Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens

Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens #1-6

by Meredith Gran, Liz Prince (Contribution by), Yuko Ota (Contribution by)

The smash-hit spinoff comic series based Cartoon Network’s top-rated cartoon, Adventure Time, is here! Join fan-favorite characters Marceline and Princess Bubblegum for riot grrl rock-fueled excitement in this brand-new ADVENTURE TIME mini-series! Thanks to a newfound interest in music, Princess Bubblegum joins Marceline's paranormal rock band for a tour across the land of Ooo! But when they’re threatened by everything from scenesters to beasts born of self-doubt, can they make it to the RADDEST GIG EVER in time?! Written and drawn by acclaimed cartoonist Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie), this graphic novel collecting the entire hit series is a must-have for any ADVENTURE TIME fan!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Young Adult, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2013

About the author

Meredith Gran lives and work in Brooklyn as a freelance comic artist & occasional animator. She's been drawing the webcomic Octopus Pie since 2007. She teaches a weekly webcomics course at the School of Visual Arts. She also wrote and drew the Eisner-nominated Adventure Time comic book spin-off, Marceline & the Scream Queens.

Reviews

[Danika at The Lesbrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be gayer, but overall I really liked it.

[Isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I admit it, Marceline and Princess Bubblegum are my Adventure Time OTP - I just love them so much!
In this series we follow Marceline and her band, The Scream Queens, on tour - with Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum as their manager, trying to reign in the crazy and deal with Marceline's insecurities and (some times) diva behaviour.
As if that weren't enough, there is some mysterious hater who keeps plaguing Marceline with terribly unfounded reviews - who could it be?

This series was so much fun! I know this is for kids but, in true Adventure Time tradition, it's funny for adults as well. In fact, there are some awesome things about it more likely to be enjoyed by adults, like the awesome cover art for each issue and respective inspiration(s):







There were some genuinely funny moments - I always love how Adventure Time picks up gender tropes and what's happening in pop culture and criticises it. Enter Guy, that mysterious musician whom every girl should love, especially since he is afflicted with a "very sexy curse".

He's such a ~tormented soul~ and he keeps lying and lying, clinging to his air of mystery and danger, which makes him oh so ~irresistible~. Thankfully Princess Bubblegum is a very mature lady who knows how to deal with these dudebros:


But, as I mentioned, besides this social critique, and the awesome plot and subplots, this series was immensely funny:


And it offered some treats for us shippers, as well :)


So, if you like Adventure Time, and let's be real - who doesn't? - GO READ IT!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still cannot get over how excited Marceline's dad was to finally meet Princess Bubblegum, not because she is the ruler of the candy kingdom, but because she's Marceline's favorite friend. It was so cute.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable! Also had a message about creativity and failure that I really needed to hear.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Marceline and Princess Bubblegum so much, they are my favorite little ship and this really showcased their friendship.

[Quintin Zimmermann · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kids love it. I don't get it.

[Felipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"man I've got the CBGBs" I think that's all you need to know.

[Ady Weasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

No soy fan de Hora de aventura, sin embargo he visto uno que otro capítulo y la verdad me agrada mucho Marceline

La historia es sencilla pero entretenida, al final la interacción entre Marceline y la Dulce princesa es parte de lo que le da un plus a la historia. Sin embargo es como un capítulo más de la serie, y es mucho el formato que maneja el cómic para lo que ofrece.

[Magen - Inquiring Professional Dog Trainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little story featuring Bubbline!!! There's some decent shorts between the chapters as well!

[AnyMousse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having only watched one fifteen minute episode of Adventure Time, I can hardly call myself a connoisseur of the series. However, with a basic knowledge of the characters, I did find myself enjoying the debut issue and am excited for the next issue so I can see where Marceline and fhe Scream Queens (as well as Princess Bubblegum) are headed on fheir concert tour.

P.S: If you're wondering why Bubblegum would voluntarily go on a concert tour with Marceline, you'll just have to read and find out!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable. The artwork is stunning and the dialogue is totally on-point with the show's humour. Loved it. I have already pre-ordered the trade of Meredith Gran's second Marceline story.

[bella issa · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick serotonin

[Cory Stolfa · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly the one star off is for PB's fuck ass fish boyfriend

[Ann DVine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure Time's universe is bigger than Finn and Jake, and in this stellar spin-off from the Ryan North-penned ongoing series, Meredith Gran, another webcomic alumni famous for the spectacular Octopus Pie, pulls the focus to fan-favourite characters Marceline and Princess Bubblegum.

Marceline is a vampire, hundreds of years old, so, obviously, she's a punk rock girl and is wicked cool. Princess Bubblegum is a stoic, logical counter to the craziness of the (sometimes demonic!) Marceline. Of course, the two are best friends, REALLY, but Marceline and the Scream Queens follows their exploits as they go to rediscover that fact; set against a punk backdrop that really suits the mood and creates a fantastic atmosphere that, while definitely cohesive with Adventure Time's mythos, is unique in its presentation enough to stand out as quite an original direction.

My favourite part of this fantastic series is that the focus is pulled off of the two male leads and onto two female characters. It has its focus of "grrrl power," which is great and good and important, but it also explores the difference in the way girls share themselves with each other. Finn and Jake are best friends and they present this by, say, bumping fists or punching the same bad guy at once and then bumping fists and shouting a catchphrase. Marcy and PBG express their quite intimate friendship in far more subtle, intriguing ways, and it's a richer, more diverse canvass of emotions to pull from.

It's uplifting in the way Adventure Time always is, but its more somber, more grounded. It's not as "epic" or "exciting" - it's more like a coming-of-age story than anything, and there's less of a focus on gags like in the North scripts, and more a focus on relationships and teen drama, which - don't get me wrong - Adventure Time has, in spades, but it's pulled to the forefront now. With the backdrop of the strange, alienating world of Ooo, these people that Gran has written are very easy to empathize with, very easy to feel attached to.

I love everything about this book. From Gran's main storyline - a female-focused, hugely unique Adventure Time tale - to guest spots at the ends of each issue from other artists and writers that elaborate on some of the finer and jokier aspects of the Marcy/PBG relationship, to the use of punk music and "girl power" as central themes, and the bevy of backup material. It's ultimately a fantastical tale, but, at it's heart, it's about two very real girls experiencing very real situations.

It's my favourite Adventure Time book so far. It's very special, and I hope you can cherish it as much as I do.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to be an ax bass-wielding rock star with an affinity for pranks, wild and fearless? Nevermind if you are also over a thousand years old, half a vampire queen and half demon who sustains herself on shades of the color red, as opposed to blood. She's sassy, independent and wild though she can be vulnerable too, though you never know because she is such a trickster. Long story short: Marceline rules.
In here we see her about to go on tour with her band, but before she does, Princess Bubblegum sets up their concert in the Candy KingdomAt first she dismisses Marceline's music as a just noise, but when Finn and Jake convince her to go see the band in action, she fals for it feels the calling of rock and roll so she signs on as the manager of the tour and the adventure begins. however in every gig Marceline gets more and more paranoid and depressed about her music. Will she set all her demons free and turn herself into a rock-and-roll monster or will her friendship with Princess Bubblegum save her?
It's all about the power of friendship inner demons and insecurity of course, and I love the relation Marcie and PB have, so it is a winner.

[Xavfro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some funny parts but not really an "adventure". And although I like Marceline, she really wasn't that cool in this story

[sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute but i’ve gotta stop reading these because no adventure time comic lives up to actual adventure time. this one wasn’t even gay! somehow! also i really don’t like that the comics dumb down Marceline’s dad. i’m pretty sure children can understand a shitass dad and that’s why he was written that way in the original…sort of weird to rewrite his character presumably because it’s easier than dealing with those emotions. reminds me too much of the TAZ graphic novels and how the adaptations just give up on depicting some of the more complex traumas. kids are people! often experiencing their own complex traumas! no need to dumb it down! ok rant over

[connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to start every year with a mid graphic novel. I thought this was going to be gay and it wasn’t :(

[Eva Haneborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg denne var bra! 10/10 cured my depression

[anna marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
this was cute :)))

[Zuzka Jakúbková · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-crafted story in six chapters about adventures of Marceline and her band on a punk-rock tour.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decided to pick this up at the book shop instead of the regular Adventure Time series, since I love Marceline (and Princess Bubblegum) so much!
Read it while waiting for food at Shakey's and outside the cinema to see Monsters University. Even started reading it for the second time on the way home! And ofc, I loved it as much as the show! I especially liked that in addition to the main story, there were shorts in between the chapters, and awesome artwork in the back!
We follow Princess Bubblegum that joins Marceline and her band The Scream Queens on tour, where lots of weird things happen!
I really think this is a must for Adventure Time comic fans, especially if you love the girls! A nice big comic book to treat yourself to!
Come on grab your friends, the fun will never end!

[Shadi Hussein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a alternate timeline where Marceline isn't the last vampire. She teams up with another vamp, plus a ghost and a mysterious dude named Guy. To perform the Land of Ooo's awesome rock band!! When I imagine Keila, Bongo and Guy talking I hear the voice talents of Tara Strong, JG Quintel and Alex Hirsch! Marcy and PB's has an awesome relationship in this mini series

[Mari J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 maybe??

This was so great!!! It got Marceline and PB's dynamic down perfectly and it was so queer!! The art style and colour palette was beautiful for a comic and the little interludes were adorable! Also I related too much to Marceline's anger and loneliness, yay

[andrew y · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not hate this.

[Amory Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bubbline is my OTP, so any comic that has Marceline and Bubblegum on an adventure together gets a high score from me.

The Scream Queens are on an Ooo-wide tour, with Princess Bubblegum as their band manager. PB has a vision board full of science equations, photos of Finn and Jake, and post-it notes with messages like, "ask Guy what werewolves eat (and remind him you're TOTES COOL with this!!"; "Remind Marceline to get her butt to that photo shoot (and change her own underwear, and blink...)"; and my personal favorite, "Do something about this pesky, creeping sense of DOOM" - surrounded by flower doodles. As usual, Bubblegum has overextended herself attempting to control everything, solve countless problems, and serve as a support for every member of the band - in particular, Marceline and Guy. She's keeping everything together, barely, while also struggling with homesickness for the Candy Kingdom - especially after she learns King Jake has transformed the dungeon into a "fungeon" and is hosting a rule burning ceremony.

But PB's plight is nothing compared to the rabid insecurity Marceline begins to feel as the tour progresses. After a music critic begins to pan her performances, Marceline's anxiety and paranoia escalate to monstrous proportions. She starts having meltdowns during concerts, stops talking to Bubblegum, threatens to quit the band, and contemplates moving back to the Night-o-Sphere. "No one who stays here becomes a star," her hometown bff warns when she confides in him. Marceline shrugs. "I like that about it." Despite her growing conviction that her fans secretly hate her, Marcy agrees to one last show. But when the audience starts chanting "Marceline socks," after a pair of particularly popular and unique band merchandise, Marceline hears "Marceline sucks" and freaks out, going full-on fire-breathing dragon. Thankfully, her best friend Peebles knows just what to do to tame the beast.

This straightforward story is broken up into chapters, which are in turn punctuated by short stories illustrated by various artists. They're only a couple pages each, but vary in quality, and some make it hard to focus on the main story. Still, this is a fun journey through Ooo, and through the ever-complicated - but extremely close - relationship between Marceline and Bubblegum. There are several little hints that their bond is more than platonic for those who are looking for ship fodder. Most notably, Marceline seems slightly jealous of Bubblegum's quasi-relationship with Guy, and Marcy's dad is WAY more excited to meet the Princess than his daughter's bandmates. "I've heard so much about you!" he gushes. Marceline immediately jumps up, stuttering, "W-we really gotta go, Dad!" and pushes her friends out the door - even though Tree Trunks (another of my favorite characters, and sadly underused here) was just about to serve one of her delicious steaming pies.

Whether or not you ship Bubbline, this is a fun and heartfelt look into their characters - both together and separately - and a colorful, musical tour through some lesser-seen spots in the land of Ooo.

[Jaycee Costley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute if inessential, it’s most interesting as a time capsule of what the general idea and brand of Marceline’s and Bubblegum’s relationship was at the time. This was released during season 4, when their biggest interaction was What Was Missing. So Meredith- a creative from outside the show- is left to fill in just a little of the blanks of an ambiguously gay former relationship or friendship of some kind. And like the show itself at the time, it’s not allowed to confirm the romantic implications. In this light, little continuity errors like other vampires existing and Bubblegum hating rock when Obsidian established she was a big crushing groupie of Marceline are amusing. But speaking of Obsidian, the way it rhymes and echoes with Obsidian’s themes from years later- with the intersection of Marceline’s music, her pain and sensitivity, her need to grow, and Bubblegum’s part in that- are a surprising treat, and if you take this story as loose canon it helps establish their cautiously friendly grounds in Sky Witch.

The Scream Queens are very thin despite being in the title, though, and the only one who isn’t is Guy, and he’s more of a drag and distraction than anything else. Still, this is a fun time even today.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won't write a huge review on this one, I'm a huge fan of Adventure Time, but I find it kind of hard to review something that... well, I'm not really the target audience for. Yes, the show caters to a diverse age-range, it's appealing to younger viewers, while still full of issues and themes that resonate with an older audience, like myself (NOT THAT I'M OLD, I'M IN MY 20s, C'MON). But I felt like this comic series was more targeted towards Adventure Time's younger viewers, and there's nothing wrong with that! It has a great message and classic characters and was generally enjoyable.

One thing that was missing though... that I was really hoping for, was more subtle innuendos alluding to Princess Bubblegum and Marceline's attraction. GAY IT UP, KIDS CAN HANDLE IT, AND WHEN I WAS KID I WOULD'VE KILLED FOR SOME MORE REPRESENTATION. Otherwise, a cute little series that's a great introduction for kids into the world of comics and graphic novels.

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[cris b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marceline appears to be angry and impatient a lot of times. In reality, she’s often just anxious and overstimulated to some extent. Princess Bubblegum can be so anal, but she knows how to be so validating and loving. She thoroughly pays attention to her friends. Loved this lil tale of friendship and overcoming big emotions! Adorable and the drawings were sooo vibrant and nostalgic for me. I always thought Adventure Time was odd as a teen, but it’s become a favorite for me. I’m looking forward to reading more of the comics!

[Tilápia frita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muito bom!!! O melhor dos quadrinhos de hora de aventura que eu já li, adorei a banda da Marceline, queria que tivessem tido um pouco mais de destaque, principalmente o Bongo e a Keila, espero que algum dia façam um filminho que tenha eles tocando pq eu adoraria ouvir as musicas e ver as aventuras da banda. Achei o ápice da comédia o Bongo pegando a porra do instrumento bongo e não sabendo o que era sdauyfihisjdrunfa foram muito espertos nessa piadoca.
O ciúme soft da Marceline vendo a Jujuba interagindo com o Guy uiiiii ;P