History, Monsters, and Graphic Novels: Reading Order for Nathan Hale’s Books
I first picked up a Nathan Hale graphic novel while searching for a way to make American history engaging for a younger reader in my family. I chose One Dead Spy expecting a standard illustrated history lesson, but within ten pages, I was laughing out loud at the framing device: the real-life Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale delay of execution by telling thrilling stories from American history to a clueless British Hangman and a hilarious redcoat Provost officer.
What makes Hale’s work a masterpiece of graphic storytelling is his absolute refusal to talk down to his audience. He handles real historical tragedy, bloody battles, and complex political motives with accuracy and respect, while using sharp humor, clever visual diagrams, and memorable character interactions to keep readers turn after turn. Whether he is breaking down WWII naval warfare or crafting a story about a taco stand turning into a cosmic monster, Hale is one of the most inventive visual storytellers working today.
Flagship Series: Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales
Featuring the historical spy Nathan Hale as narrator, accompanied by the comedic duo of the giant Hangman and the arrogant Provost, this non-fiction graphic novel series brings major moments in history to life.
1. One Dead Spy (2012)
The series debut establishes the clever framing device: before his execution in 1776, American spy Nathan Hale swallowed a giant history book that allows him to see the entire future of the United States. To delay his execution, he tells the story of his own life, the Revolutionary War, Ethan Allen, and the battle for American independence.
2. Big Bad Ironclad! (2012)
Hale tackles the Civil War naval battles, focusing on the development of ironclad warships like the CSS Virginia and the USS Monitor. With eccentric historical figures like William “Cushing” taking center stage, this entry turns military naval engineering into a high-stakes adventure.
3. Donnie’s Monster (2013)
Focusing on the tragic journey of the Donner Party, Hale balances historical accuracy with sensitivity. Through careful artwork and clear diagrams, he details the bad decisions, harsh winter weather, and incredible survival instincts of the stranded pioneers without sensationalizing the darker elements of their ordeal.
4. Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (2014)
Hale takes on the complex, global scope of World War I. To make the complicated web of alliances and national factions easier for readers to follow, he cleverly represents each participating nation as a different animal—such as French roosters, British bulldogs, and American eagles.
5. Underground Abductor (2015)
A powerful biography of Harriet Tubman, tracing her life from enslavement in Maryland to her daring missions as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and her service as a Union spy during the Civil War. It remains one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the entire series.
6. Alamo All-Stars (2016)
Hale dives into the complex history of the Texas Revolution and the famous Siege of the Alamo. He explores the perspectives of Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, Antonio López de Santa Anna, and the diverse group of people caught in the middle of the conflict.
7. Lafayette! (2018)
A high-energy biography of the Marquis de Lafayette, the young French aristocrat who risked his life and fortune to fight alongside George Washington in the American Revolution. Hale highlights Lafayette’s optimism, military strategy, and deep friendship with Washington.
8. Raid on Harper’s Ferry (2019)
This entry focuses on radical abolitionist John Brown and his bold, controversial 1859 raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Hale explores the escalating tensions surrounding slavery in America leading directly to the Civil War.
9. Major Blunder (2020)
Set during World War II, this book details the harrowing Allied mission known as the Doolittle Raid, followed by the miraculous rescue efforts in occupied China. Hale balances intense aerial combat with stories of international cooperation and survival.
10. Blades of Freedom (2020)
An ambitious look at the Haitian Revolution led by Toussaint Louverture, and how the loss of Haiti forced Napoleon Bonaparte to sell French territory to the United States in the famous Louisiana Purchase.
11. Cold War Correspondent (2021)
Hale explores the Korean War through the real-life experiences of Marguerite Higgins, a trailblazing female war correspondent who reported from the frontlines despite attempts by military officials to censor her work.
12. Above the Trenches (2023)
Returning to World War I, this volume focuses on early military aviation, highlighting the daring pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille and the rapid technological evolution of dogfighting biplanes over Europe.
13. Hazing Hazard (2026)
In this recent release, Hale turns his historical eye to the bizarre, high-stakes military training rituals, campus rivalries, and grueling survival academies that shaped famous leaders across 19th and 20th-century history.
Standalone Graphic Novels: Sci-Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
Beyond non-fiction history, Nathan Hale writes and illustrates original, imaginative fiction graphic novels filled with strange creatures and fast-paced adventure.
One Trick Pony (2017)
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where alien creatures called “Pipers” consume electricity and technology, a young girl named Strig discovers a rare remnant of the past: a robotic horse named Clipper. When her caravan is attacked, Strig must rely on Clipper’s unique abilities to save her people.
Apocalypse Taco (2019)
A wild, creature-feature horror graphic novel for middle-grade readers. When two middle school brothers and a high school theater crew go on a late-night run to a local taco stand, they discover that the food—and the restaurant itself—is being overtaken by a terrifying, shape-shifting alien organism.
Early Career Works & Picture Book Illustrations
Before launching his graphic novels, Nathan Hale worked extensively as an illustrator for picture books and early readers, collaborating with various authors.
- The Dinner That Cooked Itself (Written by J.C. Hsyu, Illustrated by Nathan Hale, 2014)
- Yellowbelly and Slaughter (Written and Illustrated by Nathan Hale, 2009)
- Devil You Know (Written by Gwen de Bonneval, Illustrated by Nathan Hale, 2010)
- The Rapunzel Graphic Novel Series (Illustrated by Nathan Hale, written by Shannon Hale – no relation)
The Art and Craft Behind Nathan Hale’s Books
Nathan Hale’s success stems from his unique background as a scientific illustrator, animator, and theater set designer. That background shines through in every page he draws.
Signature Elements of His Style
- Two-Color Color Palettes: Each Hazardous Tales book utilizes a unique two-color printing scheme (e.g., orange and black for One Dead Spy, blue and black for Ironclad!, green and black for Donnie’s Monster). This gives every volume a distinct visual mood.
- Complex Diagrams & Maps: Hale excels at simplifying complex movements—such as troop deployments, ship blueprints, or naval battle formations—into clear, easy-to-understand visual infographics.
- Humorous Interjections: The ongoing bantering between the Hangman, the Provost, and Nathan Hale provides lighthearted comedy breaks during dark or heavy historical moments, making the material approachable for younger readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Nathan Hale book to start with?
Start with One Dead Spy (2012), the first book in the Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series. It sets up the framing characters, the comedic tone, and the format used throughout the series.
Are Nathan Hale and Shannon Hale related?
No. Despite collaborating on graphic novels like Rapunzel’s Revenge and Calamity Jack, Nathan Hale and author Shannon Hale are not related; they are simply frequent creative partners.
Are Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales historically accurate?
Yes. Hale conducts extensive historical research for every volume, citing primary sources, bibliographies, and historical archives. While he uses comedic commentary via his narrator trio, the historical events, dates, and figures are portrayed with high accuracy.
What age group are Nathan Hale’s books for?
The Hazardous Tales and standalone graphic novels are primarily targeted at middle-grade readers (ages 8–14), though their detailed history and sharp humor make them hugely popular with young adults, parents, and history buffs.
What is Nathan Hale’s newest book release?
His newest release in the historical graphic novel lineup is Hazing Hazard (2026).
Final Verdict on Nathan Hale’s Graphic Novels
Nathan Hale has revolutionized how history is taught to young readers. By combining rigorous research, cinematic visual storytelling, and genuine humor, his books prove that non-fiction graphic novels can be just as thrilling as any fictional fantasy.
Whether you want to dive into Revolutionary War espionage, explore Civil War ironclads, or face monstrous tacos, Nathan Hale’s catalog offers an unforgettable reading adventure.
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