Stitched Vol. 1: The First Day of the Rest of Her Life

Stitched #1. Charmz (May 2017) NetGalley

Crimson Volania Mulch has a problem; she just woke up in a crypt and, besides her name, has no idea of who, where, or what she is. Welcome to the Cemetery of Assumptions, a vast landscape of stones, mausoleums, and secrets. Home to monsters and mayhem, it may also hold the answers to her unknown parentage.

Crimson is a resourceful patchwork girl and determined to find them. Along the way, she meets the mysterious Wisteria, who has a tendency to change and a witch named Parameter whose spells tend to go awry. And two boys, Simon and Quinton, who make her feel something besides lost and confused. She must battle ghosts, zombies, and monsters in order to learn where she came from and who her real "mother" is. But will she do it alone, or will she have help from her new friends and unexpected crushes?

Crimson Volania Mulch has just awoken to a new life where someone has been calling her name. With no clue who she is or where her mother is, Crimson ventures out into the world beyond her crypt. She discovers what it means to have friends, to be afraid, and to be brave. All along, she grows closer to finding her mother, who she is, and what she's capable of.

I loved this little horror comic for kids. It has every monster under the sun including our heroine Crimson or Crimy who is a patchwork of different girls. It sounds creepy but the way she's drawn and that amazing purple hair of hers makes her seem more whimsical. She's also very sweet and daring. She takes on challenges head on without any knowledge of who she is.

There's also Wisteria, a loyal werewolf friend Crimson makes who's angry side shows when the group is in danger or when she's trying to get a point across. Mental note: Don't make Wisteria angry.

Simon, a swamp monster seemingly infatuated with Crimson, is a lovable creature. He's a nice guy who reminds me of Beast Boy from Teen Titans with his silliness.

Parameter Jones, a witch or "magic technician" whose magic skills are rough around the edges, tests Crimson's patience. She confident with her skills even though she clearly needs more practice.

There's Crust, a two-headed badger hedgehog joins in when he's left out of Crimson's crypt, becoming her pet in the process. I love that he has two heads. It fits so perfectly with the story.

And finally there is Quinton, a stuck up vampire that catches Crimson's curiosity, but attitude doesn't impress her. I hope she doesn't get caught up in liking him too much if he continues with his attitude. Crimy's better than that.

Alexovich's (he drew Invader Zim guys!!!!) illustrations are perfect for this whimsical little horror comic. I loved looking at everything about as much as I liked reading about Crimson's adventures - that's to say I enjoyed it immensely.

Crimson is dealing with a case of amnesia.... I think. It's like she's trying to recall memories but no one knows her. There's this eerie voice in the background that comes from time to time to encourage her. It's supposed to be her mother. There are ghosts and zombies - so don't worry, all the monsters are included - that she faces that get her closer to the truth of who she is. I'm curious to see with all the dangers she's faced in her first days alive how the story will grow going forward.

The variety of characters and personalities has to be the best part of this comic. I enjoy stories that focus on friendships so Stitched made me happy in that regard. I think Crimson, as our heroine, has guts and a good amount of mystery to her. The illustrations are wonderful to look at as well. I'll be looking for the next volume in the Stitched series, hopefully coming soon.

What's your favorite type of monster?