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Adventure Time (KaBOOM! OGNs)
Adventure Time: Bitter Sweets
Princess Bubblegum must start her yearly journey to the outer kingdoms, with the help of Peppermint Butler she goes to see how her distant friends are doing and to rejuvenate the crystals that keep their kingdoms alive. Of course with time things constantly change and Princess Bubblegum is going to discover that a lot has changed since her last journey and this might be one problem she won't be able to fix. Written by talented Kate Leth (Kate or Die!) and illustrated by the talented Zachary Sterling (Bravest Warriors(TM)), join Princess Bubblegum as she discovers help in the unlikeliest of places.
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2014
61 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Kate Leth
147 books430 followersKate Leth is a Canadian author and illustrator working in comics, animation, design, and feelings. A grown-up goth and pop culture devotee, Kate specializes in work for kids and teens. Their comics work includes Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!; Girl Over Paris; Spell on Wheels; and Adventure Time, among others.
They live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an absolutely ridiculous cat and several regrets. They are queer and genderfluid/non-binary, a fact that greatly influences their work. Kate uses they/them pronouns, but probably won’t correct you.
They live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an absolutely ridiculous cat and several regrets. They are queer and genderfluid/non-binary, a fact that greatly influences their work. Kate uses they/them pronouns, but probably won’t correct you.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 27, 2022
I didn't like the art style in this one, but the story was fun enough.
March 16, 2018
”Radical.”
- Princess Bubblegum
This was so cute🙊What the heck.
It was so flowy~
Also Peppermint Butler is damn scary who is this man even.
The artwork is 10/10 as Always and I love it so much. Bless.
- Princess Bubblegum
This was so cute🙊What the heck.
It was so flowy~
Also Peppermint Butler is damn scary who is this man even.
The artwork is 10/10 as Always and I love it so much. Bless.
June 11, 2023
yeah i’m twenty years old but YEAH i still love a good princess bubblegum & marceline interaction.
April 5, 2016
Bubblegum is just plain cute.
March 11, 2022
BEST PLOT EVER.
November 30, 2014
Stuff I Read - Adventure Time OGN Vol 4: Bitter Sweets Review
Okay, so full disclosure, I love Adventure Time. Like probably a little too much, given that it is presumably for children. But it is amazing and always deals with such mature topics that I just can't get enough of it. Case in point, I love the Adventure Time comics, and especially these original graphic novels, because it presents such a fun look at some fun aspect of the world. And the quality is always very high. The first two volumes, by Danielle Corsetto, were incredibly good, and the last two, by Kate Leth, continue in the strong tradition. Which is to say that even though this is probably my least favorite of the volumes out so far, I still enjoy the hell out of it.
Really the source of my not-quite-so-liking it is probably just that it doesn't go quite so weird as the other volumes. Princess Bubblegum is a very interesting character, but where she isn't complicated by her moral ambiguity I find her a little boring. All the Peppermint Butler can't save her from seeing a little too "good" in the face of all of this, which is slightly sad because she seems much less straight-forward in the show and elsewhere than this volume gives her credit for. At least, I would have liked to see what she would have come up with to solve her problems in this story that weren't aimed at a more innocent image of the character.
Still, it is great, and Peppermint Butler is just awesome. He steals the show from PB with his enthusiasm for fire and his mastery of demons. Really, that said, Pep But is just charming throughout. Normally he isn't as present in the show, so it's great fun to see him have such a prominent role in this volume. The story itself is interesting as well, with PB and Pep But having to recharge some magic gems to keep the city running for another decade. PB visits some old friends and finds that things aren't quite as happy as they seem. It's a complicated look at decent people making some bad decisions and finding the strength to stand up for oneself, and it does show some fun corners of Ooo. The characters are fun and there are a lot of adorable moments as PB and Pep But travel and complete their mission.
In the end, I was left just a little disappointed because I didn't feel that PB was quite given enough nuance, that she wasn't allowed to be as morally grey as she is during much of the show. She is not quite the goody-two-shoes that this volume portrays her as, and at least I would have liked to see a bit how she helped the various kingdoms in the past, if only to see what tactics she used. Still, it is a great story with great art and Peppermint Butler. Seriously, he is awesome. And with all that, the volume gets an 8/10 in my book.
Okay, so full disclosure, I love Adventure Time. Like probably a little too much, given that it is presumably for children. But it is amazing and always deals with such mature topics that I just can't get enough of it. Case in point, I love the Adventure Time comics, and especially these original graphic novels, because it presents such a fun look at some fun aspect of the world. And the quality is always very high. The first two volumes, by Danielle Corsetto, were incredibly good, and the last two, by Kate Leth, continue in the strong tradition. Which is to say that even though this is probably my least favorite of the volumes out so far, I still enjoy the hell out of it.
Really the source of my not-quite-so-liking it is probably just that it doesn't go quite so weird as the other volumes. Princess Bubblegum is a very interesting character, but where she isn't complicated by her moral ambiguity I find her a little boring. All the Peppermint Butler can't save her from seeing a little too "good" in the face of all of this, which is slightly sad because she seems much less straight-forward in the show and elsewhere than this volume gives her credit for. At least, I would have liked to see what she would have come up with to solve her problems in this story that weren't aimed at a more innocent image of the character.
Still, it is great, and Peppermint Butler is just awesome. He steals the show from PB with his enthusiasm for fire and his mastery of demons. Really, that said, Pep But is just charming throughout. Normally he isn't as present in the show, so it's great fun to see him have such a prominent role in this volume. The story itself is interesting as well, with PB and Pep But having to recharge some magic gems to keep the city running for another decade. PB visits some old friends and finds that things aren't quite as happy as they seem. It's a complicated look at decent people making some bad decisions and finding the strength to stand up for oneself, and it does show some fun corners of Ooo. The characters are fun and there are a lot of adorable moments as PB and Pep But travel and complete their mission.
In the end, I was left just a little disappointed because I didn't feel that PB was quite given enough nuance, that she wasn't allowed to be as morally grey as she is during much of the show. She is not quite the goody-two-shoes that this volume portrays her as, and at least I would have liked to see a bit how she helped the various kingdoms in the past, if only to see what tactics she used. Still, it is a great story with great art and Peppermint Butler. Seriously, he is awesome. And with all that, the volume gets an 8/10 in my book.
March 23, 2015
Finally more on Princess Bubblegum's important tasks to keep the Candy Kingdom intact! I kind of wish this was also an episode. Bonnibel travels to her fellow ally kingdoms to recharge the magic that keeps the Candy Kingdom thriving. Of course discovers something dubious going on. She then has to come to terms with her friends, and find a way to deliver a just punishment. But also to help set things right accordingly. I especially love the bits of Peppermint Butler going all pyromaniac. That little candy has some major dark issues. I really wonder if this will affect the Princess in future volumes, or episodes of the cartoon series. It seems to bring up the question of conflict between her wanting to be friends, and then having to be a fair ruler as well. Can she be both? I love how she's not the damsel-in-distress she started out as and has become this multi-layered character.
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December 24, 2015Bonnibel goes on her once-per-decade quest to recharge the Candy Kingdom's gem batteries in a tale even more adorable and arguably lesbionic than the general run of Adventure Time. The usually intractable issue of resource allocation between competing states is perhaps solved a little too easily by the ready availability of magic, but I think this can be forgiven since no one wants to read about the rise of Ooo's answer to Da'esh. Although even if that did happen, I'm sure that wonderful little psycho Peppermint Butler would soon sort them out. With fire.
January 10, 2016
Maybe my expectations were just too high for this thing considering the other Adventure Time comics, but this weird current trend in kids comics where there's no difficult conflict, no negative characters (it's odd to see the bad guys crumble and apologize immediately upon getting caught and confronted-- it doesn't make for a particularly human story or involved conflict) It's almost as if the idea of negativity is too upsetting for the folks involved with the book. Good thing 4,000 people read this and no one involved with the book will ever see this review!!!
August 9, 2015
I liked volume 3 better, but I stil loved this one!
November 27, 2022
I guess it’s targeted at younger readers so there’s no really bad guys, which is almost too easy for a diplomatic problem for PB. I think this comic portraits her being too soft, but maybe because those are her friends she cares personally? I imagined her being more disappointed and outraged like Pep But. Pep But is so wild so I guess PB has to be the sensible one lol. It’s interesting that it touched the topic that PB solved issues for quite some kingdoms and established that she has a good reputation among the realms. In addition, Marceline is there to get PB to dance with her is a nice touch.
June 15, 2025
Oh, that first shot of the Land of Ooo got me surprisingly emotional. Time really flies by.
Which also happens to be a main theme about this comic.
"Things chage, I guess. They aren't what they used to be."
This time Princess Bubblegum takes the stage, and apart from seeing her amazing wardrobe, we get to learn some more lore about Ooo and her adventures in the past.
Also Peppermint Butler is still a freak.
Another hit for the series.
Which also happens to be a main theme about this comic.
"Things chage, I guess. They aren't what they used to be."
This time Princess Bubblegum takes the stage, and apart from seeing her amazing wardrobe, we get to learn some more lore about Ooo and her adventures in the past.
Also Peppermint Butler is still a freak.
Another hit for the series.
October 21, 2017
Plot was pretty good if simplistic. I guess that goes with the watered down art. It felt like they were trying to make this for elementary school kids. (Wait, is that who is supposed to be reading this stuff?) So better than some AT comics I've read but def not among the best.
September 3, 2018
I love Kate Leth so much. She is one of my favourite humans, 100% 10/10 awesome person would date her/be here best friend forever. My favourite part of this comic way Peppermint Butler and his LOVE OF FIRE! Such a cute comic.
May 11, 2017
Enjoyable and real to what the shows have built the characters up to be. However, the plot felt a bit rushed.
September 8, 2018
Great story
December 2, 2018
Very much an Adventure Time comic, and all the better for it.
March 6, 2019
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii llllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkkeeeeeeee tttttttttttttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttttt
July 3, 2019
It was cute! The art is a little different and took me a bit of adjusting. Princess Fern and Forest Princess are my faves.
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August 20, 2019What time is it?....Adventure time!!!XD
October 30, 2019
This was a super cute read. I really enjoyed this one.
November 29, 2019
👍
I love the book, very exciting and kiddy. The best book that I am a fan of.I love this adventure time book the most.
I love the book, very exciting and kiddy. The best book that I am a fan of.I love this adventure time book the most.
May 25, 2021
Loved this
August 10, 2021
Bubblegum Fun
Nothing revolutionary. Good story if you love Bubblegum. Just kind of standard fare when it comes to adventure time. Not my favorite.
Nothing revolutionary. Good story if you love Bubblegum. Just kind of standard fare when it comes to adventure time. Not my favorite.
August 22, 2021
Adorable and wonderful.
September 24, 2024
My childhood.
November 28, 2024
I enjoy reading about these characters, they’re always so cute and warm!
December 17, 2025
This was a cute graphic novel. Peppermint Butler in this book had me laughing so much! He has the cutest little faces when he's angry. More based towards a juvenile but worth the read!
September 1, 2025
2025 EDIT: I have not changed my mind: 'Bitter Sweets' is one of the best Princess Bubblegum solo comics - and stories in general - ever. What a fun and sweet ride and adventure! It's feminist, peaceful, diplomatic, and social justice-y AF, too!
Next to the pink scientist and adventurer princess, Peppermint Butler might be my favourite character here!
Hooray for the cartoon and the comics!
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
One of the best Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum stories ever, hands down.
'Adventure Time Original Graphic Novel Vol. 4: Bitter Sweets' is so colourful, so cute, so creative, so heartfelt, and so darn funny, and it contains important morals and messages concerning environmentalism, sourcing, colonialism, and trade between homelands. Unions learning to get along peacefully and with understanding - helped by a dexterous and multitalented female leader, no less - is fantastic to see in a kids' comic.
It has Bubblegum as a travelling, sensitive, social justice action heroine; a psychopathic Peppermint Butler; magic stones; mermaids (one of whom is clearly in lesbian love with another); lettuce people, plus other vegetable people; sprites; the marvellous and green Princess Fern; hot chocolate; and a Marceline cameo at the end, who dances with Bubblegum!
'Bitter Sweets' is a beautiful epic quest, where no one dies and no one is evil or a jerk for no reason. There can be a lot to learn about leadership and using your brains and words to solve problems from this! Subverting gender roles and placing great importance to female characters also elevates it from other mainstream children's comic books.
Bubblegum is brilliant - brilliant and exhausted. She is lucky to be surrounded by friends and associates who love and appreciate her. She does so much for others!
Final Score: 4/5
Next to the pink scientist and adventurer princess, Peppermint Butler might be my favourite character here!
Hooray for the cartoon and the comics!
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
One of the best Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum stories ever, hands down.
'Adventure Time Original Graphic Novel Vol. 4: Bitter Sweets' is so colourful, so cute, so creative, so heartfelt, and so darn funny, and it contains important morals and messages concerning environmentalism, sourcing, colonialism, and trade between homelands. Unions learning to get along peacefully and with understanding - helped by a dexterous and multitalented female leader, no less - is fantastic to see in a kids' comic.
It has Bubblegum as a travelling, sensitive, social justice action heroine; a psychopathic Peppermint Butler; magic stones; mermaids (one of whom is clearly in lesbian love with another); lettuce people, plus other vegetable people; sprites; the marvellous and green Princess Fern; hot chocolate; and a Marceline cameo at the end, who dances with Bubblegum!
'Bitter Sweets' is a beautiful epic quest, where no one dies and no one is evil or a jerk for no reason. There can be a lot to learn about leadership and using your brains and words to solve problems from this! Subverting gender roles and placing great importance to female characters also elevates it from other mainstream children's comic books.
Bubblegum is brilliant - brilliant and exhausted. She is lucky to be surrounded by friends and associates who love and appreciate her. She does so much for others!
Final Score: 4/5
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January 8, 2015Adventure Time comic series by Ryan North
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 1 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 2 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 3 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 4 Mathematical Edition
Adventure Time: Original Graphic Novel series by Danielle Corsetto
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 1 Playing With Fire Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 2 Pixel Princesses Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 3 Seeing Red Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 4: Bitter Sweets Original Graphic Novel
More Adventure Time comics
My review of Adventure Time: Sugary Shorts Vol. 1 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Candy Capers Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 1 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 2 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 3 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 4 Mathematical Edition
Adventure Time: Original Graphic Novel series by Danielle Corsetto
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 1 Playing With Fire Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 2 Pixel Princesses Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 3 Seeing Red Original Graphic Novel
My review of Adventure Time Vol. 4: Bitter Sweets Original Graphic Novel
More Adventure Time comics
My review of Adventure Time: Sugary Shorts Vol. 1 Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake Mathematical Edition
My review of Adventure Time: Candy Capers Mathematical Edition
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews