Ultra Squad 2

It was great fun for me to return to the Ultra Squad in this second graphic novel, Adventures Under The Strangebow. The intrepid eight, including the Pallies of course, found themselves inadvertently stranded in a parallel reality at the end of the first book and now must try and make friends with their doppelgangers in order to find the way back to their own universe. I loved the way in which colour is used to differentiate 'our' Ultra Squad from the alternative reality girls. Their world is oppressed by the bizarre Strangebow so the people and city reflects this in a palette of dingy greys and browns. Even the Meanie Beanie is suitably off-trend in its decor and menu - Brocco Latte anyone?

I didn't feel the narrative line was as strong in Adventures Under The Strangebow as it had been in the original Ultra Squad graphic novel. For me, diversions such as the cheerleading felt like padding although the Pallies dance routines are fun. I wanted to know more about the Strangebow too. What was that? How did it happen? And why? That said, Adventures Under The Strangebow was still well worth the read and I appreciate its humour and engaging artwork. I imagine for the target tween girl audience these stories would be absolute winners!