Warning: This book review contains spoilers for “Cheshire Crossing” by Andy Weir & Sarah Andersen.
Cover of “Cheshire Crossing” by Andy Weir & Sarah Andersen.I’m back with another book review, and this time I’m reviewing the graphic novel “Cheshire Crossing” by Andy Weir and Sarah Andersen! It’s been a while since I read a graphic novel. I figured it was about time to read and review another one! Here’s a summary so we know what it’s about:
“The three meet here, at Cheshire Crossing–a boarding school where girls like them learn how to cope with their supernatural experiences and harness their magical world-crossing powers.
But the trio–now teenagers, who’ve had their fill of meddling authority figures–aren’t content to sit still in a classroom. Soon they’re dashing from one universe to the next, leaving havoc in their wake–and, inadvertently, bringing the Wicked Witch and Hook together in a deadly supervillain love match.
To stop them, the girls will have to draw on all of their powers . . . and marshal a team of unlikely allies from across the magical multiverse.”
Please note:
I understand that “Cheshire Crossing” originally was in webcomic form. This version was originally both written and illustrated by Andy Weir from 2006 to 2008, and then later illustrated by Sarah Andersen for Tapas from 2017 to 2019. The latter version (the Tapas one) was published as a graphic novel in 2019. There were some slight changes between both versions for naming characters and a few other minor elements. For the sake of clarification, I’m reviewing the graphic novel version, and not the webcomic version.
Character Development: 3 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading the takes on the Wicked Witch of the West and Captain Hook. They follow their literary versions in this graphic novel. The same could be said for Alice, Dorothy and Wendy. I enjoyed the other characters included in this book, like the Knave of Hearts, the Flying Monkeys, etc. and I thought all of them had interesting portrayals overall that made sense with the story and the worldbuilding.
Unfortunately, none of the characters get much development other than dealing with the fallout of certain events. I felt that the developing friendship between the main protagonists felt a little forced and rushed as well. However, The Wicked Witch and Captain Hook’s romantic get-together was pretty awesome to read. I loved how that worked out in this graphic novel.
Worldbuilding Development: 4 out of 5 stars
It is interesting to read how things that happened in certain worlds (water on a witch causing her to melt) doesn’t happen in other worlds. It was funny to read how it impacted the various combat scenes in this story. I also enjoyed reading the fallout of certain events (the Wicked Witch coming back meaner than ever after her initial defeat, the Queen of Hearts’ soldiers basically creating a rebellion against her, etc.).
I hoped that Neverland would have a bigger spotlight. However, Neverland didn’t have much focus except for recovery and/or reunion via search and rescue scenes. It had a lot of room for more growth than it got. I was disappointed with this outcome, overall.
Plot Development: 3 out of 5 stars
The plot starts slowly. It then rushes a bit, close to the end. The main story was still overall enjoyable to read. However, I hoped to read more context for Wendy, Dorothy and Alice’s experiences in previous institutions. It would explain their various behaviours at the beginning of the book if there was more time to discuss their pasts.
The cliffhanger ending sets up this graphic novel for a sequel, given the Queen of Hearts’ in-person appearance at the end. Whether this will continue into a full graphic novel series is unknown to me.
Overall, I’m rating this book 3 out of 5 stars!
Despite my wishes for a better-developed main plot and characters, I think the overall concepts and worldbuilding were fun to read.
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