GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEW: Lumberjanes: To the Max Edition Vol. 1

It’s LUMBERJANES, Scouts!

Comics nowadays are truly diverse not for the sake of diversity but to give democracy and accessibility to virtually everyone of us who just love the medium itself. One of the best examples right now is Boom! Studios’ Boom! Box’s high-end hardcover deluxe edition, LUMBERJANES: TO THE MAX EDITION VOL. 1 by the all-ladies cast, Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, and Brooke Allen. It collects the first eight (8) single-issues of the critically and commercially acclaimed Lumberjanes series that comprised two storylines. It has more than fifty (50) pages of additional features, such as foreword and afterword, a complete cover art gallery, sketchbook, music mixes, original pitch of the series, and even the hilarious illustrations and profiles of the entire Lumberjanes creative team, clocking more than 260 pages. This one serves a perfect gift for teenagers for the holidays, adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and for those who want to read comics beyond the dominating zeitgeist right here and now.

Despite this edition has two stories, they are actually connected one way or another. The primary writers, Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis, intelligently interject good measures of adventures, supernatural, mysteries, detective skills, positive values, and a couple of popular culture references while the five all lady casts are slowly but surely exposed on the mysteries behind their beloved all-ladies jungle camp.  The perceived “follies” of the all-ladies cast remind some readers of their good-old years in schools, camping, incursions, or retreats but with something mythical and a dose of suspense in the most comedic and touching ways the scribes can pour in. Moreover, the creative team manages to balance the plot-paced and characterization of each character as the latter reveal as the former seemingly flows along the way without too much wordings or thought balloons to explain the obvious. For example, one possesses great strength but still jolly, while another is so analytical and very serious even the rest are having some serious fun. In the truest sense, this is what a real-life social group possess, a mixture of oddballs who is bonded with a common interest.  Also, this one gives nod to the Classics or the Greek and Roman mythologies if one is paying attention on her/his Antiquarian classes, and these references are actually paramount in the world-building of this ever engaging and intriguing series that is more than just a mere camp site.  And, what is a camp without training and experiencing some mean moments under a stereotypical stern, strict, and disciplinarian head? This one has indeed, but presented in the most understandable and human way to lessen the usual trope and even being part of the unintended comedic instrumentation for good measures, especially with someone more carefree and adventurous types.  Finally, this series can actually teach some readers out there the relevance of survival and navigational skills the old fashioned but entertaining ways, which is sadly diminishing nowadays due to technological advances.

Brooke Allen does the interiors with such energy and attentions to details. Yes, her artistic style is neither conventional nor modernistic; her command in the sequential paneling is still considered topnotch and very accessible to the eyes. This is a demanding task to her because balancing humor, characterization, adventure, and her own interpretations beyond the writers/creators’ scripts and/or initiatives takes a delicate and precise execution to pull-off a good visual storytelling experience. Her way of conveying the different emotional spectrums of the characters involved are subtle and even fused with comedy and even positivity as what this series is all about. Additionally, her quirky artistic takes on the wildlife and the lush vegetations are good representations of the actuality; even the river flows are felt genuine. But her illustrations of the supernatural and the creatures of the night, including the Classical Antiquities, are both innovative and lively, though many started with a bit of menacing until the plot and/or story shifts to the characters’ favor. Sure, there are some typecast illustrations on some casts around, such the hulking and powerfully built, but very kind and open-minded headmistress of the camp, and some “monsters” around. Yet, those stereotyping are reversely minimized to a great degree of being likable and even lovable, if not for hilarious effects. Maarta Laiho’s colors are unquestionably vibrant, even in the darkest corners of the camp and some adjacent areas, and even during nights. She complements well with Brooke’s pencils and enhances the scripts so well that this series is a true team effort. And capping the art department is Aubrey Aiese’s lettering skills that are well-appropriate to each of the character’s dialogues, as well the timing and/or moments that needed the kind of onomatopoeia for comedic and suspenseful purposes.

If there is something to be wary with this one, there are two folds. Some details illustrated here may find offense for some hard line conservative and religious types, especially the crossed line portion of the Lumberjanes’ creed that originally mentioned the Supreme Being’s name. Some may even imply the matriarchy issue; or the all-female dominance over their counterparts. And speaking of males, some may find the creative team’s usage of the Boy Scouts in a rather unflattering light a bit distasteful due to the abovementioned dichotomy part. In short, these criticisms are a matter of perspectives or some traditionalists’ potential misgivings.

Regardless, Lumberjanes: To the Max Edition Vol. 1 teaches us something what something is already lost in this time around, the true potentialities of the collectiveness of individuals, rather than on individuals alone. Not to be preachy here, but this visual narrative and other comics that present positivity hold truth of the values of compassion, esprit d’ corps, teamwork, resourcefulness, ingenuity, and other so-called old-fashioned methodologies and knowledge that are considered passé or nuisances in today’s generation of millennial. Sure, this series has the modern sensibilities and language but never utilize nor imply violence or foul phrases for the sake of realism, just fun-filled and adventurous pages that culminate to its mantra… FRIENDSHIP TO THE MAX! If your favorite bookstore has this copy, grab one, no, two or more copies and spread the word of tunay na pagkakaibigan! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!