Graphic Novel Review: PUNK TACO by Adam and Makana Wallenta

PUNK TACO by Adam and Makana Wallenta graphic children’s novel (Adam Wallenta Enterprises, 2018) Hardcover, First Edition. 

Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .

Across the galaxy, an evil, tyrannical king has enslaved citizens from countless planets using them as soldiers in his quest for domination. When one young refugee is displaced from his family, Punk Taco and his band of misfits befriend him and vow to reunite their new friend and his loved ones. 

With a mysterious alien and race, they join forces to battle the mad king and spread peace, love, and unity across the cosmos. Action adventure and humor abound in this tale of kindness and understanding created by Ada Wallenta and his six-year-old son, Makana.  

My Four Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     I don't know if main creator Adam Wallenta pitched this self-published children's book to any publishers. It may be a little too quirky and too advanced for a children's book, and maybe too hard to pigeonhole into a specific category or genre. Hats off to Adam and Makana, his then six-year old son, for making the decision to self-publish and continue pursuing their dream to see this in print. 

     I was impressed enough by this work and the wonderful engaging art to purchase a copy direct from the Wallentas at the 2019 Baltimore Comic Con. After thoroughly reviewing the contents, I judged it to be too advanced to give as a gift to my then four-year old grandson. I'm planning to present it to him (he'll be six in July, but reads at a third-grade level) when we finally get to visit again this month. 

     The format and presentation are excellent. In an over-sized hardcover the comic panels are large enough for young eyes to clearly see all the details. The colors are bright and vivid and very appealing. 

     The story carries several positive messages about friendship, working together, persistence, and especially anti-bullying with some very subtle and slight political references (no names) that should not offend. They may be included more for the benefit of parents or grandparents who will read this aloud to children. Although that, as well as some of the bigger vocabulary words and references, may result in a good conversation with youngsters. 

     The situations are cute, the character comments sure to elicit a chuckle, and the overall message is very up-lifting. I'm hoping to be able to read this with my grandson. However, if he wants to read it for himself (he often does this now), I'll make sure to remind him to ask for my help if he stumbles over any of the words (quarantine, etc) or doesn't quite understand their meaning. 

     Here's hoping this creative team produces another book like this one.