Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are friends and cabinmates at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types. In this award-winning comic series, they confront supernatural beings and other challenges as they seek to uncover the camp’s mysteries, always relying on each other despite their many differences. The suspenseful storyline is hugely entertaining, as are the interstitial pages of the Lumberjanes Field Manual (which offers information on earning merit badges and more). What makes the story shine, however, are the relationships among the five diverse protagonists, who tackle their adventures with enthusiasm and a diverse set of skills.
As the story evolves, we learn that one of them is a trans girl. Two of them also start dating. Their queerness is seamlessly accepted, however, and is hardly the most notable thing about any of them.
Hilarious and heartfelt, poking fun at traditional camp tropes but also clearly honoring them, and crafting characters whose personalities will linger, this series is likely to be a favorite for years to come. Highly recommended.
Amaon purchase button above goes to omnibus Kindle edition, although individual volumes and collections may also be purchased separately from links that you’ll see if you click through. Bookshop link is to first volume.
