The Smurf Reporter by Peyo

The Smurf Reporter by Peyo follows the (mis)adventures of one Smurf who takes it upon himself to start reporting the events of the previous day for all to read, after seeing how stories can get distorted by word of mouth. However, just as many problems can arise when facts are reported without tact. Can harming still reign in Smurf as guilty secrets are revealed? The news in the Smurf papers draws the attention of the one person the Smurfs don’t want attention from- Gargamel!

These stories add new elements to the Smurfs’ story, further evolving them for today in ways I don’t necessarily agree with, but at least this time it bothered me less. Like the concept of payment among the Smurfs. That’s new. On the flip side, I love the lessons on the destruction that rumour can unleash. Reporter Smurf may have had good intentions at the start, but fell prey to tabloid sensationalism instead. It’s not just the reporters that need to be responsible. Readers need to use their common sense and not blindly believe everything that’s in print. Recommended!

***Many thanks to Netgalley & Papercutz for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

The Return of Smurfette by Peyo

The Return of Smurfette by Peyo is a cute collecting of stories revolving around Smurfette visiting the Smurf Village. For some reason, here she lives away from the village instead of in it. I love the Smurfs. They are an integral part of my childhood. But Smurfette lived in the village with the other Smurfs. These stories had the male Smurfs much more attracted to Smurfette than in the TV series. Yea, they sometimes low-key flirted in the show. Nothing like this though, which was a turn off for me. Messin’ with my childhood here! I imagine younger readers unfamiliar with the original show would enjoy this more than I.

***Many thanks to Netgalley & Papercutz for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

 

 

Smurfs: The Betrayal of Smurfblossom by Peyo

Smurfs: The Betrayal of Smurfblossom by Peyo takes place among Willow and her female Smurf village. Hefty, Brainy, and Clumsy are still visiting Smurfy Grove. A quarrel between Smurfblossom and Smurfstorm creates tension in the group. When a challenge between Smurfstorm and Hefty goes awry and leaves them lost in Growler territory. Smurfblossom is part of the group that goes in search of Hefty and Smurfstorm. Can she let go of her tiff with Smurfstorm or will she give in to the temptation of getting even?

I’m a huge Smurfs fan. It’s a part of my childhood, part of who I am. I loved the live-action reboot. I enjoyed the movie and first graphic novel featuring Smurfy Grove. This installment seemed lackluster compared to the previous book. The jealous rivalry between Storm and Blossom, and between Storm and Hefty came across as trite. There were lessons, as always. This time lessons about friendship and jealousy. They felt shallow. The whole of the female relationships were the same. It felt like there was a lack of cohesion compared to the male group, a lack of true solidarity. It was disconcerting, especially since an all female group would be more cooperative than competitive. Still, I do plan to read the next Smurfs graphic novel!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Papercutz for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.