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A review by livinliterary
Moonstruck Vol. 1: Magic to Brew by Clayton Cowles, Caitlin Quirk, Shae Beagle, Grace Ellis, Kate Leth
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moonstruck Vol. 1 is an absolute delight! This whimsical graphic novel blends mythology, magic, and modern-day charm to create a story that’s as enchanting as its cast of characters. While it falters slightly in storytelling, the breathtaking art and lovable characters more than make up for it.
The protagonist, Julie, is a Latina, chubby, queer werewolf—a representation that’s refreshing and empowering. Her love interest, Selena, is a Black, queer centaur, and their f/f romance is adorable and heartwarming. The standout, though, is Chet, the non-binary side character who steals the show with their hilarious antics and kindhearted nature. Imagine a blend of Kenji (from Bee and Puppycat) and Kuzco (from The Emperor's New Groove)—equal parts snarky and sweet. Chet had me laughing out loud and rooting for them every step of the way!
What makes Moonstruck truly shine is its art. The character designs are vibrant, their expressions are packed with emotion, and the world is rich with a magical aesthetic that pulls you in. Every page feels alive with personality and charm, making it impossible to put down.
However, the plot doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the visuals. Julie’s sudden uptightness about her werewolf form feels out of place, especially since the world normalizes monster characters. It left me wishing for more insight into her internal conflict. The villain, while intriguing, deserved a deeper dive—they had so much potential to be a standout antagonist.
Still, the joy of experiencing Moonstruck outweighs its shortcomings. The blend of humor, heart, and magic makes it a book I’ll eagerly revisit. And with such an endearing cast, I’m already counting the days until I can pick up the next volume. If you’re looking for a fun, inclusive graphic novel with lovable mythological creatures, Moonstruck is a must-read!