IDW Publishing 2016
The Stuff Dreams are Made Of
Written by Georgia Ball
Illustrated by Amy Mebberson
Coloured by Fernando Peniche
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Yes to the Dress
Written by Kristen Gudsnuk
Illustrated by Nico Pena
Coloured by Jordi Escuin
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Well after the initial two issues it’s time for the book to take on two short stories and probably run that format from here on out. While I’m usually a fan of longer stories with Strawberry and friends if we get a few two issue tales here and there i’m pretty much okay with this. After all with everything that’s happening in the world there’s no better time than now to get lost in stories that focus on friendship, individuality and acceptance. For those who think she’s a girls book or for kids, well you’re partly right but her message is for everyone.
The first story is just fun. As Strawberry has a decision to make after being approached by a salesman. While her shoppe is just fine as it is there’s always room for growth and expansion but is this what Strawberry wants or just something this J.P. Francis senior and his smooth talking ways puts in her mind?
I love that in order for Strawberry to make up her mind she has a dream about being a Detective. Old school style with nightclubs and coppers and the like. It’s so nice to see that even Strawberry Shortcake can be adapted into such classic old movie style stories and still come across as this sweet, fun and caring person. This detective story was a well done romp of fun.
The interiors by Amy, and Fernando, are spectacular. The old school trenchcoat and fedoras are wonderfully done. Amy’s style and eye for storytelling captures both the 50’s/60’s stylings with their little world and the use of all the characters in those looks really brought this tale to life.
In the second feature twin sisters Sweet and Sour Grapes each want a new dress. They each pick one out from a design book without the other seeing it. So it’s up to Raspberry and Strawberry to sew the dresses for them.
It’s a great story about being the same and yet different. The message of friendship, individuality and expressing yourself should be based on what you feel not what you think others should/would feel about you. See you for you not how others do and you’ll be a much happier person. Now seriously who doesn’t want a message like that in their life?
The creativity from Nico and Jordi is great. The use of pages and panels to tell the story was nicely utilized. Plus finally fashions for teens, tweens and everyone else are full coverage and absolutely adorable.
With all the darkness, hatred and things going on in the world today sometimes it takes Strawberry Shortcake and friends to point out that there’s still light and goodness in the world if you are a part of it.