Bone #2 :: The Great Cow Race Graphic Novel Review

Author: Jeff Smith

The Spring Fair has arrived in the village of Barrelhaven, and everyone’s looking forward to the annual Great Cow Race. But no one is more excited than Phoney Bone, who has devised a manipulative scheme to cheat the innocent villagers out of their money. Well, not money exactly. The people of Barrelhaven only bet their belongings. But with Phoney’s plan, he’s sure to collect tons of goods that’ll be worthy a pretty penny back in Boneville. That is, if he and his cousins Fone Bone and Smiley Bone ever find their way back to Boneville.

The Mystery Cow

As the Great Cow Race draws near, the village buzzes with anticipation. Grandma Ben, who has outrun the cows every year to date, is ready and rearing to go. But there are unusual rumors spreading through Barrelhaven—rumors saying that Grandma Ben is too old to win the race. And rumors about a new, wild “Mystery Cow” that’s guaranteed to win.

Phoney Bone’s Plan

The money-hungry Phoney is convincing everyone in the village to bet on the Mystery Cow, who is, in fact, Smiley Bone dressed in a poor excuse for a cow suit. His plan is for Smiley to start out strong and then lose the race to Grandma Ben. But no one has actually seen this Mystery Cow, and some people are growing suspicious. Just when Phoney thinks he’s going to cash in on the race, someone puts a huge bet on Grandma Ben. Now Smiley has to win, or Phoney will lose everything.

The Bottom Line

The Great Cow Race is a quick read, filled with action, deception and jealousy. Phoney Bone is greedier than ever. Meanwhile, Fone Bone can’t stand watching his beloved Thorn getting attention from the handsome Spring Fair vendors. But there’s more to this graphic novel than competition. The evil hooded one is still after Phoney Bone, and Phoney has no idea why. Don’t miss Bone Volume Three, Eyes of the Storm.

Bone #2 Rating:

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