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She-Ra Graphic Novel #1

Legend of the Fire Princess

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Don't miss the first epic She-Ra and the Princesses of Power graphic novel, based on stories by showrunner Noelle Stevenson!
Even after everything that's happened, the world outside the Horde's walls is still a strange one to Adora. Each day she's learning more about her growing powers as She-Ra, including something new: the ability to heal corrupted runestones. Runestones are the magical source from which princesses like Frosta, Mermista, and Perfuma draw their power, but Glimmer knows of another runestone -- one with a dark past. Long ago a fire princess ruled the lands to the west, until her thirst for power corrupted her, and led to the ruin of her kingdom. Glimmer thinks the lost fire runestone could give the Rebellion an edge in the fight against the Horde, but claiming this ancient power won't be easy... especially not when the Horde has their eyes set on the same prize.

Don't miss this original graphic novel based on stories by She-Ra showrunner and New York Times bestselling author Noelle Stevenson, with script by Gigi D.G. and art by Paulina Ganucheau!

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2020

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Gigi D.G.

15 books166 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
Profile Image for caroline.
102 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2020
reading this after seeing season 5 just hits different
Profile Image for Artemis Crescent.
1,216 reviews
February 15, 2020
A fun and serviceable comic book story that feels like it could have been an episode of the 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power' TV series (set between seasons two and three, to be precise). There are no chapters or issues; just a stream flow of colour, magic, walking around and talking à la 'Lord of the Rings', friendships past and present, and battles.

There is one mission: to find the runestone of the Fire Princess of legend, which is said to have wiped out its entire kingdom after its power corrupted the Fire Princess and left her heartbroken and alone in the end. Adora/She-Ra and her friends set off to find the runestone in order to possibly heal it and use it for the Horde vs the Rebellion war on Etheria, or destroy it if necessary.

I really like the funny banter amongst Adora, her Best Friends Squad, and the other princesses; especially from Mermista (my favourite princess besides She-Ra and Scorpia) and Bow. And I especially love the hilarious, heartwarming and kind of sad relationship of the buddy duo Catra and Scorpia (highly reluctantly on Catra's part). Scorpia is too precious. There is a lot from Entrapta as well. Nearly everyone gets their chance to shine, to develop.

Just... don't expect anything epic, or anything spectacular on a larger scale. There are nice little character moments, and lessons learned between friends, but this is a short graphic novel, so full potential is not given to some individual characters, like Perfuma, and even Adora, bizarrely. The Legend of the Fire Princess itself, which, as the title of the book, you'd think would have a huge impact on the story and the characters, in fact barely factors in for the majority of it all. It's only given potent significance at the beginning, when the legend is first told to Adora (and the reader), and at the end, when further thoughts are given to it and what the characters have learned from it based on their own recent experiences. Its themes are subtle throughout the adventure, and then it's treated like an overt cautionary tale. She-Ra's struggles and development throughout happen at a fast pace; perhaps not given the weight it deserves. There is hardly an attempt at a parallel between She-Ra and the tragic Fire Princess.

At least it's clear that She-Ra/Adora has loving and supportive friends by her side, who share in her power, and who love best friend hugs.

Also, the artwork by the great Paulina Ganucheau of 'Zodiac Starforce' fame, while fitting and similar to the cartoon for the most part, can be a bit awkward-looking, when it comes to facial expressions. And mouths and teeth *shudders*.

But 'The Legend of the Fire Princess (She-Ra Graphic Novel #1)' is still sweet, funny, emotional, and dynamic for any 'She-Ra and the Princesses of Power' fan. It's an episode in comic form, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's faithful in that it is very gay and femme (Bow and Hordak are the only male characters) - I love the all-ages show for that. So I love this comic by an all-female creative team. (Gigi D.G. of 'Cucumber Quest' fame wrote the script - squeeee!)

I'll leave off my latest review of a 'She-Ra' related product by paraphrasing what I've said about 'The Princesses of Power' in past blog posts:


'It's an imperfect, colourful (in far more ways than one) little girl power gem of an animated series, for our times. It's magical girl power with depth and great relationship drama - so emotional, tragic even.'


What a commendable cartoon reboot.

(Sorry if this review is short for my usual style on books such as this. I'm quite sick at the time of writing)

Final Score: 3.5/5
Profile Image for Phoenix .
59 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2021
I died 6 times reading this…I had no idea these existed!! I’m such a huge She-Ra fan, this made my week. I wish there were more from after the 5th season, I would die. The art was so good, and the portrayal of the characters was so accurate, I felt like I was watching a real episode.
Profile Image for Jaime.
567 reviews23 followers
February 14, 2020
“Aren’t you keeping cool enough with your whole midriff out?”

“You leave my midriff out of this.”



The new She-Ra is one of my favourite shows so finding out that they were going to be coming out with graphic novels about the series was so exciting for me, and this certainly did not disappoint.

This tells a story from inside the She-Ra universe we haven't seen before, set sometime around season 2 or 3 I'd guess, and follows our main characters as they attempt to find the legendary fire runestone which has been lost for a long time after its princess destroyed her kingdom with it. I love that this feels like it could realistically be a side quest from the show that we just never saw even if it never makes it completely clear when it's set.

In general I'm always a little iffy on art drawn of any animated property, whether its fanart or comics, but once I was able to get past the different style I really enjoyed Paulina Ganucheau's art. It feels very in tone with the show while also being different, something which I'm probably not explaining right but it makes sense if you've read it.

This is full of tiny character moments, which is my favourite part of She-Ra in general. Gigi D.G. and Ganucheau really understand the dynamics between the characters, from the ex-girlfriends feeling of Adora and Catra's relationship to the ride-or-die found family dynamic that Adora, Glimmer and Bow have. This graphic novel also singlehandedly made me way more on board with Scorpia and Catra as a pairing, something which the show and fan works have never been able to do.

If you're a She-Ra fan then I can't see you not liking this. It feels exactly like a more fillery episode from the show in the best way possible and I would highly recommend (I don't know if this needs to be said, but if you haven't seen the show then don't read it, you probably won't enjoy it).
146 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2020
The Legend of the Fire Princess has the feel of an episode of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, to the point I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out this was adapted from a screenplay that didn't make the cut. It's a perfectly serviceable story with most of the characters you know and love from the animation. The artwork by Paulina Ganucheau (of Zodiac Starforce, another comic She-Ra fans should take note of) is perfect for translating Princesses of Power into comic form. We get the usual lovely character and relationship-building moments the animation's so renowned for, in this case the interaction between Catra and Scorpia. Adora and Glimmer get some good moments in too. Unfortunately, Bow and the other princesses don't receive as much focus. At least Entrapta gets some amusing moments.

All in all, The Legend of the Fire Princess looks great and is written pretty well. I hope to see a full comic book series in the future.
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,352 reviews282 followers
July 24, 2020
A disposable paint-by-numbers media tie-in: quest, conflict, hurt feelings, friendship.

Good thing: Scorpia and Entrapta, my favorite characters, have some nice moments that rang true to the show.

Bad thing: Frosta is in the book from the start but her character name is not actually mentioned until page 100. Not good for people who aren't fully familiar with the show.
Profile Image for AquaMoon.
1,680 reviews56 followers
March 4, 2020
Ages and ages ago, before the world is as it is now, an extremely powerful object existed. It had the power to control all the world, all the universe. And this object came into the hands of a kind ruler (whose name is lost to time), who thought for certain she had the power to control this object. She vowed to use it for only good and peaceful things... But all too soon the object and its power became an obsession for this ruler. It changed her. It took control of her mind and body and soon she was but a puppet to its terrible power. It was because of this the kingdom, the surrounding areas, and all who lived within, were completely and utterly obliterated.

Shortly after, the object of power was lost, becoming only a legend once more (and many today don't even think the the stories are true)

But there are whisperings that the object of power has resurfaced. And that the enemy is seeking it so it can be used for evil.

Thus, a Hobbit by the name of Frodo Baggins, along with the rest of the Fellowship, is sent to...

Damn!

Wrong story...

Can you blame me, though?

It was an honest mistake


Ok... I've got this:

This reboot has She-Ra and Pals looking for a lost, all-power Runestone before Sauron...I mean The Horde can get his hands on it. Because you know he will use it for nothing but evil. Because that's what bad guys do, isn't it? So the princesses (along with the token dude) go on a quest. The end goal is to, hopefully, find the Runestone before the bad guys get to it and, hopefully, destroy it...or at least make it so no one can use it. Because everyone knows that all-powerful objects cannot be controlled and will eventually corrupt whoever attempts to wield it... no matter if they intend to use it for good.

Well...SOME still think they can control it (Glimmer: "My...Precious")

Anyway, you can guess what happens: The good guys win, the bad guys lose, the Runstone is disabled, and the story doesn't take nine hours (and three movies) to tell. But no more spoilers.

This first volume was cute, the artwork was bright and colorful, and the story was fun...albeit a bit predictable. I didn't love it like I did Jem and the Holograms or Lumberjanes. But I recall watching the She-Ra cartoon as a kid and it was fun to revisit the characters.

This series should make for a fun ride.
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,400 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2020
JMore reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Note: As an adult reader, I'm reviewing this title for other adults how might be interested in this graphic novel and with less emphasis on a younger reader might enjoy it. My daughter and I watch and enjoy this together.

This is a new graphical novel based on the Netflix reboot of She-Ra, the somewhat cheesy 80's spinoff of (possibly even more cheesy) He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The new reboot has received a lot of praise for its portrayal of diversity in the cast and the relationships between characters, with an almost all female cast. I personally enjoy the series a lot - even if the plots are made for a bit younger audience, the snappy dialogue and character interactions are enough to keep even an older viewer entertained - and not just for nostalgia. There is something here for both my daughter and I to enjoy together.

The art style, if a bit simpler, serves well and everyone looks like the animation. Writing is good and zingers fly just like in the animated version. I can easily see how this would work as an animated episode and perhaps that is where I would have hoped for a bit more.

An animated, 20min episode has a limited space into which fit all the character development, buildup and action. This graphic novel has almost 200 pages and one could hope that we could delve much deeper into things there just isn't time for in a fast paced action animation. The graphic novel doesn't really make use of this opportunity, so if you're hoping to pick this up in order to learn more about our heroines or insight into the mysteries of Etheria you'll unfortunately be (mostly) disappointed. Our titular Fire Princess is of course new but the revelations here do not really play out into the greater plot arc.

Story: Fitting in between seasons two and three, the story of the Fire Princess (who is not mentioned in the animation) covers one of the princesses of power, but one who has mostly fallen into myth and legend. Both the Horde and our heroes have their reasons to start looking into this (about at the same time). If you've watched the show, you've seen this exact plot structure played out several times before - and it very predictably plays out the same away again. perhaps for a young reader this is great, but for an adult you'd expect a bit more.

Still despite this all, this graphic novel fits perfectly into the world of the series. If you love the animation there no reason why you won't enjoy this as well - especially if you starved for new content while waiting for the next season to be released. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
Profile Image for Jamie.
172 reviews
January 21, 2022
PopSugar 2022 Challenge: A book you can read in one sitting. 1/50

I love She-ra. I have loved She-ra since I was a kid and when they made the new series on Netflix I was over the moon!!! I loved the whole series, it was inclusive and fun and full of vibrate colour! So when I found out there were a few graphic novels out, I immediately put them on my Christmas list! Legend of the Fire Princess was a fun little romp through Etheria to find a lost ruin. My fave villain Catra and her sidekick Scorpia were there to throw a snag in She-ra’s plan and it was great! Highly recommend checking out the series as well as these fun little book treasures!
Profile Image for CapesandCovers.
562 reviews49 followers
June 11, 2020
After binge watching the entire She-Ra and the Princesses of Power TV series in a week, the show quickly became a favorite and I knew I wanted more stories from it's world. I was delighted to find out about the spin-off book series it has, along with this graphic novel, which I bought immediately.

I really enjoyed The Legend of the Fire Princess, it fit right in with the TV episodes, both in dialogue and story. The story follows the Princesses as they search for a potentially mythical runestone, the Spirit Ember. It filled in the gap of the missing fire princess, since the other three elements were represented in the show as powers, but I always thought it was odd that fire was absent. The banter between characters was spot on, and I loved Paula Ganucheau's art. It fit the style of the show really well while still being unique.

I believe The Legend of the Fire Princess takes place after season 2, but I think as long as you've watched the first season nothing should be too spoilery. If you haven't watched the show before, I'd hold out on heading this until you get to, so you don't get spoiled and to make it easier to follow, since the reader is expected to know the characters going into the story.

If you're a fan of the show, definitely pick this up! It's got some fun moments (Scorpia's part was my fav) and there's lots of girls blushing because of other girls (aka it's not-so-subtly GAAAAAY).
Profile Image for Livia.
181 reviews23 followers
February 11, 2021
I LOVE SHE-RA on Netflix and I have mixed emotions about this graphic novel.
It read just like an episode of the show and the characters acted pretty much exactly like they did on screen, only it felt more like copying than anything. The art style is great! The colors are great! The story is... the same story we have been watching and it doesn't feel new. It did attempt to flesh out the characters a little more, but it wasn't nearly as much as I would have liked. It tried to add more world-building which I was super excited for BUT the plot and the pacing and the formula got in the way. The characters sometimes said things that were out of character... which was weird, but they were their lovable selves. The themes for friendship and love were strong.
I did not like that very obviously queer relationships were introduced as best friends... it was clearly doing that homophobic thing where they think kids shouldn't see queer couples. This is weird for She-Ra because we all know that though this graphic novel is in the kid's section, queer people of a larger age range are going to be reading it.
Overall, this did nothing, it was just another episode, but it wasn't necessary to the show or my enjoyment. I watch She-Ra for the characters and I would like to see more world-building explored. I'd love it if we just had graphic novels of the characters having fun and being friends or even of Mara! I would love a Mara and friends graphic novel!
Profile Image for Yub Yub Commander.
387 reviews38 followers
June 4, 2020
3.5 stars
4 'cause it was cute

Like I just said, this was cute, but there was no point to this story. It doesn't add anything to the She Ra universe or even expand into an EU other than a single page that added more information about the First Ones and then is immediately glossed over. It's a filler episode made into a graphic novel with really pretty art, a cute story, and lots of fluff. It doesn't build on character development except for maybe Scorpia and Catra, but I say that very lightly as I feel the show did a great job with them as is.

This book is for collectors or super fans. The art is gorgeous and vibrant, the characters spot-on to their personalities in the show. Bow is hands-down the cutest bean and I will forever love him.

I read this from the library, and if you're not wanting to spend money on a filler episode for a show that's already got a complete story arc, I would recommend you do the same.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,845 reviews52 followers
February 7, 2020
I'm going to be honest, this was a bit of a disappointment. The story itself seems like an adventure/story we'd get in the show but there were some serious issues with consistency with the show. At times the characters seemed to stay true to form but there were a few times where they also acted very out of character. It kind of killed this one for me. I'm a bit sad about it.
Profile Image for rose.
18 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2020
This book the legend of the fire princess is so mysterious and so good i don't know why but this book seemed so adventurous i am sure it is a fantasy book out of 10 i would recommend it 10/10 because i love it so much it was so magical i thought it was a very good and interesting book
Profile Image for Ivonely.
19 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2021
I loved it, the only thing i notice is that Entrapta's personality was a bit different here, i would say she isn't usually that "mean" when she responded to the others, don't know if i explained myself well hahaha.
Profile Image for Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro.
1,486 reviews239 followers
February 6, 2022
As others have pointed out, this feels like an episode of She-Ra, set somewhere between Season 2 and 3 (probably). It's not bad - in fact, much of the character writing is pretty on point and feels true. But the plot in itself and the character development is a bit lackluster.

The saddest part ist that it could have been great, I think. Scorpia gets to really shine in this episode, but I wanted even MORE. Two other characters who got a little spotlight were Frosta (who in my opinion has very little personality even in the series, since she is just the little kid who doesn't want to be excluded) and Entrapta (to a lesser degree).

I wish that the writer had chosen to EXPAND on those nuggets and give us more of that, instead of asking the artist to make more close-ups of fighting sequences, which the artist seemed to not handle so well.

That being said, it wasn't bad at all. It just wasn't amazing, and it wasn't up to date. I wish that someday we will see some She-Ra prequel or sequel comics. Or spin-offs. I could totally see a spin-off with Scorpia, Perfuma and Huntara. Or one about Seahawk and Mermista's adventures. Or even Catra's everyday life at the Horde.

One day!
Profile Image for Lucía.
73 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2021
Really good for being the first graphic novel of this She-ra!! I really enjoyed the art style, it represented the characters in a really cute way, it was beautiful.

The story was entertaining for fans of this universe and its characters, also the hidden (? lesbianism just makes it 100 times better so... Yeah.

Definitely recommended ^^
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,416 reviews29 followers
July 11, 2021
I generally don't gravitate to graphic novels, but I needed something for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo. So, why not She-Ra? I adored this cartoon when I was growing up (and own the series on DVD). Now I really need to check on the Netflix series. The artwork was pretty good and the story, while not anything earth-shattering, was easy to follow.
Ripped Bodice Bingo- graphic novel
Profile Image for Sam.
593 reviews
July 13, 2024
This was cute, the story had a good underlining meaning and the art was beautiful. I would continue to the next volume when it comes out, but it would need to be better than this, story wise, to get me to continue past that.

*review subject to change after I watch the series and read the chapter books.
Profile Image for Tori.
132 reviews
July 20, 2020
Very cute and very fun. This would have been a great episode for the show. The characters feel true to form, and the art is a treat for the eye.

My favorite was knowing the ending of the show and seeing Adora react to Catra spending more time with Scorpia, and the parallels between what happened to the Fire Princess and her "friend" and the dynamic between Adora and Catra.

Cute, and I hope we get more graphic novels soon (especially post-S5)!
Profile Image for Minna.
248 reviews
November 2, 2020
This reads like an episode of She-Ra, and lord knows I was dying for more of those since the finale. I’m so giddily happy I got to see more of Catra’s smart battle strategy, and more of Catra in general tbh. Catra is my baby
Profile Image for Marissa Burns.
374 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2021
Honestly I'm so obsessed with She-Ra I'd probably read any graphic novel about them.
Profile Image for Ashuri.
124 reviews
June 1, 2020
Excellent

An excellent short story that I feel would've made a great 2 parter episode if they had chosen to animate it. The art was lovely and the writing was in tune with the tv writing of the characters themselves. It also brings to light more of some characters attitudes that viewers see in the show itself. It was nice learning more about other princesses of Etheria as well. I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
108 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2022
The artwork in this graphic novel is phenomenal. The only issue I had with this quick read is that I'd wished it was a continuation of the series; rather, it takes place in-between two of the earlier seasons (I won't spoil which). Still a fun little adventure!
Profile Image for Billy ⋆。・☽・⋆* (semi-hiatus).
145 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2023
The only issue abt "She-Ra Graphic Novel #1" is that there is only one volume 😭😭😭 I wanted more!!! More volumes and more pages!
BTW, SCORPIA!!! I mean I didn't know it was possible to fall in love even harder for her, but it seems everything is possible!!! Scorpion lives rent-free in my head 😍

I'm forever grateful to ND. Stevenson🙏 the great creator of this remake!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews

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