Doom and Gloom: The Worst Is Yet To Come by Jane Walker and Darin Henry

It's the title that caught my attention on today's read...so dark and dreary sound, and I bet it's anything but! Why do I say that? Hmmm...there isn't a particular reason. But my gut is telling me to think of Pinky and the Brain and wondering if two cats can really be super evil in a book for ages 8 to 10. Do any of you remember Pinky and the Brain? Anyway, I also thought this is a nice way to start dreaming of October and the upcoming Halloween season because that is just around the corner, and I truly need a boost to get my brain into that mood, this year. Today's read is also the first in a brand, new graphic novel series, and I'm hoping it's fun, humor-packed, and, maybe, will even carry so friendship goodness.

There's only one way to find out what these pages hold—so let's take a look!

THE WORST IS YET TO COME

Doom & Gloom, Book 1

by Jane Walker

and Darin Henry

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Animal Fiction   /   Graphic Novel

144 pages

ages 8 to 10

COMING OCTOBER 6th!!!

Two cunning cats set out to run their own evil empire—until an animal-whispering niece ruins everything! A spooky, silly, laugh-out-loud full-color graphic novel for fans of Cat Ninja and Bunnicula.

Despicable Me + cats + comics = Doom & Gloom! Doom and Gloom were the purr-fect partners in crime . . . until Doom maybe-possibly-definitely caused their evil boss's unfortunate mid-heist demise. Now the cats need a new home, ideally with someone wicked who can also open the wet food.

But their plans hit a snag when their old boss's relentlessly cheerful niece, Petunia, decides to adopt them no matter how many times they hiss, scratch, or flee.

• The first book in a laugh-out-loud full-color series
• A fast-paced, villains-with-heart adventure
• Themes of found family, teamwork, and doing the right thing
• From Emmy-nominated writer Darin Henry and animator Jane Walker

Will these wicked cats save the day—or their street cred? Find out in this irresistibly mischievous romp!

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With a slight tip-toe into the darker side, these villains try to find their place in the very odd realm of wacky evil-doers.

Doom and Gloom have mostly enjoyed being the sidekicks of their evil boss. Mostly because both believe they have hidden talents that are somewhat being ignored. When they try to help their boss with his latest heist (although they were forbidden to do so), things go wrong and the boss gets squished. Doom and Gloom are, now, faced with the horrid task of finding a new owner, who understands them and can really take care of their needs. The niece of their deceased boss, Petunia, is more than ready to fill this role, but she's the opposite of her uncle and anything but evil. Doom and Gloom are determined to continue their careers in the realm of evil and go on the hunt for a fitting boss to take them in. But things aren't quite that easy.

The blurb says that this is a bit like Despicable Me, and there is a lean in that direction as the two cats do their best to remain evil sidekicks and pull off dastardly deeds. Whatever those may be. This does dance on the darker line as there is violence-ish but this slides into humor, too, for that 'almost villain-y' atmosphere. The boss' death hits right away, and this might bother sensitive readers, but it comes with Tom and Jerry style. This type of danger pops up a few times, keeping tension high...after all, we're talking about true villains here...but it never pushes the boundaries of the age group too much, either. Instead, it keeps everything wrapped in humor and will have readers wondering if this pair of cats really understands what they're doing...and whether they'll make it through.

While the humor and plot play with the evil shadows, there are quite a few warming messages surrounding family, friendship, teamwork, and acting to do the right thing even if you are 'evil'. The entire thing stays dark even in the illustrations...well, mostly. Petunia offers the sunshine, but even this carries an odd twist as she isn't exactly normal. Still, golden goodness and hope shine through, especially when truly evil souls need to create a playdate with their parents before they can attack again. So, there's a lot of goodness snuggled into the appearance of a bleak cover.

It's a fun read, which keeps the reader in the pages since it's never clear what this pair of cats will be facing next. There are also a few secrets, which characters are keeping close to their chests, which promise fun to come. 

And here they are...

Darin Henry is an Emmy-nominated writer and producer whose credits span some of television’s most beloved comedies, including Seinfeld, Futurama, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Oddballs. He has written for series such as The Muppets, Shake It Up, The War at Home, and the BBC’s My Family and Not Going Out, as well as the Doctor Who audio adventure The Game. A veteran storyteller with a knack for sharp wit and memorable characters, Henry brings his comedic flair and decades of writing experience to the misadventures of Doom & Gloom.

Jane Walker is a Los Angeles-based character designer and illustrator whose stylistic sweet spot lands between quirky-cute and deliciously icky. She’s contributed character design and illustration to Helluva Boss, Holidaze, and the Hazbin Hotel pilot, and created background art for YouTube hits TheOdd1sOut and SomethingElseYT. In 2021, she served as Prop and Character Design Lead on Helluva Boss, guiding assets and design for the indie animation team; in 2022 she moved into layout work on SpongeBob SquarePants. Doom & Gloom marks her latest foray into spooky, silly storytelling for young readers.