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Unfamiliar #1

Unfamiliar, Vol. 1

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Based on the wildly popular webcomic from Tapas, Unfamiliar is an endearing and whimsical story full of magical mayhem, offbeat outsiders, and the power of friendships and found family.

Young kitchen witch Planchette gets an incredible deal on a new house in a magical town. Turns out, there's a reason: it's haunted! After unsuccessfully attempting to get these unwanted ghosts to leave, she realizes the only thing to do is to help them with their problems. Along the way, she befriends a shy siren who hates being popular, a girl battling a curse, and a magically-challenged witch from a powerful coven.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

Haley Newsome

4 books198 followers

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5 stars
1,397 (29%)
4 stars
1,908 (40%)
3 stars
1,156 (24%)
2 stars
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1 star
42 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 903 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny Lawson.
Author 6 books19.1k followers
August 23, 2022

Quirky, cute and slightly random. I'm not sure if this is for adults or young readers but I'm leaning toward "young readers who like boobies". Is that a genre?
Profile Image for s.penkevich.
1,319 reviews10.8k followers
May 29, 2023
Clearing a house from a haunting is tough and terrifying, but with friends by your side it can be a goofy good time! Unfamiliar, a graphic novel by Haley Newsome based on her hit webcomic (read if here), is a funny tale of witches and a siren coming together to help each other out. This has a fast paced story that feels like well controlled chaos and bright, energetic art that makes this feel bubbly and boisterous. Quick yet with enough subplots and action to feel quite full (it does, admittedly, try to do a bit too much but it’s also setting up a series so I sort of expect that?), Unfamiliar is a cute look at friendship and allowing oneself to be vulnerable, with the characters becoming closer the more they learn about each other and realizing that despite how cruel the world can be, facing it with friends makes it worth it all. This is the first volume of what is shaping up to be a great series and I can’t wait for the next.
Untitled
Off to find new friends

I told you all I am going to read every witchy YA graphic novel I come across this year, and doing so has been a fountain of joy in my heart. Youtubers may recognize Newsome better by the name LavenderTowne, under which she had a hit youtube channel with her art videos. Her art style, as well as her sense of humor, recalled the animated series Adventure Time for me, especially because this is equally wacky and fun. The art, which is a bubbly gothic style, keeps things moving quite quickly and is a fun medium for this story. Newsome balances her multiple characters and subplots quite well, with Planchette—a kitchen witch—as the focal point around which the narrative revolves and unfolds.
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Babs and Sun

The basics is that Planchette has moved to be nearer to people like her but discovers her house is super haunted. She enlists the help of Pinyon, the daughter of a wealthy and powerful witch coven who is fearful her magic powers will never come. along the way meet Sun, an overworked girl trying to rid herself of a curse that she believes makes her ugly and keeps people from talking to her, and Babs, a popular girl (also a siren) who became reclusive because wants to be like Sun and left alone by everyone. When they discover they can help the ghosts pass on by resolving their issues, Planchette sets out to help every ghost and reclaim her home.
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The character Sun being the employee at every place they go to really charmed me. As someone who worked three jobs at a time for a few years, I certainly related. Also that all her bosses were literal demons, funny stuff. There is a strong labor critique at the heart of this, with violent factory owners, oppressive bosses, and shady dealings for profits. There’s a lot of heart to this book and it is as sweet as it is funny, such as the story of the woman who became a world-renowned detective after her best friend disappeared. Also shoutout to Bab’s cat Marlow, because that is also my cat’s name.

This is only volume one, but I will certainly be back for volume 2 and whatever else is to come. This is goofy and amusing and the characters are so lovable, who wouldn’t love this!?

4/5

Profile Image for Rod Brown.
6,383 reviews235 followers
March 29, 2023
Cutely drawn witch characters noodle around until the book abruptly stops without accomplishing anything except introducing everybody. It's all situation and no story.

Planchette can only do food magic well and needs help getting the ghosts out of her new home. Pinyon isn't very good at any magic. Sun is gruff with everyone because she has a curse that puts her only eye in her hair bun and she is working a bunch of menial part-time jobs. Babs is a siren who doesn't want everyone to be attracted to her all the time.

The title is Unfamiliar, but the plot is all too familiar as one by one these misfits all meet each other and start forming friendships and helping each other with their problems in their noodling fashion.

Not bad, but not satisfying on its own. It might be best to wait to read this until the next volume comes out in October.

P.S.
If you are impatient, the series is available to read as a webcomic:
https://tapas.io/series/unfamiliar/info
Profile Image for Steph ✨.
408 reviews1,269 followers
July 10, 2023
This was ADORABLE 🤩 so excited for the second installment later this year!
Profile Image for Jan Agaton.
1,075 reviews1,104 followers
July 18, 2023
OBSESSED WITH THIS ART STYLE & THESE CHARACTERS 😍
Profile Image for Denise.
172 reviews93 followers
April 26, 2023
Adorable artwork. A cute story about a little gothic food witch moving to a new home because the people around her didn't appreciate her truth. Unfortunately, her new house is riddled with the dead adjacent, in other words, ghosts. Now as a food witch, other magical specialities (necromancy & exorcisms), are not so special for her. In fact they are down right impossible. So, she's on the hunt for something and/or someone to help evict her paranormal squatters. With the sometimes questionable guidance of her familiar, she searches her magic friendly (not so much) town for witches that can get the job done making friends along the way. Very subtle but sometimes obvious modern social commentaries alluded to & hinted at but nothing that will hurt your eyes or brain too much. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Steph.
679 reviews421 followers
June 29, 2023
oh, so cute and quirky! i really dig newsome's cute witchy art style. all of the characters are adorable and expressive. i love the way emotion is literally conveyed through their eyes, with cute lil shapes in their pupils.



the plot itself is kind of all over the place unfortunately, and it's hard to keep track of where it's going. but i didn't really mind, because i was enjoying the art, the beautiful coloring, and the quirky magical vibes.

as well as some truly relatable moments, like this one:



there's not much resolution in the end, unfortunately, and it finishes quite abruptly. but supposedly a second volume is on its way?
Profile Image for Kalena W.
740 reviews460 followers
November 25, 2022
4/5 stars, a cute little witchy read

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

While it's not October anymore, this was an adorable witchy read that I'm so thankful I was able to receive an arc of. The art style was a bit different from what I am used to, but not in a bad way and it was still so adorable at times! I especially liked the color palette that the story had and how it changed with every character.

The story was also cute, and I love all the interesting people in this magical town and hope that there is more introduced in the coming graphic novels. My favorite was probably the sirens, and the witch doctor, though I loved all of the characters. It's a quick little read that a lot of people would love for the cute moments and of course families, I totally recommend if you ever want an adorable witchy graphic novel.

[TW: mention of murder, missing children, death of a loved one, death of children, abusive family mentioned]
Profile Image for nikki ༗.
567 reviews166 followers
July 31, 2024
rating: 4.25☆

perfect summerween/halloween read! very lighthearted and silly witch comic with a rag tag found family. the art style is really adorable and creative, very unique character designs.

i might get into tapas since it came from there cause i'd love more!
Profile Image for Pluto_reads.
163 reviews9 followers
November 23, 2022
I would like to thank Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for writing an honest review!

When I tell you I fell in love with the graphics, I really did; I was just immersed in all the art and details. The storyline was scattered everywhere but nonetheless, I adored this book. It felt wholesome and it had realistic problems hidden as witch issues. All the characters were adorable and just lovable. This graphic book is about change, unexpected friendships, and platonic love. I read this book out loud for my little brother as a bedtime story using different character voices and it made it so much more epic. I enjoyed reading it for him and now it's attached to a core memory. This will forever have an imprint in my life and I really wished the book was longer rather than ending abruptly. I didn't get enough from this comic world.

I would love to be a kitchen witch so I can make pizza potion within seconds (OR COOKIES!)

I can't wait for volume 2 so I can see the faerie council as I only got a glimpse and it's so magical and pretty!

Comments on the characters (could be spoilers):
- Planchette is so genuine and sweet.
- I feel bad for Pinyon, she deserves so much more.
- I love Ari; literally a loaf of bread and adorable.
- Babs is just like me, an introvert.
- I want to embrace Sun so badly.
- All the unfamiliars are just cute and funny. I want one!

Highlight's:

"Ghosts get stuck haunting places because they're unhappy"

"So you're just going to sit here and wait for a solution to fall from the sky?"
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 24 books5,803 followers
December 2, 2023
Very cute story about a young kitchen witch setting out on her own. She makes some friends, she moves into a very haunted house, she tries to find out why her house is haunted. It's clearly setting up for more adventures with Planchette, Pinyon, Babs, and Sun.
Profile Image for greta.
295 reviews410 followers
July 4, 2024
my new favourite witchy book of 2024. 🥹 if you can get your hands on this graphic novel, please do, especially around halloween time! it’d be perfect for the spooky vibes.

it was eerie, cute, heartwarming and everything i wanted it to be! even going into this book i knew i was gonna love it!

the artwork in this book was also chef’s kiss and if you think i’m about to get the 2nd volume of it—you’re absolutely right !!! there’s not much else to say about this book other than it’s my new fave and i don’t give 5 stars all that often.
 
if you love graphic novels, haunted houses, witches and their familiars, and a little friendship going on, i highly recommend it to y’all. 🖤
Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].
1,731 reviews645 followers
April 26, 2023
Eh, it was okay. I felt like it tried to do too much in such a short space.

The artwork was interesting but not really my favorite. It was cutesy, but perhaps too cutesy with a side-dose of a Ahh, Real Monsters vibe? I dunno.

It is cute and there is lots of queer pining and some light resolution on death and unresolved issue and friendship and asking for help from strangers. Just don't expect resolution in any of the various storylines or too much character development.
Profile Image for Jessie .
15 reviews57 followers
January 1, 2023
Unfamiliar is such a cute and charming little graphic novel. The character designs and overall artwork is enough to make me fall in love but the development of each character’s story has me absolutely hooked! I can’t wait for the second volume!
Profile Image for Chantaal.
1,164 reviews175 followers
January 13, 2023
This was an incredibly adorable comic, and I can see why it gained so much popularity on Tapas.

We follow Planchette, a kitchen witch who moves to a new home that turns out to be super haunted. In her attempts to find someone to help her de-ghost her home, she meets a few other witches that round out the main cast. Each witch has her own issues and things going on, but ultimately they end up being friends and making wholesome connections with each other. Even the ghost busting turns out mostly wholesome in the end.

This was honestly just a really cute, cozy witch comic. The art was fun and a little twee, with some fun character work and interesting color work. Super recommended if you're looking for a cute, no stress fun time.
Profile Image for Jakki (BizzyBookBish).
322 reviews12 followers
October 22, 2022
I thought this book was really good. The storyline was interesting and the characters were fun. The show stopper for me was the art. I absolutely loved each character and the world they were in! Can’t wait for Vol 2 so I can find out what happens!
Profile Image for Ben Howard.
1,298 reviews166 followers
November 19, 2023
Unfamiliar, Vol. 1 is a quirky graphic novel following a kitchen witch who moves into her new house, only to find out that it is severely haunted. With the help of some new friends she starts the journey to exorcise them from her house.

Really liked the art style and I'll likely continue with the series if my library gets it in.
Profile Image for Another Pony.
145 reviews79 followers
December 4, 2022
It was such a cute story! ❤️

This is a graphic novel that feels like hug, a charming story of several young witches who must join forces to face the challenges of fate.

In the meantime, a lovely bond develops between them, which makes the whole story extremely cozy and heartwarming.

Graphically I also have nothing to complain about it, it is beautiful!

I'm glad that I was able to read it thanks to NetGalley.

Profile Image for Liva's reading antics.
336 reviews25 followers
October 31, 2022
A quirky, cute, and absolutely adorable graphic novel for the spooky season!

In this graphic novel, we follow a witch who has just moved to a haunted house. It needs to be cleared of ghosts. As she is not so good with witchcraft herself, she befriends some unique and funny town's people to help her and starts to get to know ghosts by learning more about their lives.

The story is charming and would definitely work for those that need a thematic read on Halloween but are afraid to read anything truly terrifying, and to a younger audience as well. I loved not only the story itself but also each drawing. Characters are so unique! Different sizes, shapes, and colors. I loved how each was detailed with some distinctive quirks.

I am so looking forward to the next part! 😍

This book is coming out on December 6th! Make sure you do not miss out!

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Kara (Books.and.salt).
507 reviews42 followers
November 17, 2022
This adorable little graphic novel got its start as a webcomic series with a cutesy art style and strong found family vibes. This first volume definitely felt like an introduction to the story and left me hungry for more, but it still managed to stand up on its own content wise.

I adore the art style, it's the perfect amount of spooky mixed in with the sickly sweet. Babs and Sun gave me MAJOR Princess Bubblegum and Marceline vibes, so naturally I am utterly obsessed with the two of them. I also think its super cute that they each have their own sassy little animal familiar.
I will definitely need to get my hands on volume two when it's out. Many thanks to the publisher for my gifted copy!!
Profile Image for Emma.
977 reviews1,045 followers
June 19, 2022
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

In this cute graphic novel we follow a witch, who's not so good at magic, as she moves to a haunted house that definitely needs to be rid of ghosts. In order to solve her problem so she will recruit some people in town that will also become her friends. Overall it's a lovely story with witchy vibes and I believe it would be perfect for Halloween if you want to read something to get in the mood.
Profile Image for Anomaly.
523 reviews
July 2, 2023
This feels more like a collection of comic strips than a proper graphic novel, as it doesn't resolve the few plot threads woven throughout and is primarily an exploration of the various characters' backstories and the beginning of their newfound friendship. There definitely wasn't a proper ending, which harkens back to comic books with cliffhangers between issues, but it was still a light and easy read full of charming artwork and endearing characters. I liked it, but I'm not sure if I'll remember to check my library for the next issue later this year because there wasn't enough story to make me think "wow, I must see how this goes." (And, honestly, there's nothing particularly unfamiliar about the backstories or personalities here; they just have a 'spooky' paranormal veneer placed atop them.)
Profile Image for Lindsay (pawsomereads).
980 reviews564 followers
September 10, 2023
This was a cute and fun graphic novel for the fall season! I liked the witchy vibes and the magic element. The friendships introduced were really cute and I’ll definitely read the next volume!
Profile Image for Bree Hill.
924 reviews576 followers
May 4, 2023
I really enjoyed the art style in this issue. The plot could’ve been strengthened a bit, it felt a bit choppy and the core of it a tad forgettable but overall a pretty enjoyable read.
Profile Image for MaKenna.
139 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2023
cute quick read

Loved the story and art style. Hoping to read vol 2 soon! A great spooky season read to add to your TBR!

These characters were so whimsical! I loved them so much! Such a sweet story and beautiful artwork. We embark on a journey with Planchette who is moving to a new home and comes to find out her new home is very, very haunted. She meets other witches who help her out and she makes connections with them. I loved the found family aspect of this one and I’m excited to read vol. 2 when iit comes out.
Profile Image for Sirah.
2,065 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2023
Planchette is a kitchen witch who is moving to a new town where she hopes to make lots of friends. What she gets instead is a haunted house. Undeterred, she sets out to meet the locals and see if any of them are good at exorcisms. It turns out, the town is full of screw-ups, but if they work together, they might all get something they want.

I just want to pick up this comic and smoosh its cute lil face. Ah! The art style is so wobbly and spoopy and quirky and the storyline is both silly and adventurous. I can't wait until the next volume comes out. But wait! I don't have to: this was first a webcomic, and more pages are available online. But I'll still totally be investing in volume two when it's released. I'd love to re-read this one for spooky season, but it has appeal for any time of the year.
March 16, 2023
Overview:
Planchette is a kitchen witch who moves to a new house in a new town and finds out that it is heavily haunted. Making a quick escape to the nearest town she asks for help and begins her adventure in unhaunting her house. Well making friends with a shy siren, a cursed girl and a witch who doesn't have magic. And so there adventure begins as they find their belonging and help Planchette with her haunted house.

Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, I loved the art and characters and just the premise of the book. I liked it a lot and quietly went "NOOO" when it said I had to wait for the next book to be written, hah.
I will be waiting for the next book and I am excited.
Profile Image for Estherelle.
297 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2022
Sometimes very peculiar, but super adorable!
A witch befriending all sort of ghosts and creatures while cleaning out her haunted dream house.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is fun, cute and quirky.

Thank you Netgalley,Andrews McMeel Publishing and the author Haley Newsome for the opportunity to read this book as an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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