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Strawberry Shortcake (IDW) #1
Strawberry Shortcake Volume 1: Return of the Purple Pieman
Strawberry Shortcake returns to comics! And along with her comes the return of one of her most nefarious foes, the Purple Pieman! Join us for this berry special story re-introducing everyone’s favorite bad baker to the current Strawberry Shortcake mythos!
80 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2016
About the author
Georgia Ball
114 books51 followersGeorgia Ball is a writer and developer living in Orlando, Florida. She launched her first webcomic in 2004, Scooter and Ferret, with her husband, artist Scott Ball. The strip ran until 2010 when she landed her first gig writing for licensed comic books. Since then she's written for Transformers, Scooby-Doo, My Little Pony, and Disney Princesses. Her horror credits include four issues of Evil Dead 2.
Recent projects have included Disney's Frozen Comic Collection from Joe Books, three Strawberry Shortcake graphic novels from IDW Publishing and a WWII graphic novel on Guadalcanal for Osprey Publishing. She lives with her husband and daughter with their dog and two cats.
Recent projects have included Disney's Frozen Comic Collection from Joe Books, three Strawberry Shortcake graphic novels from IDW Publishing and a WWII graphic novel on Guadalcanal for Osprey Publishing. She lives with her husband and daughter with their dog and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 21, 2022
Quick review for a quick read. Well this was absolutely adorable, and a nice jumping point to reintroduce Strawberry Shortcake and the world of the Berrykins to comic form. Admittedly, when Strawberry Shortcake returned to comics back in 2016, I somehow forgot that I had this as a galley. XD
I grew up with the American Greetings-style, TV-special episode versions of Strawberry Shortcake in my generation, but I've at least been aware of the reboots this character, cast, and realm has had over the years. It was nice to be able to see the character and world in this soft reboot/following that takes more from the later iterations of the series. And considering the Purple Pieman is a recurring, important "villain" in the series, it was nice to see this fresh take on the series in a modern measure, complete with social media and other references.
To start, Strawberry Shortcake and her friends have to deal with some mishaps and mayhem at the Berry Cafe with respect to an upcoming anniversary party. That...doesn't go as smoothly as hoped. And given the breakdown of a ride needing repair, the group is tasked to raise funds. What better way to raise money and get exposure for the Berry Cafe than to compete in a major competition in Big Apple City! (Hence, where were get the Purple Pieman coming into the picture...)
The competition has its ups and downs, with mysterious interventions challenging Strawberry and her friends though the competition. They'll have to put the pieces together as Strawberry uses her expertise to compete under the watchful eye of judges AND social media in the midst of a highly watched and highly prized bake off. Will she win? Well, you'll have to read it to find out. :P
This was a fun, sweet story and I'm glad that I had the chance to read it. I think kids will enjoy the bright artwork and the easy flow of the story here. It's a nice re-introduction to Strawberry and her friends and I look forward to picking up more of the volumes in this series when I have the opportunity.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
I grew up with the American Greetings-style, TV-special episode versions of Strawberry Shortcake in my generation, but I've at least been aware of the reboots this character, cast, and realm has had over the years. It was nice to be able to see the character and world in this soft reboot/following that takes more from the later iterations of the series. And considering the Purple Pieman is a recurring, important "villain" in the series, it was nice to see this fresh take on the series in a modern measure, complete with social media and other references.
To start, Strawberry Shortcake and her friends have to deal with some mishaps and mayhem at the Berry Cafe with respect to an upcoming anniversary party. That...doesn't go as smoothly as hoped. And given the breakdown of a ride needing repair, the group is tasked to raise funds. What better way to raise money and get exposure for the Berry Cafe than to compete in a major competition in Big Apple City! (Hence, where were get the Purple Pieman coming into the picture...)
The competition has its ups and downs, with mysterious interventions challenging Strawberry and her friends though the competition. They'll have to put the pieces together as Strawberry uses her expertise to compete under the watchful eye of judges AND social media in the midst of a highly watched and highly prized bake off. Will she win? Well, you'll have to read it to find out. :P
This was a fun, sweet story and I'm glad that I had the chance to read it. I think kids will enjoy the bright artwork and the easy flow of the story here. It's a nice re-introduction to Strawberry and her friends and I look forward to picking up more of the volumes in this series when I have the opportunity.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.
September 22, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This was really cute, fun, and lovely. I used to be a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake, though it has been years and years since I last saw something about her, so imagine my delight when I saw this comic on Netgalley. I knew I just had to try it out and see if it was still as fun.
And was it? Yes, definitely! It was a bit confusing, especially with how the first story connected with the second one (the first one is about the anniversary of the cafe, while the second one takes places weeks/months afterwards (considering the hair colour of Strawberry) and is all about the contest and the Purple Pieman). Luckily the second story just keeps going and thus I could enjoy it a lot more and wasn’t as much confused as I was at the beginning.
And the story was great fun, the contests, the making of food, Strawberry’s friends who cheered for her and were there for her when she needed them.
It was also fun to see them travel, and go to a city which I just loved. It fitted perfectly with the story and also the land where Strawberry lives.
Though I did hate the Purple Pieman and all he did. Maybe he was a good baker, but his attitude, phew, it stank so much, even more than those Durians Strawberry had to do with in the contest. It is a shame that stuff is allowed, especially during the first round I was quite disgusted that they allowed that crap. The ending (the last page in fact) meh, I hated it. Didn’t like seeing that.
The art was really fabulous. The eyes were a bit weird, but other than that I loved how stuff was drawn. It is also really colourful, which I love. :) Then again it would be weird if a Strawberry Shortcake story was all drab and gloomy.
All in all, I would recommend this comic to everyone. It is fun, it is sweet, and for me also meant a nostalgia trip.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This was really cute, fun, and lovely. I used to be a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake, though it has been years and years since I last saw something about her, so imagine my delight when I saw this comic on Netgalley. I knew I just had to try it out and see if it was still as fun.
And was it? Yes, definitely! It was a bit confusing, especially with how the first story connected with the second one (the first one is about the anniversary of the cafe, while the second one takes places weeks/months afterwards (considering the hair colour of Strawberry) and is all about the contest and the Purple Pieman). Luckily the second story just keeps going and thus I could enjoy it a lot more and wasn’t as much confused as I was at the beginning.
And the story was great fun, the contests, the making of food, Strawberry’s friends who cheered for her and were there for her when she needed them.
It was also fun to see them travel, and go to a city which I just loved. It fitted perfectly with the story and also the land where Strawberry lives.
Though I did hate the Purple Pieman and all he did. Maybe he was a good baker, but his attitude, phew, it stank so much, even more than those Durians Strawberry had to do with in the contest. It is a shame that stuff is allowed, especially during the first round I was quite disgusted that they allowed that crap. The ending (the last page in fact) meh, I hated it. Didn’t like seeing that.
The art was really fabulous. The eyes were a bit weird, but other than that I loved how stuff was drawn. It is also really colourful, which I love. :) Then again it would be weird if a Strawberry Shortcake story was all drab and gloomy.
All in all, I would recommend this comic to everyone. It is fun, it is sweet, and for me also meant a nostalgia trip.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 20, 2016
'Strawberry Shortcake Volume 1: Return of the Purple Pieman' by Georgia Ball is a fun graphic novel for young readers. It's not what I normally would read, but I had a good time reading it.
Strawberry Shortcake owns a cute cafe and is the best baker around. When her cafe has an anniversary, her friends decide to throw her a party, but can they do it as good as Strawberry Shortcake can? And who is the mysterious person who gives her cafe a glowing review?
Next, the poor little Berrykins have lost the tractor that they like to ride on and Strawberry Shortcake's friends decide to enroll her in a baking contest in order to win a prize for the kids. The problem is the mysterious purple man in the contest.
It was a pretty cute story. Although my daughter was never a fan, I could see the appeal for young readers. The baking contest is a good parody of the ones on the food channels. The obsession with social media that the purple pieman has is pretty funny too. Good for young readers.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Strawberry Shortcake owns a cute cafe and is the best baker around. When her cafe has an anniversary, her friends decide to throw her a party, but can they do it as good as Strawberry Shortcake can? And who is the mysterious person who gives her cafe a glowing review?
Next, the poor little Berrykins have lost the tractor that they like to ride on and Strawberry Shortcake's friends decide to enroll her in a baking contest in order to win a prize for the kids. The problem is the mysterious purple man in the contest.
It was a pretty cute story. Although my daughter was never a fan, I could see the appeal for young readers. The baking contest is a good parody of the ones on the food channels. The obsession with social media that the purple pieman has is pretty funny too. Good for young readers.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 27, 2016
For fans of Strawberry Shortcake, young and old, this is a delight. Fun, with beautiful artwork-it's a great volume. I love comics and I grew up with the older Strawberry Shortcake and I love how my daughters can now enjoy her more modern version. This would be great for any fan.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2024
it was strawberry
July 23, 2016
It almost doesn’t need saying, but this is the most bright and colorful graphic novel I’ve ever seen!
Of course I’m coming into this completely blind, but for those of you familiar with the story, Strawberry is a dessert-maker with a lot of friends, who all have names like Sweet and Sour, though she wasn’t sour all the much. The best named is Lemon Meringue, who’s a blonde. . . of course. Strawberry isn’t very genre-savvy, as she allows Lemon to color her perfect red hair while her friends plan her party; what could possibly go wrong?
“What are you making?” “An epic fail.” And seriously, if your friend is busy taking selfies you are definitely allowed to steal her popcorn. Yeah, making hand gestures doesn’t work on the phone, blondie. And someone actually says “Squeeeee!”
The plot involves dessert-making contests, but that’s hardly the point. It’s the interactions between friends that make for some hilarious laughs. My favorite scene takes place in a subway, where Strawberry’s look of befuddlement is just perfect. The most important thing is the artwork is excellent, with each character distinctive.
Of course I’m coming into this completely blind, but for those of you familiar with the story, Strawberry is a dessert-maker with a lot of friends, who all have names like Sweet and Sour, though she wasn’t sour all the much. The best named is Lemon Meringue, who’s a blonde. . . of course. Strawberry isn’t very genre-savvy, as she allows Lemon to color her perfect red hair while her friends plan her party; what could possibly go wrong?
“What are you making?” “An epic fail.” And seriously, if your friend is busy taking selfies you are definitely allowed to steal her popcorn. Yeah, making hand gestures doesn’t work on the phone, blondie. And someone actually says “Squeeeee!”
The plot involves dessert-making contests, but that’s hardly the point. It’s the interactions between friends that make for some hilarious laughs. My favorite scene takes place in a subway, where Strawberry’s look of befuddlement is just perfect. The most important thing is the artwork is excellent, with each character distinctive.
July 7, 2016
Adorable, sweet, and unpretentious. Strawberry Shortcake! I could not resist when I saw this title.
It turned out that the first section of this book was distributed this year on 'Free Comic Book Day' May 7, so I had already seen the first half, which I probably enjoyed far more than I should have. The hit of nostalgia was incredible! I was friends with Strawberry Shortcake when I was young, and although I do not have any dolls now, the happy memories have stayed with me.
Great for fans old and new of Strawberry Shortcake. Very positive messages and just a touch of gross to make it interesting.
**eARC Netgalley**
It turned out that the first section of this book was distributed this year on 'Free Comic Book Day' May 7, so I had already seen the first half, which I probably enjoyed far more than I should have. The hit of nostalgia was incredible! I was friends with Strawberry Shortcake when I was young, and although I do not have any dolls now, the happy memories have stayed with me.
Great for fans old and new of Strawberry Shortcake. Very positive messages and just a touch of gross to make it interesting.
**eARC Netgalley**
October 11, 2016
The Strawberry Shortcake graphic novel is adorable! It's just perfect for young comic book fans or as an introduction to comic books. The story is so fun, and easy to dive right into. The characters are young, colorful, and full of life. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
I can so very much tell that this was written from the TV show. It doesn’t suck but it’s also not great. Kids will like it, but I am a fan of the original, not version 3. The girls are all too thin and too into fashion and hair, etc. It’s not the Strawberry Shortcake I loved, and it colors my review.
+16 #TBRRead
+16 #TBRRead
August 14, 2016
Cute little modernization of Strawberry Shortcake.
I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley for review.
I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley for review.
September 24, 2016
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. A nice story about friendship, working together, fair play and co-operation.
April 12, 2017
I really wish this book smelled like strawberries.
August 20, 2017
Definitely still feels like Strawberry Shortcake, but with a fresh, up-to-date look.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this title through NetGalley.
Note: I received a digital review copy of this title through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews