I was not “jumping up and down” over the graphic novel Moonstruck, Vol. 1: Magic to Brew, but it was interesting enough and I needed to keep moving through it. However, I either missed a panel or two, or some plot parts here and there, but the flow was not totally even, as there were a few bumps in continuity for me. However, there was the fun, colorful art (the bull character has really nice hair, the centaur is a hoot when they have something happen to them and fall down) and there are interesting modern characters, with some quirky humor. Though most ages could read, there are a few pieces of content that could be a tad bit mature.
I am not a fan of the Lumberjane series that Grace Ellis is part of as well, and while this is similar, there is a completely different tone as well. It is fun, lighthearted, but has some serious issues. Girlfriend drama, magic, best friends who lose their …. (okay that is sort of a spoiler), and a pal who has some really far out visions. Magic is real, but that won’t help our group of magical beings overcome self-esteem issues, hurt feelings, and a battle of the band mates.
Shae Beagle and Kate Leth are the artists to volume one of this collection. The chapters are five issues, and each one has a slightly different look to them. The illustrations are bright, goofy, detailed, yet not necessarily “fully fleshed out.” The different styles are most noticeable with how the centaur is drawn as well as Julie, our main character. But regardless of the particular style of the illustrations, they are a combination of cute, sweet, humorous, and even a smidgen “naughty.”
Older teens to adults are the best audience. There are at least two other volumes available if you become a fan.
