In the ever-expanding landscape of graphic novels, Lumberjanes has carved a unique niche that blends adventure, friendship, and supernatural whimsy with a refreshing dose of inclusivity. Created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson, and Brooke Allen, the series first appeared in 2014 under Boom! Box, an imprint of Boom! Studios. It tells the story of a group of adventurous girls at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types-a camp where mysterious occurrences, magical creatures, and riddles abound.
The charm of Lumberjanes lies in its ability to weave themes of empowerment, curiosity, and loyalty into fast-paced, visually striking narratives. While it appeals to young adult readers and teens, the books’ humor, creativity, and layered storytelling have captivated adults as well. Beyond the surface of campfire stories and monster battles, the series explores identity, friendship dynamics, and resilience, offering readers a deeply engaging experience.
| Lumberjanes Vol. 1: Beware the Kitten Holy (2014) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max (2015) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan (2015) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 4: Out of Time (2016) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 5: Band Together (2016) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 6: The Moon is Up (2017) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 7: A Bird’s-Eye View (2017) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 8: Beware the Kitten Holy (2018) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 9: The Shape of Friendship to Come (2019) | Details |
| Lumberjanes Vol. 10: The Final Campout (2020) | Details |
| Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship to Come (Graphic Novel) (2021) | Details |
This is where the Lumberjanes saga begins! A quirky, adventurous, and heartwarming start to the series. We meet five extraordinary girls at a summer camp called the Lumberjanes, where they encounter wild creatures, secret mysteries, and, of course, a lot of weirdness! There’s a giant three-eyed fox, a secret society of magical women, and friendships that are absolutely off the charts. It’s action-packed and hilarious, with plenty of heart, setting the tone for the whole series.
In this volume, the Lumberjanes are back and more adventurous than ever. The story picks up right where we left off, with the girls facing even more supernatural weirdness at camp. They explore the camp’s deep mysteries, while discovering more about themselves and their friendships. What I love here is how each girl gets to shine in her own unique way, from creating deep bonds to dealing with the challenges thrown their way-whether they’re fighting off monsters or facing the uncertainty of their futures.
Now things are really heating up! The girls discover some ancient magic that takes them even deeper into the mysteries surrounding the camp. With a ’terrible plan’ in place, they set off on a journey filled with danger, unexpected allies, and the kind of growth that makes you cheer for these characters. It’s got more puzzles, more epic adventures, and more of the charm that makes Lumberjanes so easy to love.
A new adventure that takes the girls into the past! After an unexpected time travel incident, the Lumberjanes find themselves back in the 1800s, dealing with history, old-timey situations, and of course, plenty of magical chaos. This volume delves deeper into their friendships and personalities, showcasing how the team’s diverse talents and bonds keep them strong even across time periods. It’s just so fun to see how their modern perspectives clash with the past!
Now, this one is an absolute blast! The Lumberjanes have to use their wits and musical skills to save their camp, all while facing a band of music-themed villains. As always, their friendship and quick thinking come to the rescue, with a side of humor and heartfelt moments. The cool thing about this volume is how it incorporates a musical element into the classic Lumberjanes mix of action, heart, and fun. Plus, it’s just really awesome to see them band together in such a unique way.
In this volume, the stakes are higher than ever! A full moon is on the way, and the Lumberjanes have to face creatures and challenges from both the natural world and beyond. What I really enjoyed here is the emotional depth that the series takes on as the characters wrestle with their personal challenges, fears, and their bond as a team. It’s still filled with quirky adventures, but there’s definitely more at play under the surface.
More high-flying fun! The girls find themselves in some exciting aerial adventures in this volume, dealing with an ancient bird spirit and tons of camp chaos. The bonds between the characters continue to grow, and we see some great moments of teamwork. Plus, it’s got that signature Lumberjanes blend of silliness and sincerity. It feels like the perfect continuation of their journey, bringing in new experiences while staying true to what makes the series so special.
Wait, didn’t we already hear about that kitten holy before? Oh yes, we did-but this time it’s all about going deeper into the mysteries of the camp’s magical history. The girls face off against strange new enemies and, of course, strengthen their friendship in the process. The story mixes action with laughs, and honestly, every moment of it just makes you love these characters even more. It’s also a great way to reconnect with everything that started the series off in the first place.
If you’re looking for more emotional stakes, this is the one. The Lumberjanes face some of their most challenging situations yet, as the lines between their magical adventures and personal growth blur. It’s all about what it means to grow, to change, and to be a friend, with tons of cool supernatural creatures and mysteries thrown in. This volume gets pretty deep while still keeping things light-hearted and full of the camp’s classic charm.
This is it-the grand finale of their summer adventure! The girls face off against their biggest challenges yet, all while reflecting on their friendships and what they’ve learned. It’s a bittersweet moment as the series hits its peak, with plenty of heartwarming moments that show how far these characters have come. The end of the journey is emotional, but it’s also a great reminder that even though their adventures might be wrapping up, their bond will last forever.
This graphic novel expands on the already beloved series, adding more depth to the Lumberjanes universe. In this one, the girls take on some wild new quests and face personal hurdles that push them to new limits. It’s a bit different in format, but the essence of the series is still there: magical creatures, heartfelt moments, and a team of girls who truly have each other’s backs.
The Lumberjanes series consists of multiple volumes, each continuing the adventures of the core characters-Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley. The stories take readers through fantastical scenarios, from encountering giant robots to solving supernatural mysteries in the woods, often with a comedic undertone that keeps the narrative light-hearted even during tense moments.
Visually, the books are dynamic, featuring vibrant illustrations that bring the camp and its unusual inhabitants to life. The art style, contributed primarily by Brooke Allen, balances expressive character work with detailed backgrounds, giving readers a sense of both whimsy and adventure. Each volume tends to follow a self-contained plot while subtly developing overarching character arcs and relationships, making the series both episodic and continuous.
Moreover, the books are notable for their inclusivity. Characters are diverse in terms of personality, background, and identity, and the series frequently emphasizes themes of acceptance, teamwork, and empathy. Magical elements, such as cryptids, secret societies, and mythical beings, often serve as allegories for personal growth and problem-solving, giving the books both entertainment value and thematic depth.
The Lumberjanes series can initially appear overwhelming due to the number of volumes, special editions, and spin-offs. To fully appreciate the development of the characters and the progression of the overarching storyline, it is generally recommended to follow a sequential reading order.
Starting with Volume 1, readers are introduced to the camp, its rules, and the personalities of the main characters. Subsequent volumes build on prior adventures, with recurring characters, ongoing plot threads, and emotional growth that might otherwise be missed if read out of order. For instance, relationships and friendships evolve naturally over the series, and the narrative often references past events that provide important context or comedic callbacks.
While each book contains its own contained adventure, skipping volumes may result in a loss of nuance, character depth, and the emotional resonance that comes from seeing the girls face challenges together over time. Understanding the recommended sequence ensures readers experience the story as the creators intended, maximizing both engagement and narrative cohesion.
One of the most compelling aspects of Lumberjanes is its ability to balance humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure. The series excels at crafting unique, memorable characters, each with distinct quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Watching these characters support each other through unexpected trials-whether facing mythical creatures, uncovering hidden secrets, or navigating personal challenges-creates a deeply satisfying emotional connection for the reader.
The writing is clever and inclusive, with dialogue that feels authentic and relatable. The humor ranges from playful wordplay to visual gags, ensuring that the reading experience is consistently entertaining. Additionally, the series’ commitment to diversity-celebrating differences in gender, ethnicity, and sexuality-adds layers of representation that are often rare in mainstream comics, making it feel fresh and socially conscious.
Finally, the world-building is extraordinary. The camp is more than just a setting; it becomes a character in itself, with secrets, traditions, and magical oddities that reward attentive readers. The combination of fantastical storytelling, engaging art, and thoughtful characterization makes Lumberjanes a series that is enjoyable both for casual reading and for deeper, reflective engagement.
While it is not strictly necessary to read the Lumberjanes books in order, doing so significantly enhances the reading experience. The overarching narrative, character development, and ongoing jokes are designed to build cumulatively. Reading the books sequentially allows for a richer understanding of the friendships and personal growth of the characters.
For example, early volumes establish relationships and individual backstories that inform later plotlines. Missing these initial volumes might leave readers puzzled by character motivations or the significance of certain events. However, the creators have thoughtfully structured the series so that each volume also works independently to a degree, allowing new readers to jump in at a random point and still enjoy a fun adventure. That said, long-term fans and new readers alike will find greater narrative satisfaction and emotional resonance when following the series in its intended order.