Are you tired of the latest teen book phenomena? Too much revolution in the Hunger Games and too much romance in Twilight? Well, Papercutz has the graphic novel series just for you! Joining previous favorites Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring and Percy Jerkson and the Ovo Lacto Vegetarians are two new parodies that will have readers laughing right off their seats. Writers Stefan Petrucha and Maia Kinney-Petrucha, along with artist Rick Parker, bring you The Hunger Pains (a spoof of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series) and Breaking Down (a parody of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series). Both books feature the same outrageous artwork and strong farcical aspects which is very reminiscent of the comics featured in Mad Magazine. Each character’s worst features or attributes are exaggerated at length, and the gross out factor is pretty strong in both books. Sexual innuendos and puns as well as a few curse words put this series as being best suited for middle school and high school students. The writers have definitely taken widely regarded pop culture staples and turned them upside down and sideways. Both fans and non fans of these series will find humor in the new ways these characters are being portrayed. One additional plus for libraries: the binding of this series is extremely strong. The covers are permabound and will last through many readings and re-readings. Also, although the other books in the series are referenced throughout, readers need not have read previous volumes to understand the stories.
The Hunger Pains
In this outrageous parody, Ratkiss Everspleen offers to take her sister Dim’s place in The Hunger Pains – a totally optional fight to the death battle, that is…totally optional. Why does Ratkiss put her sister’s life above her own? She knows that if she wins, she will be the winner of all the most wonderful prizes – including virtual food, something they rarely see here in their virtual like world. Unfortunately for Ratkiss, Peeka Choo is also chosen to head into the Pains, and he wants the whole world to know that he wants to kill Ratkiss Everspleen. Ever since she interrupted him during a massive video game session, Peeka Choo has hated Ratkiss and her family. Along the way, Ratkiss wonders if she’s falling in love with Peeka Choo or if hatred is what she’s feeling. This sarcastic look at the Hunger Games follows Ratkiss through all three books of her life – from The Hunger Pains to Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire to the stunning conclusion Hockingjay. Everyone’s favorite “characters” are here – Flail, President Snowglobe, and Cinnabun, Ratkiss’ personal stylist. Will Ratkiss finally realize her true feelings for Peeka Choo or will she kill him, just like she’s wanted to all along? And, will she ever understand that her participation was not mandatory??
Breaking Down
In this farcical retelling of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, Bleh-Bleh’s Dad is the chosen narrator. He’s certainly confused as to why his daughter Bleh-Bleh won’t come out of her room; he’s hoping by going back over her life through the closed door will encourage her to come out once and for all. From meeting Fredward Sullen to thinking he’s an…“umpire”? What? Bleh-Bleh is certainly very confused, as well. After she meets J-Bob, a werewolf who can absolutely not keep his shirt on, things are starting to look up, but Bleh-Bleh only has eyes for Fredward, and after stopping him from revealing his true nature in a public restroom, Bleh-Bleh and Fredward are destined to be together forever. Yet, trouble lurks around the bend. Will the Volare ever forgive Edward’s transgression? Will Bleh-Bleh ever figure out what Fredward really is? Readers who love to hate on Twilight will most certainly get a kick out of this outrageous story.
Papercutz Slices: The Hunger Pains
ISBN: 9781597073134
Papercutz Slices: Breaking Down
ISBN: 9781597072458
by Stefan Petrucha, Maia Kinney-Petrucha
Art by Rick Parker
Papercutz, 2011-2012
