J. N. Monk (1)

STORY
Basically, the mistake of a would-be techno working bee causes a big problem and shenanigans ensue. I could not get a grasp of the world-building, but it did not bother me. This is a world where engineers and technicians are everywhere, a shark and a light-bulb are in love, and a shape-shifter and a cantankerous woman make an almost-family.
The side-plot with the office guy trying to live up to his dad’s legacy was okay, but I was much more interested in Jo’s business. He reached an abrupt epiphany that’s, well, abrupt haha. I guess after all that trouble he was like I’ll never do this again.

CHARACTERS
My favorite characters were Lumi and Kevin because they were full of personality, and I had so many questions about their backstory. Every time when junk got real one of those two would surprise me.

Jo is headstrong, logical, and tough on herself. The way Jo communicates (in the narration boxes) is like a service report. Her thoughts are quick to the point and always trying to find a solution. Unique. Her earnest desire to take overtime so she could financially support her parents and baby sibling was very relatable.

Tenz was unlikeable from the get-go, but that’s the point. Toward the end, I slowly got a sense of her character motivations. she’s been surviving for herself for the longest, and she wants to show everyone she was able to make it on her own. Family’s a tough subject for hence the refusal to let Kevin call her Ma.

ART
The character designs were great. It’s always nice to have a diverse cast. At the end of the book, the creators leave their thought-process and inspirations behind the character’s look. Since learning the inspirations, I think they nailed it in that department.
Also, the color direction is very colorful! In fact, after two pages, the color palette resets and resets. I weep for the colorists but applaud them too for their efforts!

OVERALL
I liked this one!
… (mere)