Head-to-head
The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase vs InvestiGators
Both are pun-filled graphic novel comedies for ages 6-9, but Bad Guys features reformed villains while InvestiGators focuses on detective puns.
The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase
by Aaron Blabey
Interdimensional chaos meets a friendship worth fighting for — the Bad Guys' funniest and most emotionally powerful adventure yet
InvestiGators
by John Patrick Green
Two alligator spies, toilet-based travel, and more puns than you can shake a tail at
Score comparison
| Score | The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase | InvestiGators | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 73 | 72 | Tied |
| Parent Score | 49 | 51 | Tied |
| Teacher Score | 42 | 57 | InvestiGators (+15) |
✓ The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase — perfect for
- •Kids who devour action-comedy graphic novels and are ready for a series that sneaks genuine emotional depth beneath the slapstick and spectacle. Ideal for readers who loved the Bad Guys movie and want to go deeper into the characters' world.
✓ InvestiGators — perfect for
- •Kids who love Dog Man
- •Captain Underpants
- •or Bad Guys — graphic novel readers who want a mystery with nonstop laughs and clever wordplay. Also great for reluctant readers who need a visual
- •funny
- •fast-paced entry point into independent reading.
Our take
There's no universal winner here — the right pick depends on who's reading. The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase scores higher with kids (73 vs 72) — better if your goal is "my kid actually wants to read it."
Still not sure? Take the 2-minute SPARK quiz — we'll pick the one that fits your specific kid's reading personality.
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