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Lumberjanes #18
Lumberjanes, Vol. 18: Horticultural Horizons
When April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley get in trouble with Rosie, the mysterious director of Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types, they figure the punishment is gonna be a walk in the park… er, woods, but no one’s ready for the surprises that await!
THEY’RE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS QUITE YET! When April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley get in trouble with Rosie, the mysterious director of Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, they figure the punishment is gonna be a walk in the park… er, woods. That’s before a super gross, and seemingly-sentient creeping vine starts popping up everywhere and scooping ‘Janes up! And then there’s Rosie’s best friend from long ago: the elegant and enigmatic Abigail, who’s appeared out of the woodwork to join forces with the Lumberjanes once more! The team of Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters and Kanesha C. Bryant send the ‘Janes on their most surprising adventure yet in the next volume of the New York Times best-selling phenomenon. Collects Lumberjanes #69-72.
THEY’RE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS QUITE YET! When April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley get in trouble with Rosie, the mysterious director of Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, they figure the punishment is gonna be a walk in the park… er, woods. That’s before a super gross, and seemingly-sentient creeping vine starts popping up everywhere and scooping ‘Janes up! And then there’s Rosie’s best friend from long ago: the elegant and enigmatic Abigail, who’s appeared out of the woodwork to join forces with the Lumberjanes once more! The team of Kat Leyh, Shannon Watters and Kanesha C. Bryant send the ‘Janes on their most surprising adventure yet in the next volume of the New York Times best-selling phenomenon. Collects Lumberjanes #69-72.
112 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 25, 2021
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796 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Watters
196 books192 followersSenior Editor at BOOM! Studios | Head of BOOM! Box | Co-Creator/Writer of Lumberjanes | your favorite boy band butch [she/her]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 3, 2022
There are a couple of odd things going on in this volume, and I don’t just mean the plot. The first is the dual illustration credit. Kanesha C. Bryant continues from the prior volume, and I still struggle with her cartoony for these characters. When it works, it is fantastic, but other times it feels too divergent. The odd thing (odd as in something new for this series, not as in strange) is the inclusion of a secondary timeline, this one illustrated by Julia Madrigal, in a style immediately distinguishable from the other, including the colour palette. This other story is set in the past, during the founding of the Lumberjanes. The past timeline informs the present one in a welcome storytelling feat.
The other odd thing is the tendency to break into educational segments, like it became a non-fiction book framed as a comic, rather than a comic that just happens to include engaging references that potentially prompt the young reader to learn more on their own. These moments seem artificial in a way that I don’t recall seeing before in this series. They’re still fun.
Otherwise, excellent writing! A worthy volume as the series approaches its finale.
I’ll have to check the lettering credits for the prior volumes; I don’t remember the print being so tiny before. There were a couple of typos too. Is it still called a typo when it’s made by hand-lettering? Writos. Letteros. The most concerning is where “Lumberjanes” seems to be written as “Lumber janes.” Twice.
The other odd thing is the tendency to break into educational segments, like it became a non-fiction book framed as a comic, rather than a comic that just happens to include engaging references that potentially prompt the young reader to learn more on their own. These moments seem artificial in a way that I don’t recall seeing before in this series. They’re still fun.
Otherwise, excellent writing! A worthy volume as the series approaches its finale.
I’ll have to check the lettering credits for the prior volumes; I don’t remember the print being so tiny before. There were a couple of typos too. Is it still called a typo when it’s made by hand-lettering? Writos. Letteros. The most concerning is where “Lumberjanes” seems to be written as “Lumber janes.” Twice.
November 21, 2021
#1) Lumberjanes, Vol 1: Beware the Holy Kitten ★★★☆☆
#2) Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max ★★☆☆☆
#3) Lumberjanes, Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan ★★★★☆
#4) Lumberjanes, Vol. 4: Out of Time ★★★★☆
#5) Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together ★★★★☆
#6) Lumberjanes, Vol. 6: Sink or Swim ★★★☆☆
#7) Lumberjanes, Vol. 7: A Bird-Eye's View ★★★★☆
#8) Lumberjanes Vol. 8: Stone Cold ★★★★☆
#10 Lumberjanes, Vol. 10: Parents' Day ★★★★☆
#11) Lumberjanes Vol. 11: Time After Crime ★★★★☆
#12) Lumberjanes Vol. 12: Jackalope Springs Festival ★★★★★
#13) Lumberjanes Vol. 13: Indoor Recess ★★★★☆
#14) Lumberjanes Vol. 14: X Marks the Spot ★★★☆☆
#15) Lumberjanes Vol. 15: Birthday Smarty ★★★☆☆
#16) Lumberjanes Vol. 16: Mind Over Mettle ★★★★☆
#17) Lumberjanes Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars ★★★☆☆
#19) Lumberjanes Vol. 19: A Summer to Remember ★★★☆☆
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March 3, 2022
Cute! I learned a few things in this one which I wish was more of a theme throughout the series.
August 27, 2021
3.5 stars
December 14, 2020
Still liking the story but it seems simplified. Liking the art a bit less in this episode. Still living the series and looking forward to future editions.
May 9, 2021
Another really cute volume of Lumberjanes. I liked that this one gave some background info on how the camp was founded while also having a fun adventure in the present timeline.
August 15, 2021
Another excellent and fun entry in the series. Love the Lumberjanes so, so much.
June 8, 2021
So this was either a lot better than the last few volumes or the fact that I haven't read these for a while clouded my judgement with nostalgia.
I always love when Abigail makes appearances though, so that was nice.
I always love when Abigail makes appearances though, so that was nice.
May 21, 2021
One of the best perks of being a Librarian is getting to preview books before they actually hit the shelves!
Not super crazy about the artwork this time around. This artist's style just isn't my thing, I guess. But the story was fairly good...despite the fact there . We did get a few great Ripley moments, though...
AND we learned the origins of the Lumberjane way of life.
I would have liked the entire thing to be an Origins Story, though. It seemed like the writers were trying to do too much with too little space. That is, they could have made two separate books: One the Origins and the other about Rosie, Abigail, (and their drama) and the Hunt for the Creeping Vine. Two separate books would have allowed both stories to be fleshed out much more and would have made everything better overall.
But I suppose I'll let my imagination fill in the details.
Not super crazy about the artwork this time around. This artist's style just isn't my thing, I guess. But the story was fairly good...despite the fact there . We did get a few great Ripley moments, though...
AND we learned the origins of the Lumberjane way of life.
I would have liked the entire thing to be an Origins Story, though. It seemed like the writers were trying to do too much with too little space. That is, they could have made two separate books: One the Origins and the other about Rosie, Abigail, (and their drama) and the Hunt for the Creeping Vine. Two separate books would have allowed both stories to be fleshed out much more and would have made everything better overall.
But I suppose I'll let my imagination fill in the details.
June 15, 2021
Heading into the forest on a punishment from Rosie, the 'Janes run across a familiar face while learning the secret history of the camp.
This one's pretty fun, like all Lumberjanes stories. The dual timelines is a nice change of pace from what we're used to, although the artwork on the flashback is much better than the present day stuff. The present day art is a little too cartoony (even for Lumberjanes) and it contrasts quite poorly with the more detailed flashback stuff. I definitely appreciate the history though - I enjoy Lumberjanes most when it's doing continuity stuff, and bringing Abby and Rosie together again one last time before End Of Summer was nice.
This one's pretty fun, like all Lumberjanes stories. The dual timelines is a nice change of pace from what we're used to, although the artwork on the flashback is much better than the present day stuff. The present day art is a little too cartoony (even for Lumberjanes) and it contrasts quite poorly with the more detailed flashback stuff. I definitely appreciate the history though - I enjoy Lumberjanes most when it's doing continuity stuff, and bringing Abby and Rosie together again one last time before End Of Summer was nice.
February 11, 2022
Enjoyed the Lumberjanes origin story, was confused by the rhizome. It seemed a bit random.
There were two illustrators on this issue and it looked like one did the origin story and the other did the "modern" Janes. I preferred the origin story art. I note this because there have been so many artists that it's hard to keep track.
I will always read every Lumberjane I can get my hands on! :) Love my hardcore lady types!!
There were two illustrators on this issue and it looked like one did the origin story and the other did the "modern" Janes. I preferred the origin story art. I note this because there have been so many artists that it's hard to keep track.
I will always read every Lumberjane I can get my hands on! :) Love my hardcore lady types!!
June 14, 2025
1.5/5 rounded down
Trying to create a backstory for the camp with so few issues before the end of the series is a strange choice. Especially when there is still no explanation for why things are the way they are.
The art style in this one is beyond horrific. Two completely different artists with vastly different styles. One is competent and the other draws everyone like they are 2 years old. Why?
Trying to create a backstory for the camp with so few issues before the end of the series is a strange choice. Especially when there is still no explanation for why things are the way they are.
The art style in this one is beyond horrific. Two completely different artists with vastly different styles. One is competent and the other draws everyone like they are 2 years old. Why?
August 4, 2021
Oooh history!
September 9, 2021
A punishment turns into an adventure for the girls.
July 14, 2023
i liked seeing more into the history of the lumberjanes!
November 30, 2025
CUTEEEEEEEE. We finally got the origin story! And magic! And lesbians! What’s not to love.
**4 stars**
**4 stars**
October 7, 2021
This was so fun! It felt like a return to the Lumberjanes' early days. Loved the occasional flashbacks and seeing Rosie as a main character central to the story, not just popping in at the end with some cryptic words. This series is so fun and I'm going to miss it so much.
October 15, 2021
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.
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.
June 12, 2021
I’m officially caught up to the newest editions of the “Lumberjanes” series! Huzzah! Even though I still have the prequels and some others to read, I’m quite pleased with this development as I’ve been working hard towards this goal for the past two weeks.
Overall, I did like this book in the “Lumberjanes” series although I felt like it was a little tough to get into. What I really enjoyed, above all else, was that this really wasn’t a book about the Roanoke cabin, but about how the Lumberjanes came to be (I love Janiper/Jane and her whole storyline with her mother’s camp and how she felt like she never fit in anywhere) and I loved also seeing flashbacks of Rosie’s friendship with Abby and them trying to forgive each other, trying to move on from the past. I would really like if, from here, Abby got more involved with the camp and was a regular, like, teacher or something there? I also liked that the “monster” in this one wasn’t really a monster at all, but just a very invasive plant. It sort of shows how the land of the camp, in general, is also very interesting and magical.
I can’t wait for the newest one to come out in August (I’m looking very forward to reading it now that I’m mostly caught up)! I also hope they continue to use the same artist that they did in this one (and the last couple). I think the art right now is A+ and very much the style I prefer (where it’s like cutesy, but also takes, like, really explorative style choices in certain boxes at certain points).
Overall, I did like this book in the “Lumberjanes” series although I felt like it was a little tough to get into. What I really enjoyed, above all else, was that this really wasn’t a book about the Roanoke cabin, but about how the Lumberjanes came to be (I love Janiper/Jane and her whole storyline with her mother’s camp and how she felt like she never fit in anywhere) and I loved also seeing flashbacks of Rosie’s friendship with Abby and them trying to forgive each other, trying to move on from the past. I would really like if, from here, Abby got more involved with the camp and was a regular, like, teacher or something there? I also liked that the “monster” in this one wasn’t really a monster at all, but just a very invasive plant. It sort of shows how the land of the camp, in general, is also very interesting and magical.
I can’t wait for the newest one to come out in August (I’m looking very forward to reading it now that I’m mostly caught up)! I also hope they continue to use the same artist that they did in this one (and the last couple). I think the art right now is A+ and very much the style I prefer (where it’s like cutesy, but also takes, like, really explorative style choices in certain boxes at certain points).
March 20, 2025
The Lumberjanes are on a grueling morning hike with Rosie to make amends for some tomfoolery back at camp. A little wood-cutting before breakfast seems like just the thing! But our favorite campers get a lesson in invasive species removal that’s far more dangerous than standard gardening.
This volume of Lumberjanes saw the titular group of friends on a punishment hike with a little bonus manual labor, and a lot of bonus supernatural plant magic. It felt a little unusual from the start for me, since normally the ‘janes, while squirrelly and prone to mischief, and necessarily folks I would this of as actively in need of punishment for their actions around camp. More often than not, the bad things find them by total accident. So while the story eventually led that direction, the start felt a little contrived for me and the in-character conversation about invasive species felt more like a kids textbook lecture than an actual element of integrated storytelling. All together, a decent read with a fun glimpse as well into the founding of the camp.
This volume of Lumberjanes saw the titular group of friends on a punishment hike with a little bonus manual labor, and a lot of bonus supernatural plant magic. It felt a little unusual from the start for me, since normally the ‘janes, while squirrelly and prone to mischief, and necessarily folks I would this of as actively in need of punishment for their actions around camp. More often than not, the bad things find them by total accident. So while the story eventually led that direction, the start felt a little contrived for me and the in-character conversation about invasive species felt more like a kids textbook lecture than an actual element of integrated storytelling. All together, a decent read with a fun glimpse as well into the founding of the camp.
September 5, 2021
I absolutely adore these comics. If you've made it to Volume 18, you probably do as well. However, on the off chance that you were wondering "is volume 18 worth the read?" I am here to say "yes, absolutely".
Going as spoiler light as possible, some highlights and one minor criticism:
The Highlights:
-We finally learn about the woman who put the Jane in Lumberjanes, as well as the Camp's original proprietor Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet. I can honestly say this plot point was surprising and satisfying.
-More Rosie and Abigail content.
-A little more character growth on April's part, which is always appreciated.
-Forestry (which as a former ecology/biology student is always my jam)
The criticism:
-While the Roanoke gals are the only current campers in this volume, the focus isn't really on them. I didn't mind this at all! I was really interested in the camp lore, but if you're looking for a lot of focus on the girls/ major character development moments on their part, this isn't the volume. Also not a lot of Jen, so if the long suffering cabin leader is your favorite character you might feel disappointed by her lack of involvement here.
Going as spoiler light as possible, some highlights and one minor criticism:
The Highlights:
-We finally learn about the woman who put the Jane in Lumberjanes, as well as the Camp's original proprietor Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet. I can honestly say this plot point was surprising and satisfying.
-More Rosie and Abigail content.
-A little more character growth on April's part, which is always appreciated.
-Forestry (which as a former ecology/biology student is always my jam)
The criticism:
-While the Roanoke gals are the only current campers in this volume, the focus isn't really on them. I didn't mind this at all! I was really interested in the camp lore, but if you're looking for a lot of focus on the girls/ major character development moments on their part, this isn't the volume. Also not a lot of Jen, so if the long suffering cabin leader is your favorite character you might feel disappointed by her lack of involvement here.
August 3, 2022
4 out of 5 stars.
This volume is getting a 4 purely because of the art style of the flashback sequences.
To be fair, this volume did have a pretty decent story. I liked the idea of two separate timelines, and it was nice to see more of Rosie and have development for the adult characters in the story. I really liked that it incorporated some genuine educational elements this time around - you don't get to really learn about the environments of a story at a scientific level that often, so to have some genuine learning happening was a nice touch.
The only thing that let this book down was the continuation of that other art style. The differences between the two timelines was so stark, going back to the main characters started to feel tedious because it felt as though one art style was doing more work to tell a decent story than the other style.
This volume is getting a 4 purely because of the art style of the flashback sequences.
To be fair, this volume did have a pretty decent story. I liked the idea of two separate timelines, and it was nice to see more of Rosie and have development for the adult characters in the story. I really liked that it incorporated some genuine educational elements this time around - you don't get to really learn about the environments of a story at a scientific level that often, so to have some genuine learning happening was a nice touch.
The only thing that let this book down was the continuation of that other art style. The differences between the two timelines was so stark, going back to the main characters started to feel tedious because it felt as though one art style was doing more work to tell a decent story than the other style.
May 29, 2021
A virulent plant is the antagonist in this volume, but the conflict serves as a way to dig into the past and even the origins of the Lumberjanes, and build out a bit more the relationship between Rosie and Abigail. The insights into the history of the Lumberjanes and what led to its formation is interesting, but there really isn't much going on here with our cabin of mainstays - while they are present, they serve more as a framing device and don't get to do much.
Still, the story still has the charm of Lumberjanes and there's some great moments (especially with axes); it just feels a little too distracted with its history to give much development time to our main cast. But the art works well throughout, and getting to see a bit more of Rosie (and Abigail) is a nice perk too.
Still, the story still has the charm of Lumberjanes and there's some great moments (especially with axes); it just feels a little too distracted with its history to give much development time to our main cast. But the art works well throughout, and getting to see a bit more of Rosie (and Abigail) is a nice perk too.
June 3, 2022
I can’t believe how close I’m getting to the end of the Lumberjanes comics. It hit me when I was reading this volume today because they mentioned summer almost being over. For those who don’t know, the Lumberjanes comics follow the girls of the Roanoke cabin at Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hard-Core Lady-Types. In this volume we watch the Janes as they fight back a plant trying to invade the forest. As well, we get a dive into how the camp started and how it continued on when it looked like it might not last. But what I loved the most was getting more of Abigail and Rosie’s story. We only got a little here and there, but it was still a lot of fun. I’m going to be so sad when this series is over for me.
August 18, 2021
Notes pour moi:
We're back to an Roanoke Cabin only adventure. The girls are out chopping wood, and then an invasive strangler vine, with Rosie as punishment. Abigail shows up and helps out.
We also get the story of how the LumberJanes were founded: the OG Jane was Miss Quinzella's daughter who ran away to become a lumberjack because the original purpose of the camp was to make sure girls could be girly even in the most ungirliest of places. When Jane returns, she finds her mom has to sell the camp. Jane buys it and turns the camp into what it is today.
After the battle with the "Tricky Sticky" as Rip calls it, Abigail accepts an invitation back to camp.
We're back to an Roanoke Cabin only adventure. The girls are out chopping wood, and then an invasive strangler vine, with Rosie as punishment. Abigail shows up and helps out.
We also get the story of how the LumberJanes were founded: the OG Jane was Miss Quinzella's daughter who ran away to become a lumberjack because the original purpose of the camp was to make sure girls could be girly even in the most ungirliest of places. When Jane returns, she finds her mom has to sell the camp. Jane buys it and turns the camp into what it is today.
After the battle with the "Tricky Sticky" as Rip calls it, Abigail accepts an invitation back to camp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2021
Apparently the penultimate volume. There's basically three things going on here: random supernatural hijinks with a creepy tree, the relationship between Rosie and Abigail, and the origin story of the Lumberjanes as an organization and of the camp. The tree thing is pretty much in the background, and that's fine, but wedging in both the Rosie/Abigail and origin story doesn't quite work in only four issues. They both feel sort of shortened, especially the origin story. Still a very fun book to read, and I'll be sorry to see it go.
July 27, 2021
This one was fun. Loved seeing Abigail come back to hang with Rosie and the gang. Also really enjoyed getting the backstory for how the Lumberjanes were actually formed and seeing flashbacks to previous Janes. Did get a little board with all the tree talk but that's about it. Interested in this new mysterious bird and what the story may be with that. It seemed like the insinuation was that Jane may be the bird, maybe? Hopefully we'll actually find out and it won't be a plot line that never gets picked up again (which has happened in the past).
March 26, 2025
As we're nearing the end I'm getting a little nostalgic towards this series. The characters have really grown on me and I hope they'll get a nice ending to their summer. The girls acknowledge for the first time that summer will end soon and they try to leave something behind to remember it - it actually made me a bit sad! This volume felt important and well written - I liked getting background information on how the camp originally came to be. The backstory was balanced out nicely with classic Lumberjanes shenanigans and a much needed re-appearance of Abigail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews