Banana Fox and the Secret Sour Society

January 11, 2021
Dog Man meets InvestiGators in this enthusiastic early graphic novel series opener by Eisner Award winner Kochalka (Johnny Boo). In 11 chapters, Kochalka follows the clueless, bungling Banana Fox, a bright yellow long-snouted fox and self-proclaimed “world’s greatest detective,” who makes banana smoothies at the local Smoothie Shack after jailing Sour Grapes, the leader of the Secret Sour Society. When a girl with light brown skin and curly orange hair—whom Banana Fox promptly nicknames Flashlight for the red one she carries—warns the detective that the Secret Sour Society is “still at work doing crimes,” Banana Fox, instead of pursuing the tip, deems the weekly Banana Fox Fan Club meeting more pressing. There they discover that someone has stolen bespectacled Vice President William’s pet turtle. Clues lead Banana Fox to the sewers, where Sour Grapes Jr., a grass green fox, has used Super Sour Soda to both mind control William and turn his turtle into a “giant mutant monster.” Full of humorous internal logic (“I figured it out./ William knew that I, Banana Fox... following the clues... would flush myself down the toilet”), bold strokes, and a bright palette, younger readers are sure to enjoy Banana Fox’s shenanigans. Ages 7–10.

January 15, 2021
Grades 2-4 Kochalka's trademark is off-the-wall cartoon humor, and his latest is no exception: Banana Fox (BF), a daffy detective, is paying a visit to his fan club when he stumbles upon a mystery--the club vice president's pet turtle is missing! With the assistance of a fan who happened to catch BF on his way to the meeting, the bright yellow gumshoe bungles his way through the investigation, which involves imposter club members, hypnosis, a mouth-puckering soft drink, and a malfunctioning machine making BF's favorite drink (a banana smoothie, of course). Against all odds (and with not-inconsiderable help from his fans), BF solves the case, captures the bad guys, and gains a sidekick in the process. No, it doesn't make much sense, but the wacky plot and absurd humor echo the imaginative games kids play, and the candy-bright, boldly outlined figures that practically bounce off the page are tailor-made for early-elementary-school comics fans. The implied backstory and concluding team-up practically promise a sequel. Dog Man fans on the younger side will appreciate this.

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