Plants vs. Zombies: Lawnmageddon #1

An entertaining start to a graphic novel series fit for longtime fans of the Plants vs. Zombies game; appropriate for kids of all ages.

All’s not well in the city of Neighborville. An eccentric zombie horde has been unleashed, and the only one’s seemingly able to keep their fighting wits about them are young Nate Timely and his new kick-butt friend, Patrice Blazing. Fortunately, Patrice’s Uncle happens to be a genius “top-notch scientist”…although, he’s otherwise known to the neighborhood as the babbling, pot-hat wearing “Crazy Dave.” It turns out Dave isn’t just good for fixing up Zombie-munching lawnmowers. He’s been engineering sentient breeds of plants in his secret green house. Plants he’s enhanced with “special” fertilizer and nurtured with his hilariously nonsensical singing. And now, his plants, niece, and her new friend may be Neighborville’s only hope.

This Lawnmageddon installment is a non-stop romp of genetically engineered fun. The humor is frequent, encompassing both witty dialogue and keen physical humor. The premise is a simple but effective one. The artwork is vivid, expressive, and true to the beloved game. (Arguably the most harmless and accessible branch of Zombie lore in existence.) My kids (ages 6 and 8) enjoyed reading through every last line and the plethora of onomatopoeia.

Not much chance for backstory or relational development amongst our three human characters, but here’s hoping the rest will gradually flesh itself out as the series progresses. We certainly intend to find out.