Reviews

Unfamiliar, Vol. 1 by Haley Newsome

Only show reviews with written explanations

readingsofaslinky's review

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So cuteeeeeeee; perfect for the witchy autumn I am trying to achieve~

thebookautie's review

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Clearing a house from a haunting is tough and terrifying, but with friends by your side it can be a goofy good time! Unfamiliar, a graphic novel by Haley Newsome based on her hit webcomic (read if here), is a funny tale of witches and a siren coming together to help each other out. This has a fast paced story that feels like well controlled chaos and bright, energetic art that makes this feel bubbly and boisterous. Quick yet with enough subplots and action to feel quite full (it does, admittedly, try to do a bit too much but it’s also setting up a series so I sort of expect that?), Unfamiliar is a cute look at friendship and allowing oneself to be vulnerable, with the characters becoming closer the more they learn about each other and realizing that despite how cruel the world can be, facing it with friends makes it worth it all. This is the first volume of what is shaping up to be a great series and I can’t wait for the next.

Off to find new friends

I told you all I am going to read every witchy YA graphic novel I come across this year, and doing so has been a fountain of joy in my heart. Youtubers may recognize Newsome better by the name LavenderTowne, under which she had a hit youtube channel with her art videos. Her art style, as well as her sense of humor, recalled the animated series Adventure Time for me, especially because this is equally wacky and fun. The art, which is a bubbly gothic style, keeps things moving quite quickly and is a fun medium for this story. Newsome balances her multiple characters and subplots quite well, with Planchette—a kitchen witch—as the focal point around which the narrative revolves and unfolds.

Babs and Sun

The basics is that Planchette has moved to be nearer to people like her but discovers her house is super haunted. She enlists the help of Pinyon, the daughter of a wealthy and powerful witch coven who is fearful her magic powers will never come. along the way meet Sun, an overworked girl trying to rid herself of a curse that she believes makes her ugly and keeps people from talking to her, and Babs, a popular girl (also a siren) who became reclusive because wants to be like Sun and left alone by everyone. When they discover they can help the ghosts pass on by resolving their issues, Planchette sets out to help every ghost and reclaim her home.

The character Sun being the employee at every place they go to really charmed me. As someone who worked three jobs at a time for a few years, I certainly related. Also that all her bosses were literal demons, funny stuff. There is a strong labor critique at the heart of this, with violent factory owners, oppressive bosses, and shady dealings for profits. There’s a lot of heart to this book and it is as sweet as it is funny, such as the story of the woman who became a world-renowned detective after her best friend disappeared. Also shoutout to Bab’s cat Marlow, because that is also my cat’s name.

This is only volume one, but I will certainly be back for volume 2 and whatever else is to come. This is goofy and amusing and the characters are so lovable, who wouldn’t love this!?

4/5

13echo's review

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

catsushi's review against another edition

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4.0

This was so cute! I loved all the characters and the humor! I caught myself laughing out loud so many times. This was a quick and fun read. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series!