The rating for Haunted Comic Club by Josh Tierney, Caitlin Soliman (illustrator), Frank Cvetkovic (letterer) is a four as it is not really a 3 or a solid four, but 3.75 (but we don’t have a .75). The four rating is because kids are going to love it. But I did not like two parts of the story, so I took a bit off. One thing I did not care for is that some characters did not get what they deserved (bullies who bully should get in trouble. It might not be realistic, but I come to books to get away from the unfairness of the real world) and two, the graphic novel the kids are working on is not finished. However, there is a spot where the reader could do some work on it (as long as it is your copy and not from a library or a friend, nor is an online reader like I read it on).
Due in October 2026, this cute story about growing up when things are not easy, making friends when you don’t expect it and the surprises along the way is cozy and fun. There are no “really really bad things” but we know that things are happening. But there is one small part where a former counselor does have an accident and dies, but it is only a story and not completely shown. But a sensitive reader might not be comfortable with it. But the main issues are familiar and relatable. One character is dealing with the death of her beloved grandmother, parents she feels does not “get her” and feeling alone. The other character is dealing with his mom being a single mother, an older brother going his own way, they are not well off, and is having trouble adjusting to his best friend moving away.
I wish the bullies had gotten theirs, but overall, I did enjoy the process. And I can only say a little about the illustrations as the reader copy was not totally completed or I am assuming. So, what I did see was cute, colorful background details that support the characters. There isn’t a lot to say WOW BEST EVER but they really gave me an insight into the characters and I could feel who they are. I like that it is simple, I like that the paranormal is or isn’t real, and that friendships are the easiest and most complex things. It is a good book and I look forward to reading more by the author and seeing what the image creators create! 
