Lumberjanes Vol 2: Friendship to the Max by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis

Lumberjanes Vol 2: Friendship to the Max written by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis is the second collected volume of Lumberjanes comics, about a summer camp for girls and one particular cabin of friends. I previously reviewed Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy.

Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the first one too, but Friendship to the Max just seemed that little bit more awesome. Possibly because by this second volume I'm familiar with the setting and characters, and I was able to relax and enjoy the story instead of focussing on who's who.

As with the first volume, only four issues are included, so it's a fairly quick read. The first volume had what felt like a complete story arc, and this second volume also contains a full arc. It does, however, directly build on the story from the first volume, even as new elements and characters are introduced. I'm a fan of continuity, so I enjoyed that.

I highly recommend Lumberjanes to fans of comics and female characters. Especially if you're looking for non-superhero comics, for whatever reason. I recommend starting with the first volume for better continuity, but I think this second volume could still be enjoyed by itself (but may not make as much sense). The art is bright and colourful, and there's action, magic and a smidge of romance. What's not to like?

4.5 / 5 stars

First published: October 2015, Boom!
Series: Lumberjanes vol 2 of ongoing series, containing issues #5–8
Format read: Trade paperback
Source: A comic book shop while travelling