Big Ethel Energy Vol. 2

Big Ethel Energy #2

by Keryl Brown Ahmed, Siobhan Keenan (Illustrator)

The second volume of the hit WEBTOON series Big Ethel Energy is here!

When we last left off, Ethel’s return to Riverdale has been confusing and everyone seems to be dealing with something—Archie’s going through it, Betty’s obsessing over her boss Seth, Jughead is cold and distant, and Veronica is… well, Veronica. And as for Ethel—it seems like feelings were starting to brew between her and a most unlikely Moose! But Ethel’s never had much luck with love—so why would this be any different? Plus, what secrets about Riverdale will she discover while she’s hard at work on a story about its history?

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Romance, Graphic Novels Comics, Young Adult

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Keryl is a writer who has worked in multiple media including film, television, and print journalism. She often writes comedies about trauma recovery. In her spare time she teaches violin, spoils her cat Merle, and creates feasts for one in her tiny kitchen.

Reviews

[*JEN the booknerd* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing comic on Webtoon.

[Asha McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second volume was a good follow up to the first, continuing on the same story lines from the first volume. Very clean and wholesome, focusing on Ethel coming back to Riverdale from the Big City to write a book about the town, while renewing relationships with all the characters of the past. I can appreciate how the writers are trying to address social issues like micro-aggressions, fat-shaming and gas-lighting, but it just seems a little less organic and a little more preachy then it should. I’ve been reading about the Archie characters for 30 years, and I love this fresh take on the grown up lives of the original cast. The story line is light and the art is excellent. I was so excited to read this volume, and I’m still anxious to see how the story continues for the 3rd.

[lillian · Rating 1 out of 5]

good god this is so bad. the hypersexualization of every male character is honestly just gross and every conflict is contrived as hell; most could be solved by the characters acting and communicating like the adults they’re supposed to be.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

CHAPTERS: 14-26

[HaileyAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really really liked this volume! Ethel is such a relatable character. I really want to know how things work out!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh this is YA at my library and it’s concerning with its message. Thin privilege does not exist and yes you can help being a size 16. The author seemed to take over well known characters to insert themselves or a dream they have, since it seems every guy in Riverdale desires her and the super pretty and skinny girl is a mean girl.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It continued to be a good time to be back in Riverdale and shadowing Ethel post-glowup. I appreciate how the author wove in modern messaging (e.g. clappping back against sizism and fat-phobia) and teshuva models.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still charming, still my jam. (read on Webtoons, STILL COUNTS!)

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quickly got my hands on volume two and just as cute and charming as volume one. Sadly I have to wait until October for the next volume.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice follow-up to volume 1, continuing the same threads.

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Webtoon ch 14-26. The writing is so........ Reading this for Jughead and Jughead ONLY but at what cost....

[Aurora · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is very pretty, but Moose’s hunkiness alone cannot carry a book. 😆 I’m not really loving any of the story developments or the often-stilted social justice language.

[Isabella ⸙ · Rating 3 out of 5]

sigh As much as I enjoyed the art style and cosy, small-town vibes, there were too many characters and not enough time (or care) spent on developing the ones and their storylines that I was most interested in. (#JusticeForReggie) And while I appreciate that Moose and Ethel's relationship showed that your first love isn't necessarily your true love and two perfectly nice people sometimes just aren't compatible, the way it was portrayed was a bit... iffy. Don't get me wrong, I love Seth, but the ending kind of feels like that Ethel, as an ambitious woman, can ultimately only have a satisfying career or a satisfying romantic relationship, not both, and that doesn't sit too well with me . In any case, it wasn't a bad way to pass the time and I have the strange urge to continue watching Riverdale now, so make of that what you will! 😅