Lumberjanes: Campfire Songs

Lumberjanes (Single Issues) #72.5

by Shannon Watters (Writer, Creator), Nicole Andelfinger, Brittney Williams (Writer, Illustrator)

Collects Lumberjanes: A Midsummer Night’s Scheme, Lumberjanes: Somewhere That’s Green, and more!

CRYPTIDS, AND KITTENS, AND COSTUMES, OH, MY!

Neither rain nor heat nor mischievous faeries can put a damper on the fun at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types! 

Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley are helping throw a huge, mid-summer costume bash with the rest of the Lumberjane scouts, but the decorations, snacks, and supplies keep going missing, thanks to some pesky faeries!

Then, the Roanoke scouts have been cooped up inside FOREVER in the biggest rainstorm of the summer, but when a litter of mysterious, spiky green kittens wash up on their doorstep, it's up to Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley to get the kittens back home again (even though Ripley would really like to keep them, obviously!).

Lumberjanes co-creators Shannon Watters and Brooklyn Allen, along with Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance), Seanan McGuire (Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider), and more present all the fun summer stories—and kittens!—that prove the perfect time and place is always with your best friends.

Collects Lumberjanes: A Midsummer Night’s Scheme, Lumberjanes: Somewhere That’s Green, and more!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Young Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Middle Grade

111 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2020

About the author

Senior Editor at BOOM! Studios | Head of BOOM! Box | Co-Creator/Writer of Lumberjanes | your favorite boy band butch [she/her]
(from Twitter profile)

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This comics series created by a Boom! Studios editor ran from 2014 to 2020 and stretched to 75 issues that have been collected in 20+ volumes. Watters wanted to create a girl-centric comic and roped in various writers who together decided on the summer scout camp setting. I didn’t really know what I was getting into with this set of six stand-alone stories, each illustrated by a different artist. The characters are recognizably the same across the stories, but the variation in style meant I didn’t know what they’re “supposed” to look like. All are female or nonbinary, including queer and trans characters. I guess I expected queer coming-of-age stuff, but this is more about friendship and fantastical adventures. Other worlds are just a few steps away. They watch the Northern Lights with a pair of yeti, attend a dinner party cooked by a ghost chef, and play with green kittens and giant animate pumpkins. My favourite individual story was “A Midsummer Night’s Scheme,” in which Puck the fairy interferes with preparations for a masquerade ball. I won’t bother reading other installments.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lumberjanes are always a joy, and since these are short-story type vignettes, the fun is more concentrated and faster-paced. Recommended for longtime fans or as a jumping-on point for new ones.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were pretty cute stories. I liked these additional stories and they were fun.
It was nice to have some stories that are outside the main storyline.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute collection of short one-shot stories featuring our favourite Lumberjanes and some new friends and adventures

[Michelle Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the lumberjanes :)

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much like Lumberjanes: Bonus Tracks, this collection features a handful of one-shot stories from a variety of contributors. I particularly enjoyed the diversity of illustrators in this volume. Special shoutout for Some En-Haunted Evening, mostly for bringing Barney back, but also for some comical tributes to Giant Days, Goldie Vance, and others.

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come :)

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campfire Songs collects some Lumberjanes one-shots, as well as some back-up stories from their 50th issue into a little bundle of delight.

We open on A Midsummer Night's Scheme, written by Nicole Andelfinger, which has the 'Janes plotting a dance only to run into some faeries with their own problems. This is a nice Molly spotlight, even if it's not quite obvious that that is what it is until the end. The back-up story by Brittney Williams is short and sweet, and almost entirely un-supernatural, which is a departure from the norm.

Somewhere That's Green, by Seanan McGuire is a nice little story, although it does feel like it has a moral that Ripley has learned more than once already, and it's unfortunate that both this one-shot and the first have Bubbles running away to propel the plot forward. Weather Woes, by Mari Costa, is another quick back-up story that'll make you smile.

Then we get Liz Prince's Some En-Haunted Evening one-shot, which is a bit of a Boom! Studios jam session with an unexpected ending, while A Memory, by series creator Shannon Waters, gives us a bit more context for Rosie and the Bear Woman, and is probably the most relevant story of those collected here.

The art on display across these stories is from, in order, Maddi Gonzalez, Brittney Williams, Alexa Bosy, Mari Costa, and series mainstays Kat Leyh and Brooke Allen. Every one of these artists does a wonderful job, making sure that the 'Janes and their adventures are beautifully rendered. There's not a bad one in the bunch.

Campfire Songs is a little inconsequential, but then massive continuity has never really been the Lumberjanes' cup of tea. If you like the rest of the series, there's no reason to avoid more of what you love, which is exactly what this volume is.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always delightful I almost didn't borrow this one from Hoopla but I'm glad I did. The Midsummer Night's theme and the fairies as well as the green world where the mother wanted to keep them and all of the quirky adventures, fun, and humor are just fabulous breaks from other kinds of reading.

And if I'm being honest while we're never going to get back to some of the original illustrators, this one was the most visually appealing for the characters that I've found in a few volumes that just seemed too wonky. This was the right kind of perfect.

I love living in this camp world of hardcore lady types!

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Lumberjanes one-offs are nice but slight; not doing much to advance the characters or relationships, but still having fun with them in different forms. A themed party causes arguments that are only resolved when similar arguments arise between thieving fairies, a mysterious garden is found in the forest, and the Janes might be its next permanent residents, and a flashback story to an earlier generation of Lumberjanes all have moments but nothing that makes them memorable. The art is good throughout, but nothing spectacular either. It's a good level of "more of the same" without wearing out the welcome of the characters. But not worth going out of your way to find.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lumberjanes: Campfire Songs is a collection of stories following out favorite cabin ever, the Roanokes. There are six stories in this collection in total. A Midsummer Night's Scheme, A Pondering Mystery, Somewhere That's Green, Weather Woes, Some En-Haunted Evening, and A Memory.

Each and every one of these short stories embodies everything that makes the Lumberjanes so magical and wonderful. Of course, having our favorite characters (Jo, April, Molly, Mal, Ripley, and Jen) certainly doesn't hurt things either.

First, the campers battle glitter and make fairy allies (as is the Lumerjanes way), then Ripley disappears (or does she?). Next up the campers find some strange new friends, with particularly green thumbs. After that, a generator must be fixed, or friends will cry. If that wasn't enough for you (and our campers) there's still a murder mystery party to contend with, and a blast to the past, with two beloved leaders taking center stage.

Lumberjanes: Campfire Songs is a fun series of short stories from this world. None of them are connected to each other, unless you count the main characters as the common thread, that is. It's a fun reminder that this summer went on longer than average, and brought with it plenty of adventures.

Naturally, as a huge Lumerjanes fan, I adored each and every one of these comics. That being said, I obviously had favorites. Somewhere That's Green is probably the best, in my mind. But that might be my bias showing (I adore anything written by Seanan McGuire).

First, there's A Midsummer Night's Scheme – which is an amazing title, btw. The Lumberjanes are having another fun party (they seem to have many of those), and once again it's an excuse for them to meet and make new friends. It's short, sweet, and feels like the main series in many ways.

Following that is A Pondering Mystery. This is another fun one-shot, in a way that only the Lumberjanes can provide. It's a strong reminder of the portals that seem to pop up all over the place, and the chaos they bring with them. It's super short, but that's okay.

Next up is my favorite (as already mentioned), Somewhere That's Green. I love the botanical theme of this story, as well as the inclusion of even more (!) kittens. It's perfect, in that sense. Ripley's reaction is so pure as well.

Weather Woes is another extremely quick one-shot. This one brings some famous friends of the Lumberjanes, and is in general just cute and sweet.

Some En-Haunted Evening is the second to last short in this collection, and it's a bit out there, even by Lumberjanes standards. Still, it is also a ton of fun, and as with the rest, is a quick and entertaining read.

I really enjoyed A Memory, as I've always been dying to know more about Rosie and the counterparts from her time as camp. I don't think that's just me either, as fans have been pretty receptive to any and all news on that front.

With it all listed out like that, it's really no wonder that I found Lumberjanes: Campfire Songs to be the entertaining graphic novel I keep touting it as.

Check out more reviews from Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Bill Coffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collective review for the entire Lumberjanes series.

I’ve been wanting to do a complete Lumberjanes read-through ever since I bought the first TPB at the New York ComiCon, back when the series first started. My son and I had just finished reading Namona together, and I was a big Noelle Stevenson fan on the back of that, so Lumberjanes was an obvious choice for what to read next. I read the first few volumes, and then let it sit for a few years as the series ran its course. Now, I have the chance to go back and take it all in as a single, extended reading. So what’s the verdict?

Lumberjanes is a magnificent comic property. Even if it doesn’t speak to you directly (and it doesn’t always speak that strongly to me), the truth is that a book with this much heart, accessibility, respect for each others’ differences, love for a good yarn, and investment in its own characters is a book worth everyone’s notice.

The story involves a very long and unusual summer for a gang of young women at a summer camp where mythical beasts roams and time works at its own pace. It is full of both epic danger and mundane camp stuff, where we might see our heroines fighting a creature from Greek myth one volume, and play a board game of their own making in another. For them, this time-warping summer camp experience is an extended exercise in facing the many challenges of burgeoning adulthood, where growing together matters more than growing up.

Throughout the Lumberjanes is a strong commitment to representation, and this book really delivers there. Just about every reader can easily see themselves in Lumberjanes, which is a feature, not a bug. Even though the stories themselves can hit a kind of rut without any real stakes or advancement of characters or meta-plot (this was especially the case once Stevenson moved off the book), the fact remains that this is a story that provides a much-needed presence in the world of graphic storytelling. You’re not going to find many books this overwhelmingly positive, especially to any dimension of diversity within the audience, and in a comics scene that so often meets diversity kicking and screaming, Lumberjanes' steadfast embrace of our differences really matters. There are more than a few books that feel cut from the Lumberjanes cloth nowadays, but one imagines they wouldn’t be around if not for Lumberjanes themselves. And you know what? We’re all better for it. Whether you like this book or not, you must respect it, and that is no small thing.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite was “Somewhere That’s Green” by Seanan McGuire. I love those cactus kittens! Also, I really liked Alexa Bosy’s art for this story.
I also enjoyed “A Memory” which brought back Brooklyn Allen as artist. His art is really my favorite out of all the main story artists; it’s sketchy in the spooky scenes and expressive for the main Jane crew. Although I think sometimes it may come across as maturer than intended for the intended preteen audience of the series. Which is to say I do like most of the new main storyline artists. In fact I think it would be cool to see some of the artists in this collection work on the main story, there are quite a few good one’s featured here.
Anyway, overall a cute collection and worth a visit if you want more Lumberjane stories.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Lumberjanes. I like cryptids. I like cosplay. I like classic fantasy. This volume has all of those things, but not in a normal blend, which makes it perfectly Lumberjanes in style.
I especially like how far afield the various Lumbjanes writers go to find interesting cryptids for the stories. I would never have expected cactus cats at all, but cactus cat kittens were a truly amazing "aww, isn't that cute, with the green kittens...wait...GREEN?"
I know I'm supposed to like some of the other characters more, but I really, really would have liked to have met someone like Ripley when I was a kid. I mean, she's out of control, knows that she's out of control, and knows that she can't change that while still being her.
This is a great set of stories.

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories featuring our favourite Lumberjanes in a variety of adventures. There's one involving a party for Midsummer, one involving green kittens, one with a ghost chef and, most intriguingly, one showing Rosie's time at the camp as a kid, when bear-lady Nellie is in charge.

There's a variety of artists drawing the stories, but all work within the context of both these stories, and of the series as a whole. The stories don't progress the overall plot, but they're not supposed to - they're just short stories within the universe of the Lumberjanes. And it was just lovely to spend some time with the residents of Roanoke cabin again.

Probably not a good jumping on point for newbies who don't know the characters, but recommended for existing fans.

[Emily Rundle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved these short little Lumberjanes stories! No major plot or character development really comes through in these side plots, but that's fine by me as the fun certainly shows through. My only complaint, and this often comes up when there are guest writers for comics, is that there are a couple instances where the girls are a little out of character (I mean Mal happily diving into an underwater cave with no complaints???). Looking past that though, these are a lot of fun and worth the read even if they don't add anything to the overall plot of the series.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5, but rounded down to 3. It’s a series of cute stories, but they’re all underdeveloped. Just as soon as I get a feel for what’s happening and adjust to the new art style in a chapter, the story is over. I know it’s not a regular issue of the series and it’s likely designed to be read by people who already know these characters. Other than this I’ve only read the first Lumberjanes book, and I think it would make more sense if I’d read more of the series.

[sallanvaara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories were kinda meh and pretty disjointed, and I didn't really love the art styles in this one either. Still a solid Lumberjanes collection, but not among my favourites. (I only realised after reading that this doesn't seem to be an actual volume in the series, so that's probably why the stories were even more one-shot-ish than usual.)

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as always

The Lumberjanes deploy, as always, their superpowers of compassion, friendship, and understanding, to solve the inevitable internal and external conflicts that play part of life. Good reading for, as always, any age. For my money, should be required reading, for adults. May we all strive to be like the Janes strive to be, with each other.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good addition to the Lumberjanes series of graphic novels. The characters felt real and the action kept the plot of the various stories moving along. Although this wasn't the best volume in the series to date, it was worth the read. I highly recommend the Lumberjanes series, especially the earlier titles.

[Oracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This particular graphic novel had a HIGHLY enjoyable storyline that backed it. The tale was imaginative and adorably illustrated. It really allows for a reader to escape into another little world. There is a bit of magic within these pages. Don't sideline this one if you happen to catch it-- there's too much fun here! :D ❤

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Lumberjane comic “shorts,” the stories in Campfire Songs are stand-alone. Fairies, green kittens, ghosts, yetis, and more are discovered by April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley! Jen, Rosie, Barney, and the Bearwoman makes appearances too! This is an awesome and quick read for anyone who loves the series!!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute mini stories! But one of them completely changed the appearance of one of the girls and I’m not a fan. Also the costumes they were wearing for that same story didn’t seem to fit their personalities.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these little one-off stories and the art that went with them. I found it to be more of the art with details, rather than the ones that look a little more rough around the edges. And Ripley, she is still my favorite little bundle of joy!

[Mary Havens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of Lumberjanes shorts, I think my favorite one was the kittens and Epimeliads. I also liked the last story with Rosie, Abbie, and Nellie flashback. Been awhile since we heard from those characters. 😃

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lumberjanes is the perfect escapist remedy to stressful times, and this entry is no exception. The stories are fun and the tone is light and joyful. I've adored this series since the beginning, and this one keeps the entertainment going.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this collection, it was probably some of my favorite art in a while for most of the issues. The stories were each self-contained and cute. I especially liked the murder mystery one, when they were all playing characters from other comics!

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already read the first two stories so I skipped those and read the rest of the graphic novel. All the stories were great as usual and I absolutely loved the girls illustrated in the Murder Mystery story.

[Carrie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable little edition to the series with short comics throughout. I loved most of the stories in this one. Loved having Puck in this world too. I mean how could you do a story called "A Midsummer Night's Scheme" without Puck. You can't.

[Satrina T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of Lumberjanes short stories.

Favorite character: Ripley, especially with the kittens.

Favorite part: Tiny high fives and Jen as Goldie Vance

Least favorite part: I really would have liked to know more of Nellie's story