Punky Brewster #1

Punky Brewster #1

by Joelle Sellner, Lesley Vamos (Art and colors)

The beloved TV series returns in this heartwarming, lushly illustrated story of a brand-new family made from persistence, pluck, and Punky Power!

Punky Brewster, a bright eight-year-old girl, has been abandoned and is getting by on the streets of Chicago. Punky thinks she doesn't need help - except from her puppy sidekick, Brandon - but after getting picked up by the police she enters a foster home and starts to search for a family. Punky meets Henry, a long-lost relative, and decides he's the adoptive dad for her. All she has to do is convince the foster home, adoption judges and lawyers, and possibly Henry, himself! Luckily, she's got an unbeatable resource - her limitless reserve of Punky Power!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Family, Animals, Childrens, Humor

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2014

Reviews

[Erin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure do miss this show. : P


Thank you to NetGalley and Lion Forge Publishing for allowing me to read and review an ebook copy of Punky Brewster Vol. 1 by Joelle Sellner.

Recently I found this Punky Brewster comic on NetGalley and also a comic for Saved by the Bell. I can't even describe to you how much my inner 90s girl has been freaking out. I have enjoyed both comics and I hope Roar Comics comes out with more comics like these. If you would like to see my review for the Saved by the Bell one here is the link Saved by the Bell Vol. 1 Review.




I LOVED the Punky Brewster TV show when I was a little girl. I remember this spunky girl with pigtails and mismatched socks always getting into some trouble, but she had a heart of gold! As a kid I adored Punky's free spirit, crazy fashion sense, and high energy. Punky Brewster Vol. 1 definitely brought back some great 90s nostalgia.

In Punky Brewster Vol. 1 Punky is an 8 year old who has been abandoned by her mother. She starts off getting picked up by the police and taken into the foster system. A cousin of her mother's (Henry) is found, but he has no interest in taking care of Punky. Together with her sidekick dog Punky has to use her Punky Power to convince everyone that being with Henry is the right home for her.



The thing I love best about this comic is how Punky is just how I remembered her. Her character is pretty much the same, only updated. Punky Brewster Vol.1, like the Saved by the Bell comic, has been updated with technology and such to fit into today's world. That really helps breathe some freshness back into it. It's just a lot of fun to see these characters that I loved as a kid come back to life. It also makes me want to go back and re-watch the shows!

I recommend Punky Brewster Vol.1 for all 90s kids, fans of the Punky Brewster TV show, girls ages 8-12, and for anyone who could use a little Punky Power in their life.

http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2015/09...

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister is the "Punky" fan and as a kid I was forced to watch "her" shows to get my turn, so I wasn't exactly sure what my opinion of this graphic novel would be. Surprise of all surprises I was completely smitten! What an adorable sweet story of an abandoned girl who is full of escapades. Having grown up on the streets, she is an escape artist and *very* creative but also an honest, smart, old soul. This volume starts with Punky as a street kid helping another street person, a grown-up, rip-off a store and then tells the story of how Punky moved from street kid to foster kid, to finally, being awarded to Henry as foster parent. It's a long hard process full of ups and downs and lots of sweet and comic moments. I absolutely adored it. A couple of things to mention, this being taken from an '80s show, the whole foster home/ adoption process is pretty much fairytale unrealistic though it does hit on the topic that the system does not listen to what the children want. So don't expect realistc from this aspect of it, think more like ... quaint. The story has been moved to modern times, their is email, DVR's and digital cameras, etc. Finally, in the show Henry is an old man (grey hair, cardigan) but I like how his character has been modernized in the book; he's talked of being too old to take care of Punky but he's only 50 and drawn as a sophisticated man wearing jeans and a variety of jackets, shirt, sweaters, etc. He is actually related to Punky in the comic in a round about way and I don't believe they were related at all in the show. Anyway, absolutely adorable story. Loved every minute of it!

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Punky Brewster #1' is a comic book reboot of the television series. It's bright and funny and I don't think you need to have watched the old series to get into this.

Young Punky Brewster and her dog Brandon are living on the streets. When Punky is caught by the police, she is sent to a foster home where hopefully she can find a relative. When she meets Henry, he is a distant relative, but Punky thinks he is perfect. The problem is Henry is an older man used to being on his own and not having a boisterous young girl and her dog around. Punky will not be deterred. Through foster homes, close calls with families that want to adopt her, George travelling out of town and adoption judges, Punky uses her Punky Power to convince all the grownups what would be best for her.

This seems like a redo of the pilot episode, if I'm remembering it correctly. The only part that seems to bog a bit is the big courtroom scene towards the end. Punky keeps delaying things and rather than build suspense, I just found myself wanting it to move along a bit faster. The art by Lesley Vamos is quite cute and the story by Joelle Sellner. This is a great story for those who remember and love the show, but it's just as good for anyone not old enough to remember it. It's a perfect jumping on point for new readers. It's also perfect for little kids, although parents may want to explain that running away and some of the other things Punky does are only for Punky to do.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Lion Forge Comics, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I change those stars to hearts? That's what I feel like after reading this book. Everyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s knows Punky Brewster, but this sweet little graphic novel introduces her to a new generation, complete with all her spunk, mess, and infectious joy.

Punky is homeless and parentless, living on the street with her dog Brandon, when she's found by a mall security guard and taken to a group home. The social workers want her to move in with a foster family or be adopted by a young couple, but she wants her mom's newly-discovered cousin to adopt her.

The art is brightly colored, and I would call it cartoonish except that the figures have a sketchier quality rather than the harsh black outlines characteristic of a cartoony style. The color and style contribute to the care-free mood of the story and of Punky's personality.

More and more families are non-traditional; children are raised by grandparents, a single parent, divorced parents, adoptive families, nannies, etc., and Punky Brewster appeals to everyone who knows that family is about love, not composition.

I'd recommend this book to children of the 80s and 90s who like a little nostalgia, and also to modern children who like a good story, especially those in non-traditional families.

*Digital ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Confession time:
1) I'm a huge fan of nostalgia, (particularly 80's and 90's!) so I'm definitely the target audience for this book.
2) I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The first things that struck me about this was (like some other titles they relaunched recently such as "Saved by the Bell" and "Archie") how little they actually had to change to make this comic reflect current sensibilities! I remember watching the show as a kid in the early-80's, and very little has changed; sure they added a bit of new technology (Henry has a cell-phone, etc.) and slang, but the heart of the comic (like the show) remains the adorable characters and the endearing relationships they have with each other.

Additionally, the art is engaging and cartoony, perfect for the stories it's trying to tell. Further, it seems like this is a perfect comic for people who aren't familiar with the show, as they retell Punky's "origin story" in the first issue, and then jump right into the ongoing story.

So, I'd this comic is absolutely packed with "PUNKY-POWER", and give it a heart-warming 4 stars.

[Erma Talamante · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a digital (Kindle) copy from NetGalley. I had requested it because I remembered watching Punky Brewster back in the day, but I couldn't remember much about it, and figured this might give my memory a boost while at the same time being a reboot of a classic.

Well, I was half right.

I still don't remember much from the old show (maybe if I get time I'll check YouTube), but this was a definite reboot, what with mentions of digital photography and computer files... I just wish it had been easier to read.

Read the full review here:
https://ermareads.wordpress.com/netga...

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite shows as a kid. I remembered the colorful outfits and Brandon the dog and Cherie the best friend. But I had forgotten how sad the whole idea of a little girl abandoned by her mom and an older man who takes her in and makes a family. It is a bit heartbreaking and a bit healing. Not too bad for a comic book about punky power.

[A Reader's Heaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

The beloved TV series returns in this heartwarming, lushly illustrated story of a brand-new family made from persistence, pluck, and Punky Power!
Punky Brewster, a bright eight-year-old girl, has been abandoned and is getting by on the streets of Chicago. Punky thinks she doesn't need help - except from her puppy sidekick, Brandon - but after getting picked up by the police she enters a foster home and starts to search for a family. Punky meets Henry, a long-lost relative, and decides he's the adoptive dad for her. All she has to do is convince the foster home, adoption judges and lawyers, and possibly Henry, himself! Luckily, she's got an unbeatable resource - her limitless reserve of Punky Power!

Great to see Punky Brewster in graphic novel / comic book form. I loved this show as a kid and welcomed this addition to the GN world. I was eager to read this and have to say that I am in two minds about the review.

On the positive side, everything was there - the background; the 'spunkiness' of Punky; her dog Brandon; her friends; and, most of all, Henry. Was flipping back to the 80's (without the bad hairdo) and reliving some of my childhood.
The usual positive message was also present - this one about love and persistence which featured heavily during the TV show. It is great that these messages are still getting out.

On the downside, well, it was a little slow. I haven't seen the TV series in many years but I remember it being fun, full of energy and extremely likeable. This book seemed to drag out the introduction - so much so, that the first quarter of the book was just finding Henry. That was a little slow for my liking.

That being said, it was a good flashback to my youth and I will definitely see where this series goes in the future.


Paul
ARH

[Siina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't aware that Punky is actually an old character and from a TV series, since I don't think we've ever had it here in Finland (I don't know for sure though). Usually I don't like nuisance kids, but Punky turned out OK. The whole setting worked out nicely, although I must say that a kid living alone in Chicago nowadays isn't as probable as it might have been in the 1980s. It was a good decision on Sellner's part to not give a perfect facelift to this - mostly the comic isn't tied to any specific years, if you don't count the only mobile phone selfie thing in the comic.

Basically we have a kid Punky, whose mother has fled to God knows where and after the foster home episode she meets Henry, who's a long lost relative. Then there's more of that foster home experience when they try to get Henry to adopt Punky and it isn't so easy. The plot is quite different to other comics, but perhaps not really modern - I don't think everything would happen the way it does in the comic nowadays. Also, the hearing is way too long. Sellner should've written more about Punky's street life and about the girl instead of concentrating on the hearing process.

The art is nice, although it does look a little like that from the 1990s. The colors are great and fit well with the original Punky, which probably work for the fans of the original series. My only concern is to whom this is meant? For the adults or kids? For kids this feels a little too adult-like with the hearing and like, but for adults this then might feel a little lame. For those who've seen the original series of course, but isn't this a bit too late to revive the concept? Perhaps time will tell. Either way, the comic is good and interesting - something we hardly see anymore be it a good thing or not.

[Bruce Gargoyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.

Ten Second Synopsis:
Loveable homeless rogue Punky Brewster is found aiding and abetting a hustler in a store robbery, and sent to a group home. On discovering a long-lost cousin, the grouchy old Henry, Punky sees her chance at a great home – but can she and her dog Brandon convince the authorities (and Henry) that this is where she belongs?

It’s Punky Brewster for a whole new generation! I’m sorry, I would have thought that was the obvious reason to read it. And fans of the original (and I definitely include myself among that number) will be happy to know that this is true to the original story, right down to the annoyingly quirky word mix-ups that Punky indulges in every so often. For purists, Henry does seem significantly younger as a cartoon than he was in the original, but apart from that, the tale contains all the cheekiness and hair-brained schemes that one could hope for. I did find it a bit strange that modern references to mobile phones and computers and texting and things were plonked right in the middle of a classic 80s environment, but it surely won’t phase young readers discovering Punky for the first time. Long live the random-bandana-tied-around-the-leg fashion statement.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully nostalgic for those who grew up watching the TV show! It's been updated a teeny bit, with mentions of selfies and mobiles and DVDs, but that's pretty much it and the rest is just as it was in the 80s. Great fun to revisit the story, and to jog my memory a bit because I didn't really have that much recollection of how it all began! I think I was just too young to really get it fully, I just liked the spunky little girl with her dog and her funky fashion sense ;) My only really resounding memory of the show in fact is the episode where they're playing hide and seek outside, and Cherie hides in an abandoned fridge which she then can't get out of and it takes ages for them to find her and she almost DIES and seriously, best cautionary tale EVER!

I don't read comics, but I enjoyed this :)

[Alex Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HAVE RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR REVIEW FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST OPINION.

This comic is about a little girl named Punky who doesn't have a mother and is put into a foster home. She keeps running away because she doesn't want to live with people she doesn't know, or places where her dog isn't accepted. She finds her mothers cousin and tries to live with him.

This story is about love, persistence, and the power that Punky has with her Punky power! This was such a cute and heartwarming comic. While it was shorter than a book, it still tore at my heartstrings. It made me feel for Punky and Henry. I loved the characters in the comic and it made me smile quite a bit at the end. I definitely would recommend everyone read this comic!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to read the Saved by the Bell graphic novel by this author, but the library didn't have it, so I settled for Punky Brewster instead.

I loved the tv show as a kid, but this book was boring, predictable, and annoying at times. Probably the same way the tv show would be if I tried to watch it now. I am intrigued to watch Punky Brewster episodes on YouTube, but I'm afraid it is something that is better kept as a pleasant childhood memory.

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit of nostalgia and yet still a contemporary tale. It's a fantastic read for kids and young adults for it's non-didactic and crucial message-- there are many definitions for what a family is. The writing manages to keep a light and endearing tone (resembling Curly Sue) even though the facts of Punky's situation are heartbreaking. The details of her eventual adoption are imprecise, but the medium doesn't require precision as much as charm; this book is full of charm.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

PUNKY POWER!!!

I grew up watching Punky, and reading this brought back how much I loved that show. All my favourite characters are here again, and I couldn't stop smiling as I read. I am so glad that Punky is back to bring her Punky Power to another generation. And yes, I did run and order this for my library . . .

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always loved Punky Brewster in the 80's and now she's back in comic form for a new generation. She is still the same Punky, full of Punky Power, just thrust into the modern age of cell phones and technology. I like how the principal players are all here - including Henry and best friend Cherie. The illustrations are fantastic. I hope this series continues.

[Andréa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this collection of Punky Brewster stories! Punky has been updated for the 21st century while still retaining the humor (and color scheme!) of the original show. The cast is fairly diverse and realistic, and Punky's dog Brandon is an outstanding supporting character. Kids (and grown-ups, too) will get a kick out of this reboot.

Note: I received a digital ARC through NetGalley.

[Jenni Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I was worried because I had been a fan of the show that I wouldn't like it. But that wasn't the case. The book was quite good and has a great message for children of all ages.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched Punky Brewster and was really excited to read this graphic novel, which captures Punky's quirky spirit, unique outlook, and crazy attire. This is a cute book with subtle updating to bring that brings Punky into the 21st century. Great start to a new series!

[Luisina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an arc of this graphic novel from netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I loved seeing Punky's adventures in graphic novel format! This was charming and lots of fun. It made me want to watch the tv show again.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to go down memory lane with this comic book. It didn't stick to Punky's story completely but it was close enough. It was cute. I am sure that kids and those who grew up watching the show would enjoy the comic book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and nostalgic. A fun comic for kids or adults that grew up watching Punky :)

Received from NetGalley

[Ashley Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son checked this out from the library as a surprise for me since he knows I love the show. Such a cute book! There is a modern spin in the story and though it’s not “true to the show” (Punky helping out a criminal, constantly running away, etc), there is still the feel of old Punky Brewster tv episodes. I loved this modern version and can’t wait to read more!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

my favorite TV show ever. of course i liked it!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Captures the spirit and mischief of Punky Brewster quite well for a new generation.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a bit too young to have grown up with the TV show, and am only sort of vaguely aware that it exists. So I can promise my enjoyment here wasn’t nostalgia. It’s just a cute story about a girl trying to find a family…and redefining what a family can be. (“Sometimes family is you, your uncle, his tenants, and a cool dog.”) It’s like a modern-day ‘Annie’ with a precocious orphan winning the heart of a bachelor with her quirky wisdom and adorable hijinks. What’s not to love?

Also the character designs are fun and the art is cute.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penelope "Punky" Brewster lives on the streets of Chicago with her dog, Brandon. She survives by helping common criminals steal from local businesses and hiding out in public places, such as department stores. When she is caught sleeping in such a store, she is picked up by children's services, who discover that she has a long-lost cousin, an older man named Henry Warnimont. At first, Henry is not interested in becoming the parent to an eight-year-old, but over time, he becomes attached to Punky, and she to him. When he decides he wants to adopt her, however, he and Punky realize that he may not be approved because he is too old and lives an unstable lifestyle with lots of travel. Though Punky refuses to go with another family, it is ultimately up to a judge to decide Punky's fate.

Though I never really watched the original sit-com, I am old enough to remember the Punky Brewster cartoon - and possibly also to have owned a pair of Punky sneakers - so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I was curious as to how Punky would translate to the graphic novel format- and whether this adaptation would be as ridiculous as the cartoon, which involved a leprechaun gopher. As it turns out, this incarnation of Punky actually proves to be more believable than even the original story presented on the sit-com.

In the television show, Henry is apparently just the owner of a building where Punky hides out, but in this book, he is a distant cousin of Punky, found by child services after her mother can't be located. The details of Punky's transition into the care of child services and the efforts of child services to find her a suitable home are much more realistic than what is usually portrayed on TV, and it makes Punky much more similar to serious characters like Gilly Hopkins and Tracy Beaker. Other characters from the sit-com also seem to take on greater depth in this adaptation, as the story focuses more on the heartwarming formation of a non-traditional family than on making the audience laugh.

Though the appeal of this series is likely to be mainly for adults who remember the character from childhood, this book would be likely to find readers if it were displayed in the children's graphic novel section of a library or bookstore. I could easily see it appealing to readers who enjoy the Amelia Rules books by Jimmy Gownley and the Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adaptations by Raina Telgemeier, even if they have never heard the name Punky Brewster before.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Punky Brewster when I watched it with my kids. When I saw this graphic novel I decided to give it a whirl. I was not disappointed. The story has been updated with technology to keep it relevant to kids today. Punky is living on the streets of Chicago with her dog, Brandon. She thinks she is doing just fine, but when she gets picked up by the police and taken to Fenster Hall, a children's home, she decides that she needs to find a family. With an internet search, she finds Henry, a distant cousin of her mother. She needs to use all of her Punky Power to convince everyone, including Henry, that she should live with him and he should be her new family. Punky is just as adorable and spunky as I remember from the television show. The vibrant, colourful cartoon illustrations along with the storyline make this a great choice for young girls as well as fans of the television show. I look forward to future editions from this series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jezire C Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an e-arc of this from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

How adorable was this? Seriously. A great comic for young readers who need introduced to Punky, her dog, and their fast paced and adorable antics.

So sweet and the art reminded me of an old comic strip but modern, bright, colorful, and fun.

I would recommend this cute story to anyone who loved the tv show and maybe wants to share that love with their children. It was definitely worth the read.