Princeless
First off, let’s talk about Princeless! Written by Jeremy Whitely and with art/color by M Goodwin, Princeless is an all ages comic about a young princess named Adrienne.
Those of you who are familiar with fiction marketed towards girls will recognize some of the tropes going on here. Adrienne doesn’t like being a princess. She doesn’t fit society’s idea of what a princess should be; she’s athletic, her hair is untamable, she’s aggressive, she’s loud, and she doesn’t approach life passively. Like all Princesses in her world, Adrienne is locked in a tower, guarded by a dragon and told to wait until a prince comes to rescue her.
Unlike all Princesses, Adrienne decides to break herself out, befriend her guardian dragon and go on a quest to save the rest of her sisters from their own towers.
Now, on the surface, this sounds cute but unoriginal (with the exception of the protagonist’s skin color). However, Princeless is really smart about how it plays with the beats that we’re familiar with in fantasy, especially fantasy geared towards young women. It goes meta in funny ways. (There’s a discussion on how metal bikinis are NOT appropriate battle attire). And occasionally its deviation from tradition is unexpected and welcomed. I would tell you more, but I’d be spoiling a few great surprises.
What I will tell you is that Princeless also has a great heart. The characters feel real, not just mouthpieces for commentary on the genre. The atmosphere is quirky but also earnest. It is truly an all ages book. My friend, who is the father of two girls (who happen to be black), reported that he and his daughters really got into it as well.
The art is expressive with strong lines and a bright, saturated color palette. The scenery evokes a classic Disney fantasy like Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. The characters are all unique and well designed. I have a special love for the dragon!
I’ve only read through the first volume so far, but volume 2 is definitely on my wish list!
Here’s a link to Princeless on Comixology
Here’s a link to a local comic shop finder. Support your local stores!
Here’s a link to my local store, Vault of Midnight. If you live in Michigan, they’re worth checking out!
