DeadEndia

June 25, 2018
Based on the Cartoon Hangover short “Dead End,” this quirky, heartwarming adventure by Steele (Pantheon) captures the awkwardness of early adulthood and the idiosyncrasies of power-hungry demons. Barney thought working with his friend Norma at a theme park’s haunted house, Dead End, would be fun (or at least provide him with temporary housing), but Norma failed to tell him that it comes with its own portal to hell. Along with Barney’s talking dog, Pugsley, and the other theme park employees, the duo must thwart the demons, angels, and deities emerging through the portal and keep the haunted house running. If Barney can survive long enough, he just may develop the courage to go on a successful date with Logs, the cute coworker who runs the log flume. A Steven Universe–like aesthetic and a full palette of bold, contrasting colors grace a diverse cast of characters (attendant pronouns specified), from trans haunted-house janitor Barney to hijabi carnival-attraction operator Badyah. Episodic first chapters weave together successfully as the story proceeds, creating a cathartic story arc for this series opener. Ages 12–up.

Starred review from February 15, 2024
The nature of reality is at stake in this trilogy-capping finale. Following the events of DeadEndia: The Broken Halo (2019), Norma is to be made the new queen of Hell, a ritual that sets apocalyptic consequences into motion. When angels and demons battle over opposing mythologies, how will everyone pick sides? If that isn't stressful enough, Barney attends a family reunion where his transmasc gender and his boyfriend are scrutinized. The book balances the supernatural and the personal at every turn, such as when Badyah squares her opposition to so-called angels with her Muslim faith. The characters and their interactions never get old--and not just because of the time-loop shenanigans. They alternate between friendly ribbing and heartfelt confessions, whether acknowledging the sheer camp of a golden spacesuit or confessing confusion over one's sexuality. The action reaches fever pitches, and the art conveys an apocalyptic sense of scale for scenes of angelic battle and includes dramatic beams of light for a dimension-rending spell. Each plane of existence in this adventure boasts its own color scheme and aesthetic. The story never loses sight of the characters who drive the story, and the beautiful art, revealing dialogue, and careful worldbuilding together contribute to creating a well-earned impact. A heartfelt culmination of the themes, lore, and relationships among a found family that's fighting to save reality. (cast of characters, animated series pitch samples, production art) (Graphic fantasy. 13-18)

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