Hooky, by Míriam Bonastre Tur, was originally a popular 2021 webtoon that became a well received graphic novel soon after. It is a sweet story of two siblings, however its world building and character development are not things to scoff at.
The story follows twin witch siblings Daniela (Dani) and Dorian when they accidentally miss the bus on their first day to magic school. Instead of trying to get to school, they decide to play hooky to avoid any trouble from their parents. They stay with a powerful oracle, a mischievous human kid named Nico, and even Monica, the princess of the land. However, Dani and Dorian eventually realize that the people they believed to be their family, are actually the evilest of witches who are bent on destroying human society. The twins are faced with a difficult choice of whether to side with the witches, or the human friends they’ve made. And when a prophecy of a future ruler over all witches tangles the twins at the center of the fighting, their predicament only seems to worsen.
Based on the cover pages alone, this story can be very misleading- one would think it’s a cutesy witch story. However, the amount of drama and lore built into this graphic novel is astounding. There were so many twists and turns within the plot, which can keep anyone invested. The war between the witches and humans was greatly integrated throughout the book. It slowly becomes a more relevant situation through the battles and attacks that take place later on. However, it’s always a looming worry that affects all the protagonists in some way or another which I really enjoyed because readers knew something big would be revealed, but you wouldn’t know how. That kind of suspense is why fantasy is such a compelling genre. The world building was also a major selling point for me. Many books, graphic novels included, will mainly focus on the characters while the world stays in the background. It’s so refreshing to read a story like Hooky where you can feel immersed in the world alongside the characters.
The characters of Hooky feel like real people, which is something I really appreciate in any story. You’re able to read between the lines and find out what the characters’ goals, personalities, and relationships are like. A theme with the protagonists that I noticed was the shared feeling of not belonging. Dani feels like an inferior witch to Dorian because she can’t cast spells properly. Meanwhile, Dorian feels like an inferior witch to Dani because he isn’t as outgoing and adventurous as her. Nico feels compared to both twins, as he cannot cast any magic whatsoever. And Monica, who has been searching for her kidnapped prince, feels like she’s not cut out to be adventuring. All these characters feel a bit of imposter syndrome within their skillset, and throughout the book, it’s difficult for them to accept who they are and what they can do. It’s only when they’re faced with danger that they need to put that all aside to face their foes. The significance of their roles within the witches’ war also drastically changes, which is a cause for distress. They learn to adapt quickly and fight for their causes. This type of tension amongst the characters really allows for the story to go beyond the plot, but into the mindset of each person. It can make you as a reader feel a range of emotions based on what a fictional character is going through.
With two other volumes already out, I definitely recommend Hooky as a fun, magical, and spooky graphic novel for this season. Although they can be long reads, they are rather fast paced as far as plotline goes. The story is so compelling and has many lighthearted and dark moments all mixed together. It’s truly a roller coaster of events that will leave you wanting much more. And if you’re new to the fantasy genre, I feel that this is a great starter. It’s a very intricate story, yet still manageable as something you could pick up any time. Also, it has inspired me so much creatively. As an artist myself, I loved the art style. The colors, poses, and lineart are great for aspiring artists to take inspiration from. All in all, I could not recommend this book enough. And if you’re looking for a light cozy read for this spooky season, it’s definitely worth a try.