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Cucumber Quest Webcomic #1
Cucumber Quest : Book One
Prologue and Chapter 0 of the webcomic!
The same old story . . .
An ancient evil resurrected, a world of dreams in peril . . . you know how it goes. What we need is a legendary hero, but what we've got is Cucumber, a boy who's better suited to studying than monster-slaying. He's just been accepted to the school of his dreams, but because his dad thinks his dreams are kind of lame, it's up to him and his much more heroic sister, Almond, to save the world . . . even if that may be a little more complicated than they think.
Webcomic 01-137.
The same old story . . .
An ancient evil resurrected, a world of dreams in peril . . . you know how it goes. What we need is a legendary hero, but what we've got is Cucumber, a boy who's better suited to studying than monster-slaying. He's just been accepted to the school of his dreams, but because his dad thinks his dreams are kind of lame, it's up to him and his much more heroic sister, Almond, to save the world . . . even if that may be a little more complicated than they think.
Webcomic 01-137.
179 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
23 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 17, 2016
[This review covers Volumes 1-3]
There are a lot of wonderful adventure-fantasy webcomics out there, both popular and obscure, and some of them are long-running series that stretched out for years already that keeping track of their multiple arcs can be a hassle especially if you are more of a casual reader (and more so if you barely get internet access). This ongoing fluff yet sublime webcomics story written and drawn by Gigi D.G is still in the earlier stages of its hopefully long run in years to come, so there is definitely more time to catch up and get yourselves invested in the amusingly enjoyable characters and the literal candy-colored worlds of Cucumber Quest .
The collected printed volumes for this webcomics has the Prologue and Chapter 0 as the first volume, Chapters 1 as its second, and Chapter 2 as its third. Currently, the fourth chapter online is about to be concluded. I managed to finish until the third chapter last night, and man it has been such an utter delight. The good thing about Cucumber Quest is that it's truly for light reading and very easy on the eyes. Gigi D.G's simplistic art style shines well because of her extravagant choices of colors. Bright and often with rainbow layers in coloring plus adorably draw bunny-eared characters being entertaining and funny, each page for this webcomics is a pleasant feast for the eyes, and it certainly did remind me of children's books in the best way possible. There is never a dull moment for the chapters of this series because Gigi D.G's enthusiasm and passion shows in the way she balances the pacing, humor and heartwarming moments of each arc, and hence she makes readers eager for more installments concerning Cucumber and the gang as they move forward to face their outlandish villains and visit/get stranded in various candy-colored landscapes that readers would squeal over because of how pretty they are. I know I sure did, and I guarantee that you will too!
In retrospect, Cucumber Quest can just be taken as a straightforward adventure story starring the bookish and socially reserved Cucumber who only wants to go to magic school but is plagued with the prophesy that he's supposed to be a legendary hero. He's neither outdoorsy or skilled in combat, but it's his 'destiny' to defeat the Disaster Masters and the infamous Nightmare Knight. It seems basic but the storytelling chops of Gigi D.G is anything but generic because, on the other hand, Cucumber Quest is also subversion of certain quest tropes with a minimalist approach that never dares to take itself seriously as a deconstruction, and that is what makes it fun and compelling to go through. It never had to be dark or radical that would border on pretentious; what you see is what you get, and what it offers are well-balanced elements of recognizable tropes coupled with fantastic chemistry among its chief cast. This series can be comparable and may have been inspired by Adventure Time animation series, but it's also entirely unique as its own brand of quirky self-awareness and shenanigans.
Joining Cucumber in his reluctant quest to save the kingdoms and put a stop to the evil queen Cordelia's master plan and also defeat the Nightmare Knight whom she summoned, are his sister Almond who is more or less the one who is more eager to become a monster-slaying adventurer; Sir Carrot, the often cowardly yet endearing knight who loves to do chores, and later by the frustratingly eternal optimist Princess Nautilus of the Ripple Kingdom. The villains they face are the ridiculous named trio of Sir Tomato, Bacon and Lettuce, the witch Peridot (who has a nemesis /girl-crush situation with Almond) and the array of Disaster Masters for each kingdom they visit. Fun times and hilarity ensue as Cucumber is still being forced to participate in all of this while making astute if not meta observations of how suspicious everything about the famed prophesy and the roles they must take to fulfill it.
Let's take a look of some lovely art so you guys will get a taste of what I mean when I said that it's literal candy. Here are some of the pages that I enjoyed both for art and content:
[CLICK TO VIEW LARGER IMAGES]
It's only by the second chapter (third volume) that things get more explored and given a heftier substance and depth. Cucumber's suspicions are slowly being confirmed the more evasive their supposedly appointed guide Dream Oracle becomes if not outright being aggressively dismissive of Cucumber's questions. The Big Bad villain Nightmare Knight also begins to show his true colors which may not be as vile or dark as everyone believes it to be especially the more he interacts with the captive princess Parfait. Even the Disaster Masters themselves don't seem that willing to keep fighting, and Almond is really the only one who is enjoying this quest while Sir Carrot is more concerned about getting back to his sweetheart Parfait. Still, the humor is entertaining particularly when it's centered around Princess Nautilus who really acts as the charming ditz of the narrative, that is until you get on her bad side. Other extra characters like the thief Saturday, the creepy inventor Cosmo , that alien caped crusader and the Limbo/Pizza gang also provide comic relief in small doses.
In a nutshell, Cucumber Quest is a worthy webcomics series that has enough mass appeal for even the most casual reader to get into and enjoy. Gigi D.G is also beginning to develop the characters in interesting ways as well as drop hints and bread crumbs every installment as to what is the real deal with this supposed 'hero quest' that Cucumber must keep enduring, and why the Dream Oracle is being curiously vague regarding what is going on.
I will keep reading to find out and you should too!
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
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June 6, 2018
The illustration style is fantastic, and I love the colour scheme, but the story fell flat. I may continue on with the rest of the volumes at a later date, but at the moment, I'm not interested enough
July 29, 2020
7/2020
Reread for book talk. Fantasy tropes, gender norms (little sister’s aren’t heroes!), humor, family expectations.
8/2017
So apparently I just binged on 852 pages of this webcomic and was puzzled when a new page didn't pop up. Nooooooo!
Adorable drawing style, slow but steady character development, especially with the main siblings, and an adorable romance brewing (while still at the teasing, flirting stage). And it flips typical fantasy tropes upside-down, and then, sometimes, throws them completely out the window.
Reread for book talk. Fantasy tropes, gender norms (little sister’s aren’t heroes!), humor, family expectations.
8/2017
So apparently I just binged on 852 pages of this webcomic and was puzzled when a new page didn't pop up. Nooooooo!
Adorable drawing style, slow but steady character development, especially with the main siblings, and an adorable romance brewing (while still at the teasing, flirting stage). And it flips typical fantasy tropes upside-down, and then, sometimes, throws them completely out the window.
February 5, 2017
I enjoyed way more than I thought I would. The art is incredibly cute, but what really sold me was how *funny* this was. The characters are so cleverly done, I love them to death. And it is just such a fun take on the heroic quest.
January 25, 2015
Art 10/10
characters 10/10
humor 10/10
recommend to everyone
characters 10/10
humor 10/10
recommend to everyone
April 6, 2017
Oh my gosh, so delightful.
Cuteness radiates from this like it was bitten by a radioactive cutiebug.
Adorableness gushes out like this was the old faithful of adorability.
I want to hug this unicorn kitten princess of a book.
Cuteness radiates from this like it was bitten by a radioactive cutiebug.
Adorableness gushes out like this was the old faithful of adorability.
I want to hug this unicorn kitten princess of a book.
November 25, 2017
OMG I loved this book. Art was fantastic and the story had me laughing out loud throughout.
January 12, 2021
An extremely cute start to a well-designed, brightly colored, whimsical adventure story. Cucumber is excited to move to a magical boarding school, he's all packed and ready to go.... when a letter from his father, Cabbage, arrives which urges him to set off on a quest instead. A evil queen has taken over the Cake Castle and plans to summon the Nightmare Knight, with an ultimate goal of world domination! Cucumber very reluctantly sets out to the castle and is immediately beset by side quest after side quest. Luckily his sword-fighting sister Almond shows up just in time to save him and take over the whole adventure for herself. The two of them and the cowardly Carrot travel from the Gumdrop forest to the Flatbread Flatlands to the Ripple kingdom chasing down one thing after another. I get the feeling the author probably studied animation- I think this would make a super cute children's TV show.
March 18, 2017
I got a free advanced ebook copy from NetGalley!
4/5. I love the cute style art with this humor! It's tongue in cheek humor about how if you're male you have to be masculine, and how little sisters cannot be heroes, but of which are extremely wrong. I think if you like Adventure Time you'll probably like this.
4/5. I love the cute style art with this humor! It's tongue in cheek humor about how if you're male you have to be masculine, and how little sisters cannot be heroes, but of which are extremely wrong. I think if you like Adventure Time you'll probably like this.
January 24, 2019
Cucumber Quest is a wonderfully adorable comic about a young boy whose family forces him off on an adventure to be a hero when he doesn't want to be, his little sister who desperately wants to be a hero, and a cast of silly characters that help the two along their way. Someone has resurrected an ancient villain, and all Cucumber has to do is... a bunch of silly quests. And not die! The book takes on plenty of fantasy/quest tropes, making fun of them in a way that readers of all ages will enjoy. With beautiful, well-crafted pages, and a super enjoyable, funny story, Cucumber Quest is a fantastic read and I would recommend the webcomic and the rerelease of the book from First Second in 2017. (This edition is a Kickstart edition. A few are still available!)
April 26, 2015
This is an adorable, refreshing adventure story about a bunny facing fate and his overly heroic younger sister who tags along with him. It is amazing and funny without being overly trite. I love this webcomic and I will recommend it to anyone who wants to read an adventure tale.
August 28, 2017
This is way too brightly colored and sugar-hyper for my taste and the forced, clumsy, too-obvious attempts at upending gender stereotypes were annoying and distracting. However, I am not the target audience and I can see seven-to-ten-year-olds gobbling it up and declaring it awesome.
January 3, 2013
Adorable! I absolutely love this web comic, so of course I had to buy the physical book. It's all my favorite things rolled into one: epic adventures, adorableness, magic, food. Food everywhere.
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January 9, 2017This is one of the best books i have read. it is a good start to the best web comic i have read
August 5, 2016
A thousand exclamation marks.
March 6, 2017
What. A. Fun. Book. WHAT A FUN BOOK! I enjoyed the heck out of Cucumber Quest like whoa. It’s delightful, sweet, and as mentioned, a LOT of fun. Cucumber Quest is being adapted from its original web comic form into a four book series for publisher First Second.
The official synopsis that came from the publisher is this: What happens when an evil queen gets her hands on an ancient force of destruction? World domination, obviously.
The seven kingdoms of Dreamside need a legendary hero. Instead, they’ll have to settle for Cucumber, a nerdy magician who just wants to go to school. As destiny would have it, he and his way more heroic sister, Almond, must now seek the Dream Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Queen Cordelia’s Nightmare Knight.
Can these bunny siblings really save the world in its darkest hour? Sure, why not?
Adapted from the popular webcomic series, Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom is the first graphic novel of a clever, adorable, and hilarious four-volume heroic adventure that is sure to make you hungry for sweets and action.
I was enamored by the art and colours within this story. The creator of the book took a sort of conventional “legendary hero” story and did something quirky and fun with it by turning it on its head. It’s part Lumberjanes, part Star vs the Forces of Evil and Nimona, but ultimately the story is original and great for readers of all-ages.
My only little bit of dismay was that I thought I had close to 200 pages of story but was cut off quite a bit earlier than that as the first chapter wrapped up. Instead, the rest of the pages were bonus content, which is obviously wonderful but I wanted more story instead. Four volumes seems like an odd choice, given that a lot of book series tend to be more like three volumes, but I guess that’s the best way they thought they should release it given the content pulled from the web comic.
Verdict:
Buy this book! Seriously, it’s such a delight (as I’ve mentioned like 5 times already). I love all-ages books, especially when they just embrace their silliness, and this book definitely does that.
Cucumber Quest Book One: The Doughnut Kingdom will be out later this year on October 10 2017.
The official synopsis that came from the publisher is this: What happens when an evil queen gets her hands on an ancient force of destruction? World domination, obviously.
The seven kingdoms of Dreamside need a legendary hero. Instead, they’ll have to settle for Cucumber, a nerdy magician who just wants to go to school. As destiny would have it, he and his way more heroic sister, Almond, must now seek the Dream Sword, the only weapon powerful enough to defeat Queen Cordelia’s Nightmare Knight.
Can these bunny siblings really save the world in its darkest hour? Sure, why not?
Adapted from the popular webcomic series, Cucumber Quest: The Doughnut Kingdom is the first graphic novel of a clever, adorable, and hilarious four-volume heroic adventure that is sure to make you hungry for sweets and action.
I was enamored by the art and colours within this story. The creator of the book took a sort of conventional “legendary hero” story and did something quirky and fun with it by turning it on its head. It’s part Lumberjanes, part Star vs the Forces of Evil and Nimona, but ultimately the story is original and great for readers of all-ages.
My only little bit of dismay was that I thought I had close to 200 pages of story but was cut off quite a bit earlier than that as the first chapter wrapped up. Instead, the rest of the pages were bonus content, which is obviously wonderful but I wanted more story instead. Four volumes seems like an odd choice, given that a lot of book series tend to be more like three volumes, but I guess that’s the best way they thought they should release it given the content pulled from the web comic.
Verdict:
Buy this book! Seriously, it’s such a delight (as I’ve mentioned like 5 times already). I love all-ages books, especially when they just embrace their silliness, and this book definitely does that.
Cucumber Quest Book One: The Doughnut Kingdom will be out later this year on October 10 2017.
May 18, 2017
Cucumber Quest is a really adorable comic that features bunny people who mostly have food names. These characters generally feel trapped in the roles they believe they have to play in a typical hero narrative.
Cucumber is a boy who would prefer to just study magic. He has no interest in becoming a hero, yet he receives a letter from his father telling him that he needs to become a hero because his family has a heroic past and he is the oldest male child. Cucumber points out that he has no battle skills and that his sister is better suited to the hero narrative since she has practiced fighting her entire life and she is interested in hero tales and thinks like a hero. However, people keep telling Cucumber that his sister can't possibly be a hero because hero narratives are never made for younger sisters.
Cucumber and his sister Almond end up combining their skills to deal with the threat to the kingdom, defying the typical hero narrative that pits one hero against the world. They end up collecting allies as they engage in their quest, pulling in bakers, a terrified knight, and a toothless bear at various points in their quest to deal with an evil queen who is trying to collect stones that will allow her to summon an ancient evil.
Although full of adorable art, Cucumber Quest is a comic that questions assumed gender roles in hero narratives, exploring a reluctant male protagonist and an extraordinarily eager female heroine.
Cucumber is a boy who would prefer to just study magic. He has no interest in becoming a hero, yet he receives a letter from his father telling him that he needs to become a hero because his family has a heroic past and he is the oldest male child. Cucumber points out that he has no battle skills and that his sister is better suited to the hero narrative since she has practiced fighting her entire life and she is interested in hero tales and thinks like a hero. However, people keep telling Cucumber that his sister can't possibly be a hero because hero narratives are never made for younger sisters.
Cucumber and his sister Almond end up combining their skills to deal with the threat to the kingdom, defying the typical hero narrative that pits one hero against the world. They end up collecting allies as they engage in their quest, pulling in bakers, a terrified knight, and a toothless bear at various points in their quest to deal with an evil queen who is trying to collect stones that will allow her to summon an ancient evil.
Although full of adorable art, Cucumber Quest is a comic that questions assumed gender roles in hero narratives, exploring a reluctant male protagonist and an extraordinarily eager female heroine.
January 13, 2019
Action packed adventure await readers in Cucumber Quest. Book 1 gives readers an introduction to the main characters good and evil, and the quest that lies ahead in future installments of this series. Cucumber is a bunny who would much rather be a magic scholar than a hero, but it is the duty of the men in his family (albeit it skipped his horrible father who loves money above all else). Cucumber's little sister, Almond, is much better equipped to be the hero Doughnut Kingdom needs, but that's not how it has been for centuries, it has always been a male hero, and because she's younger than Cucumber everyone dismisses her, although her brother is more than willing to let her deal with saving the kingdom. Almond is so passionate about becoming a knight and a hero, that she makes sure the opponent they must ultimately face in their quest is of the most dangerous kind. The situations and characters are charming, funny, and interesting enough to make readers want to get their eyes on Book 2 as soon as possible.
October 11, 2018
Some friends introduced me to this webcomic a few years ago, and I loved it. But I'm also really bad at actually visiting websites and keeping up (or catching up) with updates, so I didn't get far. I always wanted to come back to this one, and when I saw there was a book, I snatched it right up.
The story is high stakes with a light touch. The colors are warm and the art style is comforting and gorgeous. The story and characters are fun and already well developed, though I know more development is to come. The world is huge, and I'm so excited to explore it as the story goes on. (There's also a major Paper Mario vibe throughout.)
Basically, if this had been around when I was a kid, I would have been all over it. But better late than never!
The story is high stakes with a light touch. The colors are warm and the art style is comforting and gorgeous. The story and characters are fun and already well developed, though I know more development is to come. The world is huge, and I'm so excited to explore it as the story goes on. (There's also a major Paper Mario vibe throughout.)
Basically, if this had been around when I was a kid, I would have been all over it. But better late than never!
August 9, 2018
My co-worker Daniel recommends this series to me. I was a bit weary at first after all...what do you think of when you hear cucumber quest? Well, I wasn’t suspecting a super cool graphic novel where all the character’s (or most of them) names are food and they go on an epic quest to save their kingdom.
It’s kind of like the graphic novel series Bone by Jeff Smith. What are people thinking when they come up with these names? I don’t know.
These are both great series for elementary school kids. They are funny, silly, adventurous and instructive all at once.
A high five for Cucumber Quest!
It’s kind of like the graphic novel series Bone by Jeff Smith. What are people thinking when they come up with these names? I don’t know.
These are both great series for elementary school kids. They are funny, silly, adventurous and instructive all at once.
A high five for Cucumber Quest!
May 25, 2018
Odd and very witty. Cucumber is eager to start magical school when he's forced to go on a heroic quest for a certain sword which will vanquish a certain villain. His little sister, Almond, is actually the skilled knight/quester here, but most characters seem to agree that a little sister can't be the conquering hero. Cutesy cupcake-world cartoon characters are buffoons, smartasses, and archetypal villains. All are great fun. Cliffhanger ending will demand pursuit of book two...
Depiction of fathers: Cucumber and Almond's dad is an imprisoned (kind of), self-absorbed, sexist, rich a-hole.
Depiction of fathers: Cucumber and Almond's dad is an imprisoned (kind of), self-absorbed, sexist, rich a-hole.
August 16, 2020
This was so good and I adore the art!! I had meant to read this story YEARS ago when it first came out and well life happened! I saw these at my local
Library and snatched them up! I’m so glad I’ve decided to pick these up because they are so dang cute and I super love this volume that I’m defs gonna purchase them soon!! Cuco and Almond are just sweetest and remind me of me and my siblings a lot! The art is stunning and I absolutely cannot get over how well thought out everything is so far!
Library and snatched them up! I’m so glad I’ve decided to pick these up because they are so dang cute and I super love this volume that I’m defs gonna purchase them soon!! Cuco and Almond are just sweetest and remind me of me and my siblings a lot! The art is stunning and I absolutely cannot get over how well thought out everything is so far!
November 12, 2018
Well this was such a fun first volume love the world and love the plot of the story
I enjoyed the characters much and love how there all named after food
I would totally recommend this comic if ur stuck in a reading slump because it’s such a quick and easy read and totally adorable aswell and will get u back to reading in no time
I rate this a 4/5 stars
I enjoyed the characters much and love how there all named after food
I would totally recommend this comic if ur stuck in a reading slump because it’s such a quick and easy read and totally adorable aswell and will get u back to reading in no time
I rate this a 4/5 stars
September 15, 2019
In the first book of the Series Cucumber quest an ancient evil has been brought back to Dreamside and from Fathers orders Cumber has to give up his dreams ( Mainly because his dad thinks dreams are lame).Now he has to save the world and stop Cordelia and her evil plans with The Nightmare King. He does this with the help of his younger sister Almond.Along the book they meet some friends and foes.
September 24, 2018
I read this with my 5 year old and together we thought it rocked. If I were to read it on my own though I'd probably think it was fun and beautiful but the story line isn't anything out of the ordinary. The graphics are wonderful and we (my son and myself) will continue the series together.
November 15, 2018
I LOVE ALMOND. She's such a non-traditional hero and I just adore her. The banter is cute, the antics are hilarious, and the art is beautiful, but Almond's desire for an adventure, at any cost, is what drove the story for me.
August 15, 2019
This was a quick read for me. The art is fantastic, but it's just not the type of writing or story line I enjoy so I won't be reading the rest of the series. I did love how the Puffington's Academy is for the magically gifted and/or for the incredibly wealthy though. That made me chuckle.
October 27, 2019
Not only is Gigi's art gorgeous, this is some high-skill comic making. The way each panel conveys emotion and context is just brilliant. It's so special to see so many amazing storytelling mechanisms come together so beautifully in this lovely and heart-felt book! Can't wait to read the rest.
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October 30, 2021There are seven kingdoms and I think Dreamside is one of the kingdoms. Cucumber and her little sister need to save seven kingdom and the evil queen is trying to collect all these balls. She just needs one more ball. I like it mostly because it had good pictures and it was like an adventure.
November 29, 2017
Good good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews