Evil-ish

by Kennedy Tarrell

Overview

A disillusioned teen dreams of fame and villainy in this hilarious and heartfelt young adult fantasy graphic novel from debut author/illustrator Kennedy Tarrell.

Hawthorne Vandercast has big plans: join the infamous Brigade of Shade, move into a glamorous castle, and leave their mundane life as a potion barista behind. But when they finally get the chance to join the Brigade, Hawthorne finds themselves overshadowed by Maple, a bubbly, bright, flowery girl who could not look further from evil. After an accident ends in death, Hawthorne is suddenly tasked with leading the Brigade. They soon begin to realize that maybe villainy isn't actually all it's cracked up to be.

Evil-ish spins the classic tropes of good and evil on their heads in a hilarious and tender story about a teenager who feels bigger than their job, their town, and their circumstances . . . and finds out that what they thought they wanted might not be what they actually need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250839954
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.05(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.45(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Kennedy Tarrell (she/they) likes to write and illustrate dark comedies, overt therapy analogies, and general spooky stuff. Aside from that, they work as a story artist and animation writer, across studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Netflix, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. Aside from that, she spends her time with her dog, Lenny, far too many DnD groups to manage, and sneaking coffees into libraries across Los Angeles.

Editorial Reviews

2025-04-19
Hawthorne Vandecast yearns for the glamourous villain life.

Miserable doing the menial work of a potion barista in their family business, nonbinary Hawthorne yearns to join the Brigade of Shade, an organization of elite villains who once ruled over their city of Idlewood. But when Hawthorne gets the chance to audition for the Brigade of Shade, it doesn’t go well. Worse, flower-loving Maple McCoy (who annoys Hawthorne with her sugary overtures of friendship) easily makes the cut. Freckled, redheaded Maple approaches Hawthorne with an idea for a do-over that goes awry—but leaves Hawthorne the Brigade’s new leader. Finding the organization’s day-to-day operations stagnant, Hawthorne whips the Brigade back into mischievous shape. But soon their efforts pay off beyond what they wanted, as the newly competent Brigade engages in evilness well beyond Hawthorne’s comfort zone. Since Hawthorne’s flirtation with villainy started this whole mess, it’s their responsibility to make things right, which includes coming to grips with thematic questions at the heart of the story. Tarrell’s portrayal of life in Idlewood—a charming combination of medieval fantasy standards and modern twists—includes plenty of humor while establishing pale-skinned, pink-haired Hawthorne’s angsty misfit relatability. Although the characters’ motivations aren’t particularly robust, the aesthetics and vibes—beautifully moody color palettes and expressive, active illustrations—make this fast-paced story compelling. The Brigade members and Idlewood residents are racially diverse.

A dynamic, funny read for emo days. (early character designs, process gallery, background designs)(Graphic fantasy. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Evil-ish:

"Zippy . . . alchemizes aimless teen energy from half-hearted, evil-ish deeds into purposeful community action." —Publishers Weekly

"Fast-paced . . . compelling . . . A dynamic, funny read for emo days." —Kirkus

From the Publisher