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Lumberjanes 1-7 (7 Points)

 Issue 1

I think the first issue is definitely one of the strongest. It really successfully presents this cast of characters. While there are a bunch of characters right away, they are presented in a way that makes me remember each of them. I think part of that has to do with how different each of the characters are, especially down to their nuances in dialogue. You can tell that this issue was really meant to capture the attention of its target audience and make them wanting more. I think another thing this comic did successfully was introduce the overarching plot, where we see a touch of the big mystery but are left on a cliffhanger. I also really appreciated how the girls are not punished for being curious and adventurous or being anything other than a stereotypical 'good girl'.


Issue 2

This one, while starting off just a bit slow to show off and reaffirm character traits, has really nice action sequences. The action read very well on the page, and the panels lead my eye from one to the next effectively. There are still some cases where I feel like they are just trying to force all of the characters into one panel to show just how different they are from one another. This, to me, comes off a bit corny, but I think that is also kind of the tone or mood of the comic. I also like that we are seeing how the relationships, platonic and romantic, between some of the girls is forming. We see the first stages of a crush between Mal and Molly, even though it is when Mal is knocked out. I think this formation of different relationships among the girls is a very key part of this series.


Issue 3

This issue I feel also did well in establishing roles and relationships of and between the characters. I think this issue did really well in having the group all be one the same panels while also keeping it more meaningful to the story, rather than mushing them all on the same panel just for the sake of showing the group (or group reaction). I think where this one falls a little flat is in the logic. Of course, this is a young teen novel, so logic does not always need to be at the forefront. However, the Fibonacci code part through off the believability for me. Without any clue, she just guesses that that is the code that will be the right path. Had there been some sort of insignia or something giving the character a hint about the right code, I probably would have less of a problem with it. 


Issue 4

This is a fun issue. It brings in the boys, who, just like the lumberjanes, break the barriers of gender stereotypes. Rather than being all about adventure and sports and such, they find baking and cleanliness to be enjoyable. Sometimes, the juxtaposition of it all feels a little in-your-face, as if someone is poking me every now and then and asking if I get it. That being said, it is still fun to see how they interact with the lumberjanes, as well as it is funny to see the lumberjane's camp counselor going toe-to-toe with the boys' camp counselor.

Issue 5

This is the first of the issues that I had not read previously. I think by this issue, they are starting to get a hang on things not coming off too wacky. Things are still cryptic and weird, but the believability in this one feels better than the previous one. I think this also has to do with more things being revealed, such as the introduction of the werebear and her messages towards Jo. I also feel like it felt better than previous ones because it was paced out well and the art style is starting to solidify. In previous issues, I felt that things would randomly interrupt the story or that certain action sequences were not as thought out as they should have been. This one felt like the panels had purpose. I also thought the inconsistencies in the art style are starting to iron themselves out, which helps with the flow of the story for me.


Issue 6

I actually really enjoyed this issue. It mostly goes away from the weird stuff happening on the camp grounds, with the exception of whatever is going on with Diana. We get clues and hints from her about whether Jo is actually magic or not, as well as why some of the things are happening to the Lumberjanes and the rest of the camp. I also really liked that they were just indulging in a camp activity. It reminded me of the summer camp part of the Parent Trap, which is a nostalgic feeling for me. The writing seems to be getting better as well. A lot of it seems less stiff and unapologetic in how it is written. Before, it felt like they did not want to push its boundaries to hard, but now, it feels natural.


Issue 7

This issue makes me want to read more. I have some issues with mixing the cryptic vibe with the Greek theme, but it grew a bit on me in this issue, so if I were to keep reading, I feel it would not be an issue. One thing I do have an issue with, however, is how, during serious moments, the author butts in with something new or something funny to break up the moment rather than sticking to it. It feels like they are afraid of keeping a serious moment serious, and I feel like it does not work well. Just because the intended audience is a bit younger, it does not mean it has to cater to an 'all-the-time-is-a-fun-time' vibe. Other than that, thought, I enjoy the series, and I want to read more.

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