Moonstruck Volume 1: Magic to Brew
Written by Grace Ellis
Illustrated by Shae Beagle
This is the most adorable book. No, no, listen. This is the MOST ADORABLE BOOK. For this review I will be using some graphics since this is *ahem* a graphic novel to showcase how adorable it really is.
First off, the setting is a university town populated by monsters and humans alike, and the inhabitants' magical characteristics are only one of the representations of the inclusivity at play. Different races, species, genders, and sexual orientations are all equal and welcome. Our main girl Julie (to the right on the cover) is a sensitive werewolf who really just wants to be normal and also probably gives the best hugs when anyone is sad. She works at a coffee shop with Chet who has the bouncy spirit of Jonathan Van Ness from Queer Eye, uses pronouns they/them, is a centaur, and is the person who is most likely to use a terrible pun to brighten anyones day. Lastly, for now, there is Serena (left on the cover), Julie's new werewolf girlfriend and will defend her friends from all haunts big and small.
These three and their friends, are remenscient of the Scooby gang. There are mysteries to be solved, friends to be avenged, and feels to be had. The illustrations alone will make anyone feel as cozy as drinking tea by the window on a drippy day. The colors are all soft and warm, except when they aren't due to magical dangers, and each panel is populated with the fantastical citizens carrying out their own micro-stories that make multiple readings a veritable easter egg hunt.
This is actually the first graphic novel that I've ever read, and due to it's excellence, it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait for Volume 2 to be released, so I can enjoy more of these magically adorable and relatable characters go on to have more adventures or just drink coffee. Either way...I'm hooked.
