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.

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. The art style is cute and at times pretty comical, the plot was intriguing and mysterious while also playful and fun, and the jokes and comedy were great. As someone who grew up Catholic (I now consider myself agnostic) I thought this graphic novel was super funny and quirky and I’m interested in reading the second installment already! Also, Kay is my spirit animal. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Demon slaying by teenage evangelical Christians! A teen is signed up by her mom to join a church youth group, only to discover that they hunt and exorcise demons in their spare time. This was a lighthearted story that honestly didn't go as deep as I would have liked it to. It felt like it was rushed and ended too quickly with many loose ends.

I liked the characters, as well as the story, but some of the events happened so quickly it left me wondering if they were really final. I hope to read more by this author, and I hope Jordan Morris takes the time to go more in depth in future stories--the characters were great, I just wanted more meat.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover and the summary. It lived up to both and was a great read! The main character, Kay, is a bit lonely and with recently divorced parents. The story starts with Kay being forced to attend a Church Youth Group while her mother attends her own services. She thinks she knows what she is getting into and at first it does appear to be like any Youth Group. But, as she learns, camp leaders are actually out fighting demons and performing exorcisms. The story was well told and cohesive, though the ending was a bit abrupt. I appreciated that while the focus was on the Christian demon slaying group, they also include other religious groups fighting demons nearby. This made for a more believable and inclusive setting. The art was well rendered and colorful. The emotions on the characters faces were clear and the artist had a great flair for humorously exaggerating this. I will be recommending this book in my school library. (Thank You to First Second and Netgalley for the ARC)

Perfect for anyone that wants Buffy-vibes but not the exact same kind of story. I loved the 90s throw back, and the cheesily repurposed pop songs, with a side of impressive demon-slaying. This was exactly what I hoped it would be based on the cover.