Graphic Novel Review - 'My Sister the Werebeast' by Alina Tysoe

Gosh, gossamer and goddesses, what a cute all-ages fantasy graphic novel!

'My Sister the Werebeast' is one of those things where any of its flaws can be forgiven because of its cuteness.

Or, one specific cute character.

The graphic novel starts out pretty much perfectly, but then it is let down somewhat by the end, with a few plot points, details, character presences and character motivations that are left unexplained, or they just disappear, and despite how it is advertised and that 'The end.' on the final page, it is not a standalone. Things are being set up for a sequel, and it is clear it is big fantasy world, with plenty of history, mystery, build up, plots, and other aspects to explore yet.

But I can't be disappointed, because 'My Sister the Werebeast' does everything else so well. It is just my type of graphic novel.

Oh, and Peanut is the cutest cartoon character to ever exist.

Seriously, that blue-haired magical toddler is a star and a sweetie. Her two older sisters - the stressed-out, tired academic students Mira and Rosie - are great and complex, too, but Peanut...Peanut is an irresistibly adorable, fluffy, cuddly, squishy, funny, and precious little, well, peanut! She's a precious little beanbag!

She can transform into a blue soft, furry werebeast, and perform spontaneous magic - playtime, playing pretend and imagination literally come to life for this preschooler.

How will Mira and Rosie cope?! When their parents are away exploring ruins, treasure hunting...and monster hunting?!

There is dark mage magic afoot, as well. An ancient evil - a dangerous magician, long ago buried - will be after Peanut for her power...

I won't reveal anymore, but great giddy gillyflowers, what heartwarming, huggable adorableness!

'My Sister the Werebeast' is like a pilot pitched to Cartoon Network, and like 'Mooncakes', 'Story Spinners',

'Misfit Mansion', 'Nimona', 'Beetle & the Hollowbones', 'Meesh the Bad Demon', 'Unfamiliar', 'Phoebe and Her Unicorn', 'Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms', 'Star Knights', 'Adorable Empire', 'Mega Princess', 

'Juniper Mae', 'Nell of Gumbling', 'Snapdragon', 'Pizza Witch', 'My Aunt Is a Monster', 'Lily Halfmoon', 

'Jupiter Nettle', 'Evil-ish', 'Jazzy the Witch', 'Magic Girls: Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess', 'Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe', 'The Owl House', 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power', 'Hilda' (the books and the animated series), 'Steven Universe', 'My Neighbour Totoro' and other Studio Ghibli films, Pixar's 'Onward', and the world of Pixar's 'The Incredibles' with its baby shenanigans. The colourful and cartoony art also reminds me of Kate Beaton's work.

There is POC and LBGTQ+ rep (Rosie has a crush on Yana, a battle rival schoolmate), as well as unicorns, dragons, vampires, mermaids, werewolves (of course), fairies, and the sisters' pet llama, Rhino, who disappears halfway through the book. There is an anti-prejudice theme throughout, with monsters and magical/supernatural beings forced into hiding from monster hunters, in a world where magic has been forbidden. Always appreciated in a children's story, and relevant.

A sisterhood and close-knit family theme, family love, and a community theme, are present, and a huge plus.

I had never heard of Alina Tysoe's work before 'My Sister the Werebeast', much less her webcomic series, 'What's Up, Beanie?'. However, I will definitely be picking up 'What's Up, Beanie?: Acutely Relatable Comics' now. I can't wait to see what I've been missing out on!

Sometimes, cuteness, and adorable, likeable and relatable characters, are enough.

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peanut the precious ickle beanbag!

(Really, I'm asking: Where did Rhino the llama go?)

Final Score: 3.5/5