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Youth Group
When Kay reluctantly agreed to join the youth group at Stone Mission Church in Orange County California, she expected the Jesus talk and the dorky singalongs and the colorful posters about dodging temptation. What she didn’t expect was to stumble on her youth group leaders, Meg and Cortland, in the middle of a read-deal exorcism. Turns out they’re both soldiers in a secret organization of demon hunters in a war that’s heating up, and even if Kay wanted to stay on the sidelines, she doesn’t have a choice – she’s a “Blight,” a human who demons can’t possess, and apparently that’s made her a target.
Will Kay find her place in a world that’s so much more God-fearing and monster-fighting than what she’s used to? Will the Stone Mission youth group find common cause with their badass peers of other faiths? Or will a pack of small-time demons use Blights like Kay as the key to starting some real big trouble?
Will Kay find her place in a world that’s so much more God-fearing and monster-fighting than what she’s used to? Will the Stone Mission youth group find common cause with their badass peers of other faiths? Or will a pack of small-time demons use Blights like Kay as the key to starting some real big trouble?
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2024
About the author
Jordan Morris
2 books408 followersHello! I'm a writer of television, features, podcast and COMICS! I'm the creator and co-writer of the 2x Eisner nominated graphic novel "Bubble." My next graphic novel with artist Bowen McCurdy is out 7/16/24! It's a YA horror-comedy about teenage exorcists and I'm SO EXCITED for folks to see it. Please give it a "want to read" on here and a pre-order wherever you get your books!
You might also know me as the actor behind many unpleasant characters on "Good Mythical Morning" or the co-host of the not-super-popular but long-running podcast "Jordan Jesse Go!"
You might also know me as the actor behind many unpleasant characters on "Good Mythical Morning" or the co-host of the not-super-popular but long-running podcast "Jordan Jesse Go!"
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
August 2, 2024
A nice, often humorous retread of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that goes for a religious slant, giving us demon hunters who are Evangelical, atheist, and Wiccan as well as a passing glance at some Catholic and Jewish exorcists.
It's a bit overstuffed, like a television pilot, trying to introduce a truckload of characters with a ton of world-building and a done-in-one plot that sets the stage for more adventures. But it does the job, as I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel or an adaptation down the road.
I became aware of this book from a list of 10 Exciting New Graphic Novels From 2024 (So Far) that has been pretty dependable (so far). Want to see how many you've read? Check the Goodreads list.
It's a bit overstuffed, like a television pilot, trying to introduce a truckload of characters with a ton of world-building and a done-in-one plot that sets the stage for more adventures. But it does the job, as I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel or an adaptation down the road.
I became aware of this book from a list of 10 Exciting New Graphic Novels From 2024 (So Far) that has been pretty dependable (so far). Want to see how many you've read? Check the Goodreads list.
June 7, 2024
Super cute and funny! I died a little marking this as “historical fiction,” since it’s set in the 90’s, but here we are.
The christian weird al songs were perfection and I yelled at the spreadsheet love.
The christian weird al songs were perfection and I yelled at the spreadsheet love.
August 30, 2024
4.5 stars
YES PERFECT!! god this was so much fun - i loooove the art style and the story concept and the characters and just in general it was good vibes all around. huge fan. also all of the riffing on youth groups and evangelical churches was extremely on point and made me laugh every time. my only complaint was that it could've used a bit more time for the plot and characters to breathe, but since that's a common gripe with graphic novels i'm not too mad about it.
YES PERFECT!! god this was so much fun - i loooove the art style and the story concept and the characters and just in general it was good vibes all around. huge fan. also all of the riffing on youth groups and evangelical churches was extremely on point and made me laugh every time. my only complaint was that it could've used a bit more time for the plot and characters to breathe, but since that's a common gripe with graphic novels i'm not too mad about it.
July 18, 2024
I picked up “Youth Group” solely because of the cover (judging books by their covers is IN this season, I’ve decided), and I was not disappointed! The art is so fun, and I’m obsessed with the character designs as well as the clothes chosen for each character //the bedroom and house designs were also wonderful, I’m a sucker for good character development through their own personal spaces//. The premise was a blast because ofc I’m always down to clown with demon fighting religious groups (it’s a fun trope, and I like that they had multiple types of faith depicted in here), are you kidding?! Overall I had such a fun time with it and would 100% recommend it to anybody that wanted a silly, lighthearted read
TLDR: You give me a deez nuts joke and I’m sold.
P.S. High key would love to see more volumes. Juuuuust sayinggggggggg!!! I really enjoyed the characters, and it would be super cool to see Kay’s powers progress with more time.
TLDR: You give me a deez nuts joke and I’m sold.
P.S. High key would love to see more volumes. Juuuuust sayinggggggggg!!! I really enjoyed the characters, and it would be super cool to see Kay’s powers progress with more time.
September 1, 2024
4.25 stars
A totally delightful little read! This book was just as funny as I expected, with tons of little one liners that made me laugh out loud at times. I found the characters to all be interesting and lovable, and I actually wish that the story was a bit longer so we could have more time with them.
A totally delightful little read! This book was just as funny as I expected, with tons of little one liners that made me laugh out loud at times. I found the characters to all be interesting and lovable, and I actually wish that the story was a bit longer so we could have more time with them.
July 24, 2024
A really fun read with some beautiful visuals. Love Jordan Morris putting out stories in the world, will read anything he does. His podcast media blitz tour forced me to go buy this at my local book store and support.
July 19, 2024
Action, hilarity, and a lot of heart. This is an amazing graphic novel that tells a compelling story by Jordan Morris (one of my faves) and gorgeous art by Bowen McCurdy. Must read!
Read
June 11, 2024Representation: gay white protagonist, gay Black secondary character, tertiary characters of colour.
Content Warning: violence, alcohol, blood, vomit.
Content Warning: violence, alcohol, blood, vomit.
June 17, 2024
I absolutely loved this graphic novel! Going into it, I was very skeptical about whether or not I would enjoy it. Though upon reading it, I found that I really loved it! It ended up being this really fun and quirky coming of age story that I think many might be able to relate to (maybe not exorcisms and demon slaying).
September 11, 2024
3.5
Colorful, fun, action-packed, but also with some good representation and messages of tolerance.
It sure is great for the main audience is aiming at (YA), but at the end of the day there was nothing much there that will stay with me long term, as it was also a bit stereotypical and predictable.
Nice read over all.
Colorful, fun, action-packed, but also with some good representation and messages of tolerance.
It sure is great for the main audience is aiming at (YA), but at the end of the day there was nothing much there that will stay with me long term, as it was also a bit stereotypical and predictable.
Nice read over all.
September 11, 2024
Love the art, love the story, can’t wait to read more like this in the future!!
August 4, 2024
When I started this, I was a little worried it was going to be mean-spirited and obnoxious. But it wasn't, and I ended up loving it. The artwork was fabulous, and the sense of humor was just my type. I'm glad it didn't end on a cliffhanger, but I'd be very happy to spend more time with Kay, Meg, and Cortland!
July 19, 2024
Youth Group was an absolute blast to read! I devoured it. The story takes us to the 90s for a coming of age adventure that has lots of laughs, spooky events and song parodies that will get stuck in your head! It’s hilarious yet heartfelt and truly gorgeous to look at. Jordan has a beautiful way of making you instantly bond with the characters and laugh within the first few pages. Along with Bowen’s spectacular color story and ability to capture each character’s emotions, Youth Group is definitely a graphic novel you want to check out! If you were a spooky teen like me who was always trying to fit in and dabbled in youth groups this will hold a special place in your heart!
July 19, 2024
Spooky vibes? Check. Perfectly timed comedic moments? Check. Demon butts kicked? Check!
I loved the plot of this book, as we uncover what the Youth Group is really about, and what the Demons are searching for.
The style and ways emotions were portrayed were stunning (and the funny faces had me cracking up) and the way scenes were colored had me mesmerized!
The plot was fast paced and intriguing, and I finished in one sitting.
Side note:
As a girly named Kole myself, all I have to say is: I was so excited, and then so, so devastated
I loved the plot of this book, as we uncover what the Youth Group is really about, and what the Demons are searching for.
The style and ways emotions were portrayed were stunning (and the funny faces had me cracking up) and the way scenes were colored had me mesmerized!
The plot was fast paced and intriguing, and I finished in one sitting.
Side note:
As a girly named Kole myself, all I have to say is: I was so excited, and then so, so devastated
August 19, 2024
*3.25
It was fun and intriguing but I feel like I wanted a little more from the characters. And the ending felt a little more abrupt than I wanted. But overall a very interesting read with a gorgeous writing style
It was fun and intriguing but I feel like I wanted a little more from the characters. And the ending felt a little more abrupt than I wanted. But overall a very interesting read with a gorgeous writing style
July 12, 2024
Youth Group was such a delight to read! Great art, interesting story, clever language, multi-faceted characters. I hope this becomes a series because I want to see more adventures with Kay and Meg.
Thank you, First Second and Netgalley, for an advance ebook in exchange for a fair review.
Thank you, First Second and Netgalley, for an advance ebook in exchange for a fair review.
September 14, 2024
My thanks to NetGalley and GoodReads for an eARC of this book to read and review,
Wow, ok, where to begin. Now, please keep in mind that I read an advanced read copy of this, so anything I read might have been revised before final publication. I hope so, but IMHO to fix this, it would need a complete overhaul. Again, in my opinion. As of my writing this review, it has a 4.13 star rating on GoodReads, so I am in the minority here.
Ok, the premise is demons are taking over humans, killing and feeding off of the select few that can't be possessed to make the demons stronger. So there are exorcists from all types of religions, including but not necessarily limited to Evangelists, Catholics, Jews and Wicca covens, trying to stop the demons. The Evangelical pastor doesn't want to work with the other groups, but his teen proteges decide to branch out and get help from the other groups. The Evangelical pastor doesn't want to work with others, BUT he is willing to let one of his proteges get possessed to show the newbie how an exorcism is done.
On. What. PLANET?!? Listen, I am not a demon expert at all, but I've seen the Exorcist and read my Bible. If that movie and the Bible are to be believed, demons are not just toys to play with and are not something that can be casually removed from a human host as a learning exercise!
This isn't a bad book, by worldly standards, but I am a Christian and there is no theology in this that I can point to and say, this is ok and this is why. I believe that this book is dangerous for believers and non-believers alike.
It also paints Christians in a less-than-positive light, with less than gentle fun being poked at Mega Churches and how they worship, as well as having the very adult married pastor say something that I REALLY hope didn't make it into the final version of this book. I also really hope it wasn't based on something others have experienced, because that is disturbing.
I had high hopes for this book when I requested it and started to read it, but that went downhill rather quickly and didn't pick up. I did read it in it's entirety, though I was tempted to DNF by 51%.
1, I can't recommend this book to anyone, stars.
Wow, ok, where to begin. Now, please keep in mind that I read an advanced read copy of this, so anything I read might have been revised before final publication. I hope so, but IMHO to fix this, it would need a complete overhaul. Again, in my opinion. As of my writing this review, it has a 4.13 star rating on GoodReads, so I am in the minority here.
Ok, the premise is demons are taking over humans, killing and feeding off of the select few that can't be possessed to make the demons stronger. So there are exorcists from all types of religions, including but not necessarily limited to Evangelists, Catholics, Jews and Wicca covens, trying to stop the demons. The Evangelical pastor doesn't want to work with the other groups, but his teen proteges decide to branch out and get help from the other groups. The Evangelical pastor doesn't want to work with others, BUT he is willing to let one of his proteges get possessed to show the newbie how an exorcism is done.
On. What. PLANET?!? Listen, I am not a demon expert at all, but I've seen the Exorcist and read my Bible. If that movie and the Bible are to be believed, demons are not just toys to play with and are not something that can be casually removed from a human host as a learning exercise!
This isn't a bad book, by worldly standards, but I am a Christian and there is no theology in this that I can point to and say, this is ok and this is why. I believe that this book is dangerous for believers and non-believers alike.
It also paints Christians in a less-than-positive light, with less than gentle fun being poked at Mega Churches and how they worship, as well as having the very adult married pastor say something that I REALLY hope didn't make it into the final version of this book. I also really hope it wasn't based on something others have experienced, because that is disturbing.
I had high hopes for this book when I requested it and started to read it, but that went downhill rather quickly and didn't pick up. I did read it in it's entirety, though I was tempted to DNF by 51%.
1, I can't recommend this book to anyone, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
Why I chose this book: I read the line: Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and I was sold at Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Brief summary: Kay's mom encourages her to go to church to find community as their family struggles through the aftermath of divorce. Little does she know, the youth group is hosted by two demon slayers. When she finds out she's a blight, someone who cannot be possessed by demons, she has to step into the fray and slay some demons with the overly chipper youth groupers.
What I didn't like about this book: The pacing was a little too fast. Kay's story has some emotional hooks that the plot could have slowed down to explore in a little more depth.
What I like about this book: The 90s youth group setting is spot on. As someone who went to youth group in the dregs of 90s youth group culture in a rural area in the early 2000s, I really appreciate the tone and vibes that the author and illustrator capture from the era. I also really appreciate the variety in character design. Kay and Meg come across in many aspects of their design, from their clothing choices to hair to facial expressions to posture, as very different characters, which deepens their foiling of one another. If this is to be a series, I'm eager for more!
Brief summary: Kay's mom encourages her to go to church to find community as their family struggles through the aftermath of divorce. Little does she know, the youth group is hosted by two demon slayers. When she finds out she's a blight, someone who cannot be possessed by demons, she has to step into the fray and slay some demons with the overly chipper youth groupers.
What I didn't like about this book: The pacing was a little too fast. Kay's story has some emotional hooks that the plot could have slowed down to explore in a little more depth.
What I like about this book: The 90s youth group setting is spot on. As someone who went to youth group in the dregs of 90s youth group culture in a rural area in the early 2000s, I really appreciate the tone and vibes that the author and illustrator capture from the era. I also really appreciate the variety in character design. Kay and Meg come across in many aspects of their design, from their clothing choices to hair to facial expressions to posture, as very different characters, which deepens their foiling of one another. If this is to be a series, I'm eager for more!
August 10, 2024
I devoured this book in a single sitting and loved every moment of it.
It was spooky, funny, and heartwarming a little bit too.
I love that while poking fun at evangelical youth group culture it didn’t take the easy way out and poke fun at religion as a whole. As a Christian I laughed along and did not feel offended by any part of this book.
The writing is good and the art is amazing.
Although as someone who is also writing a “teens exorcising demons” book I’m a little sad he beat me to it (and probably did it better) so I may have to make some edits to my current WIP.
It was spooky, funny, and heartwarming a little bit too.
I love that while poking fun at evangelical youth group culture it didn’t take the easy way out and poke fun at religion as a whole. As a Christian I laughed along and did not feel offended by any part of this book.
The writing is good and the art is amazing.
Although as someone who is also writing a “teens exorcising demons” book I’m a little sad he beat me to it (and probably did it better) so I may have to make some edits to my current WIP.
August 12, 2024
I was surprised how much I enjoyed “Youth Group”. What starts out first as heavy handed parody depiction of an Evangelical youth group develops into funny and meaningful story on the different kinds of faith and building friendships despite differences. At no time does it feel like anyone or any faith depicted is being made fun of, showing real skill from the creative team behind this book. I want more of this series! Let me see these friends continue to slay demons!
August 12, 2024
Aces across the board - loved this so much.
August 23, 2024
Read this book in one sitting. It’s so fun and easy to read. The author’s pun game was so STRONG.
Also the Christian 90’s theme was perfect. They even mentioned the band Jars of Clay at some point, and called it “heavy metal”, and I died laughing.
10/10, no notes.
Also the Christian 90’s theme was perfect. They even mentioned the band Jars of Clay at some point, and called it “heavy metal”, and I died laughing.
10/10, no notes.
July 21, 2024
I loved this graphic novel. The Buffy nods were wonderful and the story made me smile. The structure of the book was so fun
May 30, 2024
I am a longtime fan of Jordan Morris—his Bubble podcast and graphic novel have replaced another Very Popular Text with a Problematic Author as a comfort to reread/relisten. Youth Group follows teen skeptic Kay after her parent’s divorce where trades attending a church youth group in exchange for applying to colleges on the east coast. When she interacts with the members, she feels even more disconnected from the world but she resolves to give it a shot. Kay stumbles upon the new youth group acquaintances performing what looks like an exorcism only because it actually is an exorcism. Kay quickly learns that her new youth group is one of many interfaith groups fighting demons in Orange County. Will Kay learn to let go and trust her new friends in order to save the world from demons?
This graphic novel provides a nostalgic lens that can be applied to the contemporary world.Morris’s voice paired with Bowen McCurdy’s illustrations provide an immersive reading and viewing experience. This book encourages an open mind and an open heart– a strong guide for how to be a person in the world. Youth Group is perfect for a young person trying to figure themselves out or an older reader who needs to be reminded how to be the person they needed when they were younger. My biggest critique is that there isn’t more Youth Group right away. More Youth Group! Bring me more Youth Group! This is a great read for fans of Paper Girls, Saved! and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the advance e-ARC of Youth Group!
This graphic novel provides a nostalgic lens that can be applied to the contemporary world.Morris’s voice paired with Bowen McCurdy’s illustrations provide an immersive reading and viewing experience. This book encourages an open mind and an open heart– a strong guide for how to be a person in the world. Youth Group is perfect for a young person trying to figure themselves out or an older reader who needs to be reminded how to be the person they needed when they were younger. My biggest critique is that there isn’t more Youth Group right away. More Youth Group! Bring me more Youth Group! This is a great read for fans of Paper Girls, Saved! and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the advance e-ARC of Youth Group!
October 26, 2023
I was drawn to this book because of the cover and the summary. It lived up to both and was a great read! The main character, Kay, is a bit lonely and with recently divorced parents. The story starts with Kay being forced to attend a Church Youth Group while her mother attends her own services. She thinks she knows what she is getting into and at first it does appear to be like any Youth Group. But, as she learns, camp leaders are actually out fighting demons and performing exorcisms. The story was well told and cohesive, though the ending was a bit abrupt. I appreciated that while the focus was on the Christian demon slaying group, they also include other religious groups fighting demons nearby. This made for a more believable and inclusive setting. The art was well rendered and colorful. The emotions on the characters faces were clear and the artist had a great flair for humorously exaggerating this. I will be recommending this book in my school library. (Thank You to First Second and Netgalley for the ARC)
November 28, 2023
The cover and title drew me in and I was not disappointed! Outside of being a coming-of-age story, it also offers a tale of finding where you belong. Kay (our reluctant protagonist) is agonizing about having to attend a Church Youth Group. Her expectations of dread include religious lessons, sing-alongs, and awkward ice breakers. Unfortunately for Kay, her expectations are met- with some added demonic possession, holy weapons, and new friends! I had a blast reading through this well-paced story and would recommend it to anyone interested in an action-packed take on what would be a “typical” youth group. The artwork here is solid and the action was easy to follow. McCurdy’s paneling is excellent and the facial expressions are hilarious and help carry the voice of each character. Huge thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
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September 9, 2024How? I'm a big fan of Jordan Morris on his podcasts ("Jordan, Jesse, Go", "Free with Ads"); I liked his previous comic Bubble; and I was hearing interesting things about the book. Plus, I could get a personalized copy.
What? It's Southern California in the 90s, and young theater tech Kay has made a deal with her divorced mom: Kay can go across the country to NYU if she goes to the evangelical church youth group a few weekends. On the surface, the youth group is ordinary, with painfully earnest Jesus-themed parody versions of popular songs ("I saw the sign" => "I saw the Christ", "Walking on the Sun" => "Walking with the Son"). But Kay stumbles into the youth group's other business, which is exorcising demons using holy weapons.
That's the premise and I can say all that without spoilers, and you probably get the general idea of this book. And if you need more lines added to the picture, I can even add some spoilers-that-aren't-really-spoilers: the demons have a plan, Kay is special.
Given that this is about 90s kids fighting monsters and learning about themselves, a lot of reviewers are pointing at Buffy the Vampire Slayer and they're not wrong. This is about 90s kids bantering and fighting monsters. (Heck, Buffy's parents are even divorced.) But (a) I liked Buffy and (b) I think there's something else going on here.
Yeah, so? There's a lot of fun stuff here that you might sort of miss if you didn't live through the 90s, like a guy being gay and his bro roommates being cool about it. (Someone recently said that kids today don't really know how bad it was just a few years ago--well, 30+ years ago.) And there's stuff here that I want to know more about -- there are demon-fighting groups among the Wiccans and the Jews and the Catholics. (And there's definitely parts where the book breezes past certain plot developments, in the "you know what sort of story we're telling here" way.)
But to me, what's really the heart of this book is, well, in Buffy, the Scooby Gang was basically made up of misfits who sort were doing their own thing. But here, Kay (misfit) is thrown in with leader of the youth group Meg, who really truly believes in God, and the book is, in many ways, about how these two kids with different ideas navigate their friendship; and larger, about how all these teens relate.
It's funny -- well, wait, yeah, the book is actually funny. But it's funny to me timing-wise that this book came out a few weeks after Morris and co-host Emily Fleming covered the Christian teen romance "A Walk to Remember," because his comments on the Mandy Moore character seem apt here: whereas many movies might either demonize or beatify the believer, Moore's character (says Morris) is actually interesting as a human being, not just a machine for quoting Bible verses. In a way, Meg here fits that bill: yeah, she's a believer who refuses to swear and thinks about ways to avoid temptation, but she's also manic and crazy for organization.
What? It's Southern California in the 90s, and young theater tech Kay has made a deal with her divorced mom: Kay can go across the country to NYU if she goes to the evangelical church youth group a few weekends. On the surface, the youth group is ordinary, with painfully earnest Jesus-themed parody versions of popular songs ("I saw the sign" => "I saw the Christ", "Walking on the Sun" => "Walking with the Son"). But Kay stumbles into the youth group's other business, which is exorcising demons using holy weapons.
That's the premise and I can say all that without spoilers, and you probably get the general idea of this book. And if you need more lines added to the picture, I can even add some spoilers-that-aren't-really-spoilers: the demons have a plan, Kay is special.
Given that this is about 90s kids fighting monsters and learning about themselves, a lot of reviewers are pointing at Buffy the Vampire Slayer and they're not wrong. This is about 90s kids bantering and fighting monsters. (Heck, Buffy's parents are even divorced.) But (a) I liked Buffy and (b) I think there's something else going on here.
Yeah, so? There's a lot of fun stuff here that you might sort of miss if you didn't live through the 90s, like a guy being gay and his bro roommates being cool about it. (Someone recently said that kids today don't really know how bad it was just a few years ago--well, 30+ years ago.) And there's stuff here that I want to know more about -- there are demon-fighting groups among the Wiccans and the Jews and the Catholics. (And there's definitely parts where the book breezes past certain plot developments, in the "you know what sort of story we're telling here" way.)
But to me, what's really the heart of this book is, well, in Buffy, the Scooby Gang was basically made up of misfits who sort were doing their own thing. But here, Kay (misfit) is thrown in with leader of the youth group Meg, who really truly believes in God, and the book is, in many ways, about how these two kids with different ideas navigate their friendship; and larger, about how all these teens relate.
It's funny -- well, wait, yeah, the book is actually funny. But it's funny to me timing-wise that this book came out a few weeks after Morris and co-host Emily Fleming covered the Christian teen romance "A Walk to Remember," because his comments on the Mandy Moore character seem apt here: whereas many movies might either demonize or beatify the believer, Moore's character (says Morris) is actually interesting as a human being, not just a machine for quoting Bible verses. In a way, Meg here fits that bill: yeah, she's a believer who refuses to swear and thinks about ways to avoid temptation, but she's also manic and crazy for organization.
June 26, 2024
3.5 Stars
***
Cynical, goth Kay agrees to join a youth group at the church her mother attends, specifically at the request of her mother after a strenuous divorce. She knows youth group involves sing-alongs and cheesy slogans and has a focus on avoiding temptations. What she was not expecting, to happen upon her two youth group leaders, Meg and Courtland, performing an actual exorcism of a demon. Not only that, but it turns out they are part of a secret society of demon hunters that are on the verge of all out war with hell. And Kay, well she happens to be a "Blight," a person who cannot be possessed by demons, and yet demons seem really interested in getting their hands on her for some reason.
Growing up in the 90s and having a friend that I sometimes followed to youth group, this all rang very true to me. The songs, the over enthusiastic leaders, the talk of temptation and what it means to follow God's teachings and live like Jesus. But, this book managed to make it all witty and acknowledges the sometimes absurd nature of youth group, or the fact that exorcism would not be a stretch for what you do in youth group. Haha.
I did enjoy that Meg was a leader who encouraged growth and change, and even fought her own spiritual leader in order to team up with other denominations to fight their common enemy. As well, her and Kay's acceptance of Courtland, when he was honest about his sexuality, highlighted what church is meant to be: about love and inclusion, not shame and rejection.
This graphic novel focuses on the satanic panic of the 90s in a light, funny, dramatic way and had enough pop culture references to delight and create nostalgia. I would have loved if others groups other than just Christianity, Judaism, and Wicca were included. It was nice to have these three, but an even more diverse group of hunters would have been appreciated. However, I did like seeing the differences shown between the two Christian denominations, as many different groups have very different ways in which they acknowledge God, Jesus, and their beliefs.
The drawing style was also reminiscent of comics of the 90s. With sharp angles, funny faces, bright colours. It felt very boho California, with a touch of dark goth thrown in there. Phrases were in line with the slang of the time and even the music that was transformed for church was popular. All around I enjoyed this graphic novel and would be interested in a second helping.
***
Cynical, goth Kay agrees to join a youth group at the church her mother attends, specifically at the request of her mother after a strenuous divorce. She knows youth group involves sing-alongs and cheesy slogans and has a focus on avoiding temptations. What she was not expecting, to happen upon her two youth group leaders, Meg and Courtland, performing an actual exorcism of a demon. Not only that, but it turns out they are part of a secret society of demon hunters that are on the verge of all out war with hell. And Kay, well she happens to be a "Blight," a person who cannot be possessed by demons, and yet demons seem really interested in getting their hands on her for some reason.
Growing up in the 90s and having a friend that I sometimes followed to youth group, this all rang very true to me. The songs, the over enthusiastic leaders, the talk of temptation and what it means to follow God's teachings and live like Jesus. But, this book managed to make it all witty and acknowledges the sometimes absurd nature of youth group, or the fact that exorcism would not be a stretch for what you do in youth group. Haha.
I did enjoy that Meg was a leader who encouraged growth and change, and even fought her own spiritual leader in order to team up with other denominations to fight their common enemy. As well, her and Kay's acceptance of Courtland, when he was honest about his sexuality, highlighted what church is meant to be: about love and inclusion, not shame and rejection.
This graphic novel focuses on the satanic panic of the 90s in a light, funny, dramatic way and had enough pop culture references to delight and create nostalgia. I would have loved if others groups other than just Christianity, Judaism, and Wicca were included. It was nice to have these three, but an even more diverse group of hunters would have been appreciated. However, I did like seeing the differences shown between the two Christian denominations, as many different groups have very different ways in which they acknowledge God, Jesus, and their beliefs.
The drawing style was also reminiscent of comics of the 90s. With sharp angles, funny faces, bright colours. It felt very boho California, with a touch of dark goth thrown in there. Phrases were in line with the slang of the time and even the music that was transformed for church was popular. All around I enjoyed this graphic novel and would be interested in a second helping.
July 10, 2024
Kay isn’t sure what to believe when the new youth group she joins turns out to be run by real live demon hunters, but what she does know is that demons are real, they really can possess you, and the group leaders might be the new friends she’s been looking for.
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first started to read this. I was afraid it was going to lean too heavily on one specific religious belief and shun all of the others. I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. While the main characters are from a Christian church and they do talk about their beliefs, they are not shoved down the throat of the reader. These characters read like actual people rather than caricatures. I saw a bit of myself in Meg from my days in the church.
I really liked the way the other religious beliefs were handled. There was not a great deal of detail gone into any specific religion over any other, but that’s okay. They all seemed to be handled with respect, at least in my opinion. There was one point around the third act when I was afraid we were going to get into some misconceptions with one of the groups, but I was, once again, pleasantly surprised that the story did not go in the direction that I thought it would.
The art was amazing, very vibrant and fun. It gave me more mature Goosebumps/Are You Afraid of the Dark vibes with its creepy elements and its humor and fun colors and expressions. I really love this art style. I found myself lingering on some of the illustrations just to admire the art.
This book might not be for everyone with its Christian main characters, but I do know that back when I was still in the Christian church, I would have loved to read a book like this. Something fun and creepy that did not portray all Christians in a negative light, but also didn’t portray other religious or spiritual practices as evil. There is even LGBTQIA+ representation within the characters and it is treated just like a normal thing, which in this sort of story is a small miracle in and of itself.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I will be recommending it at my library!
Thanks to Macmillan for the DRC!
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first started to read this. I was afraid it was going to lean too heavily on one specific religious belief and shun all of the others. I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised. While the main characters are from a Christian church and they do talk about their beliefs, they are not shoved down the throat of the reader. These characters read like actual people rather than caricatures. I saw a bit of myself in Meg from my days in the church.
I really liked the way the other religious beliefs were handled. There was not a great deal of detail gone into any specific religion over any other, but that’s okay. They all seemed to be handled with respect, at least in my opinion. There was one point around the third act when I was afraid we were going to get into some misconceptions with one of the groups, but I was, once again, pleasantly surprised that the story did not go in the direction that I thought it would.
The art was amazing, very vibrant and fun. It gave me more mature Goosebumps/Are You Afraid of the Dark vibes with its creepy elements and its humor and fun colors and expressions. I really love this art style. I found myself lingering on some of the illustrations just to admire the art.
This book might not be for everyone with its Christian main characters, but I do know that back when I was still in the Christian church, I would have loved to read a book like this. Something fun and creepy that did not portray all Christians in a negative light, but also didn’t portray other religious or spiritual practices as evil. There is even LGBTQIA+ representation within the characters and it is treated just like a normal thing, which in this sort of story is a small miracle in and of itself.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I will be recommending it at my library!
Thanks to Macmillan for the DRC!
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