Moonstruck, Vol 1.
by Grace Ellis
Moonstruck Vol. 1 is a cute but incoherent comic about a werewolf barista named Julie who lives in a world in which magical creatures abound. Julie is about to go on her second date with Selena. For reasons I failed to comprehend, Julie asks her centaur friend, Chet, to accompany her and Selena on the second date. They go to a magic show at which the magician makes Chet human and promptly disappears. The rest of the story involves the assorted characters trying to foil the magician and restore Chet’s horsey behind.
I LOVE that this comic has broad representation including two curvy heroines of color. The art is luscious and playful and the concept (mundane and magical combined with life in a coffeeshop) irresistible.
However, I did not understand what was going on most of the time. Julie seems to want to conceal the fact that she’s a werewolf (her change is triggered by strong emotions, not the moon). But since she’s walking around with a centaur and her customers include a vampire who turns into a bat, I didn’t see what the big deal was. There’s a subplot about a band that made no sense at all. Characters come up with elaborate schemes that are not explained and don’t work. I never understood why characters were behaving the way they were or what they were trying to accomplish.
I will happily keep an eye out for other things by this author (Grace Ellis, from Lumberjanes) and artist Shae Beagle, but Moonstruck gets a sad pass from me. I’m giving it a C for the art but can’t go higher due to my constant confusion with the plot and the characters.
– Carrie S
Werewolf barista Julie and her new girlfriend go on a date to a close-up magic show, but all heck breaks loose when the magician casts a horrible spell on their friend Chet. Now it’s up to the team of mythical pals to stop the illicit illusionist before it’s too late.
The first chapter of the brand new, all-ages magical coffee-laden adventure from Lumberjanes creator GRACE ELLIS and talented newcomer SHAE BEAGLE.
Collects issues 1 through 5
Comic, Graphic Novel, LGBTQIA, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
This book is available from:
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!
