Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters, created by Laura and Chris Samnee and dedicated to their three daughters, who were the main inspiration, might be simplistic in plot, but it’s a visual treat for the whole family to enjoy. Given its post-apocalyptic setting that is conquered by giant monsters, there is emotion and levity through its central relationship between two sisters, each of whom have adapted to this wild world in their own way.
Vol. 2 picks up where the last volume left off, where Rainbow and her younger, super-strengthened sister Jonna find themselves in the company of the adult Saro, who seems to have some other agenda for the girls. As Nomi and Gor attempt to rescue Rainbow and Jonna from other horrors the world has in store for them, Saro’s true purpose is to exploit Jonna’s mysterious gift to fight the monsters for profit, leaving Rainbow alone to find a way to save her sister.
Made for an all-ages readership, the storytelling is told through a quick pace — in only four issues, one situation gets resolved, setting up the next situation for subsequent issues. So, there may not be a great deal of development towards its cast – particularly the supporting players – but the comic makes up for it with exquisite art, which is the major selling point of the title. Artist Chris Samnee seems to be having a blast in this world, where each issue presents a new layer from the monster battle arena to the underground markets, where there is a lot of detail that is enhanced by Matthew Wilson’s bright coloring.
Although there is a simplicity in how the monsters are designed, Samnee sells them as being huge and dangerous, whilst Jonna serves as a fun counter — despite being a tiny being, she has the strength to take these beasts down. The Jack Kirby influence looms large throughout as the epic action is dynamic and impactful and Samnee sells the scale through his large panel layouts.
Though there is dialogue, much of the book is told through visual storytelling as you can get across how characters are feeling through their cartoonish expressions. That is especially the case for Rainbow and Jonna, who may bounce off one another through fun banter, but there is still that element of tragedy that drives both of them as they search for their missing father. Not to give away any spoilers, but the final reveal of the volume opens a new dynamic for where the central relationship can go; the mystery box continues to expand.
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