2023 EDIT:
Reread: This short but sweet, adorable, soft, rosy, precious, emotional and uplifting LBGTQ+ children's comic book has nearly everything I love in fiction in it. Kay O'Neil is the best.
Still love 'Princess Princess Ever After'; still recommend it for everyone, forever.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Original Review:
It's here - we finally have a Western children's fantasy/fairy tale graphic novel with an open LBGQ relationship. It won't be the last.
The queer love in 'Princess Princess Ever After' is the main romance - the only romance - it is the main focus and development, and it is casual. Heartwarmingly so. No one judges or questions anyone in this story, apart from the villain, and a prince lead just learning more about the world and who grows up overtime.
Unlike, say, 'The Sleeper and the Spindle', 'Princess Princess Ever After' is positive in that it actually depicts an LBGQ relationship, with the beginnings of how any romantic relationship goes. It starts out awkward, with the two quipping back-and-forth jibes, and then through various encounters (like with a dancing ogre, as you do) they get to know each other better.
Then, by making the other feel good about themselves, for who they are and who they want to be, the couple's friendship grows into a natural, healthy love.
When reading and rereading 'Princess Princess Ever After', it's clear that the princesses Amira (a POC princely-type out looking for adventures and making a difference) and Sadie (a moody and sensitive crybaby with serious self-esteem and body-positive issues) find true love as a couple of equals by first accepting themselves, despite being so different.
Opposites attract never had such nice chemistry. Comforting, like the book itself.
'Princess Princess Ever After' is like a 21st century junior love letter to 'Xena: Warrior Princess' and 'Revolutionary Girl Utena'. Also reminiscent is the 'Princeless' comics. This former web comic is adorable, action-oriented, very funny, sad, and full of sweet, rosy hope. The soft and cartoony art style suits it, flowing with the narrative like a quilt.
The only real negativity in the story and themes is the villain, a rather one-dimensional jealous and sadistic sorceress queen who seems to only exist to prove a point and elevate Sadie's character development.
But how can I be mad at a princess tale with that ending, and those final pages... my word, I almost cried, it's so touching.
Plus, Sadie has a little dragon named Oliver, and Amira a pink unicorn named Celeste. Celeste is the best, and deserves all the cookies.
People of all ages should check out this short-but-relevant graphic novel. Embrace the rainbow.
Let all live happily, princess ever after.
Final Score: 4.5/5
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