I am a longtime fan of Jordan Morris—his Bubble podcast and graphic novel have replaced another Very Popular Text with a Problematic Author as a comfort to reread/relisten. Youth Group follows teen skeptic Kay after her parent’s divorce where trades attending a church youth group in exchange for applying to colleges on the east coast. When she interacts with the members, she feels even more disconnected from the world but she resolves to give it a shot. Kay stumbles upon the new youth group acquaintances performing what looks like an exorcism only because it actually is an exorcism. Kay quickly learns that her new youth group is one of many interfaith groups fighting demons in Orange County. Will Kay learn to let go and trust her new friends in order to save the world from demons?
This graphic novel provides a nostalgic lens that can be applied to the contemporary world.Morris’s voice paired with Bowen McCurdy’s illustrations provide an immersive reading and viewing experience. This book encourages an open mind and an open heart– a strong guide for how to be a person in the world. Youth Group is perfect for a young person trying to figure themselves out or an older reader who needs to be reminded how to be the person they needed when they were younger. My biggest critique is that there isn’t more Youth Group right away. More Youth Group! Bring me more Youth Group! This is a great read for fans of Paper Girls, Saved! and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Thank you to First Second and NetGalley for the advance e-ARC of Youth Group!

This was a fun coming-of-age story about teen exorcists set in Orange County, CA in the 90s. The main character, Kay, is a reluctant youth group attendee who is recruited to be part of a small group of evangelical teens who fight demons in their free time. It was a delight to follow along as Kay finds her people, gains a new perspective on life, and helps throw the ultimate interfaith rager (I mean mixer). The artwork successfully uses color to indicate tonal shifts and emphasize the friction between darkness and light. As you can imagine, this book is full of well-paced humor and throwbacks for anyone who has ever been involved in youth group culture, which probably works best for the New Adult crowd.

Youth Group, written by Jordan Morris and illustrated by Bowen McCurdy, follows our main character Kay as she joins a new youth group only to find out that her group leaders are actually demon hunters involved in a secret war against supernatural forces.

When Kay reluctantly agreed to join the youth group at Stone Mission Church in Orange County California, she expected the Jesus talk and the dorky singalongs and the colorful posters about dodging temptation. What she didn’t expect was to stumble on her youth group leaders, Meg and Cortland, in the middle of a read-deal exorcism. Turns out they’re both soldiers in a secret organization of demon hunters in a war that’s heating up, and even if Kay wanted to stay on the sidelines, she doesn’t have a choice – she’s a “Blight,” a human who demons can’t possess, and apparently that’s made her a target.

Bowen McCurdy's artwork is a standout of this new graphic novel. The illustrations are fun, quirky and what seems to be manga inspired. Their use of facial expressions adds energy to the story. Additionally, the illustrations are visually striking with vibrant colors and easy to follow panels. You can almost feel the emotions and energy jump off the page. The cover is extremely well illustrated and designed, one of the big draws towards this book.

The characters crafted by Jordan Morris are another highlight of Youth Group. They are super likable and interesting. Kay's journey of self-discovery, plus the camaraderie between the leaders of the youth group adds to the overall narrative. Meg and Cortland make for compelling leaders with their mix of bravery and vulnerability. The characters are well-developed and engaging allowing us to connect with them on a personal level.

Being a former member of a Christian youth group, this graphic novel connected with me in ways that some other graphic novels don't. The references to the evangelical made us chuckle in ways that some others might not. This fresh take on the coming-of-age genre has a blend of religion, supernatural and horror that works so wonderfully together. Additionally, we are drawn in by the friendships, adventure and action-pack fighting of evil forces.

Youth Group is a fast-paced, energetic graphic novel that wonderfully combines a coming-of-age story with demon-fighting action. The great storytelling by Jordan Morris and visually striking artwork from Bowen McCurdy creates a wonderful reading experience that leaves us wanting more from this crazy world they created.

The Youth Group original graphic novel hits bookstores everywhere on July 16, 2024 and a day later at local comic shops from First Second Books. It is available in both softcover and hardcover.

Jordan Morris joins the Capes and Tights Podcast on July 17 to discuss Youth Group and so much more!

This review will be published on our website on June 18, 2024.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. The plot was original and the illustrations were great. The story started strong but towards the end I lost some interest.

This captured some of the cheesiness but love in 90's youth group culture, plus the added interest of interfaith groups working together.

Definitely was not what I was expecting. It was different than any graphic novel I have ever read before. I loved the characters! And definitely would want to read another book with them in it. Though at first, I must admit, I wasn't sure of the audience at times. I think this would definitely appeal to YA readers who are looking for a good fantasy thriller.

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I liked this, but I'm confused on what demographic it is for. It has the vibe of a very "haha, we're poking a lot of fun at these topics" kind of book, but it's also got both the immature humour of children and the perspective of moody teens. So, adult critique, teen self insert, kid humour. I'm starting to think maybe I'm just bad at consuming graphic novels because I run into this "who is the audience" question a lot. But I will say that I enjoyed Youth Group despite my confusion; it is a well-planned plot and the characters are all likeable and interesting. It has some quality representation of diversity, not just in race, sexuality, and belief, but also in fashion style and lifestyle. A single mother, a group of wiccans, a girl who wholeheartedly loved god, a guy who likes pot. A demon with self-esteem issues who needs a friend (Please let him come back). The art style is cartoonish but not messy or weak, and the dialogue did make me snort a few times. I think this could turn into a really strong series if it finds a solid demographic to wedge itself into, because again; I can't tell who this is for. But that's fine by me.

This graphic novel was not anything I was expecting. I enjoyed the story and loved the way the book was illustrated. There was a lot more religion than I thought there would be.

Kay's parents are divorced, and she doesn't see her father very much, since he's bought a jet ski and recently been possessed by a demon. Kay isn't his biggest fan, but it hurts when he doesn't even answer her phone calls. Her mother is trying to make new connections, and asks Kay to go to church with her. Kay isn't thrilled with the cheesy youth group, run by young adults Meg and Cortland, who work with the bearded minister who likes to tell dad jokes and quote The Pina Colada song in the worship service. When Kay runs into the three in the woods trying to perform an exocism on Cortland's roommate, she finds out that the youth group fights demons. Not only that, but other religious groups in the area (Catholics, a Jewish Temple, and even Wiccans) fight them as well, although the groups tend not to get along very well. Kay turns out to be a "Blight", which is someone whom demons are not able to possess, but because of this, the demons are out to get her, since if they have the blood of a Blight, they can walk the Earth in their true demonic forms instead of having to possess a host. While Kay thinks that Meg is a bit overly cheery, and is a little alarmed at Cortland's past, she is enjoying training to fight demons. Meg arranges a party for the other groups so they can combine forces, and it's somewhat successful. Some of the groups even have Blights of their own. When the minister meets a horrible end, and the demonic forces are becoming a bigger and bigger threat, will Kay and her new friends be able to fight them and keep California safe before heading off to college in New York City?

This is more of a young adult book, with lots of mentions of drugs and alchohol, but isn't too bad as far as language and other activities. I wish more time had been spent on Kay's family, because the difficulties with her father make her desire to fit in with a group all the more compelling, even if it isn't exactly the group she would have chosen. Her mother was an interesting character. The illustrations are appealing, and fighting demons is always an intriguing premise for a book.

I have very few students who are involved in youth groups, and I wonder if they might have more traditional views that would frown on reading about demons, so the audience for this could be tricky. It's more likely to hit the mark with disaffected youth like Kay, who like to wear all black and dream about leaving home for greener pastures, which are always wherever they are not currently. It's a good choice for high schools where graphic novels are popular.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel! Going into it, I was very skeptical about whether or not I would enjoy it. Though upon reading it, I found that I really loved it! It ended up being this really fun and quirky coming of age story that I think many might be able to relate to (maybe not exorcisms and demon slaying). Definitely worth the read and for sure one I am going to pester our teen librarian into buying for the library!!

Funny, quick read! I really enjoyed it. I just wish the ending was a bit less abrupt. I was definitely anticipating this being a series rather than a one off.

i was really worried that this one was going to end up feeling a little heavy handed or preachy due to the subject matter, but i am OBSESSED. the art was gorgeous and it didn't take itself too seriously, despite being about literal demons. i loved that there was an interfaith approach to the exorcisms and that the audience got to see a bunch of demon hunters just doing their thing, and the friendship between kay, meg, and cortland was so nuanced and relatable. i appreciated that didn't force itself into any romantic territory and just let the trio function as a platonic entity of kick-ass energy. definitely going to see if we can purchase this one for our library's collection.

Though it is not definitely clear, I personally think that the main female-presenting characters are gonna fall in love with each other.
I enjoyed reading this graphic, though at some points, it felt rushed or not laid out well. There were several male characters who I got confused between several times. That's probably on me, but it's something to watch out for.
Great story, fun premise, lots of puns and alternatives for swears :P

What a fantastic book! The story was instantly captivating, from the involuntary immersion into youth group culture (my god, those songs!) to the monster-hunting angle, every single element of the story worked. And then you have the art, which made terrific use of color, perfectly captured 90s glam (also known as the most cringeworthy fashion known to man), and helped the story, which was already tightly written, keep on a dramatic, absorbing pace. I think teens will love this for the obvious reasons, but please don't discount adult readers, especially those of us who lived through the 90s and still have the clothes to prove it! Additionally, I loved that amid all of the religious turmoil happening now, this approached religion from a healthy, accessible perspective that didn't discount or disparage one religion or another. Really cleverly done, and really fun to read--I LOVED this one!

I wasn't sure if I would like this graphic novel, but I was sucked in within the first few pages. I loved the characters and how the story progressed. I will definitely be buying it for my library.

Youth Group is an energetic, insanely fun graphic novel that follows Kay as she reluctantly joins Stone Mission Youth Group. Much to her surprise, this is no ordinary youth group. Demonic possession, exorcisms, and holy weapons are part of the weekly routine! Kay is taken under the wing of Meg and Cortland, two leaders of the youth group, and is taught how to fight demons. It’s full of jokes and hilarious moments and I enjoyed every page. The art style is fun and colorful and I loved all of the characters. The friendship between Kay, Meg, and Cortland grew over the course of the story and I loved how they all came together while still having different beliefs. Both the author and the illustrator know how to tell a good story.

Overall, this was a great coming-of-age story that had me enjoying every single page.

Full of humor and wit, and a quirky, rounded diverse cast. And such a unique premise. A book hasn’t made me laugh this hard in a long time! Another one of my FAVORITE reads this year!

The cover and title drew me in and I was not disappointed! Outside of being a coming-of-age story, it also offers a tale of finding where you belong. Kay (our reluctant protagonist) is agonizing about having to attend a Church Youth Group. Her expectations of dread include religious lessons, sing-alongs, and awkward ice breakers. Unfortunately for Kay, her expectations are met- with some added demonic possession, holy weapons, and new friends! I had a blast reading through this well-paced story and would recommend it to anyone interested in an action-packed take on what would be a “typical” youth group. The artwork here is solid and the action was easy to follow. McCurdy’s paneling is excellent and the facial expressions are hilarious and help carry the voice of each character. Huge thanks to First Second Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

Absolutely loved this fun graphic novel. The ecumenical take on a Supernatural-esque story is incredibly well done. I’d love to see more stories in this world. Highly recommend.

Kay is going to a new church to appease her mother, but she has no intention on staying. But when she stumbles upon the youth group leaders in the woods fighting demons, she is shaken, but curious. The super annoying, goody church girl is an awesome fighter? Along with the another kid and the pastor? What is happening?
Maybe youth group doesn't suck as bad as Kay thought.