James' Staff Pick
Published Date: October 22, 2024
Number of pages: 136
Format: e-book
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Tags: Series, Adventure
Cardigan rating: 4
Thoughts
This could have been an easy cash grab, preying upon my fond memories of a campy childhood cartoon series and toy line. It absolutely isn’t. Shalvey takes the original premise of the cartoon and plays it exactly as it was in the TV show, but with additional emphasis on the conflicts and complications that, while broadly hinted at on the show, were never expanded to this level for its younger audience. Lion-O is now dealing with not only the awkwardness of his accelerated growth, but also the burden of leadership as well as growing affection for Calica, a rescued prisoner who might be a traitor.
The addition of Calica is Shalvey’s only change to the lore of the cartoon and, to be honest, it improves it. She interjects some possible grey into the black and white, good guys vs. bad guys structure of the toys and the cartoon. There is also an intriguing hint of some previous connection between Jaga and Mumm-Ra that I don’t remember.
I know I’m dropping names like bombs that you might not recognize. Do you need any knowledge of the cartoon to enjoy this? No. Shalvey gives you all the information you need to jump right in. The set-up of the show wasn’t deep to begin with and, within two pages of the comic, you’ll know everything you need. Fans of the source material will enjoy some of the hints and easter eggs but the true enjoyment here is from seeing an old cherished part of your childhood dusted off and given a new life that you can love all over again.