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The Mushroom Knight #2
The Mushroom Knight, vol. 2
- GenresGraphic NovelsFantasy
96 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2024
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40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 29, 2025
Went back and gave the first volume 5 stars instead of four. This volume made all the difference. It made everything click. I knew there was something strange about the first volume that might get explained eventually. I didn't realize just how much the second volume would enhance the first. The first volume was extremely confusing and filled with random things that didn't seem to make any sense. This volume puts it all together and really hooked me on the world building and characters. I want to know what happened to the little girl's dog. I want to know why the mushroom guy's best friend went rogue. And most of all, I want to understand this world full of nature and magic like nothing I've ever seen before.
Do not stop at the end of volume one and call it quits. Read the second one. It will make everything make sense and then some.
The Mushroom Knight Review
5/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Onto the review!
I picked up the first two volumes (all that’s out so far) of this graphic novel series, because I managed to snag an arc of the second volume through NetGalley. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I had a great time with this series! I wasn’t sure what to expect with the start of this series, because it’s relatively new and I haven’t heard anything about it yet, but it was a lot of fun. It was also quite strange at times, which is always a plus for me.
This series follows a little mushroom guy who finds himself in a tricky situation and has to use magic to help him get out of it. The magic he uses ends up having a negative side effect on this human girl who happens to be passing by this particular part of the woods. Immediately after she leaves, she begins to have trouble walking, and the only way to cure her is to undo the magic.
The reason she was in the woods in the first place is because her dog ran away into the woods, and she was searching for him. The little mushroom guy lives in the woods with other tiny creatures, many of whom also have physical traits drawn from nature. For example, there are little creatures with insect limbs or flower heads or made of rock.
It kind of felt like watching a Ghibli movie, with all the cute but bizarre little forest creatures running around everywhere. The art of this series is so incredibly gorgeous. It makes you wish you could run away into the woods and shrink down to the size of a bug. But on top of all the cute nature drawings, there’s also this weird undertone that permeates through everything and leaves a lot of world building still yet to be discovered.
When the forest people talk to each other, they speak in a really confusing way that reminded me a lot of the way dialogue works in Alice in Wonderland. If you’ve ever read the original books or seen the old cartoon Disney movie from the 50s, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. I can’t help but wonder if this series is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, because there were so many similar aspects.
But I could also see this being inspired by something like Arietty, which is a middle grade chapter books series that got a Ghibli adaptation. That series/movie is all about these tiny people who live under the baseboards of this old lady’s house. I specifically see this series as maybe being inspired by Arietty in the way that the tiny forest creatures interact with humans and other larger animals.
I think if you’re going to give this series a try, I highly recommend reading the first two volumes together. I didn’t feel like I understood all of what was happening until I finished the second volume, because the first volume is really just an introduction to the world, characters, and initial plot threads. If I had only read the first volume, I might have not been super interested in continuing the series, because I didn’t know what the heck was going on.
But now that I’ve read two of these, I’m hooked. I need to know what’s going on in this weird, wacky world, and how it all connects together. I get the feeling that there’s a lot more to this story than has been revealed so far. Thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an early arc. I’m definitely going to be continuing this series. It’s so cute and weird. I love it.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
Thanks for the arc, NetGalley. Loved it!
http://aminoapps.com/p/wa1t09
Do not stop at the end of volume one and call it quits. Read the second one. It will make everything make sense and then some.
The Mushroom Knight Review
5/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Onto the review!
I picked up the first two volumes (all that’s out so far) of this graphic novel series, because I managed to snag an arc of the second volume through NetGalley. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I had a great time with this series! I wasn’t sure what to expect with the start of this series, because it’s relatively new and I haven’t heard anything about it yet, but it was a lot of fun. It was also quite strange at times, which is always a plus for me.
This series follows a little mushroom guy who finds himself in a tricky situation and has to use magic to help him get out of it. The magic he uses ends up having a negative side effect on this human girl who happens to be passing by this particular part of the woods. Immediately after she leaves, she begins to have trouble walking, and the only way to cure her is to undo the magic.
The reason she was in the woods in the first place is because her dog ran away into the woods, and she was searching for him. The little mushroom guy lives in the woods with other tiny creatures, many of whom also have physical traits drawn from nature. For example, there are little creatures with insect limbs or flower heads or made of rock.
It kind of felt like watching a Ghibli movie, with all the cute but bizarre little forest creatures running around everywhere. The art of this series is so incredibly gorgeous. It makes you wish you could run away into the woods and shrink down to the size of a bug. But on top of all the cute nature drawings, there’s also this weird undertone that permeates through everything and leaves a lot of world building still yet to be discovered.
When the forest people talk to each other, they speak in a really confusing way that reminded me a lot of the way dialogue works in Alice in Wonderland. If you’ve ever read the original books or seen the old cartoon Disney movie from the 50s, you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. I can’t help but wonder if this series is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, because there were so many similar aspects.
But I could also see this being inspired by something like Arietty, which is a middle grade chapter books series that got a Ghibli adaptation. That series/movie is all about these tiny people who live under the baseboards of this old lady’s house. I specifically see this series as maybe being inspired by Arietty in the way that the tiny forest creatures interact with humans and other larger animals.
I think if you’re going to give this series a try, I highly recommend reading the first two volumes together. I didn’t feel like I understood all of what was happening until I finished the second volume, because the first volume is really just an introduction to the world, characters, and initial plot threads. If I had only read the first volume, I might have not been super interested in continuing the series, because I didn’t know what the heck was going on.
But now that I’ve read two of these, I’m hooked. I need to know what’s going on in this weird, wacky world, and how it all connects together. I get the feeling that there’s a lot more to this story than has been revealed so far. Thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an early arc. I’m definitely going to be continuing this series. It’s so cute and weird. I love it.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
Thanks for the arc, NetGalley. Loved it!
http://aminoapps.com/p/wa1t09
May 7, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I feel like this volume of The Mushroom Knight did an excellent job of building on the first volume. This felt like pure magic, and I loved getting to see the art style, characters, and setting that I had loved in the first volume again in the second. The artwork in this series truly is something else! The characters and backgrounds feel so intricate, and I'm obsessed with them!
I would recommend reading the first volume first since the second volume clears up a lot of questions that you may have. If you're a fan of graphic novels, this is a great next read!
I feel like this volume of The Mushroom Knight did an excellent job of building on the first volume. This felt like pure magic, and I loved getting to see the art style, characters, and setting that I had loved in the first volume again in the second. The artwork in this series truly is something else! The characters and backgrounds feel so intricate, and I'm obsessed with them!
I would recommend reading the first volume first since the second volume clears up a lot of questions that you may have. If you're a fan of graphic novels, this is a great next read!
October 13, 2024
Volume 1 felt like I held something in my hands that was really cool if only I could figure out what the hell it was. There was a lot of world building and unfamiliar vocabulary and while I could see it was a kingdom and magic system built around ecology I couldn’t quite grasp it. I suspected it was a sign of getting older, that I couldn’t dive straight into an unfamiliar world. I was certain I would’ve understood it easily twenty years ago.
I really wanted to see what happened, though, and the art is great with a retro palette. So I jumped on volume two at the first opportunity.
It all makes so much more sense now! Part of it is having a human character to provide a more familiar context, but a lot of it seems to be that we’ve gotten past the world building and are actually living in it. The focus this volume is on characters and how they move through this world. We get to explore the interactions between Gowlitrot and Lemuelle while still finding pieces of the overall plot against Glöd.
The art remains striking and impactful, and I love how the magic system is based around ecology. Definitely a series to follow!
I really wanted to see what happened, though, and the art is great with a retro palette. So I jumped on volume two at the first opportunity.
It all makes so much more sense now! Part of it is having a human character to provide a more familiar context, but a lot of it seems to be that we’ve gotten past the world building and are actually living in it. The focus this volume is on characters and how they move through this world. We get to explore the interactions between Gowlitrot and Lemuelle while still finding pieces of the overall plot against Glöd.
The art remains striking and impactful, and I love how the magic system is based around ecology. Definitely a series to follow!
September 25, 2024
Mad Cave Studios provided an early galley for review.
Continuing where volume 1 left off, this richly illustrated, dark and stylized fantasy story is oddly fascinating. It reminds me of the type of stories that would appear back in the day in the pages of Heavy Metal magazine; not the usual comic book fare I made a steady diet of but certainly something outside of the box to cleanse my palette.
The way that Lem and Gowli start to bond is presented with a magical innocence. It is a timeless kind of relationship, seen many times before, but it is one that hits the mark when presented well as done here.
The next three chapters of this story go by at a fairly quick pace but also in a most satisfying way. I certainly look forward to the next installment of this story.
Continuing where volume 1 left off, this richly illustrated, dark and stylized fantasy story is oddly fascinating. It reminds me of the type of stories that would appear back in the day in the pages of Heavy Metal magazine; not the usual comic book fare I made a steady diet of but certainly something outside of the box to cleanse my palette.
The way that Lem and Gowli start to bond is presented with a magical innocence. It is a timeless kind of relationship, seen many times before, but it is one that hits the mark when presented well as done here.
The next three chapters of this story go by at a fairly quick pace but also in a most satisfying way. I certainly look forward to the next installment of this story.
November 28, 2025
I love this world so much, the characters are perfectly quirky, and the art just stunning!!
November 9, 2024
I read the first volume of The Mushroom Knight at the start of 2024 and while I enjoyed it, I was also left a bit confused and hoping for clarity with the next installment. Fast-forward to November 2024, volume two is now out! I’m happy to say it delivered the clarity I’ve been waiting for, along with a dash of whimsy, and a dark mystery, all wrapped together with a running thread of environmentalism.
The story is set in Philadelphia in the ’90s and the sense of time is embedded in every detail of Lem’s bedroom, toys, and clothing and as a ‘90s kid, I was eating it up! This second vol is where both protagonists begin to interact with each other in the way I was hoping for in vol. 1. I’m a big fan of ‘fish out of water’ stories and watching Gowli get his bearings in the human world was deeply charming and adorable. While Gowli’s misadventures are funny and integral to the plot, they also provide an outside perspective on how the fae creatures see the human world: a wasteland.
This leads well into the second POV of this story. While Gowli is away, the citizens of the Fae Kingdom of Glöd are forced to bear the physical and emotional burdens of humans' carelessness toward their shared environment. The bulk of the drama in that POV centers around a caravan of trash. But this is also where parts of the conspiracy from the first volume are being cleared up and new questions are arising. The mystery element keeps me engaged, and I'm eager for the next installment, where I hope Hoppalong, Gowli’s frog steed can be part of the adventure once more; I did miss the ‘lil guy! That being said, I suggest you read the volumes back to back to avoid forgetting details if you have a poor memory like me😅.
The story is set in Philadelphia in the ’90s and the sense of time is embedded in every detail of Lem’s bedroom, toys, and clothing and as a ‘90s kid, I was eating it up! This second vol is where both protagonists begin to interact with each other in the way I was hoping for in vol. 1. I’m a big fan of ‘fish out of water’ stories and watching Gowli get his bearings in the human world was deeply charming and adorable. While Gowli’s misadventures are funny and integral to the plot, they also provide an outside perspective on how the fae creatures see the human world: a wasteland.
This leads well into the second POV of this story. While Gowli is away, the citizens of the Fae Kingdom of Glöd are forced to bear the physical and emotional burdens of humans' carelessness toward their shared environment. The bulk of the drama in that POV centers around a caravan of trash. But this is also where parts of the conspiracy from the first volume are being cleared up and new questions are arising. The mystery element keeps me engaged, and I'm eager for the next installment, where I hope Hoppalong, Gowli’s frog steed can be part of the adventure once more; I did miss the ‘lil guy! That being said, I suggest you read the volumes back to back to avoid forgetting details if you have a poor memory like me😅.
May 1, 2025
The second volume shifts away from the weird fantasy stuff into more straightforward fantasy, plus a fun fish-out-of-water tale for our two heroes, Lem (human) and Gowli (mushroom knight). Gowli, having stolen some of Lem's soul to heal himself, is now honor-bound to help Lem, which means he's honor-bound to find Lem's dog ().
The fetch quest is very enjoyable, especially when played against the ongoing mystery of why the other knight stole that crystal in the first volume. The fantasy world is growing (there's an ominous caravan of trash that might require sacrifices!) and the plot is picking up pace. The art and characters continue to shine, especially as some of the forced weirdness goes away. Really looking forward to future volumes!
The fetch quest is very enjoyable, especially when played against the ongoing mystery of why the other knight stole that crystal in the first volume. The fantasy world is growing (there's an ominous caravan of trash that might require sacrifices!) and the plot is picking up pace. The art and characters continue to shine, especially as some of the forced weirdness goes away. Really looking forward to future volumes!
October 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I had the opportunity to read and review the first volume of The Mushroom Knight and I loved it, so I jumped at the chance to review the second one and it didn’t disappoint.
Volume 2 builds a lot on the first one, with the same characters and art that I loved from the first one. I loved seeing the relationship between Lem and Gowli grow and evolve and I cannot wait to see more of them. The world building in this one is a lot more in depth than it was in the first one and I liked learning more about the world in the book. I’m still a little confused on what’s going on but I’m eager to follow along into the next volume and see what happens next!
3.5 ⭐️
I had the opportunity to read and review the first volume of The Mushroom Knight and I loved it, so I jumped at the chance to review the second one and it didn’t disappoint.
Volume 2 builds a lot on the first one, with the same characters and art that I loved from the first one. I loved seeing the relationship between Lem and Gowli grow and evolve and I cannot wait to see more of them. The world building in this one is a lot more in depth than it was in the first one and I liked learning more about the world in the book. I’m still a little confused on what’s going on but I’m eager to follow along into the next volume and see what happens next!
3.5 ⭐️
December 11, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
I think I had a similar opinion about the first volume that a lot of other readers had. That is to say that I had absolutely no idea what was going on with the story but I knew that I liked the premise and characters enough to continue on with the series.
That being said, I really loved this volume. It did such a good job of building up the tension from the first volume without shoving everything in your face. It answered (both directly and indirectly) many of the questions presented in the first volume while still letting the overall mystery linger. I'm excited to find out how the narrative continues to develop in later chapters! Definitely recommend this one!
I think I had a similar opinion about the first volume that a lot of other readers had. That is to say that I had absolutely no idea what was going on with the story but I knew that I liked the premise and characters enough to continue on with the series.
That being said, I really loved this volume. It did such a good job of building up the tension from the first volume without shoving everything in your face. It answered (both directly and indirectly) many of the questions presented in the first volume while still letting the overall mystery linger. I'm excited to find out how the narrative continues to develop in later chapters! Definitely recommend this one!
September 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for a copy of The Mushroom Knight in exchange for an honest review.
My main take away from Vol. 1 was that the story felt a little lacking, but that I loved the art style and the nature setting. I’ve got to be honest, I’m still not sure what all is happening here in Vol. 2, but I certainly enjoyed the adventure it took me on! The art was just as beautiful as it was in the first volume, and I do think the story is developing, albeit slowly. I am intrigued to see what will happen in the next issue.
**3.5 rounded up
My main take away from Vol. 1 was that the story felt a little lacking, but that I loved the art style and the nature setting. I’ve got to be honest, I’m still not sure what all is happening here in Vol. 2, but I certainly enjoyed the adventure it took me on! The art was just as beautiful as it was in the first volume, and I do think the story is developing, albeit slowly. I am intrigued to see what will happen in the next issue.
**3.5 rounded up
December 2, 2024
The Mushroom Knight is pure magic! Oliver Bly created such a unique world with intricate, vividly detailed backgrounds that make every scene come to life. The story is funny, heartwarming, and packed with twists that kept me hooked. I couldn’t put it down and already want to read it again. If you love fantasy with a fresh twist, this book is a must read. No wonder it has already won so many awards!
October 27, 2024
The artwork in this graphic novel is so unique. Volume Two cleared up a lot of questions I had from Volume One. You definitely need to Volume One first, there is no way to make Volume Two a stand-alone.
December 3, 2024
We shift almost entirely from weird fantasy into cutesy/oddly foreboding 90s kids fare, though the verbose fantasy parts are still there, just cut into smaller bits. I enjoyed this less than the first volume but Bly's art remains wonderful.
June 29, 2025
Rating: 4.5
September 18, 2024
ARC from netgalley.
Putting it against the first volume, something feels lacking. Still an enjoyable read. I'm not sure there is enough to have me continue in the series.
Putting it against the first volume, something feels lacking. Still an enjoyable read. I'm not sure there is enough to have me continue in the series.
June 8, 2025
Weird and wild and wonderful, trippy as the first volume. Being immersed in the world already helps it make more sense-- and strangely enough there's more exposition and explanation in this one. O to be a mushroom knight with a frog pal
December 29, 2025
The intrigue continues...
I can tell this series is going to be absolutely fascinating, and worth many re reads
I can tell this series is going to be absolutely fascinating, and worth many re reads
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews