Comic book reviews for Lumberjanes #16, Lumberjanes #17, and Lumberjanes #18 by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Brooke Allen, Kat Leyh, and Carolyn Nowak
Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
Lumberjanes #16 by Noelle Stevenson and Shannon Watters
Art: Brooke Allen
It’s definitely easy to see why Abigail went a little insane and became a monster hunter, believing that the Grootslang’s death would save them all. Especially when her only friend Rosie turned her back on her. Definitely a major obsession.
Yeah, the only way Rosie could’ve lived with herself was staying behind to both stop the Grootslang and save Abigail. (Also seems like Abigail would’ve wanted some of that dynamite to help her fight, not just her gun and wits.) Even if Nellie bailed on them.
I do hope at some point we get to discover how and why Nellie changed. While she’s still strict, she doesn’t have the responsibility feelings she once did.
Oh, Barney, Jo should’ve slapped him for mansplaining dynamite.
Loved Jen making excuses about why she never learned how to drive. And then going for it after Jo volunteered to do it based on her childhood toy car experience. Plus, Jen’s refusal to tell them how old she is fits right in with the sometime in the past dates on when Rosie and Abigail were campers and Nellie the camp director.
Lumberjanes #17 by Noelle Stevenson and Shannon Watters
Art: Brooke Allen
This issue was beyond perfect. I’m sad to hear that Stevenson is leaving the book — I’m sure she has 1 billion amazing projects in the air — but this was a great send off.
I loved the reveal that Jo’s trans. And how she makes friends with Barney, in telling him her story. It was so genuine and heartfelt. Honest too. This comic book is so important for all children so see the many versions of who they can be and the strong bonds of friendship.
Loved that they worked together to get the Grootslang to backoff and figured out what would pacify the creature.
Jen’s experience learning to drive was pretty great. I love that she ended up saving them all. Especially given that they put themselves in danger in order to find and save her.
When the Grootslang threw Abigail against the mountain, I was worried she was dead. But then I remembered this is Lumberjanes. I was sad to see Abigail continue to go off on her own, especially given how much she and Rosie made up. However, I don’t think this is the last that we’ll see of her.
Lumberjanes #18 by Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh
Art: Carolyn Nowak
This issue was adorable, but it didn’t have quite the mayhem and wackiness of other issues. Though it’s entirely believable that April is obsessed with mermaids and completely flips out. I enjoyed that Mal joined her when they found out the merwomyn had a band.
Yes, so many questions about how they can wear vests underwater. Or even more electricity to run the equipment and other stuff for a band. Though this is Lumberjanes, and we’ve seen stranger things.
Love Ripley wanting to put all the glitter on her dress! She’s the best.
It was also fun to see them all in their relaxing swim gear. Other comic book artists take notes. How Nowak draws them is how actual bathing wear of teens and children looks. The fact that Jen’s basically in her Lumberjanes uniform is rather the best.
Oh, April, she’d rather go on an adventure than hang out at camp. All in the name of friendship. Nice to see Jo getting a little jealous of April attentions to the merwomyn. Just like she did with Barney.
