Hale, Nathan. Mighty Bite, The. Nathan Hale, Illus. Amulet, 04/2023. [284]pp. Graphic. GRADES 3 – 7. $14.99. 978-1-4197-6553-7. OUTSTANDING.
A quirky trilobite and his companion Amber (a walking whale) set out on a quest for fame and fortune after a run-in with a glamorous paleo-newscaster. Hale manages to build winning characters and humorous adventures galore around nuggets of reality: prehistoric creatures, mystical traditions, and oddball facts. The black ink and bluewashed comic panels are imbued with a strong ‘70s vibe. The simple color scheme helps to balance the plethora of invention and diversity of character. By turns both wise and goofy, Hale lives up to the title page’s promise to “blow [our] minds.” Back matter separates fact from fiction and lists the rules Hale set himself during lockdown that resulted in this comic tour de force. Illustrations and text give hope that sequels may be planned.
Melissa McAvoy—-Retired