While I did not like Teen Titans: Beast Boy by Kami Garcia as much as the Teen Titans: Raven, I did enjoy learning about Gar and his transformation into Beast Boy.
I would have to say the main reasons why I was not as big of a fan are that the transformation was too “quick” and he accepted it a little too easy (this of course is probably due to his jokey nature and able to go by the seat of his pants). I did not think that there was a lot of action in the way Raven had action. There was less interaction with his family. There was just a lot I was, “Well huh. Okay we’re doing this.” However, the teen reader would probably not find those “issues” I was having as issues.
However, now having read two, I think having the two stories told simultaneously would be more interesting. This is mostly since I had forgotten a few things from Raven’s story that crossed over into this one (luckily, they are both out in paper or you can do the hardcover box set). And late February 2021 can’t come fast enough for Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven! I am hoping that they will cover the other three people I know in the Teen Titans band, but if they just do Raven and Beast Boy, I’m good.
Then there are the illustrations of Gabriel Picolo. They are detailed, colored in the classic graphic novel/comic format and move the story along as much as the text (when Gar is getting some python hugs, you would probably not appreciate as much if you just read the situation. Plus, it shows the humor along with the serious. After BB’s first transformation, he ends up in his birthday suit, with a item placed to cover his smile).
While ages 14 and up are the recommended ages, younger can read. But there is fantasy violence, language and “teen” situations. I personally would not go younger than 12, but I’m sure what is on the page is no worse than some cartoons and movies “kids today” watch.
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