Writers: Noelle Stevenson & Grace Ellis
Illustrator: Brooke Allen
Colours: Maarta Laiho
Letters: Aubrey Aiese
Publisher: Boom! Box
Purchase: http://www.boom-studios.com/lumberjanes-full-series-eight-issue-subscription-4028.html
With the plethora of comic books released week after to week, it takes a lot to stand out. The average comic reader tends to have their grabs and faves, but how many of you actually look at the previews? I’m sure the answer is ‘not enough’, but give it a chance. We know that you know that Batman Eternal is out this week. But look closer, otherwise you may miss out on some amazing work. Take for example this week’s previews. Amongst the big releases, there rests a little comic with this description:
“It’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Gravity Falls and features five buttkicking, rad teenager girls wailing on monsters and solving a mystery with the whole world at stake.”
OMGWTHBBQ. Greatest description ever?!
That book of course is Lumberjanes #1, a new comic mini-series from an all female creative team that has the comic team here at Sound On Sight all in a tither. The premise reads like an amalgam of all the fantasy and pop culture greats: Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five flannel-wearing super best friends away at summer camp. After sneaking out at night, they are attacked by possessed foxes which, in return, starts them on a quest to save the camp, and ultimately the world.
Writers Stevenson & Ellis showcase such an unbridled enthusiasm for, well, life, that you can not help but join in on the fun. The overall tone of the book is similar to that of Adventure Time. It’s an all ages book that carries the right amount of levity that any grown up should be proud to showcase this book on their shelves. The five protagonists, as well as the smattering of ancillary characters, are blessed with unique voices and traits that work quite well in showcasing their individuality. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a clear standout with camp counsellor Rosie and her general awesomeness stealing the show in the third act. With issue #1 just the tip of iceberg, the excitement for issue #2 can hardly be contained.
Allen’s art and Laiho’s colours lend an organic feeling to the tale that makes the book feel tangible. The imperfections in the line work, intentional or not, creates a beautiful reflection of the story. These are not the type of girls you find in front of a mirror for hours, and neither is the art. It’s real, energetic and colourful, making Lumberjanes a treat for the eyes. Aiese’s lette’s are the cherry on this kick-butt sundae. The forethought and genuine originality behind her placement and sound effects gives the book the voice it needs. Boom! scored an impressive creative team here, and all these creators are ones to watch.
Lumberjanes #1 is the kind of light hearted and energetic read that is few and far between this day and age. Its infectious fun and charm is just what the doctor ordered, bringing a nice relief from the heavier books on the market.
-Sean