The Exorcism Engines

Girl Genius #20

by Kaja Foglio, Phil Foglio, Cheyenne Wright (Colorist)

Genres: Steampunk, Graphic Novels, Comics, Webcomic, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

An artist and comics author, Kaja Foglio writes the Hugo Award-winning Girl Genius comics with her husband, Phil Foglio.

She has also produced illustrations for Magic: The Gathering and various fantasy novels.

Awards:
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2009, 2010, 2011)

Reviews

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 20 (20!) of Agatha's adventures see us under the sea, with a big confrontation between Agatha and her mother, as well as finally getting Gil free of his father's influence. Albia shows us some of what she can do and the deep dwellers come to the surface. In amongst all this, there's time for some quieter moments too. Unexpectedly poignant is Oggie's revelation about being married while being a Jagermonster, and the story he tells about his wife. And Airman Higgs finally comes clean about who he is to Agatha.

I'm really impressed at how well the plot coheres, despite how long-running the series is. Running a strip three days a week for decades at this point must make it difficult to keep track of. And I do always enjoy these paper collections that let us catch up with the story and read a year's worth of story in an afternoon.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

The big showdown between Agatha Heterodyne and Lucrezia Mongfish comes to an intense climax, drawing many of those closest to Agatha in a huge battle of science, weapons, and mind-controlled troops. Adversaries put aside their grievances to fight the Other. Martellus’s attempts at reconciliation with Agatha and Krosp are hilarious. Gilgamesh Wulfenbach and Tarvek Sturmvarous’s attempts to reconcile with Martellus are even more so. The battle gives way to a refreshing attempt at diplomatic overtures with curious, reluctant allies from another culture. The Jäggers were suprisingly good at this, the cooks less surprisingly so. For once, it’s not time to arm up to save the day, in spite of everyone’s natural impulses. This forces the characters to step up, use their creative sparks to forge alliances, keeping themselves from being annihilated.

The balance between action and character development was particularly good in this volume. Martellus starts to develop as an interesting character ever if he doesn’t engage my sympathies as much as Gil and Tarvek do. Gil and Tarvek’s rivalry over Agatha along with their relationship with each other contines to develop, deepen, and entertain. Never have I wanted a three-way this badly, considering the fascinating triumvirate of power and personality which plays between these three brilliant sparks. Agatha’s interaction with the legendary Trelawney Thorpe is another interesting dance which continues to develop and deepen as the other powerful adventurer reveals her secrets. Speaking of revelations, Higgs comes clean about a few while some of Zeetha’s begin to bubble up. I’m very intrigued by the new Smoke Knight accompanying Seffie as well as the mysterious mad scientist whom claims the unique distinction of being a friend of Lucrezia Mongfish. The ancient yet freshly discovered part of the world takes on a unique form as do its denizens. It was a welcome change for Agatha and her allies to go into a situation without weapons; only honesty, tact, and guile.

Once again it was the usual fun romp, yet this volume went up a level in complexity and intensity, re-engaging my interest with fresh energy. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Mark Schlatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars. This is one of those volumes where I wonder if I've bought into the "sunk cost" fallacy --- that is, I have to keep reading because I have read so much so far. I liked that several plot lines have been resolved, but that resolution hasn't come with any sense that we are closer to the end. Indeed, there's another side quest brought up in the second part of the book that just had me groaning about the diversion.

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. The humor that seemed to drive much of the earlier volumes has been missing, especially in this Second Journey, it is still enjoyable and full of weird "science". Of course, the Jägermonsters are always quick with a quip or odd comment that will elicit a chuckle or even a full belly laugh.

[Elena Gaillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues...as I also follow the webcomic I'm up to date on the entire Story So Far. I'm happy to just get each story chunk on paper, and enjoy the details at leisure.
This volume has some major events for Agatha and Gil, and Martellus. Go and visit the website if you haven't already...

[Kristin Boldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delight, as always. But, the death of one character gets too little grief, IMO. It can be distracting to be two books behind, reading the new hard copy while 2 books ahead online in the ongoing drama. Still, funny, silly and continually charming and engaging.

[Canavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

✭✭✭½

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s more Girl Genius.

[Charles Korb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm happy the plot finally progressed. There were a couple events that have been in the pipeline for years now that finally happened.

[Dave Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still awesome after all these years.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of Agatha Heterodyne, Girl Genius! (Spoilers ahead for earlier works.)

Definitely continuing as this is turning into a roman fleuve and opens with the cliffhanger of where the heck is Agatha.

It includes more of Vapnoople's backstory, Lucrezia's earnest attempts being foiled only with Albia's help, a shocking death, Oggie's backstory, Higgins finally revealing the truth to Agatha, Gil and Tarvek squabbling, Martellus actually receiving thanks from Agatha, Deep Ones, and more.

[Kent Archie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysteries, jokes and mad science and/or magic.
Wonderful artwork.
Underwater adventures, new species and we learn more about some characters.
Start at GirlGeniusOnline.com to read the strips from the beginning.
I prefer buying the collections and reading months worth of strips at one sitting.
Highly recommended.