Review Detail

AGENTS OF S.U.I.T.: WILD GHOST CHASE is a funny new graphic novel that presents new challenges for the agents. The story begins with a flashback to General Inspector Tract (G.I. Tract) on a farm intended to help solve the mystery of potential extraterrestrial life - but as they are not able to do so, they are packing it up. After considering going deep undercover, he does one last search of the base before accidentally locking himself in a sound-proof broom closet. Years later, he finally gets out - as a ghost.

The Agents are visiting the old site, and he tries to figure out what he needs to move on. They have solved the mystery of aliens, but he is still around and thinks that maybe he needs to solve a mystery himself, so he takes over Monocle. Luckily, Agent Zeb is progressing in his training and notices the strange happenings, launching his own investigation. Will he figure it out and save S.U.I.T. and Monocle before it's too late?

What I loved: These books are full of really smart jokes, and this one is no exception. It is clever and funny - most jokes middle grade readers will get and laugh at, while others may go over their heads harmlessly (for instance, a Hamlet reference). This makes for quite an engaging story with plenty of twists along as the way, with the readers always being more in-the-know than the characters are.

The illustrations are fantastic throughout, and the story flows smoothly. Images are used to tell the story just as much as the text, and key dialogue is used to advance the plot throughout. The text is never too dense, and the speech bubbles are easily attributable. This is a very smooth read and great as a graphic novel - readers can easily follow along and understand the plot. The images are full of colors and details with extremely expressive characters throughout.

Zeb is the one who is figuring out what is going on first, being turned away because he is a novice. This theme may resonate with young readers who are finding their place in the world. Other themes around friendship, solving mysteries, and learning were also really fun.

As a warning, the book does contain a bit of heavy themes around death/dying and the afterlife that might be tough to digest for some sensitive readers. That being said, the book remains light-hearted throughout with plenty of humor and positivity.

Final verdict: AGENTS OF S.U.I.T.: WILD GHOST CHASE is a humorous new graphic novel with fantastic illustrations and plenty of comedy and mystery-solving. Recommend for middle grade readers who love to laugh and read graphic novels.