GAME ON!

Cloud Puppy and her friends explore differences within their shared interests.

Our protagonist—a fluffy white creature who’s “part cloud and part puppy”—loves playing video games, as do many of her friends. But they like different types. Cloud Puppy’s favorite games involve building a farm and caring for a digital pet. Her friend Jack somewhat unhelpfully points out that this is a “lower-tier” game and that he likes S-Tier games, referencing a ranking system that places more competitive games (which also trend toward more violent and scary) in higher regard. According to Jack, the games Cloud Puppy likes are “for babies,” ranked much lower. Cloud Puppy doubts her own tastes, and a kerfuffle ensues. Ultimately, she and Jack decide on a video game trade-off, where each explores games from the other’s chosen genre. This narrative boasts the high-energy cuteness that made the first volume sparkle; likewise, it also explores the challenges of childhood social dynamics. Unicorn teddy bear Berry Rose, strong-willed Cloud Puppy, wild-eyed, reindeerlike Jack, and blobby green Mossquatch form a great team who may fight but always make up and grow together. While the first installment also dealt with an element of nerd culture—comic conventions—this one is more focused on the nitty-gritty of gaming culture, and the conflict may not resonate as strongly for readers who aren’t as interested in the topic. The main story is followed by a shorter one that sees Berry Rose delving into LARPing, offering further opportunity for sparkles, costumes, and imaginative play.

A sweet examination of social dynamics that will especially interest gamers.