Graphic Novel Review – Agatha Heterodyne & The Clockwork Princess (Girl Genius TP, Book 5) by Kaja Foglio and Phil Foglio (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Teen
Genre: Steampunk
Size: 112 pages
Publisher: Studio Foglio
Release Date: November 24, 2009
ISBN: 978-1890856397
Stand Alone or Series: 5th TP in the Girl Genius series
Source: Gift
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the 5th TP in the Girl Genius series. I have really been loving this series a lot. It’s a lot of fun to read, there is a lot of humor, and I really enjoy the heavy steampunk theme throughout.

Agatha and Krosp (the emperor of cats) are still traveling with Master Payne’s Circus of Adventure. Now the Jaggers have joined the circus too and they are awesome, always itching for a brawl. However, during a performance Agatha’s voice is recognized and she is kidnapped for evil purposes. Who will come to her rescue?

This whole series has been spectacular fun. Lots of comedy, wonderful steampunk elements, and tons of adventure. This book throws in some creepy automatons (particularly the Clockwork Princess) which were fascinating. There is also a horde of creepy monsters that have been devouring villages. In addition to this poor Prince Gil has thrown himself into his inventing after believing Agatha is truly dead.

I continue to really enjoy Agatha, she comes up with some awesome inventions and is just pretty darn funny. Krosp played a smaller role in this book, but was also hilarious. We do learn a little bit more about her background and the mythology surrounding the Heterodynes.

Then there are the automatons and the whole idea of souls or spirits inhabiting machines, which is something I love reading about.

Things move fairly slow in these books, but the events that do happen are highly entertaining. The illustrations continue to be brightly colored and all the women continue to look a bit manly. But I still feel like the illustration fits the story really well.

The book does start with a “the story thus far” which I really am happy is there. The story is getting more and more complicated and it is good to have a little refresher as to what is going on.

The only thing that was a bit disappointing is that this book ends on a horrible cliffhanger. I am dying to know what happens next!

Overall, this book was just as much fun as all the previous books have been. The story is getting more complicated and I continue to enjoy it. There are some wonderful steampunk things in here and the book is hilarious. My husband always rolls his eyes while I read these because I just sit on the couch and laugh and laugh until I am nearly in tears. I highly recommend this graphic novel series to everyone, especially those who love steampunk.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge