I was going to include Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters volume 1 with Barb the Last Berzerker not because they are by the same author(s) and/or illustrator(s), or even because they had similar themes. Now, they do both have a wild child (Barb in one and Jonna in the other), but their paths are radically different. One is on a journey to stop an evil wizard and likes to have a chat or two, the other hits first, second, last and does not talk much except to occasionally growl at her sister and/or the monsters they face.
Chris Samnee, Laura Samnee, Matthew Wilson, and Crank! created a graphic novel for the 10 to 14 crowd (younger audiences are possible, but not having read book two, I am not sure how “graphic” things could get). Rainbow and Jonna are sisters separated from each other when the monsters attack their world. A year later Rainbow locates Jonna, only to find her wilder, and stronger, then ever. Friendships are hard to find in this world, but monsters are easy.
A heavily illustrated graphic novel, minimal text, and odd action make this first installment interesting, but not necessarily “grabbing.” Left on an open ending, this book is set up to be more of a traditional comic. Hopefully there will be a collection of everything soon.
My score comes from interestingly illustrated illustrations that recall medieval tent cities, outer space and/or fantasy realms, and even contains prehistoric elements. While not overly bold, with color, they are not muted either. They are pleasant to view, but also give the feeling needed to be presented to show the desperation of the time. Which is bleak indeed.