Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is a Stranger Things superfan, these graphic novels are a solid way to extend the universe without more screen time. The art is great, the stories add depth, and the 80s vibe is fun.

But let's be real: these are horror comics for teens. The Upside-Down is creepy, the monsters are gross, and some volumes (especially 'Into the Fire') go pretty dark with themes of trauma and experimentation. Common Sense Media pegs the show at 14+, and the comics follow suit.

Start with 'Volume 1' or 'Science Camp' if you want to test the waters—they're more accessible. Save 'Into the Fire' and 'Zombie Boys' for older, braver readers. And if your kid hasn't watched the show, these will probably feel like random monster stories without the emotional payoff.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13–16 who are already fans of the show and comfortable with supernatural horror. Younger kids (under 12) will likely find the monsters and darker themes too scary. Older teens may enjoy it if they're into the franchise, but it's not must-read material beyond that.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

The graphic novels mirror the TV show's tone: friendship, loyalty, and kids working together to overcome supernatural threats. However, themes include government conspiracy, psychic trauma, escaped lab children, and darker plotlines (especially in 'Into the Fire' and 'Zombie Boys'). The emotional content is heavier than typical middle-grade fare, with loss, fear, and isolation as recurring themes. Not chaotic, but definitely skews toward the unsettling rather than comforting.

Imaginative

78

The series expands the Stranger Things universe with new characters, untold stories (Will's time in the Upside-Down, summer camp adventures, post-season-3 escapees), and 80s-retro aesthetic that's visually engaging. The graphic novel format adds a layer of visual storytelling that complements the show's mythology. However, it's derivative—building on existing IP rather than breaking new ground. Still, for fans, it invites deeper exploration of a beloved world.

Safe

58

Common Sense Media flags the source TV show for 'moderate violence, scary moments, and some language' and recommends 14+. The graphic novels carry the same DNA: Upside-Down creatures, gore (especially in darker volumes like 'Into the Fire'), government experiments on children, and psychic trauma. Younger readers (under 12) could be frightened. No sexual content or nudity, but the supernatural horror and violence are real. Parents should pre-read or match volumes to their kid's tolerance for scares.

Enriching

68

The series reinforces themes of friendship, bravery, and standing up to authority when it's wrong. The 80s setting offers a nostalgic peek at pre-digital life. However, the enrichment is mostly emotional/thematic rather than skill-building or educational. It's entertaining and builds empathy for characters facing trauma, but it's not going to teach problem-solving or critical thinking the way some media does. Solid for fans who want more of the world, less so for standalone growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Expands the Stranger Things universe with untold stories (Will's ordeal, summer camp adventures, escaped lab kids)
Gorgeous 80s-retro art style that mirrors the show's aesthetic
Themes of friendship, bravery, and kids standing up to corrupt authority
Multiple volumes let you pick your intensity level—'Science Camp' is lighter, 'Into the Fire' goes dark
Strong fan ratings (4.7/5 on Amazon) suggest it scratches the itch for more Hawkins

⚠

What to Watch For

Supernatural horror with Upside-Down monsters, gore, and scary imagery—younger or sensitive kids may be frightened
Darker volumes ('Into the Fire,' 'Zombie Boys') include psychic trauma, government experiments, and more graphic violence
Language and themes mirror the TV show (Common Sense Media says 14+)
If your kid hasn't seen the show, these might be confusing or lack context

Conversation Starters

"Which character would you want on your team if you had to face the Upside-Down?"
"The kids in these stories keep secrets from adults. When do you think it's okay to keep a secret, and when should you tell a grown-up?"
"How do you think Will felt being trapped alone in the Upside-Down? What would you do to stay brave?"
"The government in these stories does some pretty messed-up stuff. How do you know when to trust authority and when to question it?"

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