Moonstruck, Vol. 1: Magic to Brew

For a graphic novel very much aimed at the alternative teenage girl market, this was actually a surprisingly good read. The artwork is a touch simplistic and chibi (without fully committing to it) to really work for me, but I was drawn in by the cast of characters and really enjoyed how the authors thoughtfully tackled some of the themes that are at the forefront of the LGBTQ movements (without obviously seeming to do so). The characters are a motely crew of supernatural beings (our protagonist is a werewolf), but even with this obvious trope we're given a thurthful feeling lesbian relationship (or hoping to be one - so cute), an interspecies flirtation, and the inevitable questions of self discovery and acceptance - all presented as if show more this is just an ordinary day, which it 100% is. Themes around relationships and gender aside (and there is plenty more that could be delved into here), the framing story was also pretty good. We have friendships being challenged, a devious magic show, and a very interesting world premise. I'm very curious to read what comes next for the cast, so I hope that the next volume is available from the library soon! show less

This is so cute! The story, the characters, and the art all made me squishy inside and this is definitely a series I’ll be continuing with. If you have a fluffy gay urban fantasy happy place, like I apparently do, this is perfect.

Things I enjoyed include: Julie, our fat, gay, anxious, werewolf/barista/aspiring author heroine; Selena, her fabulous Black werewolf girlfriend; Chet, the adorably campy genderqueer centaur extraordinaire; the side characters who flesh out the cast and include gorgons, vampires, and witches; the beautiful and different art; the fantasy creatures and elements scattered through the background of the panels; the pitch perfect children’s mystery story-in-a-story and Julie’s snarky commentary on it; the show more recognizable university atmosphere; and the whole breezy happy vibe even when stuff is going down.

So … pretty much the whole thing. 🙂 When the worst thing I can say is that the in-world life advice column that caps off each issue/chapter got a bit repetitive, you know you’ve got a winner.

Warnings: Anti-werewolf slurs and one or two instances of fantasy-related ableism.

8/10 show less

Holy hell I need more of these characters and this world RIGHT NOW.

This is one of the cutest, feel-good, relatable comics ever! Then add the fantasy universe, LGBT+ characters, and diverse relationships and an awesome art style and I'm sold to the moon and back.

I was happy to find this comic was on the longer side - there's a lot of ground to cover with the world-building as well as the budding FF romance between two of the main characters...who happen to be werewolves! There are centaurs and witches and ghosts and vampires and a damn babadook and even humans! The comic even touches on important topics like self-confidence and self-worth and the meaning of bravery.

The little chapter breaks or whatever you want to call them, with the show more chibi versions of the characters next to different types of coffee were friggen killing me with how cute they are.

I just can't get enough of this! I'm so glad I read it ASAP. I'm not even sure Vol 2 is going to follow the same characters (based solely on the one cover image I've seen) but I don't even care because even though I'd love more of these gals and their gang, I'm excited to meet more characters.

If you like urban/modern fantasy comics, please check this out! show less

*A Thank you to Edelweiss for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest and unbiased review*

Hello Fellow Readers,

Today we have a Graphic novel about a butt being stolen and the friends who try to get it back. First of all, what really caught my attention is the artwork. It's so cute and I think it may be my favorite artwork in a Graphic novel yet. I am going to look up the artists to see if I can get some artwork because It's really amazing.

As far as the story goes it was good. I really like Selena and Julie's relationship, but there was a moment in the book where they had a bit of a argument, which doesn't really get resolved and came out of no where. Also, the relationship is so new but they seem to be falling for each show more other fast. It was really cute though, and I honestly don't think I've ever rooted for a couple as quick as I rooted for them.

I really loved Chet, they were such a great character and I am so glad they were included in the book. This is the second graphic novel that I've read where they had a non binary character and I am so glad they were included because (once again) I love Chet. Unlike the last novel, Chet was more fleshed out and given more room to grow.

While the artwork is cutesy, it does deal with some heavy topics , like when your identity of who you are is taken from you, or when you believe your not "normal" and the pressure to fit in. I can't wait to read volume 2.

Overall, a good, fun, and unique read. show less

So cute! I adore the artwork and quirky setting—there are so many silly easter eggs, like a baby-goth vampire who works at "21 Forever" (look, I have a very highbrow sense of humor, mmkay?)

Despite the frothy atmosphere, the writer does an excellent job establishing high stakes, both magical and interpersonal. I care about these characters and am excited for the next volume.

Minor quibbles: occasionally the action was unclear (every time Lindi and Mark showed up I was deeply confused about what was happening on the page—like, there were marshmallows? What was up with the marshmallows?) Additionally, I'm hoping Selena gets more character development, because it's hard to ship her and Julie when such a new relationship has SO MUCH show more DRAMA.

Highly recommended to fans of cute paranormal comedy. show less

This was actually the cutest?? Werewolf girlfriends! Chet! Chet's butt! Coffeehouse mystery solving! Just so cozy and adorable and I spent a lot of time making delighted noises at my phone while I was reading it.

Julie has had one date with perfect Selena and on the second her BFF and coworker the centaur Chet loses his butt to the evil fox magician with a ghost assistant. Getting the but back offers challenges to the relationship and a tour through a world - or corner of a world - where being human seems to be the rarer disability. Fun art and an amusing cast.