I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson Published by First Second on 2015-02-24
Genres: Comics & Graphic Novels, Young Adult
Pages: 176
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
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Princess Decomposia is overworked and underappreciated. This princess of the underworld has plenty of her own work to do but always seems to find herself doing her layabout father's job, as well. The king doesn't feel quite well, you see. Ever. So the princess is left scurrying through the halls, dodging her mummy, werewolf, and ghost subjects, always running behind and always buried under a ton of paperwork. Oh, and her father just fired the chef, so now she has to hire a new cook as well. Luckily for Princess Decomposia, she makes a good hire in Count Spatula, the vampire chef with a sweet tooth. He's a charming go-getter of a blood-sucker, and pretty soon the two young ghouls become friends. And then...more than friends? Maybe eventually, but first Princess Decomposia has to sort out her life. And with Count Spatula at her side, you can be sure she'll succeed. Andi Watson (Glister, Gum Girl) brings his signature gothy-cute sensibility to this very sweet and mildly spooky tale of friendship, family, and management training for the undead.
Why Did I Read This Book?
As I type this review it is currently October, (hello 2015) and I felt the need to read a Halloween sort of graphic novel. As soon as I saw the cover of Princess Decomposia And Count Spatula by Andi Watson my brain immediately yelled YES THIS IS HALLOWEEN THIS IS HALLOWEEN, and so, of course, I began reading Princess Decomposia And Count Spatula on my computer in what basically amounts to a single sitting. Friends, I feel like that seasonal autumn craving for paranormal creatures and dead things is fulfilled by this book, which sort of leads to me feeling disappointed it’s being published in February and not October, thus missing out on Halloween season marketing opportunity. Like, what even. Anyways. So, I read this book because romances and the underworld really appeal to me.
What’s The Story Here?
Princess Decomposia And Count Spatula by Andi Watson is centered around the two title characters. Princess Decomposia is a pretty busy girl. Her father, the King, rules the underworld. However, he is sick, so Princess Decomposia does all of the work to keep the kingdom running. She reads proposals, she sits at the negotiations table, she signs off on important documents. She also takes care of her father, who is very particular about his tea and food. When the cook leaves, Count Spatula is hired in the cook’s place. With Count Spatula comes great change in the kitchen. He thinks to feed Princess Decomposia, because good work requires good food — a sentiment that I wholly agree with. The two eventually form a friendship. Meanwhile, Count Spatula is unable to please the King. Still, his food creations go a long way toward improving kingdom relations with various delegations. Anyways, the king begins to get suspicious of Count Spatula and Princess Decomposia’s friendship and so, he tries to end it. Will Decomposia be able to stand up to her father? Will Count Spatula find a dish that will please the king? You’ll have to read this completely charming graphic novel to find out.
How’s The Art?
Actually, Andi Watson’s illustrations and art in Princess Decomposia And Count Spatula reminded me of the art in Little Lulu, only more goth. The graphic novel contains black and white drawings inside, as opposed to color. It works perfectly for the story and tone. I mean, this is a book about the underworld, after all. I liked the choice to go without color. The lines within the book are very curvy and not super angular, lending a friendly feel to the story. I am not sure if that makes any sense to you, but to me, I think that the soft lines lend a bit of lightness to the story. Anyways, I really loved how this book was drawn, it completely appealed to me.
Who Would I Recommend This Book To?
- People who like a romance between odd characters
- Fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Readers with a sweet tooth
- Anyone who has a bit of a dark side
- Readers from 9 to 90 (although, anyone outside of those age groups might like this book too!)
Sum It Up With A GIF:
Of course, I had to pick the most cliche GIF, but goodness I LOVE THIS BOOK and the romance while not the main feature is a selling point to me.
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