#2) Moonstruck, Vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening ★★☆☆☆

If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times before but I simply adore pastel fantasy worlds: the aus that blend modern technology with traditional mythology. You know the ones that have witches drinking their potions from Starbucks thermos and vampires that cannot take selfies? You can imagine my excitement the moment I learned Moonstruck existed. Lesbian werewolves in a pastel uf coffee shop AU? A dream come true!

From the very first page, I fell in love with the world and its characters. The blossoming relationship between Julie and Selena was wholesome and sweet but still captured the awkwardness and anxiety of developing a crush on someone. Julie’s relationship with Chet, her best friend, was also super sweet. They supported each other through some really difficult times and all the bad puns made my heart burst. Cass was probably my favourite character out of the whole series, though. I cannot wait to see more of her in the next volume!

The storytelling and worldbuilding, however, were far from perfect. Some panels were downright confusing. Chapters four and five were a little haphazard and I really hope that the next volume will feel more cohesive and fluid. Elements of the world need more fleshing out. I am still unsure how humans fit into this world and the werewolf discrimination was never really explained. It has so much potential. I hope that Ellis and Beagle are able to tap into it.

The scope of diversity really made a difference. Attention to detail for small things - like having wheelchair-accessible seats for sirens in the background of the theatre scenes - was wonderful. I also loved that identity and labels were briefly discussed. It was mainly around Chet’s situation with body dysphoria but there was also an interesting moment between Julie and Selena that I wish had been expanded.

Overall? This was a sweet graphic novel with a lot of potential and amazing artwork. I loved the world and the characters. The world needs a little more detail and the plot needs to be streamlined a little better but damn, its potential has me excited.

➸ Trigger warnings for

mild violence, dysphoria, and unconsented body modifications

.

▷ Representation: Julie (mc) is a plus-size latina lesbian; Selena (li) is a plus-size black lesbian; Chet (sc) uses they/them pronouns; queer, poc & disabled scs.

◯ Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram