Ted Naifeh touches upon themes that just about anyone can relate to. Ever feel like the outsider? Know what it's like to be the new kid? Not smart enough, not pretty enough, not charming enough? We all feel that way sometimes. Plus, Courtney's spunky, and won't back down. She's a charming heroine, and the story is interesting. I'd really recommend it to anyone, goth and non-goth alike.
There are four stories in this volume,the first is our introduction to Courtney, her great-uncle, and parents and the neighborhood.the second, Courtney secretly begins to practice magicthe third, Courtney has her first babysitting job and her first journey into Faeriethe fourth, maybe a story that would make more sense after reading the first three
Looking back on what I've written, I don't know if I've really conveyed what I liked about this miniseries. The writing is good, the illustrations are good. Courtney starts out not being the most sympathetic of characters, she's sharp tongued and generally pretty grumpy and doesn't much like people. However, as the plot progresses you grow to like her which sets this series apart. The stories are told with genuine heart, and there is emotion, danger and character development.
As in any good fairy tale, there's also the hint of violence beneath the surface. And there are a few people who do get eaten, Naifeh's world is dangerous as well as magical. On the whole it's one of my favorite series. Check out Courtney Crumrin and the Coven of Mystics, which is even better.