'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday, 5 November 2026

Review: The Far-Out Five: Portal Loo Panic

Portal Loo Panic is the second book in the completely bonkers graphic novel series, The Far Out Five, written and illustrated by Olaf Falafel. (No need to worry if you missed the first book because this one opens with a funky-fresh recap rap to bring readers up to speed on all the characters and the story so far).

There is Spewnicorn, the punk unicorn, Tubbs, a bathtub with legs, Glossy Jeff, the way cool seal, and Bloof, the blue-footed booby. There is also Wally, the grumpy koala. 

The group are searching for Wally’s magic wand that they hope will transform them back into humans and get them home. They have one final place on their map to search, an island full of porta-loos which turn out to be gateways to 26 different dimensions. There are lands filled with quicksand, baked beans, belly-button fluff, and worst of all, Vlad, the evil music-hating Impala.


Portal Loo Panic is high energy with many twists and surprises, and it will have kids turning the pages to see what could possibly happen next. 

Olaf Falafel’s brilliant combination of text and visual storytelling makes this graphic novel really accessible for readers 6+. It is perfect for fans of Dogman and Bunny Vs Monkey. 

Book 3 is coming out in 2027, so be prepared for more madcap adventures as the gang continues on their quest to make it home. 

Title: The Far-Out Five: Portal Loo Panic
Author/Illustrator: Olaf Falafel
Publisher: Penguin Random House , $19.99
Publication Date: 22 September 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN:  9780241732656
For ages: 6+
Type: Graphic Novel