If I had to name a favorite Teen Titan, I’d have to admit it’s not Beast Boy. However, in recent years on Instagram, I’ve been following this incredible artist, Gabriel Picolo (@_picolo). His artwork of Raven and Beast Boy is PHENOMENAL. So you know, go give him a follow, and check out his work because it’s just *chef’s kiss*. And let’s not forget KAMI freaking GARCIA! Her Beautiful Creatures series is one I still have on my shelves after years and years. I love her storytelling, so I can honestly tell you, my expectations were high for this book. I’m excited to see more from this dynamic duo. Go out and pre-order, buy, or request to get this graphic novel in your hands.
I’m a sucker for origin stories, and with Beast Boy, that’s exactly what we get. Garfield Logan has spent 17 years of his life in Eden, Georgia being overlooked. He knows time is ticking to get noticed, and with his senior year coming to an end soon, he needs to find a way to impress the Chosen Ones at Bull Creek High School. His best friends Stella and Tank don’t get why he cares so much about other people’s opinions, they miss their pizza-loving, gamer friend. When Gar accepts a dare out of the blue, he impresses the Chosen Ones, but soon he notices that things are changing. His body seems to be going through a super puberty, and it comes with popularity alongside it. However, in order to continue impressing his new crowd of friends, the dares start getting harder and more dangerous. Gar will need to dig deep and find the truth of himself and the people who truly matter, before things go out of control.
I FLEW through this book unintentionally, it was that good. I wasn’t expecting to like this story as much as I did, and that was partially because Beast Boy (Gar) has always seemed so incredibly clowinsh. However, seeing what drives that clownish personality (insecurity of not fitting in and other things) really helped me connect with his character on a deeper level. I loved Stella and Tank because of how supportive they were trying to be of him being himself, and seeing the distance playing out in this graphic novel when he gains popularity really stung. Having it be a graphic novel instead of a book certainly helps, but the dialogue is really what clinches this book for me.
One of my favourite aspects of this graphic novel is seeing Gar’s responses to peer pressure and his struggles with body image. I won’t lie, it’s pretty relatable as someone who struggled to fit in as a high school kid. I could identify with his reasoning for continuing to do the dares even if they escalated dangerously, and it was because the cool kids would continue to think he was cool. Except that never lasts. And then it hurts, and I hurt for Gar a little bit.
The exploration of Gar’s changes physically and mentally were also really well executed in my opinion. I’ve always been so curious about how Beast Boy came into his abilities, and while I know we haven’t found out everything, I’m hoping we can learn more. I’m also curious how his friends are going to play into all of it. I’m even more curious about the sinister person that’s definitely got something afoot. And even further, if this might lead into a comic with the whole Teen Titan’s group forming ( I am crossing my fingers for this so hard).
With this being a graphic novel, I can’t NOT talk about the artwork. Again, go follow @_picolo. His artwork is amazing, and I’ll not hear anything else on it. I love Beast Boy’s overall look, and even reading the e-version of this, the lines are crisp and clear. I love the colour palette that was used, and I’m so excited to see more of this graphic novel, because honestly Gabriel’s stuff should be out EVERYWHERE! If you haven’t grabbed Teen Titans: Raven, you also need to grab that one…you know. Get them all.
My only complaint in all of this was that it was too short! I finished it fast, and then felt like there should have been much more. I feel like I’m on a bit of a cliffhanger though, and wish I had the next part of the story out tomorrow, instead of some time in the future *cries*. With all that said though, you should certainly add this graphic novel to your list! It’s fun, adventurous, and has lots of the classic Beast Boy clown bits, but with a little more edge, and amazing art. You won’t want to miss it.
Beast Boy is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 1st 2020.
Will you be picking up Beast Boy? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Garfield Logan has spent his entire life being overlooked. Even in a small town like Eden, Georgia, the 17-year-old with green streaks in his hair can’t find a way to stand out–and the clock is ticking. Senior year is almost over. If Gar doesn’t find a way to impress the Chosen Ones–the social elite at Bull Creek High School–he will never know what it’s like to matter. Gar’s best friends, Stella and Tank, don’t understand why he cares what other people think. They miss their funny, pizza-loving, video game-obsessed best friend.
Then Gar accepts a wild dare out of the blue. It impresses the Chosen Ones and his social status soars. But other things are changing, too. Gar grows six inches overnight. His voice drops and, suddenly, he’s stronger and faster. He’s finally getting everything he wanted, but his newfound popularity comes at a price. Gar has to work harder to impress his new friends. The dares keep getting bigger and the stakes keep getting higher.
When Gar realizes the extent of his physical changes, he has to dig deep and face the truth about himself–and the people who truly matter–before his life spirals out of control.
