DeadEndia: The Watcher’s Test

Based on the Cartoon Hangover short “Dead End,” this quirky, heartwarming adventure by Steele (Pantheon) captures the awkwardness of early adulthood and the idiosyncrasies of power-hungry demons. Barney thought working with his friend Norma at a theme park’s haunted house, Dead End, would be fun (or at least provide him with temporary housing), but Norma failed to tell him that it comes with its own portal to hell. Along with Barney’s talking dog, Pugsley, and the other theme park employees, the duo must thwart the demons, angels, and deities emerging through the portal and keep the haunted house running. If Barney can survive long enough, he just may develop the courage to go on a successful date with Logs, the cute coworker who runs the log flume. A Steven Universe–like aesthetic and a full palette of bold, contrasting colors grace a diverse cast of characters (attendant pronouns specified), from trans haunted-house janitor Barney to hijabi carnival-attraction operator Badyah. Episodic first chapters weave together successfully as the story proceeds, creating a cathartic story arc for this series opener. Ages 12–up. [em](Aug.) [/em]