Cucumber Quest

Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom
Gigi D.G.
First Second, 2017 187 pages
Grades 2-6
Graphic Novel
Cucumber Quest series #1

On the eve of leaving for wizarding school, budding magician and brainy bunny-boy, Cucumber, receives a troubling note from his father at the capital. The queen has taken over the once peaceful Doughnut Kingdom and is bent on world domination. Father is in jail, so Cucumber must travel to the castle to try to stop her. He proves to be a reluctant hero, more interested in studies than swords, but answers the call regardless. Luckily, his little, yet fierce, sister Almond, has had knight training and stows away to help him out. Halting the plans of the evil queen requires obtaining the legendary Dream Sword from the Oracle, which leads Cucumber and Almond on a quest through the dreaded Gumdrop Forest. Here they meet interesting characters, such as two bakery ladies who are opposite in temperament, a fearful knight, Grizzlygum the ferocious bear, the Oracle herself, and a canny little witch named Peridot, who gets the best of them. The seekers must now journey to the Ripple Kingdom, only the sea is inhabited by a giant boat eating squid and it is impossible to cross. An up and coming inventor named Cosmo offers them his new boat, which he claims can take them safely across and the friends jump at the chance. Will they make it safely to the other side? And is that the giant squid turning the sky to black? Check out volume two where the adventures continue.

Previously a web-comic, Gigi D.G. has finally released her popular series to critical acclaim. Set in a sweet edible kingdom donned by cutsie rabbit people, this comic feels like Candy Crush come to life. The artwork also feels video game influenced and the colors reflect the pastel feel of a candy kingdom. This will naturally appeal to the target audience, who will lap the frothy story right up and beg for more. Beyond the saccharine appearance, there is contend included in the story. The quest is involved, the adventure never flags, and the author includes clever humor with truly laugh out loud funny moments. The characters are quirky and original and propel the series a cut-above the usual fare. Cucumber being a boy (although he is a bit androgynous and at first I thought he was a girl) will welcome male readers to the series. Almond proves that little sisters can be fearless knights, even though she is discouraged from questing and even the Dream Oracle says, “Little Sisters Aren't Legendary Heroes".  She saves the day on many occasions and she and Cucumber make a great team. Extensive back matter is included at the end of the volume, sure to impress fans and, perhaps, motivate them to create comics of their own. This is a very unique and fresh offering, something different from superheroes and biographical graphic novels that brings fun and quality to the genre. The second in the series is set to be released next month and the third in May.