Writers: Noelle Stevenson & Grace Ellis
Illustrator: Brooke Allen
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
WHAT IS IT?
A Girl Scoutsy coming-of-age story of 5 friends investigating supernatural happenings and having fun at summer camp.
The Mary Sue was spot-on describing it as The Goonies meets Buffy The Vampire Slayer meets the Adventure Time aesthetic.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT? (Minor Spoilers)
Ripley, April, Jo, Mal & Molly are bunkmates at their summer camp. While out investigating something strange they saw before the book’s open, the friends end up encountering some strange, supernatural creatures.
As the team balances having fun at camp and trying to solve the mystery of the strange happenings in the area, they strengthen their bonds and grow together as friends.
But can they figure out why so many animals are aggressive and have a weird third eye? Or why a bunch of hipster yetis (who aren’t me) live in the woods? Or just what the junk is going on with the local boys summer camp?
WHAT WORKS?
It’s an all-female cast of characters and a wholesome, for-all-ages story that doesn’t feel like it’s pandering or patronizing
All the characters feel like they have their own distinct personalities and styles, and the dialogue feels fun and natural and organic
Multiple body types and nationalities are represented in the cast of characters
It even seems like two of the main characters may have a budding romance, but nothing overt happens, which readers may consider to be good LGBTQIA+ representation without sexualizing minors or any characters in general
References to strong women and pop-culture (see X-Men reference in the below image) are numerous and offer fun moments of discovery without penalizing anyone who doesn’t get the references
The supernatural stuff isn’t TOO supernatural – it really works for the story
It’s a page-turner that balances action and exposition without slowing down the narrative
The art is perfect for the characters’ ages and the young, adventurous tone of the book
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
I found one page where there was an apostrophe where an apostrophe shouldn’t have been
I can seriously think of nothing else wrong with this comic because it is perfect
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
It’s endearing and funny and empowering and fun and adventurous and good for people of any age to read. I can’t say enough great things about this comic and it just makes you feel good and happy, which is really important and necessary in times like these.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Moonstruck, Vol. 1 by Grace Ellis & Shae Beagle
Gotham Academy, Vol. 1 by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher & Karl Kerschl
If you like the art:
Lumberjanes, Vol. 2 by Stevenson, Ellis, Watters & Allen
Adventure Time, Vol. 1 by Ryan North, Braden Lamb & Shelli Paroline
Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir & Steenz
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Noelle Stevenson – Writer
Award Winner: Won her first Eisner award at 24 for her work on this comic
Wrote 4 issues of Runaways, and did the cover art for Fangirl, a book by current Runaways writer, Rainbow Rowell
Just got engaged to Molly Knox Ostertag!
Grace Ellis – Writer
Has also written for the animated web series, Bravest Warriors
Likes making mixtapes and exploring the great outdoors
Got her influence for Lumberjanes from riot grrl zines, Girl Scout handbooks and Gravity Falls
Shannon Watters – Co-creator
Multitalented: Is also the Senior Editor at BOOM! Studios and head of the publisher’s BOOM! Box imprint
Inclusivity-minded, wants to publish comics for everyone
Brooke Allen – Illustrator
Loves monster media and draws inspiration from her favorite monsters
Is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and strives to represent them in her work
Maarta Laiho – Colors
Multitalented: Also works as an illustrator for comics
Seems to love nature, since she has many houseplants and lives in the woods of Maine
Aubrey Aiese – Letters
Multitalented: Also does illustrations for comics
Enjoys hand-drawing her letters, something not all letterers do
HOW DO I BUY IT?
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