Born to Be Bad

Mischief and Mayhem #1

by Ken Lamug

Mischief, and her side-cat, Mayhem, are your respectably heinous villains. They’ll spoil new movies, steal cake from parties they weren’t invited to, and hit the good citizens where it’ll dirty them most—their toilet paper. But before Mischief and Mayhem were ever supervillains, they were just Missy and Gizmo, fresh recruits at superhero camp.

Only, Missy lied on her hero application and has exactly zero superpowers, just her brainpower. Missy is humiliated when caught and kicked out, and only fellow camp recruit Melvira stands by her. Unbeknownst to others, Melvira has a villainous agenda, and it involves helping Missy cross the line into villainy as her new alter ego, Mischief. But something about Melvira doesn’t sit right with Missy, and soon she’ll be called upon to battle her former best friend.

Will Missy be able to face the friend who was once her defender? Does Gizmo actually have nine lives? Will the town ever have TP again? The stakes are high and the battles epic, as the line between hero and villain gets flushed down the toilet.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Humor, Superheroes, Childrens, Middle Grade, Graphic Novels Comics, Action

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: Also writes as Kenneth Kit Lamug

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son who is 10 years old enjoyed the book so much he took it with him to basketball practice. I knew he loved the book because I could hear him chuckling while reading it. If your child reads a book and laughs out loud you know it was a good read for them. He thought the book, Mischief, and Mayhem, Born to be bad by Ken Lamug was hilarious and entertaining. He also loved all the comic-style illustrations. My son and I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun book to read.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books - Katherine Tegen Books in exchange for an honest review are completely my own.

I have been waiting for a graphic novel such as Mischief and Mayhem and I know this book will do very well in our JGraphic novel collection at our library. I loved the artwork and illustrations throughout the book even the a mix of black and white and color photos. Villains turn heroes (kind of) and throughout Missy's test she has to battle her best friend and pulling through all of the chaos and drama being a villain comes with. Now more than ever Missy questions her path and she must make the ultimate decision that could cost her everything she has.
Dogman lovers will sure love this graphic novel series and we sure have them in our young community of readers.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction/JGraphic collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and well-executed but not terribly memorable.

[Timothy Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader edition from the publisher. My 7 year old daughter read it in one sitting and loved the comedy and action. She keeps yelling "5 stars!"

[Rosalie Leung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my kids, ages 4 and 7, really loved this book. As a parent of a little girl, I also love that the main character is a fun and sassy girl. Must read. Readers of Dog Man will enjoy this book!

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Dog Man will enjoy this new series about a girl just trying to fit in and who decides to lean in on her misunderstood personality by becoming a villain.

[Jaymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

3.5 stars=Good+
This was a fun read! It's meaty for a graphic novel; I felt like I got my "money's" worth out of this. The book introduces the "villainous" characters, and then in chapter two shifts to their origin story. It was unclear to me if the first chapter takes place after the events in the rest of the book or if there was some shift mid-way through back into the original timeline. Either way, I enjoyed the story.

The artwork here is lovely. My review copy only had the first chapter in color, but even in black and white, it's great. I enjoyed the characters in this, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments. There's a nice teaser at the end for book two. I think this will be a big hit with kids!

[Princess Cordelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the super hero book I wish I had read when I was a bit younger ( because I am a bit to old to fully enjoy it now ).

Missy is a diabolical villain, but once, she wished she was super. This is the origin story that will explain exactly why such a promising young inventor/asspiring super hero would turn to the dark side.

Great for fans of Dog Man with its comical art style and humor.

[Debbie Ohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, action-packed, dynamic and fun illustrations. Love that Missy (the main character) is Asian but the story isn't about being Asian. Also love the original twist on superhero/supervillain stories!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[MrsK Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feeling like you can do nothing right? Thinking that the one thing you enjoy doing... always turns out to be trouble? Wondering what strength you might have that would get noticed? So is Missy.

The people of Idleness do not like all the noise Missy creates. Which is exactly what Missy does well. Thinking that she would benefit from a Superhero camp, she discovers that even at that camp she doesn't fit in. What she misses is how meeting others can "play-out" in your future. Thinking that she has finally met a "good" friend, Missy begins to follow the lead of Melvira. Will Missy realize that sometimes going along with behaviors that are not kind isn't worth the price of a misleading friendship?

Crazy and zany graphics. Graphic novels are fun to read. Visual art blocks are inviting with skillful layouts (organization). Emotions and thoughts clearly define characters and their purpose in the storyline. Artistic word choice is emphasized with sounds in design. Is there anything more enjoyable for readers than engagement with a graphic novel (comic humanity)? Enjoy this mischievous super-hero who will need to decide if causing mayhem is better than doing what is right!

This reviewer has a caution for educator read-alouds.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Bad Guys and Dogman will love this book. Kids who feel like they don't fit in and really want to fit it, will love this book.

There's a great cast of characters both human and animal in this fun and funny graphic novel.

Missy is not your average superhero. Actually, without a super power she's not considered a super hero at all. But she has smarts, inventiveness, gumption, and a sidekick. Somewhere between good and evil there is always Mischief and Mayhem.

Ken's art is fabulous. So much detail, bright colors, and clever characters.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy and her cat Gizmo love causing trouble as their alter-egos, Mischief and Mayhem. They are invited to a superhero boot camp, but get into trouble again! Lying on her application, Missy's only super power is her brain. The other young superheroes turn against her, all except one, Melvira.
What trouble for Mischief and Mayhem does Melvira have up her evil sleeve? Adorable graphic novel for elementary school students. Lots of life lessons, including how to treat people, doing the right thing, and friendship.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this graphic novel, #MischiefAndMayhem by #KenLamug, because it is a page turner and it makes you want to continue reading. I like the character, she reminds me of Naruto. I really recommend this book a lot. Five ⭐️

I didn’t really like this book, because this girl was very mischievous. I also thought that this book was funny and weird. I wouldn’t want to be friends with her because she is very villain-ish. 4⭐️



Thank you @bookopolis #bookopolis @HarperCollinsKids for this wonderful gifted copy in exchange for honest review.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need something for a reluctant reader? You may give this a try. It would fit right in with Dog Man, Lunch lady, etc. Mischief is the secret identity of Missy and her cat Mayhem. They got kicked out of super hero school, and decide to become super villains instead. This is very tongue in check. It’s cutesy, and funny, but not super “girly”. It’s geared towards early chapters and overall it works. I didn’t care for it, but my nephew loved it!

[Sarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kiva englanninkielinen sarjakuvaromaani tytöstä, joka kovasti haluaa supersankariksi, mutta päätyykin superpahikseksi. Hieman hitaamman alun jälkeen tarina pääsee vauhtiin ja sitten ei puutukaan äksöniä eikä vaaratilanteita. Olen viime aikoina lukenut niin mainioita englanninkielisiä sarjakuvaromaaneja, että toisena aikana olisin antanut tälle vähintään neljä tähteä. Lapsilukijoilla ei ole vielä testattu, mutta uskoisin, että tämäkin uppoaa seikkailusarjakuvia lukevaan varhaisnuorisoon.

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischief and Mayhem, Born to be bad by Ken Lamug is a fun and hilarious read! Missy is a charming and intelligent hero. And her trusty sidekick Mayhem makes for a perfect dynamic duo. With lots of twists and turns, it'll want you to keep turning to the next page. Kids and adults will want to read it again and again. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Mirka Hokkanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We received an advance reading copy and have loved this book! My son is a fan of Dogman and this is right up in the same alley with hilarious dialogue and lots of action. I've lost track of how many times he's read it from cover to cover already. Definitely recommended reading for both girls and boys ages 6-10.

[Johnell Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischief and Mayhem grabbed the attention for both my avid and reluctant reader and kept them in their seats (and away from video games) until they'd read it through. They loved the humor and the art was so well balanced throughout. The panels weren't cluttered and flowed really well. Pacing of the story was excellent.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missy and Gizmo want to be superheroes but they flunk out of superhero boot camp. They realize they are better as Mischief and Mayhem, villains who steal birthday cake and toilet paper. There is a more evil villain, Melvira, who really wants to hurt people. Can Mischief and Mayhem stop her? Read the story to find out!

[Paula Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken's sense of humor and artistic talent make this young-reader graphic novel rise to the top for me.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll just say that Missy is the supervillain I've always wanted to be. I'm very jealous that she gets to do all the fun stuff. The book is an enjoyable ride. Highly recommended.

[Eric Rosswood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with our son. He loved it and has read it multiple times on his own. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Dog Man books.

[Francis S. Poesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fun super hero turned super villain turned (no spoilers) story with action-packed panels and just the right ratio of heart to goofiness! Loved it and I can't wait for Mischief and Mayhem #2!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Love the bad-but-not-really character. This will be a well-enjoyed series.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. Ken Lamug is hilarious and I can't wait to see what he does next!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny graphic novel about a little girl and her naughty cat who become super villains. Seven year old grandson enjoyed this.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how someone could grow up to be a super villain? I mean, really, if you had superpowers, or were even a gadgeteer with a sky-high IQ, would you really choose evil as a career? Well, maybe, especially if you had the right motivation early on, and that's part of what this story is about. But only part...
The central character is a brilliant girl, and she and her cat get into a lot of trouble in just regular life, so think how things would be if she used her brilliant brain to become a superhero? Only...in that world, Iron Man wouldn't qualify as a superhero, because he's just a brilliant guy in a suit that has powers, rather than having them himself. There's apparently no such rule for villains, though, which seems to suggest that things in the story could go horribly wrong, and of course they do.
The book is a real treat, including the back cover, which gives several examples of what the book is about in a way that is so accurate that it's misleading...especially the unicorn volcano lair, which barely matters [and I must digress at this point to say that I've never uttered that sentence before, or anything much like it...I mean, normally a unicorn volcano lair might matter, but in this story it's barely a blip on the radar]. Also, while the book features tasty snacks, it also features some that are so non-tasty that they are plot points. In one case, there is a snack that is an "acquired taste" type of thing that can taste much better than it looks.
In any case, the story is about family, friends, learning responsibility without becoming boring, figuring out the difference between being a little chaotic and being evil, and teaching people that brains can be very, very powerful.
It's labeled as being the start of a series, and I hope it continues, because it's fun. The writing was great. The artwork was only good, but it worked.

[not chaotic what-so-ever (From the Vault) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I think this is a pretty okay book. I'd give it a 3.5
The reason is because I feel like it was missing something. I read this book a couple of times over and think it's fantastic except that the dialogue and characters are not that developed and that the drawings are, well, kiddie. Like come on, I can draw better than that! Has the illustrator never heard of fingers, eyelashes, or your Caruncle?!?! They try to draw an entire book with rectangles and ovals. Even though I like the story quite a bit and the characters' characteristics, when I compared this book to other comic books like Dog Man, this book just doesn't have that grasp of emotions that makes you cave for a sequel. Speaking of sequels, the second book sucks.

As I said, the overall book was decent.

The only 100% amazing thing about this book was the cat.