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Princeless (Collected Editions) #4
Princeless, Vol. 4: Be Yourself
Angoisse Ashe, the oft-forgotten middle sister of the Ashe royal family, is locked in a castle deep in the swamp. Not only is her castle guarded by zombies, but the swamp is full of dangerous hazards. Everything from quicksand to goblins to swamp monsters to VAMPIRES! But does that give Adrienne pause? Unfortunately not, as she and Bedelia dive head-first into their most dangerous adventure yet! Be sure to pick up this collection and share every moment of this thrilling chapter of the Princeless saga!"
128 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2015
6 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Whitley
411 books335 followersJeremy Whitley is the son of two teachers and the husband of a third.
Born in La Mesa, CA, Jeremy went to high school in Lenoir, NC and college at The University of North Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelors in English, and a minor in Creative Writing.
Jeremy lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife Alicia and his two daughters Zuri and Amara.
Jeremy is the writer/creator of the comic series Princeless, Raven the Pirate Princess, School for Extraterrestrial Girls, and The Dog Knight. He is also the writer of the acclaimed Marvel series "The Unstoppable Wasp". His other works include extensive work for Marvel, the "Sea of Thieves" comics, and over sixty issues of My Little Pony comics.
Awards and Nominations:
3 time Glyph Winner
5 time Glyph Nominee
2 time Eisner Nominee
2 time Cyblis Nominee
2 time Bloomer Nominee
1 time Most Likely to Succeed Winner
Born in La Mesa, CA, Jeremy went to high school in Lenoir, NC and college at The University of North Carolina. He graduated with a Bachelors in English, and a minor in Creative Writing.
Jeremy lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife Alicia and his two daughters Zuri and Amara.
Jeremy is the writer/creator of the comic series Princeless, Raven the Pirate Princess, School for Extraterrestrial Girls, and The Dog Knight. He is also the writer of the acclaimed Marvel series "The Unstoppable Wasp". His other works include extensive work for Marvel, the "Sea of Thieves" comics, and over sixty issues of My Little Pony comics.
Awards and Nominations:
3 time Glyph Winner
5 time Glyph Nominee
2 time Eisner Nominee
2 time Cyblis Nominee
2 time Bloomer Nominee
1 time Most Likely to Succeed Winner
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 12, 2016
The Princeless series continues to deliver strong female characters, beautiful (child appropriate) artwork, and storylines with meaning. Each time Adrienne and Bedelia venture out to rescue one of Adrienne's sisters, a facet of relationships is dissected and examined. This volume dealt with abusive relationships and gender roles in government.
Now, it's not that cut and dry on the surface- the story itself is really fun and engaging. Adrienne and Bedelia have to survive a cannibalistic tribe of goblins in a monster infested swamp in order to reach Angoisse's tower. On the way, they befriend unlikely allies and encounter a plant-like terror. While this is going on, Adrienne's brother, Devin, refuses to embrace traditional gender roles and activities, which continues to infuriate his tyrannical father. Their relationship illustrates the eternal struggle between parent and child. Parents think they know better and push their child in the direction they believe they should go, while children want to follow their natural inclinations. In the push-pull dynamic, somehow everything works out fine, but with more bad feelings on either side than there need to be.
The abusive relationship portion is tactfully presented in the interactions between Angoisse and Raphael. Sometimes people act a certain way because they want something out of you, other than your company. Kids get it.
The story is not complex and adult readers may find it rather simplistic (unless you dig deeper into the underlying meaning), but it's perfect for the 8 to 12 year olds. This comic will appeal to reluctant readers of either gender. I highly recommend it.
Now, it's not that cut and dry on the surface- the story itself is really fun and engaging. Adrienne and Bedelia have to survive a cannibalistic tribe of goblins in a monster infested swamp in order to reach Angoisse's tower. On the way, they befriend unlikely allies and encounter a plant-like terror. While this is going on, Adrienne's brother, Devin, refuses to embrace traditional gender roles and activities, which continues to infuriate his tyrannical father. Their relationship illustrates the eternal struggle between parent and child. Parents think they know better and push their child in the direction they believe they should go, while children want to follow their natural inclinations. In the push-pull dynamic, somehow everything works out fine, but with more bad feelings on either side than there need to be.
The abusive relationship portion is tactfully presented in the interactions between Angoisse and Raphael. Sometimes people act a certain way because they want something out of you, other than your company. Kids get it.
The story is not complex and adult readers may find it rather simplistic (unless you dig deeper into the underlying meaning), but it's perfect for the 8 to 12 year olds. This comic will appeal to reluctant readers of either gender. I highly recommend it.
June 29, 2016
I still really like this series, but this one felt like a bit too much plot packed into a bit too few issues. Mainly, I think, because I was a bit disappointed with how little time was given to Angoisse. I'd really been looking forward to this storyline, which is a take on the emotionally abusive relationships sadly common to YA PNR. It's one of those anvils that could use being dropped, if you know what I mean. I just wish that there'd been more time spent on this story. At the same time, I can't really complain about the entire goblin storyline. If anything, I think it could have maybe used a bit more separation from Angoisse's story. I guess I'm just saying that this is a part of the story that I wish was longer.
February 28, 2017
Brilliant as always. Ridiculous monsters, unlikely companions, a Princess Bride reference(!!!!!), and interesting developments that help me *see* where the story arc is going even if it's taking AGES to get there.
I've read three volumes of Princeless in 1 month, so I'm pretty invested.
I've read three volumes of Princeless in 1 month, so I'm pretty invested.
March 4, 2018
Dear Action Lab:
If you do a reprint on this, please correct the spelling of Kelly Sue DeConnick's name on her blurb. Unless the blurb is actually from someone named "Kelly Sue Decconick" and you just want people to think it's from the other Kelly Sue, in which case it's kind of a crappy Marketing move.
Thanks.
Me
If you do a reprint on this, please correct the spelling of Kelly Sue DeConnick's name on her blurb. Unless the blurb is actually from someone named "Kelly Sue Decconick" and you just want people to think it's from the other Kelly Sue, in which case it's kind of a crappy Marketing move.
Thanks.
Me
March 18, 2017
I like these Princeless comics, I just don't find them as compelling as other comics I've read, ie. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Also, not a fan of all the ads for other comics in the bind-ups.
March 16, 2016
To continue my reviews of the comics I've read, after that brief Ursula Vernon interruption...
Princeless! I really do enjoy Princeless. You've probably seen excerpts from it floating around on tumblr, and of course I've reviewed the first three volumes here. It's a smart, funny, girl-focused comic, with few boys and a strong focus on the relationships between women.
In this installment, Adrienne goes to rescue her third sister, Angoisse, dead middle in a family of seven and also rather gothic. On her way through the swamp to Angoisse's tower, she runs into a tribe of goblins and ends up smack-dab in the middle of goblin politics and an election for mayor. Really. It's a lot of fun and involves a lot more physical fighting than politics usually does. We also got more of Adrienne's brother Devin as he sets out (in unwilling company with the wolf girl Kira) to find his mother (supposedly captured by the Black Knight. I am skeptical.).
The second half of the volume, where we actually meet Angoisse, gets pretty dark pretty fast. Angoisse has a boyfriend, but he's emotionally abusive and using her for his own ends, telling her he loves her to get his own way. The relationship is depicted in such a painfully real way, I just wanted to snatch up Angoisse and hug her and tell her it'll be okay and he's a dick. Fortunately, with the support of Adrienne and Bedalia, Angoisse manages her own butt-kicking and gains back a great deal of the confidence her asshole ex stole from her.
Again, this volume concentrates very strongly on the relationships between women and on women supporting each other. Adrienne and Bedalia hold each other up. Sparky helps both of them while on a quest of her own. Their goblin guide is an Indiana Jones-esque awesome lady goblin, and of course Angoisse's relationship with Adrienne is what saves her. It's a great comic series, and I look forward to the next installment.
Princeless! I really do enjoy Princeless. You've probably seen excerpts from it floating around on tumblr, and of course I've reviewed the first three volumes here. It's a smart, funny, girl-focused comic, with few boys and a strong focus on the relationships between women.
In this installment, Adrienne goes to rescue her third sister, Angoisse, dead middle in a family of seven and also rather gothic. On her way through the swamp to Angoisse's tower, she runs into a tribe of goblins and ends up smack-dab in the middle of goblin politics and an election for mayor. Really. It's a lot of fun and involves a lot more physical fighting than politics usually does. We also got more of Adrienne's brother Devin as he sets out (in unwilling company with the wolf girl Kira) to find his mother (supposedly captured by the Black Knight. I am skeptical.).
The second half of the volume, where we actually meet Angoisse, gets pretty dark pretty fast. Angoisse has a boyfriend, but he's emotionally abusive and using her for his own ends, telling her he loves her to get his own way. The relationship is depicted in such a painfully real way, I just wanted to snatch up Angoisse and hug her and tell her it'll be okay and he's a dick. Fortunately, with the support of Adrienne and Bedalia, Angoisse manages her own butt-kicking and gains back a great deal of the confidence her asshole ex stole from her.
Again, this volume concentrates very strongly on the relationships between women and on women supporting each other. Adrienne and Bedalia hold each other up. Sparky helps both of them while on a quest of her own. Their goblin guide is an Indiana Jones-esque awesome lady goblin, and of course Angoisse's relationship with Adrienne is what saves her. It's a great comic series, and I look forward to the next installment.
December 27, 2015
i am so fond of devin, the king really needs to take a step back to consider what amazing children he's blessed with and quit trying to push them into his tiny boring gender role boxes. i mean honestly, if i had a son who was clever and curious and a talented seamster i would be bursting with pride! i would never shut up about either of them! i'd be the embarrassing mom who's like and this is my girl adrienne, did you know what a talented swordfighter she is, hold on, i've got video for you. and do you see this awesome dress i'm wearing? devin made it! MY KIDS ARE SO GREAT
moving on! this volume goes back to the main quest and brings us to adrienne's sister, angoisse. she is stuck in a swamp which is probably right beside a hot topic. you never see one on the page but she's got to be getting the goth clothes from somewhere right? adventures happen and sparky in particular makes a good showing. 4 stars
moving on! this volume goes back to the main quest and brings us to adrienne's sister, angoisse. she is stuck in a swamp which is probably right beside a hot topic. you never see one on the page but she's got to be getting the goth clothes from somewhere right? adventures happen and sparky in particular makes a good showing. 4 stars
June 24, 2016
I think this volume was my favorite so far. In addition to criticizing bullying and unjust power structures, this volume investigated abusive relationships and manipulation.
There are a few things that I would still like to see from this series. They are:
1. Actual, explicitly stated, LGBT characters. There's been some implied lady/lady crushes but just give me some medieval girlfriends, please?
2. "Good" characters who fit into the traditional gender roles. The reversal of gender roles does an awesome job of criticizing the established patriarchal normative. HOWEVER, its unfortunate that the women who fit into social expectations are typically presented as being limited by those interests/abilities and that the men who fit into social expectations (especially regarding strength) are all presented as corrupt.
3. Lady-dwarves who grow beards and keep 'em.
There are a few things that I would still like to see from this series. They are:
1. Actual, explicitly stated, LGBT characters. There's been some implied lady/lady crushes but just give me some medieval girlfriends, please?
2. "Good" characters who fit into the traditional gender roles. The reversal of gender roles does an awesome job of criticizing the established patriarchal normative. HOWEVER, its unfortunate that the women who fit into social expectations are typically presented as being limited by those interests/abilities and that the men who fit into social expectations (especially regarding strength) are all presented as corrupt.
3. Lady-dwarves who grow beards and keep 'em.
July 16, 2019
This volume tells an amazing story about overcoming abusive relationships. As we know from the story so far, Angoisse was manipulated by one of the knights her father sent after the dragon. It was great to watch her grow and make some important decisions.
Also, we see some adventures back in the main castle. The only brother gets his time to shine! This soft boy is an amazing subversion of toxic masculinity and he has a lot of potential.
insta | twitter | blog | booksirens | duolingo
Also, we see some adventures back in the main castle. The only brother gets his time to shine! This soft boy is an amazing subversion of toxic masculinity and he has a lot of potential.
__________________________
insta | twitter | blog | booksirens | duolingo
June 6, 2016
Finally this installment gets back to the roots of what makes this a fun and colorful graphic novel series. Before we got sidetracked, you might remember that the mission was to rescue all the royal sisters, and middle sisters are the ones most often forgotten. Fear not, our heroines are on the way to the swamp to set Angoisee free, but first they must outwit goblins, zombies, and something far worse, I cannot say what for fear of spoiling the most delightful thing about this volume. Well, there are actually two delightful things, but I won't spoil either.
Everyone still looks like they've been on weight watchers, and there is a bit too much switching of stories back and forth in this one, but a fun ride nonetheless.
Everyone still looks like they've been on weight watchers, and there is a bit too much switching of stories back and forth in this one, but a fun ride nonetheless.
May 10, 2016
Maybe the best one yet! I'm biting the bullet and investing in the series thus far - wish I had these when I was a kid sighing over Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty!
July 29, 2016
Well that took an entertaining turn!
June 15, 2019
This installment finds our heroes off to recuse the middle sister. When that rescue finally comes, it deals with the question of abuse and power. This is also a theme that runs with the goblin sub-plot. It was enjoyable, and I loved the solution to the goblin's monster.
April 18, 2017
I loved the part with the new sister but I didn't love the switching back and forth between all the bits leading up to that.
May 6, 2018
Cute, but it was a little slower than others. Can't wait for more though!
February 17, 2016
Princeless remains a treasure of a comic. It's filled with fun humour, compelling characters and wonderful messages. There's the larger messages - those of friendship and family, those of ignoring gender roles to do what makes you happy, and in this particular volume, a message of not needing a boyfriend to be happy. But there's also smaller messages that are dropped in single panels: For example, a moment of Adrienne saying that sometimes you need to raise your voice, because no one listens to you when you're nice.
This is a passionately feminist work, and one that is deeply valuable as a result. But even aside from that, it's just a delightful comic. This volume has jokes about politics, a derpy horse, a hiariously goth princess, the most adorable swamp monster ever, a goblin with a great business card, an exploding insect, and more. And if you're not interested by all that, well, I don't know what to tell you.
If you've read the previous volumes of Princeless, you're already going to read this. If you haven't read the previous volumes, why haven't you read them? Go read Princeless.
This is a passionately feminist work, and one that is deeply valuable as a result. But even aside from that, it's just a delightful comic. This volume has jokes about politics, a derpy horse, a hiariously goth princess, the most adorable swamp monster ever, a goblin with a great business card, an exploding insect, and more. And if you're not interested by all that, well, I don't know what to tell you.
If you've read the previous volumes of Princeless, you're already going to read this. If you haven't read the previous volumes, why haven't you read them? Go read Princeless.
December 26, 2015
Reading this might have been the best possible Christmas present I could have given myself. Adventures continue, and Adrienne is tied with the new Ms. Marvel, Kamala Khan, as my favorite graphic series star. That she and Kamala are both feminist, asskixy protagonists of color is a happy coincidence. I was a little nervous about the goblin speaking in broken English, but there was no accent specified or implied, so I gave him a French accent in my mind, and it was awesomely hilarious. Sparky the dragon gets to shine in this, along with effeminate (ugh, this word is so loaded with negative connotations and I hate that, because there's so much wrong with the whole concept but I don't know how else to say it) and totally awesome little brother Devin. Anyway, this series keeps kicking major zombie butt, and I am salivating for the next installments. Get into the hands of every pre-teen and teen you know!
February 27, 2016
Another outstanding installment of the Princeless series. I love the further addition of characters with each volume and I'm really looking forward to the next one where we meet Bedalia's dwarf relatives and Sparky may get to see the farm where the dragons and raised to be protectors where she may have come from. It's so rewarding seeing everyone finding their own happiness in the book whatever that might be. I hope Adrienne can find her happiness too when her quest to save her sisters is through. One of my favorite characters is Devin, the prince, who the kind doesn't think is manly enough to ever be a ruler. His gentle spirit is so endearing and I am definitely rooting for him and Kira who have a fun dynamic with each other because they're such opposites though I have a feeling they will be rather opposed to their parents' plans. I think for most of the book I'm just like, 'Who put these grown ups in charge?'
February 23, 2017
I'm still really liking this series and I really loved how much attention Sparky the dragon got in this particular volume. I'm very excited to see the brother and Wolf kid join forces to find his mother and I wonder if this will be part of the story or another spin off? Things are starting to get interesting! ~Ashley
September 8, 2016
Another cute installment of this series. It was a little jarring for me since it has been a while since I read the last volume, but I'm enjoying seeing the various princess sisters and how they each cope with their lots differently. The goblins were fun, and I loved their little arc of politics and monsters (and the embossed business card :D).
August 22, 2016
This was another not so good volume. I'm not saying it was horrible or anything but it could have been better. I felt like they spent way too much time with the goblin characters and Sparky. I wasn't that into the parts with her brother either. Although that other little monster was freakin' adorable. I also kinda miss the art style from the last volume.
February 11, 2019
My inner goth loves a goth Princess, complete with Ankh jewellery.
All of me loves her finding a way not to define herself by a man, plus there are goblin politics, less than evil swamp monsters, and more ass kicking
All of me loves her finding a way not to define herself by a man, plus there are goblin politics, less than evil swamp monsters, and more ass kicking
September 18, 2017
Yes good continue please
August 27, 2018
Princeless vol 4 was such a supernatural delight. I wasn't sure what creatures of the night Adrienne and Bedelia were going to face. Our heroines have you 6 to deal with goblins, eels, alligators, zombies, and more! It was turning into a Halloween special. I did like the goblins massacre. Our gals were certain that they were dinner. It ends up being more of a celebration. They sure lucked out.
Sparky got to help out some goblins from the grimmorax. I liked that she had a separate adventure. The grimmorax ends ti ui up being the most adorable monster. I wish it decided to join in on the adventure.
We learn that Devin is more suited to be dressmaker's than a king In training. He has mad sewing skills. But of course his tough as nails dad doesn't approve. Instead he motivates his son into doing a quest of his own. To save his mom. I think the black knight is the mom. Why else would they take her clothes?
I thought it was awesome to see Devin paired off with Kira. She might be mean, but she's a tough warrior. She's the Vegeta from Dragonballz of the group
I had a feeling that they were set up for more than a quest. She just might be his queen. I'd love to see that happen. I ship them so hard.
They are such polar opposites.
Adrienne and Bedelia finally make to Angoisse's castle. Adrienne is surprised to see her sister as happy as ever. She's used to her being moody all the time. The source of this happiness stems from her boyfriend Raphael. This smooth talker even had Bedelia obsessed with him. I knew from the last preview that Raphael wasn't just a knight. He's a vampire. It was no surprise that was he and just using Angoiuisse. A fight that led to falling out the tower led Angoisse to expose herself as a vampire, when saving her sister. Ho
An unlikely ally got rid of Raphael. The grimmorax gets to stay with Angoisse. I'm happy that she gets that cute pet she always wanted. Anything's better than her zombies.
I can't wait to see the twin princesses. Double the trouble!
Sparky got to help out some goblins from the grimmorax. I liked that she had a separate adventure. The grimmorax ends ti ui up being the most adorable monster. I wish it decided to join in on the adventure.
We learn that Devin is more suited to be dressmaker's than a king In training. He has mad sewing skills. But of course his tough as nails dad doesn't approve. Instead he motivates his son into doing a quest of his own. To save his mom. I think the black knight is the mom. Why else would they take her clothes?
I thought it was awesome to see Devin paired off with Kira. She might be mean, but she's a tough warrior. She's the Vegeta from Dragonballz of the group
I had a feeling that they were set up for more than a quest. She just might be his queen. I'd love to see that happen. I ship them so hard.
They are such polar opposites.
Adrienne and Bedelia finally make to Angoisse's castle. Adrienne is surprised to see her sister as happy as ever. She's used to her being moody all the time. The source of this happiness stems from her boyfriend Raphael. This smooth talker even had Bedelia obsessed with him. I knew from the last preview that Raphael wasn't just a knight. He's a vampire. It was no surprise that was he and just using Angoiuisse. A fight that led to falling out the tower led Angoisse to expose herself as a vampire, when saving her sister. Ho
An unlikely ally got rid of Raphael. The grimmorax gets to stay with Angoisse. I'm happy that she gets that cute pet she always wanted. Anything's better than her zombies.
I can't wait to see the twin princesses. Double the trouble!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
I did enjoy this, but I felt like maybe there were just too many things going on for anything to really be fully fleshed out. I wanted so much more to be built up around Angoisse than there was. And her issues felt more like they were suddenly magically solved when really, that's the kind of thing that needs a lot of time and work to move out of such unhealthy perspectives.
I loved the other storyline with the swamp monster, but again it just felt like it couldn't be developed the way it could have been because we had to get to the Angoisse storyline.
Not to mention the storyline with Devin, which I'm finding really fascinating but we're dumped into the middle of something that's been going on without having really any preparation for it and I want to be more invested but I don't know if I can be as much as I want to be because we're just not given enough time with the characters.
I would have been happier if these story arcs had been stretched out more. A lot more. Mostly because I love this world and I'm loving these characters and I want more of them!
I loved the other storyline with the swamp monster, but again it just felt like it couldn't be developed the way it could have been because we had to get to the Angoisse storyline.
Not to mention the storyline with Devin, which I'm finding really fascinating but we're dumped into the middle of something that's been going on without having really any preparation for it and I want to be more invested but I don't know if I can be as much as I want to be because we're just not given enough time with the characters.
I would have been happier if these story arcs had been stretched out more. A lot more. Mostly because I love this world and I'm loving these characters and I want more of them!
April 21, 2018
I feel that the series is really starting to hit its stride here -- as well as all the details that I suspect kids appreciate, it is starting to really work at the over-arching plot level. Many many details are becoming obvious. I'm not sure I like the way the story line for the young prince is going, but I have hopes that it will turn out to be more interestingly done than the early stages.
Also, the hints about the Black Knight are starting to become more frequent. I have a strong suspicion, mostly because these hints are not at all subtle. And there are starting to be some interesting hints dropped about Bedelia as well.
I liked the way that some of the vampire tropes played out here, in particular thrall, and what it says about each of the characters.
Also, the hints about the Black Knight are starting to become more frequent. I have a strong suspicion, mostly because these hints are not at all subtle. And there are starting to be some interesting hints dropped about Bedelia as well.
I liked the way that some of the vampire tropes played out here, in particular thrall, and what it says about each of the characters.
February 13, 2019
"Princeless" seems determined to take on parodying genre fiction, and this volume was a love letter to Gothic fantasy. Probably my least favourite of the titles so far: multiple plotlines meant that we didn't get as much focus on any of them as I would have liked. It also highlighed how briefly we really get to know Adrienne's sisters and accordingly, how any personal arc they have must be crammed into comparatively few pages. Adrienne and Bedalia inevitably feel far more developed and really, something like a full volume of any new characters' receiving the spotlight focus like "The Pirate Princess" is what is needed. All the same, there's some brilliant moments and I really do love Adrienne and Bedalia's dynamic as they take on goblins and vampires.
September 8, 2017
While I still very much love the series and I know the target audience is much younger than I am I feel this volume was a bit weak compared to the previous volumes. Or it just may be I'm more than slightly disappointed at the lack of Raven in this volume. It may be there were too many plotlines that I wanted to follow more in-depth but were not focused on, like the development of Adrienne's brother's quest. I'm really glad that a comic for young girls expressly addresses issues such as gender roles in politics and abusive relationships in a way that can be understood by younger readers. Unfortunately, I just didn't find this volume to be as satisfying as the rest have been.
March 26, 2019
Adrienne heads off to save her sister Angoisse, but maybe she doesn't want/ need to be rescued?
Feminist lesson: Find value within yourself. You don't find value in a relationship/through a guy.
Feminist lesson: Find value within yourself. You don't find value in a relationship/through a guy.
August 31, 2018
In book three Adrienne was side track and saved the Pirate Princess. Now back at the task which is to save her sister Angoisse. Adrienna and her side kick, Bedelia have to go to the darkest swamp. The swamp is surrounded by scary creatures. Goblins, Zombies and the swamp creature know as the Grimmorax. These are the creatures that stand in the way of Angoisse’s tower. Angoisse is the middle sister no one really notices her. When she meet Raphael she think she found the one but instead have found a darkness that changes her life forever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews