Parents' Guide to

Apocalypse Taco

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Kids jump dimensions in goofy sci-fi graphic novel.

Book Nathan Hale Graphic Novel 2019
Apocalypse Taco Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

Kjbartolotta
Kjbartolotta Adult
May 9, 2019
age 9+

MG with midnight movie charm.

I think the world of Nathan Hale, but didn't know what to expect from this beyond 'ok, he wants an excuse to draw weird monsters'. And that about sums it up, but with all of Hale's charm, humor, and inventiveness. The story clicked for me in a weird way when I realized it's not meant to be taken seriously, think of it more like an 80's B-movie than serious SF. Some of the images can be disturbing, but provided kids have a strong stomach for weirdness, I think it's good for most ages (older as well as younger)
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What's the Story?

As APOCALYPSE TACO begins, 11-year-old twins Ivan and Axl and 16-year-old Sid take a break from their late-night drama troupe duties. But before they can return with Mexican fast food, their vehicle is attacked by many-limbed creatures that seem to be imperfect copies of people, cars, and buildings. The kids will need to use their wits, their truck, and even their windshield scraper to prevent the runaway biology experiment from taking over the world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Humor and horror sometimes mix well, and this fast-moving sci-fi adventure finds the right balance between scary and silly. Apocalypse Taco shows the dangers of artificial life, and author-cartoonist Nathan Hale uses his impressive artistic skills to bring the infestation to queasy life. The twins provide plenty of comic relief, but the level of suspense stays elevated. Fans of Hale's One Trick Pony wil enjoy this tale, as will newcomers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Apocalypse Taco portrays kids and teens confronting an out-of-this-world situation. Think you'd be able to use your wits to defeat monsters attacking your town?

  • Why is unregulated biotechnology dangerous? Does technology always have a positive impact on people?

  • In what ways are graphic novels well-suited for science fiction? What other sci-fi graphic novels do you like?

Book Details

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