Review Detail
Middle Grade Fiction
481
Hilarious Slice of Life Graphic Novel
(Updated: June 04, 2026)
Overall rating
3.8
Plot
3.0
Characters
3.0
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0
My Name is Benny takes you on a journey with preteen Benny through various adventures that she goes on with the other latchkey kids in her area. Benny is never seen without their gas mask, and the adventures that they take vary from going all out for Halloween to normal school things. This book is told through various short comic stories, as a slice-of-life middle-grade book.
What I Liked: Benny is a fun character who reads a lot younger than their actual age due to the various antics that they get up to. Her friends also treat her like she’s significantly younger than them, and one of them makes the joke that Benny is mentally six years old. This book is full of humorous moments and will have you laughing out loud as you try to figure out just what Benny is up to next.
The illustrations throughout this book are vibrant and creative, given that many of the scenes take place in the same location. As you read, it seems like you are being transported through various locations using Benny’s imagination, as they are only at home, their friends’ houses, school, and a few outdoor locations.
What Left Me Wanting More: As this is a slice of life graphic novel, several short comic stories felt incomplete, and I wanted more of that story. The short comics also don’t seem to be connected at times, and then suddenly there would be a reference in the book connecting one piece to another. I was hoping to get more backstory as well on Benny and her friends, or at least learn something about the gas mask that Benny never takes off. There was no real getting to know any of the characters, but while you briefly know them, it was hard not to love each of them.
Final Verdict: My Name is Benny Vol 1 is a fun slice of life graphic novel that is perfect for children ages 8 and up, especially for those who are a little more reluctant to reading. This book is one that you can read all in one go, or read a few stories per day to pace younger readers. This book is great for those who enjoy graphic novels or slice of life manga/anime.
What I Liked: Benny is a fun character who reads a lot younger than their actual age due to the various antics that they get up to. Her friends also treat her like she’s significantly younger than them, and one of them makes the joke that Benny is mentally six years old. This book is full of humorous moments and will have you laughing out loud as you try to figure out just what Benny is up to next.
The illustrations throughout this book are vibrant and creative, given that many of the scenes take place in the same location. As you read, it seems like you are being transported through various locations using Benny’s imagination, as they are only at home, their friends’ houses, school, and a few outdoor locations.
What Left Me Wanting More: As this is a slice of life graphic novel, several short comic stories felt incomplete, and I wanted more of that story. The short comics also don’t seem to be connected at times, and then suddenly there would be a reference in the book connecting one piece to another. I was hoping to get more backstory as well on Benny and her friends, or at least learn something about the gas mask that Benny never takes off. There was no real getting to know any of the characters, but while you briefly know them, it was hard not to love each of them.
Final Verdict: My Name is Benny Vol 1 is a fun slice of life graphic novel that is perfect for children ages 8 and up, especially for those who are a little more reluctant to reading. This book is one that you can read all in one go, or read a few stories per day to pace younger readers. This book is great for those who enjoy graphic novels or slice of life manga/anime.
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