A little girl encounters mutant potatoes. This sounds like a strange concept for a graphic novel. It is translated from French. That likely raises red flags for a potential reader. In spite of those things, it's a charming story. The sci-fi elements are fairly minimal, to be honest, and take on more the flavor of a classic B-movie. Yasmina is more a story of appreciating food. This is a story of a little girl who loves to cook, who enjoys the process of putting fresh foods together in unique and appealing ways. She appreciates the way that a good meal brings people together. Mannaert brings up organics, processed foods, GMOs, and general ecology. I should note, too, that while the genetic manipulation in this book goes bad, Mannaert doesn't out and out vilify GMOs. Rather, he seems to urge caution and thoughtfulness.
Artistically, it's very stylized. There's a heavy use of contrast more common in European comics. And there are many near wordless passages, so the illustrations are used to their proper effect.
I was frustrated to find that Part 1 cuts off rather suddenly, with no resolution of any sort. Certainly give this series a read but do yourself a favor and wait until you can get both volumes at once.
More information: Part 1 is available now. Part 2 releases April 17.
Advanced Reader copy provided by NetGalley.
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