Review: Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders Vol. 2

It's been a little over a year since Jewel Riders was revived from the nostalgia archives with a new graphic novel from Maverick. Today, I am pleased to announce that the series has not been forgotten, and the second volume is about to make its debut. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from Maverick's mailing list and was able to read the new Magical Girl adventure in advance. The new Jordie Bellaire and Koi Carreon graphic novel is similar to the first one in the series, with beautiful manga-like illustrations, lots of nostalgic references to the '90s cartoon, and an erratic plot that jumps around from page to page. People who enjoyed the first volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders will probably enjoy this one as well, and vice versa, as little has changed.


The second volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders picks up after the cliffhanger ending of the first graphic novel, which implied that there was some sort of secret scheme happening between Gwenevere's wicked Aunt Kale and the Queen of Avalon, whom I refer to as Adri-Anya because I still haven't gotten over the name change. After her defeat in the first volume, Kale remains weakened and is recovering in a chamber of the Crystal Palace, which many characters have conflicting feelings about. Due to Kale's sisterly bond with Adri-Anya, which was hinted at in the previous volume, a Freaky Friday-inspired storyline ensues, in which the ordinarily gentle queen starts acting more like the short-tempered Kale, making it vital for Kale's body to recover and restore the good queen to her true self.


I've seen reviews for both volumes criticizing the inconsistent storytelling that jumps from one plot thread to another with no transitions. While I don't entirely disagree, I'm so happy to have more Jewel Riders in my life that my nostalgia goggles may make me immune to its flaws. Like the first graphic novel, this volume is chock-full of references to various episodes of the show, making those of us who loved it as children feel seen and appreciated. The first time we see our heroines, they are lounging in their mermaid tails from the episode "Jewel of the Sea," in which they received the ability to transform into mermaids at will. It's so cute to see them have a "girls' day out" where they decide to hang out as mermaids. Not only does it add to the lore of the show, but it also enhances the theme of friendship by demonstrating that they could have fun together in any form.


This new graphic novel series doesn't just contain old references to the show. It modernizes many of the characters with new ideas and philosophies. Some of these attempts pay off, while others are more questionable. For instance, seeing Tamara read a book about adult friendships and forgive Kale despite all the wicked things she's done in her past seems like a perfect way for her to grow as a character. She had always been the "mother" figure of the group, so it makes sense that she would devote her young adult years to enhancing her relationships with her friends. On the other hand, Drake handing over leadership of the Pack to Fallon and retiring to become a fishmonger is a bizarre decision that seems out of place in such a peaceful and magical world. Regardless, it's nice to see a future for these characters after 30 years of silence. There's also an adorable flashback scene that reveals how Gwenevere, Tamara, and Fallon first met as children.

The second volume of Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders is finally here, and fans of the series won't be disappointed. With its beautiful manga-like illustrations and nostalgic references to the '90s cartoon, this volume is a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. There are many fun surprises for fans of the cartoon, though it isn't quite as newcomer-friendly. Despite some questionable plot decisions, the book shines with its themes of friendship and growth, and fans will appreciate the nods to the original series. If you're looking for a magical girl adventure that combines nostalgia with new ideas, Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders Vol. 2 is definitely worth checking out.
I have always dreamed of being a writer and creating the next great fairy tale princess heroine. Princesses inspire us to be our best selves. While you're here, feel free to follow my page on Facebook, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and check out my books. I'm also on Instagram and Twitter.

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