Graphic novels beyond the mainstream Marvel and DC canon have increasingly been able to hook in young readers with their original characters and vibrant worlds. Such is the case of Katie the Catsitter by writer Colleen AF Venable and artist Stephanie Yue. Now on its second book, Best Friends for Never, Katie is back and ready to take on the responsibility of being the Mousetress’ sidekick. She faces a lot of issues in this new chapter of her life, however, including the rise of a new hero, an assassination of the Moustress’ reputation, and tensions building between Katie and her friends.
Katie the Catsitter 2: Best Friends for Never builds and improves upon the first book. The sequel immerses readers fully into the comic’s world of superheroes and villains. There is a clear love for the superheroic side of comics shared between Venable and Yue that carries over to the wish-fulfillment element of Katie’s adventures. So many kids and adults want to be like their heroes, and Katie gets that opportunity while also working through the usual trials of growing up.
Yue’s art in particular captures that aesthetic. There is a silly and fun element to her work that encapsulates the joy many readers felt when they first fell in love with comics. Along with the vibrant colors by Branden Lamb, this style makes Katie’s world one readers will want to explore. The whimsy of Yue’s art, however, does not underplay the emotions of the characters. It’s easy to empathize with what the characters go through thanks to their simple yet expressive faces. There’s a cartoon quality to this art that is exactly what suits Katie and her adventures.
Katie the Catsitter 2 also has a strong balance between the fantastical and the relatable. The blend makes it a fun read for all ages and a great introduction to the world of superheroes. There are plenty of references and jokes for those familiar with comics, heroes, and villains. Not only will these garner a laugh, but they will also answer some of the stranger questions long-time fans may have about the lives and logistics of comic characters. Katie the Catsitter 2 even dives into how sidekicks feel about tackling more minor tasks and the emotional toll of being a hero.
At its core, there are two major lessons in Best Friends for Never. The first and main lesson is about how friendship requires work on both ends. While Katie and her best friend Beth have grown apart over the summer, that does not mean their friendship is a lost cause. The two must work on their relationship, improving their communication and establishing respect for each others’ new likes and dislikes. It’s an important lesson, but it’s separated from the core conflict that Katie and Moustress face. As the book nears its end, this theme feels rushed in finding its closure.
The second theme integrates beautifully into Katie and Moustress’ story. While Katie is furious over how the public perceives Moustress, that is not the point of her vigilante activism. Moustress is not a hero just for the likes. Katie the Catsitter uses public perception and social media to exemplify how someone’s worth cannot be determined by these more superficial ways of judging character. It’s an important and complicated lesson for kids and adults to learn, and one that reminds Katie and readers what really measures worth.
While these themes are strong, some aspects of Katie the Catsitter 2: Best Friends for Never feel rushed. The climatic solution for what the protagonists face wraps up quickly in order to keep the story moving and contained. Katie the Catsitter is unafraid to address some of the more complex and difficult aspects of being a teen and a messy, unfinished ending would have suited these work-in-progress characters. An incomplete ending would also have allowed Katie the Catsitter 2: Best Friends for Never to set up the third book in the series, especially since this comic deserves another entry.
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