‘Flavor Girls: Return To The Mothership’ Mini Review

Flavor Girls: Return To The Mothership picks up after the first volume, which pits four magical girls — Sara, Naoko, Camille, and V — against the Agarthian alien invasion. In this installment, the Flavor Girls embark on a journey to Okinawa to uncover the mysteries of an ancient civilization.

Loïc Locatelli is great at crafting distinctive characters — even the villains feel unique and unexpected. In Vol. 1, we were introduced to each Flavor Girl and their unique charms. In the new chapters, these characters are given room to grow. Each of the characters feels simultaneously fresh and classical. We also see what really drives Naoko. Flavor Girls shines above and beyond in its character-first approach with slow-burn world-building. We learn more about the characters and the world in tandem with each other.

Much like the debut, Vol. 2 ends just as the stakes are raised and it feels like the plot is just getting started. From reading the two books back-to-back, I can tell each fits as a chapter in a larger epic. However, because there was a two-year hiatus between them, there could be readers left wanting more. Even so, if the biggest critique to give Flavor Girls is the desire for more story, then that’s still a pretty good recommendation.

It can’t be overstated how Flavor Girls succeeds where many indie comics fall short. I’m always looking for indie comics that are as much of a joy to read as a popular superhero comic or battle manga. Flavor Girls is a comic where “fun” is in the front seat. Each scene, whether its action, comedy, or drama is rendered in a captivating and evocative way. Each volume brings a smile to my face and I eagerly await the next installment!

Flavor Girls: Return To The Mothership is now available from Boom! Studios.