Graphic Novel Review: Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye

Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye is the second graphic novel in this gorgeously gothic, darkly humorous adventure series.

In Castle Grotteskew, the 311^th monster has been created by Mad Professor Erasmus and it’s reaching its tentacles towards his first creation, Stitch Head. Trapped with his friend Creature, all seems lost for the two friends until Arabella Guff comes along with her kicking boots – and she’s not afraid to use them! Luckily, these are not needed as Stitch Head’s Serenity Salve kicks in instead turning an angry monster into a perfectly polite creature in search of a moat.

When Stitch Head and his friends find his old play room, Arabella finds Dash Flashpowder’s journal and is convinced that the Professor has not only got hold of the famous pirate’s journal, but also his eye – which he’s given to Stitch Head. Could he be part pirate? With his trusty sword, companion and crew, Stitch Head is ready for adventure – just as long as he doesn’t have to leave the castle.

But when his master receives a mysterious letter that takes him away from his creations, Stitch Head and his friends are quickly forgotten for a life of fame and fortune. Left on their own, Stitch Head, with some encouragement from his friends, decides to embrace the pirate life and head towards an ocean load of almost-life adventure … until he makes a discovery that brings his adventure crashing down before it has even begun …

I absolutely adored this deliciously dark and monstrously fun adventure brimming with danger, daring, discoveries and dastardly deeds. Stitch Head is such a wonderful creation: kind, thoughtful and courageous – even if he doesn’t always believe in himself. He has learned to fear the world outside the castle so is unwilling to venture outside until his fantastic friends encourage him and build his confidence. The friendship between Stitch Head, Arabella and Creature is just gorgeous – loyal, supportive and encouraging. Both Arabella and Creature bring so much humour to the adventure through Arabella’s tough-girl ‘It’s kick-o-clock’ insults and Creature’s not-quite-accurate-but-very-funny use of language as he teams up with his ‘crusty crew’.

The full-colour illustrations are absolutely incredible and really capture the heart of this story with their expressiveness, humour and deliciously dark nature. I also loved the inclusion of both single-panel and multi-panel pages and enjoyed poring over them as I read.

I’m now eagerly awaiting the next adventure in The Ghost of Grotteskew.

A shining treasure trove of adventure, heart and humour which is guaranteed to sail into the hearts, and tickle the funny bones, of its young readers of 8+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.