Mega Robo Bros 5: Next Level (a Phoenix Comic Book)

8 year old son says very good but not as good as nemesis but he really enjoyed it! Verdict - good if you enjoy the other mega Robo books

Me and my son love reading these books together. He’s 8 and a good reader but it’s the scope and range of what’s covered that we truly love. Yes there’s robots and fart jokes but there’s also a lot of finding your place in the world, dealing with ‘human’ problems and things that are highly relevant to modern kids. All in an accessible way. My son suffers at times from anxiety and in the few months since this book came out I swear its helped him more than the interventions school have tried – seeing a character like him (ok so he’s a robot but who cares) dealing with the same issues, and a similarly annoying brother, has helped him realise he’s not the only one. He’s also been inspired him to have a go at writing his own comics.100% recommend this series, the next book is already on preorder!

My son (10) and daughter (8) both love these. I do too. We’re already on the next one… Funny but with really tough issues introduced in a really approachable way. As another reviewer says, it prompts great conversations… but also represents those who aren’t CIS straight white. Now, those aren’t bad things to be (I hope!) but it’s great to have a really normal, high adventure story about the rest of society, not just people like “me”. Personally, I loved the wedding. Just saying.

My mini bookseller is a huge fan of Neill and Mega Robo Bros. She loves the series and is always eager for the next one. Funny, inclusive and brilliant, Neill is one of the best comic artists for kids around.

Revisiting this series as someone who grew up reading the Phoenix is well worth it -- and with books four and five I'm into new territory!Mega Robo Bros stuck with me because of its unique, kinetic artstyle and the wonderful balance of ordinary life with epic conflict; Next Level embodies these to the fullest, making it a great addition to the bookshelves of young readers or tired uni students like myself, in need of a post-exam reprieve!Niell Cameron has a deft touch when it comes to themes less commonly portrayed in such rip-roaring adventures. As a queer reader, it puts a smile on my face to see familiar struggles with identity and casually queer characters together in the same book (perhaps I should have known I didn't only relate to Alex's over-cautious older sibling energy!). Next Level covers other important topics for young readers to get familiar with, and does so with such a sense of normalacy that everything feels completely natural.Complicated or new ideas aren't the only appeal of Mega Robo Bros, however! You came here for robots? There are so many robots! You came here for explosions? So, so many explosions! You came here for a play-by-play of your fights with your siblings and your guardians' exhasperated responses? You got it!After the high-stakes, wide-reaching threat of Meltdown, Next Level is a fantastically paced, more personal stretch of the story while keeping up the adrenaline and humour. An excellent example for anyone wanting to write their own comics, along with short drawing tutorials for beginner artists!Overall, Next Level and the entire MRB series are a worthwhile read for absolutely anyone of any age or involvement with comics; they'll stick with you at least six years down the line! I would know!

My son just turned 8, and is a reluctant reader but he is waking me each morning asking for another chapter. This is a proper graphic novel with a continuing story line. My sons reading has come on massively since starting them. The thing I love most is the *grown up* story lines written in a suitable way, which provoke so many fab conversations. In this one we’ve had trauma, nightmares, same sex marriage, identity and bullying discussions to name a few. We like that it’s set in London, has twists and adventure, really funny bits (which I’m laughing at too with my son) and the diversity of the characters. We are both massive fans of Mega Robo Bros now as an 8 year old and a 37 year old! Can’t wait for the next one out in August.

My son loves these books, but was very put out at the end of the book as there is a lesbian wedding in a church! This is a lads comic and that lesbian wedding is totally out of context. Very disappointed. Won't be buying from this author again.