The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio (review)
2023; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 76; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2023.0204
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Gothic Literature and Media Analysis
ResumoReviewed by: The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio April Spisak Visaggio, Magdalene The Ojja-Wojja; illus. by Jenn St-Onge. Balzer +Bray, 2023 [192p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780062852397 $22.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9780062852427 $13.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780062852434 $12.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 6-8 In this first volume of an anticipated graphic novel series, Val and Lanie's longtime friendship is starting to fall apart. Val's comfort with being autistic and the ways in which she is different from her peers means that she often finds herself at odds with the popular kids, but Lanie actually cares about being singled out by them, perhaps because she is hiding her own sexuality or perhaps just because fitting in is easier than standing out. In an effort to save their friendship, Val talks Lanie into a school project that is supposed to be about legends of local ghosts but instead results in them summoning the Ojja-Wojja, a murderous demon. Oops. The Ojja-Wojja, however, is not at all what one would expect, and it takes Val's keen eye for understanding and connecting that allows the demon to emerge as the most intriguing character in the novel—a being that lived and died endless times before humanity came along with all of its complexity, impulsivity, and goals that often diverge from their professed morality. Lush artwork and bold color choices help the reader make the quick transitions between history, Val's fantasy worlds, and what is currently happening in the plot. The skillful use of panel size highlights the emotional weight different characters are carrying and how they occupy space in the world, and therefore within the panels. It's not hard to see why the Ojja-Wojja is confused and lashing out after having been sealed up in a separate realm after doing exactly what she was asked to do by humans (kill this person, protect our crops, etc.). There is more than enough here to be anticipatory for what will come in the next volume. [End Page 271] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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