Spoiler-free
This was the cutest damn thing! I stumbled across this graphic novel whilst browsing on Libby and was instantly enchanted by the art style. It's flipping adorable. I mean, just look at this cute little bulb of garlic!
The Premise
Garlic feels as though she's always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it's nice and safe.
But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.
After all, garlic drives away vampires...right?
The Review
This whole graphic novel was an absolute delight. The cozy autumnal vibes are immaculate. The humour is silly and fun. It gave me Wallace and Gromit vibes with how heartwarming and playful it felt. You can't help but smile. If you don't, you're a monster!
The art is perfect. It's so bright and colourful, even reading on my Kobo. Naturally, the colours on an E-ink display appear more washed out, than that of an LED screen. Call me crazy, but I actually prefer the washed out look of this graphic novel on my Kobo, than the arguably higher quality version on my phone screen. I feel like it looked more natural and matched the overal vibe better. It's kind of hard to tell what I mean with the examples below, but whatever.
In such a short amount of time, my heart warmed for these characters.
- Garlic, you go girl! She's an anxious bulb, but you just know she's a bulb of joy.
- Carrot, you're a Gem. Such a good friend, and I have mad respect for you. Keep it up!
- And Celery, fudge off! I already didn't like celery... Now I really hate Celery. Stupid prick.
Anyway, my only issue with this book is how short the whole thing is! That said, it's mighty impressive how much is packed in 160 pages. What it does, it does perfectly, so I can't fault it for that. I just wish it was longer! I'm left wanting more from this cozy farm-life world, so rich with warmth and joy. More from these characters, who you can't help but instantly love, or hate (looking at you Celery). I see there is a sequel out called Garlic and the Witch, so I don't know why I'm complaining to be honest.
Garlic and the Vampire is cute as hell, go read it!
4.5 Stars 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖
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