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Lumberjanes

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Lumberjanes
Publication information
PublisherBoom! Studios[1]
Genre
Publication date2014–2020
No. of issues75, plus specials
Creative team
Created by
Written by
Artist(s)
  • Gus Allen
  • Brittney Williams
  • Aimee Fleck
  • Faith Erin Hicks
  • Becca Tobin
  • Casey Nowak
  • AnneMarie Rogers
  • Felicia Choo
  • T. Zysk
Letterer(s)Aubrey Aiese
Colorist(s)Maarta Laiho
Editor(s)
  • Dafna Pleban
  • Bones Leopard

Lumberjanes is a comic book series created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, and ND Stevenson[2] and published via the Boom Box! imprint of Boom! Studios. The story follows a group of girls spending summer at a scout camp, and the strange creatures and supernatural phenomena they encounter there. Originally planned as an eight-part series, the comic was made an ongoing series following strong sales and critical acclaim.[3] The comic series came to a close after 75 issues with a one-shot finale in December 2020, ending its six-year-run.[4][5]

Publication history

[edit]

Lumberjanes came about as the result of Boom! Studios editor Shannon Watters approaching writer Grace Ellis in the hopes of creating a girl-centric comic series. After settling on a story set at a summer camp, the pair brought in Gus Allen for initial character designs and ND Stevenson as a co-writer.[6] The series would be the second published on Boom! Studios' Boom! Box imprint, which aimed to feature experimental, creator-driven work by writers and artists from outside the mainstream comics industry.[7] A single eight-issue story arc was originally planned, but shortly after the release of the second issue, Boom! Studios announced that Lumberjanes would become an ongoing series.[8] The Lumberjanes characters were featured in a six-part crossover with DC Comics's Gotham Academy in June 2016.[9]

Overview

[edit]

The story is set in and around Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, a summer camp whose attendees are known as "Lumberjane Scouts". The five scouts of the Roanoke cabin — Jo, April, Molly, Mal and Ripley — witness a mysterious old woman transforming into a bear, and after following her into the woods, encounter a hostile pack of three-eyed supernatural foxes. As more three-eyed creatures start to appear, the girls task themselves with solving the mysteries surrounding the camp.

Over the course of the story, characters earn or refer to various Lumberjane scout badges. The characters frequently invoke the names of notable female pioneers, with phrases such as "Oh my Bessie Coleman!" and "What the Joan Jett?" [10] Each of the first seven issues ends with a track listing for a mixtape prepared by one of the characters.

Characters

[edit]

Campers

[edit]
  • Jo is the most cool-headed and analytical member of the group. She is a Navajo transgender girl.[11] She acts as the de facto leader and specializes in the more mathematical puzzles the group faces, and is the most by-the-book of the scouts, knowing the Lumberjane pledge by heart. She has a strong bond with April, including a secret handshake. When Jen is absent, Jo is the most likely to worry about the safety of the group and attempt to rescue her friends. In Vol. 10, "Parents' Day", she and April refer to each other's parents as "uncle", but it is not clarified whether they are related, or that this is meant to imply that their families are close friends.
  • April has a flair for the dramatic and a love of puns, and habitually takes notes on the various puzzles the group encounters in her diary. Though outwardly the least physically imposing Lumberjane, she is revealed to be the strongest after successfully arm wrestling a giant living statue. She is also the fact-finder and knowledge base for most of their adventures, and is always ready to face the unknown. She is Jo's best friend, and was the first person Jo came out to. As of issue 73, she has every badge available to Lumberjanes.
  • Molly is a skilled archer, but being shy, she sometimes worries that she doesn't contribute enough to the group. However, it is revealed that she has a head for word games and puzzles, and likes to read, loves history, and has the second-most patches of anyone. While Jo or April take the lead and forge ahead, Molly will watch the back of the group, preferring to look after Mal (often anxious), or Ripley (often distracted). She has a raccoon companion named Bubbles whom she wears as a hat and has a mutual crush on Mal. She has a rocky relationship with her family, particularly her mother, while her relationship with her father appears to be relatively neutral.
  • Mal, despite her punk appearance, is the most cautious and sensitive of the group. She is Korean-American.[11] She specializes in crafting elaborate plans. She is often paranoid about the dangers facing them at the camp, has a fear of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, and is watched over and protected by Molly, whom she loves romantically. They often hold hands and share panels together as a couple.
  • Ripley is the youngest and most energetic of the girls, liable to launch herself towards danger without any fear. Her famous move includes drop-kicking things in the stomach, including foxes, yetis, statues, and even Mal, and she sometimes gets her friends to throw her at enemies. She loves animals, from kittens to dinosaurs, and sweet things such as cookies and candy. Despite often being the catalyst for trouble (forcing the others to follow her to rescue her from jumping into white water rapids, for example) she possesses keen insight into other people's feelings, and notices things others will overlook. Molly and Mal are often Ripley's unofficial guardians, and if not them, then Jen. She has a large family, and often bickers with her siblings. She is shown to have a very close relationship with her Abuela. She is half Irish-American and half Afro-Mexican.[11]

Camp staff

[edit]
  • Jen is Roanoke cabin's scout-leader and is a student in high school. The girls consider her an adult figure, meaning that they are likely on the younger end of their teen years, though it is never specified. Though Jen takes her job very seriously and is often stern with her campers, she genuinely cares for them and tries to protect them from harm. She is extremely knowledgeable about various fields such as botany and astronomy, and usually tries in vain to interest her adventurous campers in safer activities before catching on to the odd happenings at Camp.
  • Rosie is the camp scout-master, an easy-going, tattooed woman who enjoys woodcarving (and by dress, tattoos, name, and hobbies, is an obvious nod to Rosie the Riveter,[12][13] playing into the theme of "Hardcore Lady Types" and feminist empowerment). She seems to know more about the mysterious events surrounding the camp than she is willing to reveal, and encourages the Lumberjanes to keep their eyes peeled, tacitly encouraging them to solve the mystery.

Collected editions

[edit]
Title Authors ISBN Release Date Comments
Lumberjanes Vol. 1: Beware The Kitten Holy ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Maarta Laiho, and Aubrey Aiese 978-1608866878 April 7, 2015 collects issues #1–4
Lumberjanes Vol. 2: Friendship To The Max ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608867370 October 13, 2015 collects issues #5–8
Lumberjanes Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608868032 April 5, 2016 collects issues #9–12
Lumberjanes Vol. 4: Out Of Time ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608868605 July 12, 2016 collects issues #14–17
Lumberjanes Vol. 5: Band Together ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608869190 December 13, 2016 collects issues #13 & 18–20
Lumberjanes Vol. 6: Sink or Swim ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, and Maarta Laiho 978-1608869541 April 11, 2017 collects issues #21–24
Lumberjanes Vol. 7: A Bird's-Eye View ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, Maarta Laiho, and Ayme Sotuyo 978-1684150458 December 12, 2017 collects issues #25–28
Lumberjanes Vol. 8: Stone Cold ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684151325 February 20, 2018 collects issues #29–32
Lumberjanes, Vol. 9: On a Roll Kat Leyh, Carolyn Nowak, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, and Maarta Laiho 978-1608869572 July 24, 2018 collects issues #33–36
Lumberjanes Vol. 10: Parents' Day Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Ayme Sotuyo, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684152780 December 11, 2018 collects issues #37–40
Lumberjanes, Vol. 11: Time After Crime Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Ayme Sotuyo, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684153251 April 2, 2019 collects issues #41–44
Lumberjanes, Vol. 12: Jackalope Springs Eternal ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1684153800 July 30, 2019 collects issues #45–48
Lumberjanes, Vol. 13: Indoor Recess Kat Leyh, Maarta Laiho, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, and Dozerdraws 978-1684154500 December 24, 2019 collects issues #49–52
Lumberjanes, Vol. 14: X Marks the Spot Kat Leyh, Maarta Laiho, Shannon Watters, Aubrey Aiese, and Dozerdraws 978-1684155507 May 26, 2020 collects issues #53–56
Lumberjanes, Vol. 15: Birthday Smarty Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, and AnneMarie Rogers 978-1684155514 August 18, 2020 collects issues #57–60
Lumberjanes, Vol. 16: Mind over Mettle Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, and AnneMarie Rogers 978-1684156160 December 22, 2020 collects issues #61–64
Lumberjanes, Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, and Kanesha C Bryant 978-1684156672 February 9, 2021 collects issues #65–68
Lumberjanes, Vol. 18: Horticultural Horizons Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, Kanesha C Bryant, and Julia Madrigal 978-1684156986 May 25, 2021 collects issues #69–72
Lumberjanes, Vol. 19: A Summer to Remember Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh 978-1684156993 August 24, 2021 collects issues #73–74
Lumberjanes, Vol. 20: End of Summer Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, Gus Allen, Alexa Bosy, and Kanesha C Bryant 978-1684157433 November 9, 2021 collects issue #75 and End of Summer special
Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks Faith Erin Hicks, Jen Wang, Kelly Thompson, Holly Black, Gabby Rivera, Chynna Clugston Flores, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Christine Norrie, Savanna Ganucheau, Mariana Julia, Gaby Epstein, Maarta Laiho, and Joie Foster 978-1684152162 April 3, 2018 A collection of Lumberjanes short stories.
Lumberjanes: Campfire Songs Nicole Andelfinger, Maddi Gonzalez, Brittney Williams, Seanan McGuire, Alexa Bosy, Mari Costa 978-1684155675 May 5, 2020 A collection of Lumberjanes short stories.
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 1 ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608868094 December 8, 2015 Hardcover; collects issues #1–8
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 2 ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen 978-1608868896 September 13, 2016 Hardcover; collects issues #9–16
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 3 ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684150038 June 13, 2017 Hardcover; collects issues #17–24
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 4 ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, Maarta Laiho, and Ayme Sotuyo 978-1684151837 June 12, 2018 Hardcover; collects issues #25–32
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 5 Kat Leyh, Carolyn Nowak, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Ayme Sotuyo, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684153121 February 26, 2019 Hardcover; collects issues #33–40
Lumberjanes: To The Max Edition, Volume 6 Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters, ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen, Ayme Sotuyo, and Maarta Laiho 978-1684154944 March 24, 2020 Hardcover; collects issues #41–48

Novels

[edit]

Author Mariko Tamaki and artist Gus Allen expanded the series into a four-book series of middle-grade novels, published by Amulet Books:[14]

  • 1. Unicorn Power! (3 October 2017, ISBN 9781419727252)
  • 2. The Moon Is Up (8 May 2018, ISBN 9781419728686)
  • 3. The Good Egg (30 October 2018, ISBN 9781419740923)
  • 4. Ghost Cabin (10 September 2019, ISBN 9781419733611)

Original graphic novels

[edit]

Boom! Box released a series of original graphic novels, written by Lilah Sturges and drawn by polterink:

Reception

[edit]

Lumberjanes launched to positive reviews. Many reviewers commented on the importance of the comic as an all-ages, female-led and female-authored title. Alison Berry of Comicosity said that "Lumberjanes is the book that so many have asked for, both accessible and girl friendly without sacrificing entertainment value for the older set... Girls doing for girls is important in comics especially, because it is traditionally dominated by male characters and creators."[15]

Mey Rude of Autostraddle praised issue 17 of the comic where Jo, a "girl of color with two dads", talks about how she is a trans girl, and how it will affect other trans youth.[16] She added that representation like Jo gives kids an opportunity to see themselves in a new light, calling her appearance and role in the comic "something radical", while wondering what this would mean for then-"upcoming Lumberjanes movie", later turned into a series. Caitlin Chappell of CBR argued that the comic easily appeals to kids who like Scooby-Doo, Gravity Falls, and Adventure Time. She further argued that the cast includes several LGBTQ characters like Jo, a de facto leader and trans girl, while saying that Molly and Mal are an "adorable couple." At the same time, she stated that those behind the creation of the series not only talk about the "wonder of camp", but prove that "accepting queer identities should be the norm for children and adults."[17] Finally, Tina Howard of Teen Vogue pointed to "queer leads" in the comics as a whole. She specifically stated that the series writes "LGBT stories that are completely appropriate for young people", while calling it funny, smart, and noting that "features queer and trans young women". She also called it "vital for LGBT kids".[18]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

In 2015, Lumberjanes was nominated and won two Eisner Awards, for Best New Series and Best Publication for Teens;[19][20] In 2015, it was also nominated for the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book.[21] It was nominated for the GLAAD Outstanding Comic Book in 2018 and 2019.[22]

Animated adaptation

[edit]

As of May 2015, 20th Century Fox was working on a live-action adaptation.[23] In August 2016, Emily Carmichael was announced to direct the film.[24] In August 2019, the film was canceled by Disney after its acquisition of 21st Century Fox.[25] In October 2020, HBO Max (now Max) won a bid against Apple and Peacock to release an animated television adaptation of the series. The one-hour animated special introducing the characters will be executive produced and written by ND Stevenson.[26][27] He will also write and direct episodes for the main series, while serving an executive producer.[28][29][30] Additionally, Ross Richie and Stephen Christy, from BOOM! Studios, will be executive producers, as will Mette Norkjaer, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Gus Allen.[31] After the adaptation was announced, fellow animators, like Matt Braly of Amphibia, Rad Sechrist of Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Aaron Waltke of Tales of Arcadia, Shadi Petosky of Twelve Forever and Danger & Eggs praised the development.[32] There were similar sentiments from voice actors Liam O'Brien, Sam Riegel, Aimee Carrero, Felicia Day, and Cissy Jones, comic artists Alex Z. Zhang and Victoria Ying, TV writers Shane Lynch and Benjamin Siemon, and comic writers Jackson Lanzing and Dan Slott, among others.[32]

In October 22, 2020, Stevenson stated that the show is in "development, not production" and that there is "no crew at this time."[33] In January 2021, Gumroad said that Stevenson is "steering" the animated Lumberjanes adaptation.[34] as did Morgan Shaunette of CBR.[35] In 2021, Out, ITV, and Polygon described the series as in development, noting the role of Stevenson.[36][37][38] In December 2022, Multiversity Comics reported that they were "still waiting for the Lumberjanes TV show", with no news in 2022.[39] As of February 2024, no news about the series has been announced, as HBO Max merged with Discovery+ to relaunch as Max on May 23, 2023.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "BOOM! Box Announces Stevenson, Ellis And Allen's New Lumberjanes Series". Comics Alliance. 2014-01-06. Archived from the original on 2014-11-16. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  2. ^ "SDCC '15: Shannon Watters Talks The Future Of Lumberjanes – Bleeding Cool News And Rumors". Bleedingcool.com. 15 July 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Interview: Shannon Watters on Lumberjanes". Icv2.com. 2014-10-17. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  4. ^ Arvedon, Jon (September 17, 2020). "BOOM! Studios' Lumberjanes to End in December". CBR. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  5. ^ Johnston, Rich (September 17, 2020). "Lumberjanes Comes To An End In December 2020". Bleeding Cool. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  6. ^ "Grace Ellis Sends Girl Power to Camp in Lumberjanes". Paste. July 14, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  7. ^ "Lumberjanes #1 Arrives Next Month. It Looks Awesome". Panels and Pixels. March 13, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2017. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  8. ^ "Lumberjanes Goes Ongoing at BOOM! Studios". Multiversity Comics. 2014-05-19. Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  9. ^ "Exclusive: BOOM! Studios Announces 'Lumberjanes' and 'Gotham Academy' Crossover Series". Villagevoice.com. March 8, 2016. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  10. ^ "What the Junk: Lumberjanes #1". Panels. 2014-10-05. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  11. ^ a b c "Kat Leyh". Kat Leyh. 22 March 2016. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  12. ^ "Review: 'Lumberjanes,' vol. 1 — Good Comics for Kids". School Library Journal. 14 May 2015. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  13. ^ "Lumberjanes – Book Review — Awake at Midnight". Awake at Midnight. 6 October 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  14. ^ Serrao, Nivea. "See an Exclusive Look At The Cover For The First 'Lumberjanes' Novel". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
  15. ^ Berry, Alison (2014-04-14). "Review: LUMBERJANES #1". Comicosity. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  16. ^ Rude, Mey (August 26, 2015). "In Lumberjanes Issue #17, Jo Comes Out As Trans and It's So Awesome". Autostraddle. Archived from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  17. ^ Chappell, Caitlin (June 5, 2020). "The Best All Ages Comics for Pride, from Lumberjanes to The Backstagers". CBR. Archived from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  18. ^ Howard, Tini (December 16, 2015). "7 Comic Books with Badass LGBT Characters". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  19. ^ "2015 Eisner Award Nominations". Comic-Con. Retrieved 2015-06-21.
  20. ^ "Eisner Awards Current Info". Comic-con.org. 17 December 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  21. ^ "Nominees". GLAAD. Retrieved 2015-06-21.
  22. ^ "GLAAD Media Awards: 'This Is Us,' 'A Fantastic Woman' Among Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. 2018-04-12. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  23. ^ Schneider, Jeff (May 29, 2015). "'Munchkin' Writer Will Widger to Adapt 'Lumberjanes' Comic for 20th Century Fox (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Archived from the original on July 23, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
  24. ^ Gonzalez, Umberto (August 10, 2016). "Emily Carmichael to Direct 'Lumberjanes' for Fox (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  25. ^ Sobon, Nicole (August 13, 2019). "Lumberjanes Live-Action Film Canceled By Disney". CBR. Archived from the original on August 17, 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  26. ^ Dominguez, Noah (October 6, 2020). "Lumberjanes Series, Feature Special Land at HBO Max". CBR. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  27. ^ Kaplan, Avery (October 7, 2020). "Animated LUMBERJANES series is a go at HBO Max with showrunner STEVENSON". ComicsBeat. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  28. ^ Kit, Borys (October 6, 2020). "'Lumberjanes' Animated Series in the Works at HBO Max". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  29. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (October 7, 2020). "Noelle Stevenson's 'Lumberjanes' Sharpens Up for HBO Max Series". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  30. ^ Low, Elaine (October 6, 2020). "'Lumberjanes' Animated Adaptation in Development at HBO Max". Variety. Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  31. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 6, 2020). "'Lumberjanes' Animated TV Series Based On Boom! Comics From Noelle Stevenson Eyed By HBO Max". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  32. ^ a b "Lumberjanes, Noelle, & praise from fellow creatives on upcoming show". Twitter. October 7, 2020. Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020. Collects tweets from these creatives together.
  33. ^ ND, Stevenson [@Gingerhazing] (October 22, 2020). "LJs is in development, not production. There is no crew at this time" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2020 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ gumroad [@gumroad] (January 26, 2021). "The fifth and final season of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power was released last year, and Lumberjanes too came to a close after six successful years. She's also steering an adaption of Lumberjanes that is coming to HBO Max, and a feature-length film adaptation of Nimona" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ Shaunette, Morgan (February 18, 2022). "She-Ra Writer Shares Epic Book of Boba Fett-Inspired Fan Comic". CBR. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  36. ^ Rude, Mey (February 12, 2021). "Noelle Stevenson, Molly Ostertag Are the Queer Power Couple We Need". Out. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  37. ^ Evans, Jocelyn (February 25, 2021). "'Anyone can be a hero': She-Ra creator Noelle Stevenson on LGBT+ representation in animation". ITV. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  38. ^ Robinson, Tasha (October 5, 2021). "Noelle Stevenson's new comics Substack: 'a beacon for people who are struggling'". Polygon. Archived from the original on October 5, 2021.
  39. ^ "2022 Year in Review: Best Cartoonist". Multiversity Comics. December 8, 2022. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
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