Parents' Guide to

The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Graphic novel parodies fantasy gaming with skill, affection.

Book Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy Graphic Novel 2018
The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Anayis
Anayis Parent of 10-year-old
September 19, 2019
age 16+

Great but not for kids

I listen to this as a podcast and let me tell you, it is hilarious. It's a great adventure with three friends who are trying to save their world from The Relics. This is full of inappropriate language and jokes that wouldn't be wise for younger generations.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
1 person found this helpful.
nikitabonita
nikitabonita Parent of 12-year-old
January 27, 2021
age 13+

Lots of swearing

This book is amazing but there is a lot of swearing. Some violence but not a lot of blood (unless you include goblin blood).

This title has:

Great role models
Too much swearing
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

As THE ADVENTURE ZONE: HERE THERE BY GERBLINS opens, elf wizard Taako, dwarf cleric Merle, and musclebound human warrior Magnus arrive too late to protect the clients they're supposed to guard. Their search for survivors leads them to various magical adventures, through which they lie, scheme, and break the fourth wall by consulting with their Dungeon Master. They will battle an evil wizard, fight wolves and giant spiders, and face a gauntlet of mystical fire, surviving against all odds before reaching a destination beyond their imaginations.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (5):

With its convoluted rules and sometimes absurd obstacles, fantasy gaming is ripe for parody, and this graphic novel satirizes the genre with skill and affection. Taako, Merle, and Magnu aren't as smart as they think they are, and the McElroy boys enjoy tossing them from one hair-raising situation to another in The Adventure Zone. Cary Pietsch's artwork is vibrant and expressive, although sometimes cramped, especially during fight scenes. The offhandedly vulgar dialogue is geared for older teens, and while the story is action-packed, it is not particularly memorable. The ending of this volume announces an unforeseen plot twist likely to lure readers back for more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins integrates aspects of role-playing fantasy games. Why have games like Dungeons & Dragons been so popular for so long?

  • How is humor used in The Adventure Zone? How can satire and parody be used to explore aspects of popular culture?

  • How is violence used in The Adventure Zone? Is violence more acceptable when it's cartoonish? Is it easier to laugh at violence directed toward nonhumans?

Book Details

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