Head-to-head
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! vs InvestiGators
Both are pun-filled graphic novel series for ages 6-9, featuring unlikely heroes in ridiculous situations with visual comedy on every page.
The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh!
by Aaron Blabey
InvestiGators
by John Patrick Green
Score comparison
| Score | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! | InvestiGators | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 76 | 72 | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! (+4) |
| Parent Score | 55 | 51 | The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! (+4) |
| Teacher Score | 50 | 57 | InvestiGators (+7) |
✓ The Bad Guys in Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! — perfect for
- •Kids 8-10 already hooked on The Bad Guys series
- •Fans of the 2022 DreamWorks movie who want more chaos
- •Reluctant readers who need visual humor to stay engaged
- •Kids who love Dog Man, Captain Underpants, and Wimpy Kid
- •Readers who enjoy absurdist cartoon multiverses
✓ 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 Open Wide and Say Arrrgh! scores higher with kids (76 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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