This is a tough graphic novel to review - the story is full of contradictions; it's funny and dark, violent and loving.

The story takes place in the 80s and shares some of the traits that makes Stranger Things so popular - D&D, misfit tweens and devoted friendship in times of trouble. Each volume starts with the main characters being portrayed by whichever toys or fantasy characters they're playing as at the time, reminding us that they're only kids, no matter what they get up to.

Paige is the strongest personality in her group of friends so she manages to convince them to help her save her father from himself by robbing a bank. Her behaviour gets daaaaark as she plans this heist and yet it's still fun and entertaining to watch...

The illustrations have a unique style that fits well with the story, they're not quite as well polished as you find in most mainstream graphic novels and that gives it a sense of individuality.

If Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino wrote a caper movie, it might look something like '4 Kids Walk Into A Bank' by Matthew Rosenberg with art by Tyler Boss.

Paige lives with her widowed father. She has three oddball friends. Paige and her friends like to play D&D and use their imaginations. When Paige's father is visited by a group of bumbling idiot criminals, she wants to know what her father has to do with any of them. When the kids find out they are going to rob a bank, they decide to foil the bad guys with their own plan, which you can guess by the title of the book.

These characters are ones I would have loved to hang out with when I was that age, with the bullying they receive and their weird play and banter. I loved the names of the streets and other background things. The art was so fitting for the vibe of this book. I absolutely loved it!

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Black Mask Studios, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Good art, lettering, and colors but didn't much care for the story itself.

Throughly enjoyed this first in a series graphic novel. I enjoy a long form graphic book and this one was particularly engaging. The kids of the title are introduced initially by their online gaming personas which I found to be clever and creative. The kids (preteens) ban together in response to meeting thugs looking for one of the groups parents. Adventure ensues. More adventures to come. And, I’m looking forward to them.

I thought I was reading the wrong book at first but it was a fun way of introducing the gang of kids. Some seems like Paige is the leader, and has some concerns for her Dad when a gang of 4 thugs turn up at her home.
They need to take the play co-operation into the real world to overcome this latest enemy .
I loved the story, the humour. Poor Berger seems to be the butt of their fun but it appears he also brings it on themselves and he is part of the group. Not that they are universally liked by the wider school population.
A comic tale of 11 year old kids caught up in a crime caper it seems with Paige’s Dad somehow involved. The illustrations are first rate and the comedy is both subtle and rolling about the floor funny.
It reminded me of a classic from my own childhood. Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kastner.
The best comic format story I have read and it is only part 1 with many more episodes to follow in the developing story. Where many struggle with compact text in lines, sentences and paragraphs. This is an excellent example of how well this art form can work. As stated I loved it.