Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG

This post is sponsored by Shawn Hainsworth. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Created by Darin S. Cape

Illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages

Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

Publisher’s Book Summary: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike.

Praise: “Smart, energetic graphic novel blending fantasy and touching real-life emotion. Cape smashes expectations and keeps the pages pleasurably turning, all while grounding the chaotic story in the growing pains of children and the anxieties of the adults raising them.” —Booklife

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Hainsworth is the creator and writer, as Darin S. Cape, of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. The story began as bedtime adventures he invented for his own children, with Shawn playing the role of Zicky, a super-secret ninja who went on adventures while everyone else was asleep. Those family stories eventually grew into the world of Zicky, a graphic novel celebrating imagination, courage, family, and the hero inside every kid. Shawn lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two teens, and two hound dogs. He is the publisher of SHP Comics and is currently working on the sequel, Zicky: The Cursed Blade.

Website | https://www.instagram.com/shpcomics_kids

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS

Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration.

Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature—a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.

MY BOOK REVIEW:

Day vs night. Immediately, the reader recognizes that Zicky transforms himself into a hero everynight.

The images conjured up in Zicky’s dreams are reflected in vivid colors and daring action shots. Zicky might lead a dull daily existence, but every night he becomes a superhero fighting against the army of rats. The book is broken into five chapters, which makes it a good choice for a beginning reader or for an adult to read aloud and then discuss with the child. Young readers enter a cinematic world that literally moves the reader and involves him as an active participant in the adventure.

The author suggests an audience of nine plus, but younger children interested in action adventure will be mesmerized with this appealing graphic novel.

Enter below to win the giveaway prize package:

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/zicky-wrath-of-the-rat-king-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 5, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 The Children’s Book Review A Booklist Featuring Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Friday, October 9, 2026 @bored_military_wife Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 12, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 15, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 16, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 19, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 22, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King