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Lumberjanes #5
Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2017)It’s a battle of the bands...with mermaids! April takes it upon herself to restore a friendship that has fallen apart, but will she be in over her head as her above-water friendships take a hit? Don’t miss out on seeing the Lumberjanes save the day—and friendships challenged—in this exciting collection of issues #13 and #18-20!
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2016
273 people are currently reading
3817 people want to read
About the author
N.D. Stevenson
111 books5,230 followersND Stevenson is the award-winning, bestselling author and illustrator of Nimona and The Fire Never Goes Out, the co-creator of Lumberjanes, and was the showrunner for the award-winning Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. He currently lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,015 reviews
September 3, 2017
The Lumberjanes discover a secret world under the lake. They solve problems and learn lessons about friendship along the way.
Not the strongest entry in the series, but still excellent for children and those who are still learning the polite, unwritten rules of society.
I loved the first episode where we got to see the girls arriving at the camp and forming their friendships.
And I also loved April's character development.
"But your FRIENDS had things they needed to do that were important to them. ... And their priorities are just as important as yours. Sometimes, even when adventure is at stake, you gotta think of them, too."
I didn't think the artwork in this entry was up to the standards of the others. And, it relied too heavily on the secret beneath the lake.
Still highly recommended for children and anyone who enjoys graphic novels, The Lumberjanes is amazing.
Not the strongest entry in the series, but still excellent for children and those who are still learning the polite, unwritten rules of society.
I loved the first episode where we got to see the girls arriving at the camp and forming their friendships.
And I also loved April's character development.
"But your FRIENDS had things they needed to do that were important to them. ... And their priorities are just as important as yours. Sometimes, even when adventure is at stake, you gotta think of them, too."
I didn't think the artwork in this entry was up to the standards of the others. And, it relied too heavily on the secret beneath the lake.
Still highly recommended for children and anyone who enjoys graphic novels, The Lumberjanes is amazing.
February 20, 2018
This was a very different volume than the rest of the series and I'm ok with that. The first chapter was a flashback so we can see the first day of camp where the Lumberjanes meet each other. I hope we can see more of that in the future. The rest of the story takes place around the lake. There is one focus and it's MERMAIDS!
Ok, I'm admit, I love mermaids and so maybe why I love this so much is that there are mermaids in the story and not only mermaids, but Punk Rock, battle of the bands Mermaids. I love the story. April tries to fix something and it gets her into trouble. She deals.
I read that everyone feels the art is different halfway through the book and I looked back through it and yes, the art does change toward the end. It didn't bother me too much.
If you like lumberjanes and mermaids, you should read this. It's girl power-ific.
Ok, I'm admit, I love mermaids and so maybe why I love this so much is that there are mermaids in the story and not only mermaids, but Punk Rock, battle of the bands Mermaids. I love the story. April tries to fix something and it gets her into trouble. She deals.
I read that everyone feels the art is different halfway through the book and I looked back through it and yes, the art does change toward the end. It didn't bother me too much.
If you like lumberjanes and mermaids, you should read this. It's girl power-ific.
October 2, 2020
What's not to like? This series has matured wonderfully. In this volume we get some neat backstory from the first day of camp before moving to the Lumberjanes first contact with ..water breathers. mer people! Mer womyn to be exact!
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Although lighthearted and virtually all just great fun, this is a startlingly empowering feel-good read about female friendship, which is the core theme of the series, and 20 issues in, we're still getting the lesser known female icon exclamations! 8 out of 12.
Sweet Ida B Wells!
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Although lighthearted and virtually all just great fun, this is a startlingly empowering feel-good read about female friendship, which is the core theme of the series, and 20 issues in, we're still getting the lesser known female icon exclamations! 8 out of 12.
Sweet Ida B Wells!
May 30, 2017
Yay another volume in the "Lumberjanes" universe!
Booooo kind of crummy art work and a story that's a bit more dramatic and character driven but not nearly as fun as the previous ones!
This issue has a bit of an origin story for everyone wondering why exactly Ripley's head looks like it was stuck in a garbage disposal and how in the world Molly wound up with Bubble's the raccoon as a hat. They're not especially exciting answers but they are answers.
I don't know I just wasn't feeling this one. The awesomely talented Noelle Stevenson only illustrated the first issue in the volume and I'm just not diggin' Brooke Allen's take on the girls. There's something Saturday morning cartoony about what she's doing that feels sort of sloppy.
The writing isn't as strong either. There's a tremendous amount of sparkly wit and heart to the earlier volumes. The energy and excitement is practically leaping off the page. In this story, the girls are trying to help a bunch of mermaid musicians get their band back together and despite the fact that mermaid are involved it might as well be happening on land. It all feels a little forced.
Things also take a bit of a serious turn in this issue, something else that didn't sit right with me. The Jane's deal with their first conflict as a group when April gets way too wrapped up in helping the mermaids and devalues her friends' commitments to an upcoming camp event. It seems silly but it was just so weird to see the girls sort of not get along. Its not like the series hasn't dealt with moderately serious issues before but somehow introducing a transgender character and dealing with two girls with crushes on each other having a first date felt less intense and preachy than Jo explaining to April that she's being selfish. It just felt very UN-Lumberjane.
Booooo kind of crummy art work and a story that's a bit more dramatic and character driven but not nearly as fun as the previous ones!
This issue has a bit of an origin story for everyone wondering why exactly Ripley's head looks like it was stuck in a garbage disposal and how in the world Molly wound up with Bubble's the raccoon as a hat. They're not especially exciting answers but they are answers.
I don't know I just wasn't feeling this one. The awesomely talented Noelle Stevenson only illustrated the first issue in the volume and I'm just not diggin' Brooke Allen's take on the girls. There's something Saturday morning cartoony about what she's doing that feels sort of sloppy.
The writing isn't as strong either. There's a tremendous amount of sparkly wit and heart to the earlier volumes. The energy and excitement is practically leaping off the page. In this story, the girls are trying to help a bunch of mermaid musicians get their band back together and despite the fact that mermaid are involved it might as well be happening on land. It all feels a little forced.
Things also take a bit of a serious turn in this issue, something else that didn't sit right with me. The Jane's deal with their first conflict as a group when April gets way too wrapped up in helping the mermaids and devalues her friends' commitments to an upcoming camp event. It seems silly but it was just so weird to see the girls sort of not get along. Its not like the series hasn't dealt with moderately serious issues before but somehow introducing a transgender character and dealing with two girls with crushes on each other having a first date felt less intense and preachy than Jo explaining to April that she's being selfish. It just felt very UN-Lumberjane.
May 23, 2017
This really fell flat for me I didn't really like the plot and all the characters looked different. Also I really didn't like the new Characters that were introduced I wanted the old ones. But I still liked it over all
March 14, 2017
This was a good read but not the strongest in the Lumberjanes series. I think this was mainly because there was only one real main thing happening in the story (April wanting to help Harlow the merperson make amends with her friend and get their merband back together). That's literally it, although, in typical Lumberjanes style, April comes to realise that she shouldn't always put herself first and sacrifice her friends' plans just because she wants to do something.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the artwork changes throughout :( I have gotten used to how the various Lumberjanes characters look now and changing them just didn't sit right with me.
Volume 5 still read the same as the others (cue: silly and comedic quips) and was a joy to read, so yeah, let'shear it for the Lumberjanes!
I also wasn't a huge fan of the artwork changes throughout :( I have gotten used to how the various Lumberjanes characters look now and changing them just didn't sit right with me.
Volume 5 still read the same as the others (cue: silly and comedic quips) and was a joy to read, so yeah, let'shear it for the Lumberjanes!
July 29, 2017
Booktube-a-Thon July 24, 2017-July 30, 2017
Challenge #3 - Finish a book in one day.
Summer Biannual Bibliothon 2017 July 23, 2017-July 29, 2017
Challenge #4 - Throwback Challenge: Read a diverse book.
Challenge #3 - Finish a book in one day.
Summer Biannual Bibliothon 2017 July 23, 2017-July 29, 2017
Challenge #4 - Throwback Challenge: Read a diverse book.
December 12, 2017
Another change in the look along with a lack of excitement caused this to be a disappointment and likely the last one I'll read in the series.
November 5, 2020
So, the story itself is awesome. I love mermaids and mermaid friendship is clearly amazing!!! But... at like 40% of the way in, the art completely changed. Jen looks like a totally different person almost. I really enjoyed the original drawings and was very upset by the abrupt change. It’s one thing to change artists after a complete volume, but dang... this was like a smack in the face. I dunno, even an explanation inserted would have been better than nothing. I was totally confused. Seriously, I was flipping back and forth wildly, wondering if I’d lost my mind and it was just my eyes.
Otherwise, I liked the story a whole lot. A little sad at April’s behavior for part of it, but I forgive her because she’s amazing and I love her!!!! Of course I’ll continue the series, but I’m still thrown off. It’s been two days since I finished reading the last issue and I’m still shaking my head about the art. Imma try to make like Elsa and let it go.
Otherwise, I liked the story a whole lot. A little sad at April’s behavior for part of it, but I forgive her because she’s amazing and I love her!!!! Of course I’ll continue the series, but I’m still thrown off. It’s been two days since I finished reading the last issue and I’m still shaking my head about the art. Imma try to make like Elsa and let it go.
March 11, 2018
I'm always so happy to return to the Lumberjanes universe. These girls are so sweet and feisty and fun, and I love the way their diversity is celebrated throughout the storyline, too. There's always some sort of new development in the way of diverse casting and content, or feminist tones, both of which were prominent in this story. There's some important discussion about how unkind language (such as improper pronouns) can ruin a friendship - because it's downright hurtful to keep using terms that you know make your friend uncomfortable - but there's also some talk about how valuable second chances and paying attention to your loved ones' needs is.
June 26, 2018
I'm usually a fan of the Lumberjanes, but this is a weak volume of the series. The first issue in this collection is quite good. It shows the Lumberjanes girls coming to the camp for the first time. It's interesting to see how their relationships started.
However, the last three issues in this collection are painfully bad. Noelle Stevenson is absent from the writing team on these issues, and the series suffers for it. The personalities of the Lumberjanes, which were so strong prior to this, become indistinct, so it seems that they all have the same personality. Also, most of the story focuses on April's interactions with mermaids, so we don't get to see much interaction between the Lumberjanes. Finally, there is a drop in the quality of the art. Overall, this was a bit of a disappointment.
However, the last three issues in this collection are painfully bad. Noelle Stevenson is absent from the writing team on these issues, and the series suffers for it. The personalities of the Lumberjanes, which were so strong prior to this, become indistinct, so it seems that they all have the same personality. Also, most of the story focuses on April's interactions with mermaids, so we don't get to see much interaction between the Lumberjanes. Finally, there is a drop in the quality of the art. Overall, this was a bit of a disappointment.
November 19, 2017
The punk mermaids are just as cool as you'd think and valuable lessons in respecting your friends are learned.
June 14, 2018
The art in this volume was a nice change, anD MERPEOPLE YES! This was so good! I loved the new characters added for this volume and I liked the story a lot more than the last few issues I read.
April 24, 2018
It was good but not my favorite.
I've really missed The Lumberjanes but I'm saddened to say this volume was my least favorite out of the series so far. After the character growth and background information we got in volume four I expected this volume to continue on. However we got no continuation and to be honest, the plot was a little all over the place.
The only thing that saved this volume was my love for the characters.
Overall, it was okay but a little disappointing after how great volume 4 was.
I've really missed The Lumberjanes but I'm saddened to say this volume was my least favorite out of the series so far. After the character growth and background information we got in volume four I expected this volume to continue on. However we got no continuation and to be honest, the plot was a little all over the place.
The only thing that saved this volume was my love for the characters.
Overall, it was okay but a little disappointing after how great volume 4 was.
December 31, 2016
This series is always a whole load of fun and I always find myself enjoying being back with these girls. Such an adventure, very readable and a really lovely bunch of friends. I'd always recommend this series. I love it :) 4* (because I love the original art more than the art in later chapters, otherwise it's faaaab still!)
May 23, 2017
I felt like this may have been the weakest in the series so far. There was a weird art change halfway through and I didn't feel like we really got any character growth.
I did really love seeing where everyone came from and their parents! and I was glad it did focus more on April and her shortcomings, but the action just wasn't that exciting this round. Oh well, still love these girls!
I did really love seeing where everyone came from and their parents! and I was glad it did focus more on April and her shortcomings, but the action just wasn't that exciting this round. Oh well, still love these girls!
December 5, 2017
Sería más bien un 3,5.
Este ha sido probablemente el volumen que menos me ha gustado, pero como siempre ha sido muy cool. Me hubiera gustado que hubiera habido más movidas con las sirenas y más misterios por resolver como en los volúmenes anteriores, pero aun así ha sido precioso de leer/ver y muy entretenido. ♥
Este ha sido probablemente el volumen que menos me ha gustado, pero como siempre ha sido muy cool. Me hubiera gustado que hubiera habido más movidas con las sirenas y más misterios por resolver como en los volúmenes anteriores, pero aun así ha sido precioso de leer/ver y muy entretenido. ♥
February 16, 2022
#1) Lumberjanes, Vol. 1: Beware the Holy Kitty ★★★☆☆
#2) Lumberjanes, Vol. 2: Friendship to the Max ★★☆☆☆
#3) Lumberjanes, Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan ★★★★☆
#4) Lumberjanes, Vol. 4: Out of Time ★★★★☆
#6) Lumberjanes, Vol. 6: Sink or Swim ★★★☆☆
#7) Lumberjanes, Vol. 7: A Bird-Eye's View ★★★★☆
#8) Lumberjanes Vol. 8: Stone Cold ★★★★☆
#9) Lumberjanes Vol. 9: On a Roll ★★★★☆
#10 Lumberjanes, Vol. 10: Parents' Day ★★★★☆
#11) Lumberjanes Vol. 11: Time After Crime ★★★★☆
#12) Lumberjanes Vol. 12: Jackalope Springs Festival ★★★★★
#13) Lumberjanes Vol. 13: Indoor Recess ★★★★☆
#14) Lumberjanes Vol. 14: X Marks the Spot ★★★☆☆
#15) Lumberjanes Vol. 15: Birthday Smarty ★★★☆☆
#16) Lumberjanes Vol. 16: Mind Over Mettle ★★★★☆
#17) Lumberjanes Vol. 17: Smitten in the Stars ★★★☆☆
#18) Lumberjanes Vol. 18: Horticultural Horizons ★★★☆☆
#19) Lumberjanes Vol. 19: A Summer to Remember ★★★☆
#20) Lumberjanes Vol. 20: End of Summer ★★★★★
➸ Trigger warnings for use of the term 'womyn' (challenged in text).
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February 5, 2017
Story: 3 stars
Art: 3 stars
This fifth volume of the Lumberjanes serialized comic collects issues 17 through 20. I'm quite fond of the Lumberjanes and will continue reading this series, but I'm rather disappointed about the total disconnect between the cliffhanger that Chapter/Issue 16 ends on and the flashback that consumes all of Chapter/Issue 17. While the flashback provides some interesting background on the characters, nothing actually happens plot-wise in the entire chapter/issue. Readers could have used that information earlier on, but I'm not sure it serves much of a purpose this late in the series. Most importantly, the fascinating, eerie discovery by Jo at the end of Chapter/Issue 16 (from the fourth volume) is completely dropped. I'm also bothered by the abrupt and drastic change in art styles between Chapter/Issue 17 and Chapters/Issues 18-20 (which were drawn by a different artist). The characters look so completely different in Chapters/Issues 17 and 18 that it is jarring to present them side-by-side in the same graphic novel.
Chapters/Issues 18-20 introduce a new story line. After the Lumberjanes stumble upon some merpeople in the lake, April becomes obsessed with helping them to resolve a quarrel and repair old friendships. But she ignores the needs of her own friends in the process, and then must make amends among them.
Art: 3 stars
This fifth volume of the Lumberjanes serialized comic collects issues 17 through 20. I'm quite fond of the Lumberjanes and will continue reading this series, but I'm rather disappointed about the total disconnect between the cliffhanger that Chapter/Issue 16 ends on and the flashback that consumes all of Chapter/Issue 17. While the flashback provides some interesting background on the characters, nothing actually happens plot-wise in the entire chapter/issue. Readers could have used that information earlier on, but I'm not sure it serves much of a purpose this late in the series. Most importantly, the fascinating, eerie discovery by Jo at the end of Chapter/Issue 16 (from the fourth volume) is completely dropped. I'm also bothered by the abrupt and drastic change in art styles between Chapter/Issue 17 and Chapters/Issues 18-20 (which were drawn by a different artist). The characters look so completely different in Chapters/Issues 17 and 18 that it is jarring to present them side-by-side in the same graphic novel.
Chapters/Issues 18-20 introduce a new story line. After the Lumberjanes stumble upon some merpeople in the lake, April becomes obsessed with helping them to resolve a quarrel and repair old friendships. But she ignores the needs of her own friends in the process, and then must make amends among them.
April 2, 2018
I have to admit when I started reading Volume #5 of the Lumberjanes, I had the feeling that it should have been Book #1 as it starts off with each of the girls arriving at the Summer camp for the first time and meeting one another and getting to know their camp counselor Jen. Rather than Volume #5 where they have known each other pretty well for the previous four and have gone on several amazing adventures with one another. In Band Together, the Lumberjanes come face to face with their first supernatural creatures of the forest. Mermaids and these aren't just any odd mermaids but rocking rockstar mermaids. April who is the fixer of the group wants to reunite the Mermaid friends but of course, things go haywire, and she ends up unleashing a Serpent song which causes them to go cray-cray and wild. Can the Lumberjanes along with Jen and Rosie save the day and be back in time for Ripley's debut at the camp activity in her glitter covered dress? Find out in Volume #5 of Lumberjanes - Band Together.
April 13, 2017
Unfortunately, this is the first one in the series I just really haven't liked very much. The first issue was delightful, a little flashback to the girls first arriving at the camp and getting to know each other. But the rest of it with the rock and roll mermaids I was utterly uninterested in. Why? No idea. I love mermaids. But this did nothing for me. It felt unmagical, and it was weird (I know, this whole series weird--it thrives on weird--so why was this a step too far???)
It also didn't help that I don't like the new artist they got for those issues. The characters didn't look like themselves. (Brooke Allen was back for the flashback, though, and guys, I missed her so much!)
Still will continue with this series, of course. Hopefully this was just a glitch.
Read Harder Challenge 2017: An all-ages comic.
It also didn't help that I don't like the new artist they got for those issues. The characters didn't look like themselves. (Brooke Allen was back for the flashback, though, and guys, I missed her so much!)
Still will continue with this series, of course. Hopefully this was just a glitch.
Read Harder Challenge 2017: An all-ages comic.
February 20, 2018
This series has really grown on me over time, and I find myself really looking forward to each volume now. It truly saddens me that this is in development for a movie when it lends itself so perfectly to a television format.
I loved the first issue in this one, which gave a much needed glimpse into each of the girls's home lives. It was so adorable to see all of them on their first days!
After that, the art style completely changed. It would have been a huge step in the quality of this series to have one consistent artist, so that kind of sucked. The mermaid story was fine, not my favorite Lumberjanes story.
Anyway, this is such a fun series and I'm really excited to get to the next volume!
I loved the first issue in this one, which gave a much needed glimpse into each of the girls's home lives. It was so adorable to see all of them on their first days!
After that, the art style completely changed. It would have been a huge step in the quality of this series to have one consistent artist, so that kind of sucked. The mermaid story was fine, not my favorite Lumberjanes story.
Anyway, this is such a fun series and I'm really excited to get to the next volume!
May 18, 2018
So the camp’s lake has giant serpents. And mermaids (Harlow: “... we prefer merwomyn.”) Because of course it does. It all adds up to one memorable party for the ‘Janes.
This volume actually stands on its own pretty nicely, and makes a fine starting point if you can't get your hands on volumes 1-4. We kick off with a flashback to everyone’s arrival at camp, and then sail into a three parter involving the aforementioned merfolk and serpents, as well as friendship, rockin’ tunes, and pounds of glitter.
Lumberjanes is fresh, funny, spirited, and just plain righteous. Highly recommended!
This volume actually stands on its own pretty nicely, and makes a fine starting point if you can't get your hands on volumes 1-4. We kick off with a flashback to everyone’s arrival at camp, and then sail into a three parter involving the aforementioned merfolk and serpents, as well as friendship, rockin’ tunes, and pounds of glitter.
Lumberjanes is fresh, funny, spirited, and just plain righteous. Highly recommended!
January 27, 2020
Mermaids!
May 26, 2020
I kind of wish this one had stuck with the original art style but I still loved it.
February 4, 2017
These books are terrific! In this one we have mermaids and a flashback to their arrival at camp.
July 1, 2017
Good story in this one. I love Allen's art, but the issues with Nowak's annoyed me (I didn't even recognize Jo at first!). Got a little more back story on the girls and that was sweet.
September 12, 2021
This was cute. I liked the focus on friendship. I was a little confused with the storyline. Like I think it was the beginning of them meeting but then I think it jumped to like “present” time.
May 23, 2016
Read as single issues // MERMAIDS THAT ARE IN A ROCK BAND?? SIGN ME UP!
I absolutely LOVED this volume. It reminded me of the first one. I loved seeing the girls and their friendship grow. My mind was blown by some of the revelations and I just want to be right their with the girls as they solve the mysteries of camp!! The only problem I had is that it felt like issue 17 should have been part of Volume 4, but other than that everything was perfect!
I absolutely LOVED this volume. It reminded me of the first one. I loved seeing the girls and their friendship grow. My mind was blown by some of the revelations and I just want to be right their with the girls as they solve the mysteries of camp!! The only problem I had is that it felt like issue 17 should have been part of Volume 4, but other than that everything was perfect!
July 6, 2016
Read as single issues.
This story arc was so much fun! The Lumberjanes end up meeting and helping some merpeople and it's fun and lovely as usual. This volume had some great aspects relating to friendship and what it means to be a good friend, and I loved all the new characters that were introduced.
This story arc was so much fun! The Lumberjanes end up meeting and helping some merpeople and it's fun and lovely as usual. This volume had some great aspects relating to friendship and what it means to be a good friend, and I loved all the new characters that were introduced.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,015 reviews