Lumberjanes Issues #41-44
I did not read comic books when I was a kid. It just wasn’t a medium that appealed to me. Thanks to the magical bookish community that is Litsy, I finally gave comic books and graphic novels a go about two years ago, and Lumberjanes was my gateway drug of choice.
Lumberjanes is an all-ages comic created by Shannon Waters, Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson, and Brooklyn Allen, published by BOOM!Box. It’s set at a very special summer camp for girls: Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, and focuses on the adventures of Roanoke Cabin’s five campers and their long-suffering camp counselor.
I believe these issues, which form the “Time after Crime” story arc will be bound into Vol. 11, which has not yet been released. While I know I’m not the target audience, I love these comics. The characters are wonderful, quirky, smart, and loving girls. Each issue has great life lessons on acceptance (of self and of others), leadership, love, friendship, and hard work. These are girls who aren’t perfect, but who are doing their best, and I think they make good role models. If I had kids, I’d absolutely encourage them to read this series.
The art has changed significantly over time. Originally illustrated by Brooke Allen, issues 41-44 are drawn by Ayme Sotuyo. I prefer the original style, but the coloring is still done by Maarta Laiho, and the colors are gorgeous and inviting. The storylines remain strong and true to the theme of “friendship to the max” introduced in the very first issue. If you are looking for a fun escape that will leave you smiling, I highly recommend this series.
Tails from the Dog-side 