Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad

October 15, 2023
Greenwood's favorite four-legged mayor comes clean about a shameful secret. Abby's mysteriously upset about something, but it's nothing that some shared candy or a trip to the comic book store with her brother, Aaron, can't fix. Meanwhile, their parents are wondering when to reveal that a third child is on the way. If those dangling threads aren't enough, Mayor Good Boy seems highly nervous about the imminent arrival of his brother, Bad Boy, who explicitly endorses trouble and being mean, in case his spiked collar, sunglasses, and motorcycle aren't evidence enough. Bad Boy's resemblance to Good Boy causes his antics to turn the residents of Greenwood against the mayor. His blackmail of Good Boy over a misdeed from the mayor's past delays the truth while consequences pile up, including a fight at a girl-positive punk rock show. At this point in the series, Greenwood and its diverse residents feel familiar and entertaining throughout, full of returning faces and humorously unpredictable crowd scenes. Scenes of Good Boy running across town interacting with everyone really flesh out the mellow vibes of the town through visual storytelling. Aaron remains clumsy, gross, and awkwardly candid throughout, making him a dependable, anti-schmaltz comic relief. Everyone's secrets come out, though some honest confessions clear up any confusion and mend broken bridges. Abby and Aaron are tan-skinned. Each trip to this winsome protagonist's turf is more rewarding than the last. (Graphic fiction. 7-10)

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