Punderworld – Graphic Novel Review

Punderworld volume 1 by author and illustrator Linda Šejić

Punderworld is a graphic novel about ancient gods and goddesses that was originally published as a webcomic. This single volume collects the story but I know I’m not the only one who wishes more would be written. The volume leaves the story open ended and there is more more ground that could be covered. Unfortunately, author Šejić is currently focused on other works. I should probably read these too if they’re half as good as this one.

This adorable graphic novel follows Hades, god of the underworld, as he crushes on Persephone, goddess of spring. They are an unlikely match, goth guy and the girl with flowers in her hair, but they have both held a candle for each other for centuries and have never made any moves. Hades is a painfully shy workaholic and Persephone is sheltered.

Finally, Zeus talks Hades into taking action. Zeus gives him some dubious advice about turning into a bee to woo her but Hades wants to try a more traditional approach. Maybe too traditional as he considers jumping right into asking her mother for permission to marry. He’s hesitant and Persephone’s mother is strictly against her dating in any sense. She has more important duties despite having worked nonstop for hundreds of years without so much as a weekend. She hasn’t even gotten to go to any of Zeus’ raging parties!

When they two love birds finally talk to each other more than a few seconds in passing it is clear that they are just the cutest and absolutely should be a couple. I want to see more of their romance and more time with them together! Are they able to be together despite everything?! Readers demand to know!

I like seeing gods portrayed as weak and vulnerable. Hades has control over the assignments of the dead but he doesn’t have control over much else. Persephone can make flowers bloom but her emotions run away from her and grow thorns.

I don’t usually read a lot of cutesy romances. Especially love at first sight Romeo and Juliet kinds of stories. Punderworld was given to me as a gift from my husband since he knew that I loved the work of the author’s husband. He wrote the non-traditional romance Sunstone that we both really enjoyed. It is clear through both of their writing that they have a strong healthy relationship and can be seen as role models for an exemplary marriage.

Although I am sad that there is no word as to whether or not Punderworld will continue in the future I am glad I read it. Tis better to have loved and lost and all that. Read it, buy it, make it popular enough to motivate a volume 2 into creation.

5/5 roses 🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

For more cute comic book romance check out Kaiju Girl.