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Lumberjanes #OGN3
Lumberjanes: True Colors
A new graphic novel from the New York Times bestselling series where Ripley, feeling the burden of being unique, meets a unicorn with the opposite problem and reminds her of who she is!
At Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqual Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, being yourself has a long tradition of being celebrated, and no one knows that better than Ripley, who has spent a summer going where the wind takes her. But sometimes going against the grain is starting to feel like she’s going against her friends, and Ripley’s not sure if being unique is all it’s cracked up to be. So when she meets a Zebracorn with the ability to blend in anywhere, Ripley’s starts to think she should take on a new identity, one that looks more like everyone else.
In this third and final volume, New York Times best selling author Lilah Sturges and acclaimed artist polterink take Ripley – and us – on a journey to discover who she truly is, and reminds us that showing others your true colors can help you see theirs, too.
At Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqual Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, being yourself has a long tradition of being celebrated, and no one knows that better than Ripley, who has spent a summer going where the wind takes her. But sometimes going against the grain is starting to feel like she’s going against her friends, and Ripley’s not sure if being unique is all it’s cracked up to be. So when she meets a Zebracorn with the ability to blend in anywhere, Ripley’s starts to think she should take on a new identity, one that looks more like everyone else.
In this third and final volume, New York Times best selling author Lilah Sturges and acclaimed artist polterink take Ripley – and us – on a journey to discover who she truly is, and reminds us that showing others your true colors can help you see theirs, too.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
About the author
Lilah Sturges
168 books108 followersLilah Sturges is an American writer of comics and fantasy novels. She is best known for co-writing with Bill Willingham the Eisner-award-nominated Jack of Fables, and other comics published by Vertigo Comics / DC Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 11, 2021
#1) Lumberjanes: The Infernal Devices ★★★★☆
#2) Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship ★★★★☆
the self-acceptance & self-love message was a little heavy-handed but i adore this series with my whole heart
➸ Trigger warnings for bullying and fire.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
November 2, 2020
I will never not love everything Lumberjanes.
June 1, 2021
This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. For an explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Lumberjanes is a fabulous setup. Even very trite messages like "Be Yourself" feel fresh when it's not just one kid, but half the cast who have the issue, and also, totally goofy shit like giant quahogs with legs running around and zebracorns who do magic.
[edited to add] I forgot to mention the swears. The swears are awesome: "Thank Thandie Newton" "Oh my Ursula K. Le Guin". A different name each time. Just a little throw-away bit and I adore it.
Library copy
Lumberjanes is a fabulous setup. Even very trite messages like "Be Yourself" feel fresh when it's not just one kid, but half the cast who have the issue, and also, totally goofy shit like giant quahogs with legs running around and zebracorns who do magic.
[edited to add] I forgot to mention the swears. The swears are awesome: "Thank Thandie Newton" "Oh my Ursula K. Le Guin". A different name each time. Just a little throw-away bit and I adore it.
Library copy
November 15, 2020
The third of three Lumberjanes OGNs, this one focuses on being yourself and what happens when you fight against that with three different plots in the same vein that all collide for a literally explosive conclusion. Lilah Sturges nails the characters, polterink's artwork is beautiful (bar some REALLY dodgy noses that look like grasping hands on certain people's faces), and the moral is heartfelt without beating you over the head. Perfect Lumberjanes material.
December 15, 2021
If you've read Lumberjanes before (and as this comes pretty late in the series, I would suggest reading the regular issues/trades first) you know that these wholesome girls and enbies are great at teaching lessons about individuality and acceptance. This one is a bit more on-the-nose than usual with the "just be yourself" storyline, but it's still just as cute and funny and heartfelt as their other adventures. And only Lumberjanes could make me emotional about a mollusk.
February 10, 2021
This might be my favorite of the stand-alone graphic novels (as in, the paperbacks that tell original stories instead of collecting issues of the ongoing monthly series). I love the focus on Ripley in particular, but also the themes of being yourself and how easy it is to lose yourself in wanting other people to like you.
Read
September 1, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings:
Bullying
Fire
Bullying
Fire
March 14, 2022
Lord. I had such a hard time being myself as a kid. I was always "the quiet one." I wish I had spoken up more.
July 9, 2022
<3 <3 <3 <3
March 19, 2021
Lilah Sturges has done wonderful things for this franchise. Big big fan of these graphic novels.
October 15, 2021
This is a collective review for the entire Lumberjanes series.
I’ve been wanting to do a complete Lumberjanes read-through ever since I bought the first TPB at the New York ComiCon, back when the series first started. My son and I had just finished reading Namona together, and I was a big Noelle Stevenson fan on the back of that, so Lumberjanes was an obvious choice for what to read next. I read the first few volumes, and then let it sit for a few years as the series ran its course. Now, I have the chance to go back and take it all in as a single, extended reading. So what’s the verdict?
Lumberjanes is a magnificent comic property. Even if it doesn’t speak to you directly (and it doesn’t always speak that strongly to me), the truth is that a book with this much heart, accessibility, respect for each others’ differences, love for a good yarn, and investment in its own characters is a book worth everyone’s notice.
The story involves a very long and unusual summer for a gang of young women at a summer camp where mythical beasts roams and time works at its own pace. It is full of both epic danger and mundane camp stuff, where we might see our heroines fighting a creature from Greek myth one volume, and play a board game of their own making in another. For them, this time-warping summer camp experience is an extended exercise in facing the many challenges of burgeoning adulthood, where growing together matters more than growing up.
Throughout the Lumberjanes is a strong commitment to representation, and this book really delivers there. Just about every reader can easily see themselves in Lumberjanes, which is a feature, not a bug. Even though the stories themselves can hit a kind of rut without any real stakes or advancement of characters or meta-plot (this was especially the case once Stevenson moved off the book), the fact remains that this is a story that provides a much-needed presence in the world of graphic storytelling. You’re not going to find many books this overwhelmingly positive, especially to any dimension of diversity within the audience, and in a comics scene that so often meets diversity kicking and screaming, Lumberjanes' steadfast embrace of our differences really matters. There are more than a few books that feel cut from the Lumberjanes cloth nowadays, but one imagines they wouldn’t be around if not for Lumberjanes themselves. And you know what? We’re all better for it. Whether you like this book or not, you must respect it, and that is no small thing.
I’ve been wanting to do a complete Lumberjanes read-through ever since I bought the first TPB at the New York ComiCon, back when the series first started. My son and I had just finished reading Namona together, and I was a big Noelle Stevenson fan on the back of that, so Lumberjanes was an obvious choice for what to read next. I read the first few volumes, and then let it sit for a few years as the series ran its course. Now, I have the chance to go back and take it all in as a single, extended reading. So what’s the verdict?
Lumberjanes is a magnificent comic property. Even if it doesn’t speak to you directly (and it doesn’t always speak that strongly to me), the truth is that a book with this much heart, accessibility, respect for each others’ differences, love for a good yarn, and investment in its own characters is a book worth everyone’s notice.
The story involves a very long and unusual summer for a gang of young women at a summer camp where mythical beasts roams and time works at its own pace. It is full of both epic danger and mundane camp stuff, where we might see our heroines fighting a creature from Greek myth one volume, and play a board game of their own making in another. For them, this time-warping summer camp experience is an extended exercise in facing the many challenges of burgeoning adulthood, where growing together matters more than growing up.
Throughout the Lumberjanes is a strong commitment to representation, and this book really delivers there. Just about every reader can easily see themselves in Lumberjanes, which is a feature, not a bug. Even though the stories themselves can hit a kind of rut without any real stakes or advancement of characters or meta-plot (this was especially the case once Stevenson moved off the book), the fact remains that this is a story that provides a much-needed presence in the world of graphic storytelling. You’re not going to find many books this overwhelmingly positive, especially to any dimension of diversity within the audience, and in a comics scene that so often meets diversity kicking and screaming, Lumberjanes' steadfast embrace of our differences really matters. There are more than a few books that feel cut from the Lumberjanes cloth nowadays, but one imagines they wouldn’t be around if not for Lumberjanes themselves. And you know what? We’re all better for it. Whether you like this book or not, you must respect it, and that is no small thing.
October 16, 2020
This book had me at "Zebracorns"!
Whoops... that was a spoiler. I think. But since it's in the synopsis, maybe not that big of a spoiler. Anyway, since I've already spilled the tea on Zebracorn, so I may as well continue. OMG! Because Zebracorn!! A whole flippin' herd of them!!
Also, how could I say no to a Lumberjanes adventure spotlighting my favorite quirky Roanoke lady-type, Ripley! Except... in this one, Ripley isn't exactly Ripley as we know and love her. Having been confronted with the fact she might be... dum-dum-dum "weird", Rip, in tears, dashes blindly into the woods...and finds herself in a strange mushroom forest populated by skateboard-riding Zebracorns and makes friends with Zee. This mystical creature, who is the very epitome of strange and unusual, convinces Ripley that the only way to be happy and liked is to blend in with the crowd.
Isn't it ironic...don't you think?
So Zee uses his Zebracorn magic to transform Ripley into a normal, everyday tween who blends in SO well that, back at camp, even her fellow Roanokes suddenly forget about her. "Zipley who? I'm not sure...maybe she's in the Zodiac cabin?" But the mystery of Ripley's identity and her whereabouts will have to wait, because the Roanokes (and all of camp, really) have much bigger fires to put out. Literally. Because they've got to deal with giant spider-like clams and a visitor to camp who isn't entirely who she claims to be. Plus Rosie is out of town on a mission and left Jen in charge. And Jen... Well, she's kind of distracted and not really herself.
NO ONE is herself.
That's how the trouble starts in the first place.
And that's kind of the moral of the story: The importance if being true to yourself no matter what. Because it's what makes you YOU that's, well, YOU. And your friends (the people who count) will accept you no matter what. Even if you're super weird or really a dragon or whatever. Because if you're NOT true to yourself... Well, it's Bad News Bears all around. And no one wants that. Because that's how feelings get hurt and and the entire day gets ruined for everyone all because of fake people who are not being true to themselves.
Yeah, it's all very After School Special-y.
But now you know what True Colors is all about. And knowing is half the battle...amiright?
Whoops... that was a spoiler. I think. But since it's in the synopsis, maybe not that big of a spoiler. Anyway, since I've already spilled the tea on Zebracorn, so I may as well continue. OMG! Because Zebracorn!! A whole flippin' herd of them!!
Also, how could I say no to a Lumberjanes adventure spotlighting my favorite quirky Roanoke lady-type, Ripley! Except... in this one, Ripley isn't exactly Ripley as we know and love her. Having been confronted with the fact she might be... dum-dum-dum "weird", Rip, in tears, dashes blindly into the woods...and finds herself in a strange mushroom forest populated by skateboard-riding Zebracorns and makes friends with Zee. This mystical creature, who is the very epitome of strange and unusual, convinces Ripley that the only way to be happy and liked is to blend in with the crowd.
Isn't it ironic...don't you think?
So Zee uses his Zebracorn magic to transform Ripley into a normal, everyday tween who blends in SO well that, back at camp, even her fellow Roanokes suddenly forget about her. "Zipley who? I'm not sure...maybe she's in the Zodiac cabin?" But the mystery of Ripley's identity and her whereabouts will have to wait, because the Roanokes (and all of camp, really) have much bigger fires to put out. Literally. Because they've got to deal with giant spider-like clams and a visitor to camp who isn't entirely who she claims to be. Plus Rosie is out of town on a mission and left Jen in charge. And Jen... Well, she's kind of distracted and not really herself.
NO ONE is herself.
That's how the trouble starts in the first place.
And that's kind of the moral of the story: The importance if being true to yourself no matter what. Because it's what makes you YOU that's, well, YOU. And your friends (the people who count) will accept you no matter what. Even if you're super weird or really a dragon or whatever. Because if you're NOT true to yourself... Well, it's Bad News Bears all around. And no one wants that. Because that's how feelings get hurt and and the entire day gets ruined for everyone all because of fake people who are not being true to themselves.
Yeah, it's all very After School Special-y.
But now you know what True Colors is all about. And knowing is half the battle...amiright?
November 18, 2020
Lumberjanes: True Colors is the third in the Lumberjanes Original Graphic novel series. Delightfully, you don't need to be up to date in the main series to enjoy this one (but I would still strongly recommend following that series, mainly because of how amazing it is).
One of the many (many, many) things I adore about Lumberjanes is that the series always seems to be welcoming new creative members. Lumberjanes: True Colors was written by Lilah Sturges, and illustrated by polterink.
There's no such thing as a dull moment at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqual Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types (try saying that ten times fast). Especially not when Roanoke Cabin is looking for an adventure!
Ripely is without a doubt one of the bubbliest and quirkiest characters of the series, but in this graphic novel, she has a lot to learn about appreciating oneself and standing out. Her desire to blend in results in a new adventure, while everyone else learns about listening and loving their friends for who they are.
That really does make it sound like a perfect Lumberjanes story, doesn't it? A sweet plot with a message worth learning. Don't worry, there's a whole lot of chaos along the way as well, these are the Lumberjanes we're talking about. So it's kind of a given.
Lumberjanes: True Colors was a delightful read, from start to finish. It was a lot of fun to read, and really is a perfect graphic novel for people of all ages – though I especially recommend it for any younger readers out there who are struggling to love who they are.
The artwork in Lumberjanes: True Colors deviates slightly from the main series (like the rest of the original graphic novels), but I honestly love the style. It reads like a cross between watercolors and printmaking, and honestly? It's divine. The botanical details fit very nicely with the whole camp theme, and it really just enhances the look and feel of their world.
So, I know I'm probably a bit biased in recommending Lumberjanes: True Colors, since I'm a major fan of every piece of work that has come out of this world. But seriously, it's so sweet and fun, and I cannot possibly recommend it enough to all of my friends and fellow graphic novel readers.
Check out more reviews over a Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
One of the many (many, many) things I adore about Lumberjanes is that the series always seems to be welcoming new creative members. Lumberjanes: True Colors was written by Lilah Sturges, and illustrated by polterink.
There's no such thing as a dull moment at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqual Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types (try saying that ten times fast). Especially not when Roanoke Cabin is looking for an adventure!
Ripely is without a doubt one of the bubbliest and quirkiest characters of the series, but in this graphic novel, she has a lot to learn about appreciating oneself and standing out. Her desire to blend in results in a new adventure, while everyone else learns about listening and loving their friends for who they are.
That really does make it sound like a perfect Lumberjanes story, doesn't it? A sweet plot with a message worth learning. Don't worry, there's a whole lot of chaos along the way as well, these are the Lumberjanes we're talking about. So it's kind of a given.
Lumberjanes: True Colors was a delightful read, from start to finish. It was a lot of fun to read, and really is a perfect graphic novel for people of all ages – though I especially recommend it for any younger readers out there who are struggling to love who they are.
The artwork in Lumberjanes: True Colors deviates slightly from the main series (like the rest of the original graphic novels), but I honestly love the style. It reads like a cross between watercolors and printmaking, and honestly? It's divine. The botanical details fit very nicely with the whole camp theme, and it really just enhances the look and feel of their world.
So, I know I'm probably a bit biased in recommending Lumberjanes: True Colors, since I'm a major fan of every piece of work that has come out of this world. But seriously, it's so sweet and fun, and I cannot possibly recommend it enough to all of my friends and fellow graphic novel readers.
Check out more reviews over a Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
September 17, 2023
Normally Ripley is the character who shines the most in Lumberjanes, so I was both excited and sad that the final story in the Lumberjanes oeuvre was a Ripley starrer. But this entry is all about what happens when she doesn't act like herself, and as a result, it's missing her normal sparkle. The story is still great and valuable for younger readers, and it has that fun 'Janes zest, but their world really is missing something without Ripley -- just like the moral of the story says. That said, I'm so sad that there's no more Lumberjanes for me to consume besides the one-issue crossover with Gotham Academy!! 😔
November 14, 2020
An excellent stand-alone story in the “Lumberjanes” world. Ripley struggles with being labeled weird, finds a zebracorn who helps her try to fit in. And Jen is having her counselor’s assessment by the camp counselor that she idolizes. This story is all about being oneself and about fitting in.
This was very fun, and we get to see more about Jen & Riley. I really like these stand-alone books by Sturges.
This was very fun, and we get to see more about Jen & Riley. I really like these stand-alone books by Sturges.
June 18, 2022
Barney did not deserve the words that were made to come out of their mouth; they would never say something like that, and I don't understand why they were chosen to when Diane and the rest of the Zodiac cabin (Hes excluded) were right there. The zebracorn was neat, and I love the classic dragon design, but the odd characterizations, and Ripley's blue hair not being colored blue despite that being the color of the rest of the comic, were confusing and unsatisfying choices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2020
While I liked this, the message of the story is pretty heavy handily given, and so the ending becomes a little long with everyone repeating "be who you are" every panel. I'm sure even teens would get annoyed by being told that for three or four pages. While the artwork is good, the monochromatic style detracts from the story, the greatest part of these novels is the crazy coloring done.
November 14, 2020
I'm sad this is (apparently) their last graphic novel, but glad to see that it taught a wonderful message just like the past ones. And to see it be Ripley-focused! Ripley will always be one of my favorite 'Janes, specifically because of how unique she is, so I loved how this one really drove that home. This was a joy to read.
December 9, 2020
This was cute. The lack of color wasn't detracting from the story. I liked the plot and pace.
Honestly I have been reading the Lumberjanes series for a while and love it, but I am at a loss of what to say about these subsequent volumes now. This volume is more of a side story from the other volumes, but fun.
Honestly I have been reading the Lumberjanes series for a while and love it, but I am at a loss of what to say about these subsequent volumes now. This volume is more of a side story from the other volumes, but fun.
December 15, 2020
I would've given this 4 or even 5 stars, but I absolutely hated the color choice for this comic. Here is a comic all about Ripley the wildest, most colorful Lumberjane and we're going to do everything in black and white and blue? Really? Like the middle part, where she isn't being herself, fine, but the beginning and especially the end! Let's have some rainbows and color!!
Read
December 22, 2020More Lumberjanes shenanigans! This original graphic novel (separate from the comics) follows Ripley and her want to fit in with everyone else. When Ripley runs into a wish-granting Zebracorn, Ripley wishes to belong--but the results aren't exactly what she wanted. Meanwhile, the rest of the Lumberjanes are busy trying to figure out what secret the new Camp Counselor Accessor, Dana, is keeping.
January 5, 2021
Three threads that eventually combine in the end. Some bits were both interesting and amusing. The friendship lesson was a little cliche, but that's common. The coloring of the art was interesting since it added to the story. This story does not really connect to either the other two or the main series, which is too bad since there is some good potential.
March 6, 2021
A pack of mutant clams has invaded camp! Thinking they’ve caught them all, Rosie leaves camp to take them to an aquarium. She leaves Jen in charge, which is where the adventure begins! The Roanoke girls, Barney, a herd of Zebracorns, and a dragon all make appearances in this adventure!!
The art and the story are Lumberjanes perfection!
The art and the story are Lumberjanes perfection!
March 7, 2021
This was a nice return to some of the humor of the original books in the series. The plot was action-packed, and the characterization was good. The moral of the story was also really nice to hear again, without it being beaten over one's head. I highly recommend this title, as well as the rest of the series (especially the earlier titles).
June 8, 2021
Jen is charge of the camp while Rosie is away, and is overcome when her idol Dana comes to evaluate her as a camp counselor. This wasn't my favorite, but I loved Jen crushing on Dana and also saving the day (as the 'janes commented, she had to have her day sometime!). Poor sweet Ripley was going through a Time, and the zebracorns were pretty fun.
June 15, 2022
The third (and, I think, final) Lumberjanes graphic novel is True Colors, focusing on Ripley and Jen. The "be yourself even if you're different" message is a little obvious and simplistic, but it comes across with love here and doesn't feel too cheesy. The art style is good, and so is the writing.
I'm a little conflicted at the inclusion of using a character's allergy against them.
I'm a little conflicted at the inclusion of using a character's allergy against them.
September 6, 2022
I kind of grouped these 3 lil graphic novels together since they're in the same style/ sort of set apart from the main series. These are so charming and the art is bEautiful (I'm a sucker for the b&w sketch look w/ color accents sooooo)! It was also nice to have these three plots feel concise and complete. I liked the random chaos of the main lumberjanes vols, but this was a good respite of stability lol.
January 15, 2021
I don't think I will ever not love anything Lumberjanes.
I mean: Zebracorns, Bubbles the raccoon doing yoga, Molly and Mal being an adorable couple, a dragon, a kitten rescue, a sighting of Bear Woman, and best of all, so much Ripley! Ripley is my favorite Jane!
I mean: Zebracorns, Bubbles the raccoon doing yoga, Molly and Mal being an adorable couple, a dragon, a kitten rescue, a sighting of Bear Woman, and best of all, so much Ripley! Ripley is my favorite Jane!
March 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this stand-alone Lumberjanes title - I think the slightly longer, smoother format helped to recapture some of the magic of the series that's felt lacking in some of the recent comics editions. This was a sweet, funny, fun, quirky story!
March 28, 2021
Issue focused on Ripley! So fun to meet the Zebracorn and follow along as Ripley tries to be more like everyone else only to realize she is more than enough as herself. The power of the Lumberjanes to honor oneself above all else and friendship to the max!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews