Graphic Novel Review - 'The Little Trashmaid, Vol. 1' by s0s2

A funny little story to go with this funny little webtoon about a little mermaid:

I bought the hardback version of the first volume of 'The Little Trashmaid' on eBay... and it wasn't until I actually sat down to read it that I realised it wasn't in English. It was in German. But, because it contains no dialogue and some words in it are in English anyway, I could still read it, and laugh at its humour. It can be understood in any language.

Either way, it was a lucky find.

'The Little Trashmaid' is a funny satirical webcomic for all ages, about a kid mermaid who finds excitement in the rubbish that humans throw into the sea. She has fun with the trash she perceives as treasures, including making fashion trends out of them. And she befriends two human kids - boyfriends Ricky and Spencer - who show her more human stuff and concepts (plus food, mostly tomatoes). Hilarity ensues.

It sort of makes light of pollution, but it makes it clear how dangerous litter and waste are to living beings in the ocean, and how it is the humans' responsibility.

And the mermaid's name is probably Tidy, which is hilarious on so many levels and waves.

She has a nice, sweet relationship with her giant merman dad, as well. He wears a Burger King-type crown.

The comic also makes pop culture references, including 'Pokémon Go', 'Star Wars', and of course, Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'.

Love the LBGTQ+ inclusion in this children's comic.

Overall, it is peak cartoon physical comedy, with no real dialogue needed. It's like classic Looney Tunes, or like a silent early comedy manga in colour.

I don't appreciate the cigarettes and their light inclusion (pun unintended), however.

'The Little Trashmaid' - a funny mermaid comedy webcomic about pollution and the environment. And friendship and love. The first volume can be read in under ten minutes.

It is unlike any other mermaid comic I've read. It is far less serious than 'The Sea in You', ,'Plain Jane and the Mermaid', and even 'Thirsty Mermaids', but its uniqueness and humour make it extra special.

Final Score: 3.5/5