Adventure Time’s favorite characters Finn, Jake, Marceline, and Princess Bubblegum are back in another, well, adventure. In Marceline Gone Adrift, written by Meredith Gran and illustrated by Carey Pietsch, the Vampire Queen is stuck in a musical rut. But before she calls it quits, she is suddenly struck by a powerful energy blast, making her a dangerous magnetic force. In order to save her kingdom and its people, Bubblegum propels her into space, leading everyone to believe that she has died. However, Marceline is very much alive but stranded on another world populated by an alien race that may need her help.
With so many colorful characters populating the Adventure Time universe, it could be difficult to choose one for a graphic novel. However, as seen before in Marceline and the Scream Queens (written and illustrated by Meredith Gran), the Vampire Queen is a great character who can carry her own story. Marceline is a popular character, not just because she’s a vampire but because she is a talented individual with the same difficulties as any other person. She suffers from artist block and low self-esteem but slowly realizes that she can make a difference for more than one person and that her friends have never abandoned her.
Friendship and self-esteem are common themes in most Adventure Time stories whether they’re portrayed on television or in a comic. The goal always seems to be showing the readers that, no matter who or what you are, you can do whatever you want. This comic’s creators have not strayed away from the show’s theme and characterization, a goal that any comic based on a television show tries to accomplish.
The Adventure Time universe is vast and this comic serves to expand it a little further. In addition to old favorite characters, you are introduced to a few new ones that fit in perfectly, such as the rude Leaflans, greedy Suspencer, and the peaceful Tuffbones. The illustrations have that bright, vivid color fans are familiar with, with the exception of flashback scenes that are presented in a muted tone. As for the panels, they flow from scene to scene without diverging from the story or losing the attention of the intended audience.
Marceline Gone Adrift will be perfect for any children’s library, especially one frequently visited by Adventure Time fans (who range from young children to adults). As for those new to the series, they would not be confused by the storyline. There is no need to read Marceline and the Scream Queens, or to be very familiar with Adventure Time to understand the story. What you really need to know is that Marceline Gone Adrift is a great tale of friendship and musical artistry, set within the oddball Adventure Time world.
Adventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift
by Meredith Gran
Art by Carey Pietsch
ISBN: 9781608867707
KaBOOM!, 2016
Publisher Age Rating: 8-12
