My kids and I enjoy sharing our wildest dreams, in which we may access or do things not normally possible in the real world. Can you imagine inhabitants in your dreamland finding their way to enter your real life? Follow a little boy's crazy adventure in Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King by multi-award-winning author Darin S. Cape, in collaboration with artists Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto. Enter to win one of ten signed copies! You could also score a poster and pins.
My Review:
Marked with humor, irrepressible imagination, stunning artwork, and a creative fusion of fantasy, action, and adventure, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is an energizing, gripping graphic novel about family, friendship, growth, bravery, kindness and resilience.
Zicky is a preschooler who transforms into a teenage version of himself with ninja skills after falling asleep and gets transported into a fantasy world with his magic ring (in the form of a binky). Eager to invade the human world and steal all the cheese, the Rat King captures Zicky in his dream, tortures him, and forces him to help send Zooky, the mastermind behind Rat King's evil plan, to the human world. Will Zicky be able to outsmart the rats and return home in time to stop the villains from taking over and hurting his family?
With quirky characters, funny conversations and full-color illustrations, the book keeps readers immersed in Zicky's fast-paced adventure in the fantasy world as well as what happens simultaneously in the human world. While the real-world Zicky charms young readers with his cuteness, the older Zicky impresses advanced readers with his humor, courage, and quick wits. Reminiscent of members in families around us, Zicky's parents and siblings are relatable and likeable. Even the bad guys are not purely evil or despicable. Besides being a major source of amusement, they exhibit some degree of malleability and promise for positive changes.
Completed by two talented artists, the graphics constitute an indispensable and integral part of the storytelling. The contrasting two worlds (fantasy vs. reality) are well established and delineated by distinct color schemes and painting styles. The dynamic, vibrantly colored manga-inspired artwork is perfect for demonstrating Zicky's ninja stunts and sequential actions in battles against monsters and villains. Meanwhile, the more realistic, relaxed comic style drawings, do a wonderful job of reflecting the somewhat chaotic but authentic life of Zicky's loving family. The two styles blend beautifully together where the two worlds clash. In addition, the panel layout, the speech bubbles and sound effects work hand in hand to guarantee a smooth flow of the story and an engaging reading experience.
Given the unique composition of its cast, the novel may speak to a wide range of readers, who tend to have different takeaways from the story. For instance, my ten-year-old son loves the quirkiness of the characters and the hilarious interactions between Zicky and the rats. He now wishes to have a tickle robot of his own. As a parent, I'm more drawn to the family focus of the narrative, including the parenting challenges, the sibling bickering, and the bittersweet moments in everyday life. I'm also touched by how Zooky gets softened by the family's unconditional love and support. Even his dog can't resist the temptation to change sides!
Entertaining and visually appealing, Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is sure to delight graphic novel fans in different age groups. I look forward to finding out what happens next in the series.
About the Book:
Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages
Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939
Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike.
Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics
About the Author:
Shawn Hainsworth is the creator and writer, as Darin S. Cape, of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. The story began as bedtime adventures he invented for his own children, with Shawn playing the role of Zicky, a super-secret ninja who went on adventures while everyone else was asleep. Those family stories eventually grew into the world of Zicky, a graphic novel celebrating imagination, courage, family, and the hero inside every kid. Shawn lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two teens, and two hound dogs. He is the publisher of SHP Comics and is currently working on the sequel, Zicky: The Cursed Blade.
About the Illustrators:
Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration.
Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature—a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.
One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King, along with a Zicky poster and pins!
Nine additional winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King!
Giveaway ends 11/1. Open to US 18+ only. Please visit the giveaway page by clicking on the image below. Good luck!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Shawn Hainsworth. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
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