Tropey arranged royal marriages beget chuckle-worthy dramatic irony in an endearing graphic novel, originally a webcomic, that subverts classic fairy tale tropes. Princess Gwendolyn of the Pastel Kingdom, a 16-year-old with green hair and shark teeth, doesn’t feel as if she fits in with her conventionally beautiful siblings: 18-year-old Princess Maria, the quintessential animal charmer; 17-year-old Princess Lorena, who magically grows flowers in her sleep; and 16-year-old chess protégé Prince Jamie. This feeling worsens when she overhears her betrothed, callous Prince Frederick of the Plaid Kingdom, complaining about how his two older brothers will wed Maria and Lorena while he must marry “really ugly” Gwen. After running away into the forest, she finds support in the Cursed Princess Club, whose members’ respective misfortunes prevent them from experiencing the stereotypical “happily ever after.” Thin, wiry linework render characters with manga-esque features, and full-color art skillfully imbues midnight scenes and fanciful parties with eerie and grandiose ambiance. LambCat’s quirky, lighthearted series opener shines brightest in its humor: food is the true love that wakes Jaime from an enchanted slumber, and a princess with lobster arms reveals she was born a crustacean, not human. Ages 13–up. (Jan.) ■

Gr 7 Up —When the three princesses of the Pastel Kingdom are informed of their upcoming nuptials, they eagerly prepare to welcome the princes of the Plaid Kingdom. Upon their meeting, two princes are immediately smitten, but Gwendolyn overhears the prince intended for her calling her ugly. Understandably, the distraught princess runs off to the woods, where she stumbles upon the Cursed Princess Club. In this place, princesses (and one man who does not identify as a princess) seek life-affirming support. With the club and her family backing her, the crafty but introverted Gwendolyn is able to step forward. Originally a webcomic, this Webtoon publication reworks fairy-tale tropes to reclaim the power of cursed princesses. However, the cartoonish tone and illustrations sometimes overshadow this intent, presenting readers with a set-up in which it isn't clear at first whether the characters overly value conventional beauty standards or whether the story itself shares this view. This becomes less of a concern in the latter half, as the story takes a turn for the sincere, and the comedy beats become more palatable. The full-color, shoujo-inspired style gets better utilized too. Despite the story's initial preoccupation with the physical qualities, this is ultimately an affirming first volume in which the cast acknowledges inner beauty and stands firm with one another. VERDICT Once the author finds their voice, this graphic novel's heart of loving oneself begins to shine, and will grow on readers in similar situations.—Rachel Forbes