Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy’s curriculum. But in “Advanced Chemistry,” they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper’s missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee’s most powerful weapon: the Turtle of Light?

Writer Gene Luen Yang and artist Mike Holmes again deliver an entertaining graphic novel in Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats, but that’s expected as each volume before has impressed effortlessly blending entertainment and education. For those who are unaware of the series, it follows three kids as they attempt to figure out the mystery of their school and eventually battle a villain, but they do so by learning computer programming skills.

What’s fantastic is that Yang teaches the reader as well, explaining each thing clearly and lessons build upon the last, exactly as you would in school. That education is wrapped up in a fun story that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Even this adult has learned some stuff and taken part in the lesson “breaks” in between each chapter.

Holmes’ art has been great for each issue keeping things simple in a green, black, and white hue that has a geeky energy about it. The style, not quite sure what to call it, has a youthful fun about it all that reminds me of some of the latter 90s kids cartoons and every character has personality in how they look and act. There’s a minimal design in a way about the book but that lets you focus on the tasks at hand and the clues presented. Holmes’ also does an excellent job of creating pages where the programming is front and center while still moving the story forward. The two are blended in a way that feels natural, as if just regular dialogue.

Another fantastic entry into the series, one that I constantly recommend for parents to get their children. It’s education and entertainment together but done so in a way where you don’t know you’re learning. Can’t wait for the next volume in what is an absolute modern classic graphic novel series.

Story: Gene Luen Yang Art: Mike Holmes
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

:01 First Second provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Hopper never dreamed there was a connection between the Bee School and her missing father –  but it turns out that Albert Gracie was also a student of this mysterious coding school. His disappearance can only be the work of Dr. One-Zero. Once a star pupil of the Bee School, Dr. One-Zero is now a green-skinned villain on the hunt for “the most powerful turtle in the world.” And the coders may be the only ones who can stop him.

Secret Coders: Secrets & Sequences is the third volume of writer Gene Luen Yang and artist Mike Holmes all-ages series that not just entertains but also educates teaching readers how to code and even challenging them to do so. The graphic novel series is edutainment in every sense emphasizing the entertainment and packing in the education. Even as an adult I find myself learning with each volume as Yang slowly adds lessons and then asks the readers to apply those lessons while reading and on their own.

The series is one of the smartest and innovative out there marrying an entertaining story with actual lessons. And that entertaining story amps up a bit this volume which introduces us to what is basically a super villain, the first of the series. The introduction is an interesting one in that it takes the series from a grounded one dealing with bullies and mean teachers to a more fantastical adventure involving creepy castles and super lasers. It also fleshes out some of the world’s back story, especially adding to main character Hopper. It’s a solid pivot that matures the series a bit as the audience matures in ways. As they grow, the series can grow too. It’s a tactic we’ve seen successfully employed with the Harry Potter series for example and Yang I’m sure has that big picture growth in mind.

Mike Holmes’ art is fantastic as always. The art is clean, simple, and sparse use of color adds to the “programming” theme of it all in some weird way. The choice reminds me of old computer screens which used a minimal amount of tools to deliver a fun and entertaining experience. Here, we see that used well with Dr. One-Zero, the super villain whose green skin makes him stand out. That’s not a mistake, the guy really has green skin and other than a page where that’s not present, it’s a great touch that adds to the experience.

This series is one I recommend to everyone I can talk to. Perfect for kids and adults it’s a great way to learn computer coding and be entertained at the same time. With each volume and each lesson the series adds to itself expanding the fun and its lessons in a well planned out adventure. Yang, a teacher himself, has created the perfect marriage of graphic novel and education, not just teaching, but having the reader apply their knowledge throughout the reading, and most importantly delivering entertainment. You’ll forget you’re learning Secret Coders is so much fun.

Story: Gene Luen Yang Art: Mike Holmes
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

First Second provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review