Review: MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #8

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MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #8
Written by Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare
Art by Natacha Bustos, Tamra Bonvillain & Travis Lanham
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: June 22, 2016

Lunella is her own little classroom Godzilla.

Both Devil Dinosaur and Lunella are facing a major adjustment period after finding themselves in each other’s bodies. While Devil Dinosaur gets used to the classroom and cafeteria, Lunella explores the big city in a big body, forgetting that people aren’t fond of giant red lizards. In the end, she decides it’s best to stay out of sight until she and her reptilian friend better understand their dilemma.

Not much happens in the story this issue besides picking up from a cliffhanger, but the story is fun nonetheless. I like how Devil Dinosaur and Lunella forget that they are in different bodies and it takes time for them to adjust to people’s reactions. This issue has a great all-ages feel that I think is important to have among any mainstream comic line, and has some moments that would be helpful in discussing emotions with children. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #8 doesn’t have to be a complex story to be enjoyable.

Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder take a premise that is nearly confusing to explain (body switching, am I right?) and create a narrative that is easy to follow. As Lunella and Devil Dinosaur move back and forth through each other’s bodies, nothing is lost in the story, and these transitions are apparent in dialogue and Lunella’s introspection. Montclare and Reeder’s story touches on the main characters’ experiences in a way that provides an interesting juxtaposition between them.

The themes that emerge from the art add an important element to the story. First, when Devil Dinosaur is in Lunella’s body, the scenes are much more chaotic, while it’s nearly the opposite as Lunella inhabits Devil Dinosaur’s body. Not much is funnier than a dinosaur sitting in contemplation, and Lunella’s physical exterior as Devil Dinosaur betrays the sense of calm around her. While these scenes fit the nature of the characters and their personalities, they are in stark contrast to the bodies they inhabit in the moment. Natacha Bustos draws a contemplative Lunella in a t-rex’s body and a rampaging Devil Dinosaur as a little girl, illustrating a subtly comedic dynamic between these characters and their environment.

Second, when Devil Dinosaur is at his angriest while in the body of Lunella, Tamra Bonvillain makes the panels warmer, reflecting the heat of Devil Dinosaur’s anger. Similar to this effect, much of the action is grounded in warm schemes, while the more serene moments shift to the other side of the color wheel with atmospheric blues and purples. At the heart of this issue is a playfulness brought on by Bonvillain’s colors. Artistic choices like these allow for an interesting interplay between the characters and how they interact with the world around them.

As we get closer to the mystery of Lunella’s Inhuman DNA, this issue drops tiny hints about her powers and how they may affect Devil Dinosaur. I have my thoughts on how the story will proceed, and even if they don’t come to fruition this chapter of Lunella’s adventure is setting up some fascinating dynamics between her, her dinosaur pal, and a certain Kree youngster.

The Verdict: 8.0/10

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