Lumberjanes is always a delight

How does Lumberjanes get and stay SO GOOD?!

Let me correct myself slightly: of course I always knew Lumberjanes would be good: Noelle Stevenson has always been great, and upon first reading about the plot, I was sure she’d make something wonderful. Yet Lumberjanes consistently goes beyond my wildest imaginations. It’s not just silly, it’s also clever. It’s not just full of heart, it has important messages to tell us without bashing us over the head with them. It’s not just full of girl power, it’s full of acceptance for whatever way it’s characters choose to be girls. In 7 trade paperbacks, it’s touched on issues of parental control and distance, sexuality, gender, both loving and standing up to your friends, regret, and so much more. All while just being plain old fun and funny.

I mean, this is a comic that routinely features exclamations of the names of famous, but underappreciated, women throughout history. But it hasn’t relied on just silliness and it stays fresh each issue, which is an impressive feat for comics ostensibly aimed at children. This issue is no exception as the girls deal with a roc, magic kittens, undeserved resentment, and pressure to impress. I especially loved the deepening of one newer character and their desire to fit in with the Lumberjanes, and a great cliffhanger at the very end.

I long ago realized that I didn’t have the time or inclination to keep up with comics issue by issue, but Lumberjanes is one of my regular comics that make me wish I didn’t have to wait for new trades.