Review - Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green (@boomstudios)

"I WANT TO LITERALLY CLIMB THE WALLS!"

Appreciating nature brings with it a sense of wonder and fulfillment. It can also bring with it a sense of kinship with beings different than you as it does in Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green from BOOM! Box. "Somewhere That's Green" is written by Seanan McGuire, illustrated by Alexa Bosy and lettered by Ariana Maher. "Weather Woes" is written and illustrated by Mari Costa.

When Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley stumble upon several muddy, spiky, cactus kittens in the woods, they take on the sacred mission of bringing the kittens back to their home. However, when they reach the garden menageries and its Dryad tender, they find that there is a deeper problem at the heart of the garden—and the Roanokes are the only ones who can help!

There's always been a playful innocence at the heart of any Lumberjanes story and McGuire doesn't seek to upend that rule in "Somewhere That's Green." The overall plot feels right at home in the Lumberjanes canon, weaving a narrative that feels lighthearted and enjoyable while at the same time promoting a sense of duty. There's also a grander sense of preservation throughout the issue that McGuire emphasizes through the plot that reminds the reader to take care of the environment. McGuire's dialogue is very easy-going and entertaining, providing each of the characters plenty of personality and amusing exchanges between one another. Costa's script in "Weather Woes" is a lot faster-paced and simpler; that's not at all a knock on it though as it's just a breezy tale about yetis looking for power to charge their devices.

Bosy's artwork in "Somewhere That's Green" is very relaxed and soft. The characters have some definition against the settings courtesy of Bosy's thin, black lines that provide the characters with plenty of definition so they stand out from one another. Bosy does a marvelous job with facial expressions, largely relying on those that exhibit a sense of sheer joy and excitement at whatever the latest thing that happens to evoke said emotions. Costa's artwork in "Weather Woes" is a lot more stylized, exaggerating the yetis in a way to make them feel more approachable and encouraging a likeness to their human counterparts. The colors in both stories are darker and earth-tone inspired.

Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green is a very nice homage to nature that demonstrates the joy it can elicit when it's paid attention to. Both stories give the Lumberjanes plenty of opportunity to strengthen friendships while at the same time enjoying the forest and all of its wonders. "Somewhere That's Green" and "Weather Woes" both boast an "everybody love everybody" message that McGuire reinforces well through the camaraderie shared by the campers and their new friends. The artwork in both issues is very airy and strikes the right tone for the themes. Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green is a very fun read that sends positive vibes out into the universe.

Lumberjanes: Somewhere That's Green is available now.