhere at the end of this first book. Great art as usual from Hatke.

Kids are really likely to pick up copies of graphic novels, or novels with more pictures in them. This is a fun re-telling, or a new-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk, a story that really intrigues kids of all ages. A nice depiction, especially for more visual readers.

This is a great book promoting sibling relationship and a brother always looking out for his sister. The artwork is excellent as well.

This is a graphic novel kids just won't want to put down.

This was a fun re-imagining of Jack and the Beanstalk. I loved it!