Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space

by Laini Taylor, Jim Di Bartolo (Illustrator)

An out-of-this-world new middle-grade graphic novel about a genius scientist and her evil nemesis—from New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor and cartoonist Jim Di Bartolo

Don’t you hate it when your archenemy launches your latest invention into space, accidentally creating a robot army that falls into the clutches of an evil alien emperor? Well, that’s how Billie Blaster’s day is going!

The genius child of two famous scientists, Billie is an inventor extraordinaire and the star of the annual science fair, much to the disgust of her nemesis, Tiny Hector Glum. But now their rivalry has gone too far, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. Can Billie prevent an intergalactic war that’s kind of totally her fault? With her pet goat, Lucy, a giant robot head, and a toilet weasel from a distant planet, she might just stand a chance. Join them on their perilous adventure, in a spaceship without a bathroom.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Comics, Childrens, Humor, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2023

About the author

Hi! I write fantasy books. My latest is STRANGE THE DREAMER, about a young librarian, a mythic lost city, and the half-human children of murdered gods. Check it out :-) Before that I wrote the DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE trilogy, which has been translated into 32 languages. It's about a blue-haired art student raised by monsters, a broken angel, and a war that has raged for 1000 years in another world. I also wrote LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, which was a National Book Award finalist, and the DREAMDARK books. As well as various short stories and novellas.

Thanks for reading!!

www.lainitaylor.com

@lainitaylor

Reviews

[Tatiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I wanted to get from Laini Taylor, but fart and bathroom jokes will entertain a 10-year old. Worked on mine.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have noticed that middle grade graphic novels love to be as weird and as wild as they can be, and this one fits that to a T.

Billie Blaster is a girl genius, as is her mother, and her father. Her mother invented a way for animals to be able to talk and her father invented the blaster. Billie invented glow in the dark tooth-paste, as well as lap dinosaurs, which turned out to not be such a good idea.

And so she keeps taking first prize in the science fairs, and Hector Glum takes second, and he is so annoyed, he hatches a plan to mess things up, and of course he does, but only because Billie invents another thing without thinking it through, which is self-replicating robots.

Hector launches these robots into space, where they land on a planet and start replicating. The local ruler of the planet decides to invade earth, with his robot army to get the blaster that Billie’s father invented, except he uninvented it, so it doesn’t exist.

Yes, it is that sort of weird and wild plot. And there are silly things, like Billie’s father trying to win a sandwich stacking contest, and Billie forgetting to put the bathroom into the spaceship she builds.

All told, a fun story, full of action and silliness.


Thanks to the publisher for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out August 15, 2023. It will be published in full color, unlike the WIP that shows in black and white.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good solid 3.5 rating. I was not "OMG Best book ever!" but I enjoyed it. The humor is typical kid, there is a message (though maybe slightly glossed over), and there is a fun premise (though I really really wish there was a particular room on the spaceship....) Overall, ages 8 and up can enjoy and be amused

[joshie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Not at all what I want from Laini Taylor. Please, for the love of God, release a new novel.😂

Silly and intensely childish. Which makes sense, it's for kids. I would read this to a child, but would never re read otherwise. And wouldn't pick up any sequel.

[Margaret · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like reviewing books I dislike so much, so I'll just say this was not for me. Not offensive, but the story was pretty boring and all the characters looked exactly the same, and this bothered me more than it probably should've. I'm sure some kids would still enjoy it.

[Leah (Jane Speare) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hilarious!! Just the right amount of self-awareness, snark, and a talking goat. It reminded me of a Phineas and Ferb adventure. I hope there will be more!

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a zany, insane, childish comic. It's great.

You seriously wouldn't believe that 'Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space' is by modern epic (in every sense) fantasy novelist Laini Taylor. But it is; alongside her artist and cartoonist husband Jim Di Bartolo, as essentially a present for their daughter, and as a celebration of all the silly things they'd made up in their home. It shows, and it is spectacular.

'Billie Blaster' is like 'Phineas and Ferb', 'Jimmy Neutron', 'Atomic Betty' and 'Ed, Edd n Eddy', with the cartoon characters drawn to look like 'Sesame Street' puppets, or killer dolls from horror franchises. Those teeth and crazy eyes, *shudders*. But the art style grows on you.

It's about a ten-year-old girl genius with wild red hair, Billie Blaster, who may not actually be a genius but is unconsciously living off her famous scientist parents' successful inventions and popularity, and her archnemesis, her former-friend-turned-bitter-rival Hector Glum, who was shrunken to the size of a stick insect by one of his own inventions...and turned evil by Billie's mother's intelligence-enhancing invention, and he now wants to take over earth as well as actually kill Billie. Yeah, not a good message to send to kids: that smart people, scientifically-inclined people, or people who are "too smart for their own good", are evil/have no morals. I thought we had done away with that harmful, dangerous cliché ages ago. But the comic is too much fun for me to dwell on that detail, and it is obviously not to be taken seriously in the slightest.

As the title plainly says, the plot is: there is an upcoming robot army sent by aliens to take over earth, which is kind of Billie's fault, and which Hector is all in for. The evil emperor alien is named Emperor Mwahaha. The jokes centred on that are brilliant.

It's all a good laugh and lark. There is a talking goat sidekick, intelligent racoons, evil intelligent pigeons, tall sandwich world championships, a giant talking alien robot head, a spaceship that Billie forgot to include a bathroom in on her blueprints (easily among the best jokes, and further evidence of Billie's short-sightedness, overlooking the obvious, and being in fact a dumb smart person), self-building robots everywhere, funny aliens and their planets, a toilet weasel (don't ask), lap dinosaurs (again, don't ask), floating cheese puffs (as in, cheese puffs that make you float when you eat them), and...this:


"How am I supposed to invade a planet with fart blasters?!"


Very juvenile and wacky. And even more hilarious than its appearance, blurb and promotion suggest.

'Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space' was created to be read just for fun, for comedy, for kids, and adults too. Nothing deep about it, except the acknowledgement of the privilege gap between Billie and Hector - an additional, clever factor to their rivalry - and that any competition is merely a popularity contest. Plus, the lesson that "smart" and "wise" are different things.

It sets up a sequel, but regardless of whether that will ever come to fruition, the comic works well as a standalone, a one-off trip to a crazy universe set in the future. A future where earth is immensely overpopulated, yet humans somehow still thrive and survive, no effs given about anything.

Who or what is the conglomerate corporation Jax anyway? *suspicious glare*

If you like cartoony, colourful and creative fun and hijinks, and are nostalgic for the silliest, most bizarre cartoons you watched as a kid, then check out 'Billie Blaster'.

Final Score: 3.5/5

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space" by Laini Taylor is an absolute triumph of creativity and imagination, seamlessly blending the charm of a comic-style narrative with the thrilling elements of children's tech-fantasy, middle-grade wonder, and the vibrant allure of a graphic novel. Taylor's masterful storytelling shines brilliantly, captivating readers young and old with a tale that's as heartwarming as it is action-packed.

The novel propels us into the extraordinary world of Billie Blaster, a young prodigy whose inventive genius is matched only by her unyielding determination. Taylor's adept character development brings Billie to life in vivid detail, endearing her to readers as she navigates the whimsical challenges that life throws her way. The rivalry with her archenemy, Tiny Hector Glum, takes an unexpected turn when her latest invention hurtles into space, setting off a chain of events that could change the fate of the entire galaxy.

The novel's narrative is a delightful rollercoaster of twists and turns, punctuated by Taylor's skillful prose that effortlessly balances humor, suspense, and heart. The addition of charming illustrations enhances the reading experience, immersing readers in the comic-style world while allowing them to visualize the quirky characters and breathtaking scenes.

At the heart of the story is a relatable theme of friendship, courage, and the power of unlikely alliances. Billie's companions, including her trusty pet goat Lucy, a giant robot head, and a toilet weasel from a distant planet, add layers of whimsy and depth to the narrative. Together, they embark on a perilous adventure to prevent an intergalactic war that holds an endearing blend of humor, excitement, and heartfelt moments.

Taylor's world-building is nothing short of spectacular, transporting readers to a universe where technology and fantasy coexist in seamless harmony. The absence of a bathroom aboard their spaceship serves as a quirky yet relatable touch, adding a playful element that perfectly encapsulates the novel's unique charm.

"Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space" is a shining example of storytelling brilliance that will captivate readers of all ages. Laini Taylor's ability to seamlessly weave together multiple genres while delivering a heartwarming and thrilling narrative is a testament to her literary prowess. This book is an absolute must-read for those seeking an unforgettable adventure that sparks the imagination and leaves a lasting smile on your face.

[Nicole Sobon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable middle-grade graphic novel. That's the easiest way to describe this book. 'Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space' is an out-there, ridiculous story that has just as much wit as it does heart. It did take me a bit to read this one, but that wasn't due to the book. Once I was able to dedicate enough time to dive back into the book, I found myself wondering why it had taken me so long.

'Billie Blaster' is about a young girl named Billie Blaster who is incredibly smart and enjoys creating over-the-top science experiments; this, of course, isn't entirely surprising given her parents are both renown scientists. Unfortunately, though, Hector, a student in her class, doesn't think Billie is worthy of the praise and success she's had over the years. He's grown tired of coming in second-place at the science fair every year and sets out to take her down.

What ensues is a story that is otherworldly, hilarious, and wonderfully strange. While the book focuses on the weird - toilet weasels, fart guns, and evil pigeons - it also takes the time to show the differences between Billie and Hector. As Billie comes to learn, Hector might have a legitimate reason to be upset. Unlike her, he doesn't have a lab at his hands to develop any and everything he'd like to create. He's forced to work out of his parents' house in the same room they do laundry. He works harder than her, because he has to, and Billie is understanding about his desire to be better than her - although, despite her best attempts, Hector is unwilling to reason with Billie.

'Billie Blaster' is the perfect book for middle-grade students to read. At that age, it's all about developing an identity and trying to be the best version of themselves. 'Billie Blaster' is the perfect read for that - and the artwork is pretty great to look at.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so much excitement when a new Laini Taylor book is announced! Then to learn her husband Jim Di Bartolo is illustrating? Please hold for a double-whammy of a new release!

Every since I read Taylor & Di Bartolo’s collaboration Lips Touch: Three Times, I race for every publication they create together. Ok, ok…I race for every Laini Taylor creation anyway. But there is an extra bit of excitement when I know Jim’s illustrations are going to be included! {Side note: I often wonder though, since the two met while they were both in art school, why doesn’t Laini illustrate more?}

This middle grade graphic novel is a spaceship full of fun. Anyone who follows Laini on social media will recognize her and Jim’s wit and nods to their daughter Clementine. Whimsical, colorful illustrations add to the humorous, intelligent storyline. I loved that the entire story is built around a competitive pair of young inventors who tinker in labs and create wild scientific contraptions. With the addition of all the trappings that make a good MG graphic novel, bathroom & fart jokes, an evil nemesis, animals, humans, and robots, this is a sure fire “blaster” to the top of the MG TBR lists!

Additional note: The ONLY reason this isn't a five-star read for me is that I am not the target audience. It is perfect for the middle grade crowd!

[pineapple tofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like her genius parents, young Billie Blaster loves creating and making things, which thus makes her win first place all the time at the science fair. With a talkative goat best friend and a tiny archnemesis, Billie is then visited by an old robot friend. An evil alien warlord wants to capture Earth as their own, and it's up to Billie to save the day. She then travels to space to an unknown planet, rescuing friends and all while returning home for lunch.
With an intricate art style, this graphic novel is part science fiction with comedy mixed in. I enjoyed reading another Laini Taylor novel and was swept into Billie's life of robots, tall sandwiches, and blasters of all kinds. It was a fun read, and I can't wait to see what the two authors come up with next.

[emily grace🪽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Laini Taylor so I was delighted when I got an early finished copy of this from work. That was yesterday, I then preceded to read it all in one sitting today. I couldn’t wait and I’m glad I didn’t.

I very much enjoyed myself, this was such a fun, action packed little space adventure. The art was great and, of course, perfectly suited the story. The whole style was really fun, I absolutely loved the flashbacks and interludes throughout.

Billie Blaster is an easily likable character and her arc is quite an important one, which was really nice to see. Tiny Hector Glum is going to be a new favorite villain for me, his story is seriously awesome (in a terrible way), I love it.

This graphic novel is all around very well done. I hope we get more!

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was fun and weird with lots of potty humor (like literally jokes involving toilets haha). The book follows Billie Blaster, who is the daughter of two amazing scientists. She has a nemesis who she always beats in the science fair. There are robots and aliens involved. Oh, and animals talk because Billie's mom invented an animal intelligence enhancer thingie. So yea, a fun ride! I kind of wish there was more about how Hector's inventions were trying to solve environmental problems. There is a slight mention about how humans have overcrowded our world but there seemed to be a lot of build up to a message about using science to better the world rather than just making cool things but that message didn't really fully develop.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully silly, indeed. Young Billie Blaster is the child of two geniuses, and a genius in her own right. She's a successful inventor. Unfortunately, she also has a nemesis, and this time he's taking his rivalry a bit too far, putting Earth in danger. It's up to Billie and her talking goat pal, Lucy to save the day.

Such a fun middle grade graphic novel. I read an early black and white copy, but I'd imagine it's even better in full color. It's a goofy little adventure following a girl genius. What's not to like? Kids will love it for sure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Krissi Charsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it's a super cute graphic novel. There are "flashbacks" to provide context on Billie, her parents, and her archnemisis Hector. I thought some flashbacks could have been a little bit more detailed, but they were satisfactory at the same time.

The story follows Billie, trying to save the earth from a robot invasion.

I did receive an advanced reader copy, which is in black and white, but the art still looks really great despite not being in color.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy for my honest review!

[wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun graphic novel about a young and her arch rival in school. Billie and Hector Glum are both very scientifically savvy in technology and AI. Billie always beat Hector in the school science fair and he seethes and vows revenge. This will come to a head with Glum creating a robot army to strike out against Billie and her friends, The titanic struggle came to life with a plethora of well drawn panels. Great villain and kids will like it.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

My students would enjoy this book. It has a type of kid humor that I think they would like.
For the most part I think the story is fun. I think some names could have had more creativity. I also thought the bathroom part and what the blasters were made to do was quite strange.
But, like I said, I think this will hit its target audience.

[Kara Gemian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very sad I didn't really enjoy this. My main issue is that this was not at all what I wanted it to be and so I was disappointed from the start. I love reading middle grade, but this felt too juvenile for me. I love Jim's art, but the style didn't match the story?

A lot of kids (and adults!) will love this, I was just not one of them.

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not the target audience for a book like this. But the humor and silliness is exactly suitable for kids.

I just really want another book from Laini Taylor. I mainly read this because I love that Laini and Jim work together occasionally. Makes me think maybe my husband and I can create something together one day.

[McKenzy Hupke · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

Ranked up to 3 stars. I often find that most middle grade novels are great for most/all ages but this one is definitely a middle grade novel. I'm sure the humor would be much more appreciated for younger ones. For how much I know I like and appreciate all J Graphic Novels, this one still did not feel like it was at the level I expect them to be.

[Kara Fullmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute fun fast read with the most adorable characters! Super great read, and I thought it would be perfect for middle grade readers. The humor was enjoyable, and perfect for young readers.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wacky and loud-out-loud hilarious graphic novel! I LOVE the weird humor and jokes and the illustrations perfectly compliment the story.

Thank you to the publisher, Abrams, for the ARC.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a free giveaway and I’m so excited i did. While it’s not my usual read, I shared it with my 4th grader and he absolutely loved it. We both read it in a day and loved the silly illustrations.

[D.T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me but the pure zaniness may endear other readers. There’s a bit of toilet humor here so be aware.

I liked the mention of how popularity can sway other’s opinions; that some people have advantages aiding them, and it’s okay to acknowledge that.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrated faces were a little sharp and aggressive but storyline was fun definitely kid humor with the fart jokes and talking animals! Fun sci fi robot and aliens want to take over the world is definitely going to get kids excited just didn’t love the illustrations as much as I wanted too!

[Ashley Marie]

Ooooh a graphic novel AND a spousal collab to boot! Gimme!!

[Georgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun. I selfishly hoped for more room for a spaceship and I thought there was more clarity with the message, because it did have one. Overall, definitely fun and the kids will dig it.

[TheNextGenLibrarian]

Such an adorable #MG #graphicnovel that’s a laugh riot with a strong female MC! Preorder now! Out 8/15

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have been two books with the amount of flashbacks and context we never got.

[Your Least Favorite Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute 🥺