I was the very lucky first prize winner of the Girls Read Comics Too contest, and received a lovely package of comic books to read. I thought I’d write my thoughts down here while I work my way through them.

First up is Witch, created and written by Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett with art and cover by Tony Shasteen.

Witch - 8 out of 10 giraffes

Having grown up with Harry Potter and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, I wasn’t sure if I would embrace this or throw it across the room in disgust. But the introduction of familiars spun a different angle on the whole witch thing. It’s like if Salem or Crookshanks turned out to be these massive demons who make snide comments and perform impromptu acrobatic routines. It reminded me more of The Golden Compass or even the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Still not sure why guy witches get wolves and lady witches get bearcats. Kylie, the main character, is spunky and cool. Her romance with Aaron was on total hyperspeed, too rushed. But glad to see Kylie be the one to take charge in the relationship. And what happened to her fun drunk friend Livia? I liked her.

The artwork was excellent if not too dark at times even during daytime scenes. But maybe that was a tone thing. My favorite was the full-page panel of Kylie and Ridley practicing their tossing and tumbling cheerleader style.

Random thought: Who is this chick?

No but seriously, who is she? Why is she dressed like Rachel Berry? Is the “freak” comment supposed to be a throwback to Sabrina the Teenage Witch? Also I am concerned for her health - no one should wear a sleeveless top in Boston in November.

Anyway, bottom line: I liked Witch for its ideas, but the execution was a little rushed and so some characters seem one-note or not clearly defined. The artwork was fabulous, particularly Ridley’s design. Re-readability: maybe in a year or so.