Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters #1

Inspired by their three daughters, the married team of Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Chris Samnee (Black Widow) and debut author Laura Samnee creates a lush fantasy brimming with gigantic prehistoric-like monsters, underscored by a resilient sisterly bond. Rainbow, a purple-haired, light brown–skinned girl in a pink hat and overalls, has been searching for her adopted younger sister, Jonna, a shorter peach-skinned girl with a cloud of salmon-colored hair and superhuman physical abilities, for a year, after a devastating monster attack destroyed their home. Finally reuniting by chance, the sisters set out to find their father, encountering a camp of monster fighters and survivors also looking for loved ones along the way. When a new monster stumbles onto their cave, however, Jonna shows her skills, and a slick-looking peach-skinned person named Saro offers camaraderie. While exposition is lacking, sparse dialogue allows Chris’s illustrations to shine, with scenic spreads in vibrant colors and clean paneling that emphasizes fluid, dynamic art. This immersive, fast-paced adventure focuses on building the siblings’ world, resulting in a spare but propulsive series opener. Back matter includes a note from the creators as well as activity pages. Ages 9–12. (Aug.)