3.5

Honestly, the conclusion was a little rushed and the romantic element between Poppy and Cyrenic isn't truly explored. Sure, they have some delicious, fairytale kisses (all which are beautiful and extract the giddiest teenage girl squeals), but there isn't too much conversation about their relationship. They agree they need each other. I guess what's understood need not be explained. :p

I guess he's courting her now? going to get married one day? knights with benefits?

Also, we don't get to see

Poppy's mom.

I loved this, but, you all, already know I'm biased with princess/royalty/fantasy stories.

I don't mind too much because I love happy endings.

I would have been happy to read more about Cyrenic and Poppy and whatnot, but it is okay the series ended here. I just think this could have been extended to a third volume.

4.5

I do not have a lot of feelings about this story. If this is a standalone, it is lacking something, but, if it’s only volume one, then I would like to see Kriss discover his origins. One thing I enjoyed about this story was the implications. Everything didn’t have to be spelled out.

Like, Anja being pregnant?

All of the characters speak with an old-timey accent which was fine. I think the cartoony art style is cute, but when it came to dramatic moments where we were supposed to see brutal wrath displayed, we are left feeling like a frozen slice of pizza. Like, we should be able to enjoy it, but we cannot in this format. I think some speed lines or giant exclamatory marks might have made the punches and whatnot feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the sabertooth spirit looked perfectly creepy.

Despite the rumors and predictions, it’s nice that Kriss and Anja were simply just friends (tho I wouldn’t have minded the cliché route. boy and his childhood friend? Come on, that’s just too cute). Kriss seems like a little sad-sack, emo-boy, but I did not dislike him. Anja was vaguely interesting, but we didn’t see enough of her. Vanya, the older brother, had Kriss in his head rent-free. I don’t know why he had such raging jealousy toward Kriss, but it was annoying to watch his shenanigans.

Overall, the pacing with the time skips just felt too fast. Still, I'm game for a volume two tho. I think the last few pages were fitting.

STORY
Basically, the mistake of a would-be techno working bee causes a big problem and shenanigans ensue. I could not get a grasp of the world-building, but it did not bother me. This is a world where engineers and technicians are everywhere, a shark and a light-bulb are in love, and a shape-shifter and a cantankerous woman make an almost-family.
The side-plot with the office guy trying to live up to his dad’s legacy was okay, but I was much more interested in Jo’s business. He reached an abrupt epiphany that’s, well, abrupt haha.

I guess after all that trouble he was like I’ll never do this again.

CHARACTERS
My favorite characters were Lumi and Kevin because they were full of personality, and I had so many questions about their backstory. Every time when junk got real one of those two would surprise me.

Jo is headstrong, logical, and tough on herself. The way Jo communicates (in the narration boxes) is like a service report. Her thoughts are quick to the point and always trying to find a solution. Unique. Her earnest desire to take overtime so she could financially support her parents and baby sibling was very relatable.

Tenz was unlikeable from the get-go, but that’s the point. Toward the end, I slowly got a sense of her character motivations.

she’s been surviving for herself for the longest, and she wants to show everyone she was able to make it on her own. Family’s a tough subject for hence the refusal to let Kevin call her Ma.

ART
The character designs were great. It’s always nice to have a diverse cast. At the end of the book, the creators leave their thought-process and inspirations behind the character’s look. Since learning the inspirations, I think they nailed it in that department.
Also, the color direction is very colorful! In fact, after two pages, the color palette resets and resets. I weep for the colorists but applaud them too for their efforts!

OVERALL
I liked this one!

A super sweet story almost like drinking Pepsi after eating cookies. I could see where the story was heading from the get-go, but, thankfully, it managed to happen without the all-embarrassing

person 1 having to explain to person 2 a) they are already in a relationship b) they're too old for them c) they were just being kind, and person 2 misinterpreted them

scene. Yes, let's have Stacey keep as much dignity as she can.

[rating from personal enjoyment!]

3.5

I have still never watched Frozen and don’t know if I ever will, BUT I love learning about the behind-the-scenes process for anything creative. It’s interesting to read about the inspirations with characters and designs, the Sisters Summit, and all the beautiful architecture. Gosh, so much work goes into the process of these full-scale animated films like rigging lights, sound design, personalized body movements, themes, what you want the audience to feel, and trying to make everything as realistic as possible in a 3D- cartoon world. There’s especially ample planning in these Disney movies, which is why it sort of irks me when an adult animation think weed and sex-jokes are all it has to offer. Back on topic, I enjoyed the Art of Frozen.

Chile, I had low expectations for this, but it’s actually charming. Just wonderfully dumb. I’ll keep reading as long as it stays fun.

4.5

Enjoyed it from beginning to end.

I always enjoy when stories subvert the evil teacher/adults trope.