Cactus Kid: Rumble at the Rodeo

Cactus Kid #2

by Emmanuel Guerrero

164 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**received as an ARC from the publisher

I didn’t read the first Cactus Kid graphic novel (it’s been a while since I actively followed the mid-grade section of the genre), but this sequel was super easy to get into and was fun to read. I was hooked initially by the tokidoki-style character design for our protagonist, a wizard-wannabe walking talking cactus, but his quest to learn more about magic was also an action-packed sell for anyone who likes a good romp. The setting of the story was decidedly western, so there was lots to keep the eye busy as Cactus Kid wanders through the rock-filled canyons, visits an oil town during its annual rodeo, and battles giant desert spiders and rock golems. The narration is obviously a bit juvenile and some of the character design is a lot more twee than tokidoki, but considering the audience it’s aimed for I think that Emmanuel Guerrero has hit on an easily marketable story. With a little more exploration of the magic that underpins Cactus Kid’s quest and a maturing of the art style just a touch (and a new setting as Cactus Kid continues their quest may do exactly that), this series has quite a bit of potential.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cactus Kid The Battle for Star Rock Mountain has been very popular at school and I know this will be too.

I'm still getting to grips with the school children's love of graphic novels but I enjoyed the first Cactus Kid story and I have equally enjoyed this. Emmanuel Guerrero has produced another bright colourful and fun book.
Cactus Kid is continuing his journey to find someone to teach him to be a wizard, turns out though he's quite good at dirt magic. Triuble is his bike has been damaged in what seemed to be an earthquake but in actual fact it turned out to be a big rock monster! Rhyan is the mechanic who should mend his bike but she's also a rodeo queen! At the rodeo Cactus Kid sees a wanted poster for Big Boulder and says that's the one who attacked him. Cactus Kid thinks this is the wizard he needs, but is he?

Great quality graphic from Flying Eye who produce quite stunning books on quality paper.
Thanks to Flying Eye for the early copy, the book is out 3rd October 2024.

[Cheryl Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cactus Kid: Rumble at the Rodeo is hilarious and beautiful. This is fantasy at its best. From the titular Cactus Kid who is a wizard-in-training to rock golems and plotting spiders, this graphic novel is perfectly paced. I literally couldn't put it down until the last page. The colors Emmanuel Guerrero chose for this story are swoon worthy. It isn't enough for a graphic novel to keep your attention; it has to be pretty too. Cactus Kid is that and so much more!

I received an ARC.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first Cactus Kid so I was over the moon to see the second one arrive! This was such fun! New friends, familiar faces, a quest for magic, a rodeo and a whole host of spiders. Something I just loved about this was the colouring of the spreads - just lush! Will be perfect in my classroom collection!

[Julia Pika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Flying Eye Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read the first one but I will now after reading the second one! It's a very cute, low-key, fun fantasy adventure! It weirdly reminds me of Steven Universe, all about fun character designs combined with character development.

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a total wild ride!
My graphic novel loving son LOVED it- the biking storyline was a hit too.

Short text, colourful illustrations, hilarious- perfect combo.

Fans of silly, action-packed, easy to read graphic novels will adore this series.

[Adam Sequoyah · Rating 2 out of 5]

MPA ratings: PG (TV-Y7 is better) for peril