I’ve always been a huge fan of Benji Nate’s graphic novels – from the hilariously deadpan Lorna, to sweet Catboy to the mysterious Hell Phone. So, when her latest project Girl Juice was published in 2023, I knew I immediately had to get my hands on it. Drawn in Nate’s distinctly cutesy style with vibrant, pastel, almost candy-like colouring, and a cover screaming flower power (the passage of least resistance is a theme that runs throughout the book!), Girl Juice is not only gorgeous to look at, but has a compelling, slice-of-life, chilled-out narrative.
Girl Juice follows twenty-something-year-old roommates, Bunny, Nana, Tula and Sadie, as they navigate that strange age when you’re technically a grown-up, but don’t quite feel like one. The story originated in webcomic format over on Nate’s Patreon and Instagram, eventually evolving into a full-size graphic novel. So, for the most part, it doesn’t follow a linear story narrative, instead giving us short snapshots into the lives of the girls, often spanning a double-page spread as they get up to hijinks. Nate has penned an often very amusing love letter which celebrates female friendship in all its weird wonderfulness and how monumental it can be in shaping who you become.
One thing I love about Girl Juice is how quotable its one-liners from the titular characters are:
“What do you think God’s plan is?”
“IDK… Probably just to stay hot and simple forever.”
Immediately iconic, protagonist Bunny’s lack of motivation, boy-crazy flushes, promiscuous nature, and hilarious witticisms make her both relatable and loveable. Contrasting with her roommate Nana, who is much more work-focused and reserved, the friends will have you rolling around laughing simply by having a mundane conversation. Here’s a fun example about Freddie Prinze Jr and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s marriage in 2002:
“so much has changed”
“except for their love for each other”
“that’s the most romantic thing I ever heard… getting married in 2002.”
Partners Tula and Sadie round out the girl group perfectly as an aspiring YouTuber and designated angsty punk of the group. A sense of camaraderie naturally accompanies living in such proximity with your gal pals, even when they get on your nerves (we’re looking at you, Bunny!). Readers accompany the girls on various shenanigans including a disastrous camping trip, an adult prom, various bars, etc., all often ending in hilarity.
While Girl Juice is mostly humorous, the short section in which Bunny’s mother comes to visit is a little more serious – she’s very disapproving of Bunny’s promiscuity and lack of desire for a monogamous relationship. She quips away at her “bad skin”, the small size of her house and how she slouches, generally trying to make her feel small. Thankfully, when her mother insults her beloved dog, it’s the final straw for Bunny, who snaps back to her senses and is back to her usual self in no time. It’s a great message that even the most confident, self-assured girls have moments of self-doubt.
The last third of the graphic novel also changes direction somewhat, with a more linear narrative focused on demon possession and exorcism in the Girl Juice household – the change of pace from the shorter comic strips showcases Nate’s versatility through both methods of storytelling (it’s also quite eerie in places compared to the lightness of the rest of the book; a fun change of pace!)
Something I enjoyed is how different Girl Juice is from Nate’s previous projects. The gorgeous artwork and distinct pastel colour palette are Nate’s staple signature, but how they are presented has evolved. The comic panels are neat and clean, each page having six box panels surrounded by a white border, with occasional objects or speech bubbles traversing out of their liminal space. The storytelling is distinct, with Girl Juice acting as a commentary on modern society, with references throughout to streaming, YouTube, sending selfies, and the incorporation of text-speak into the characters’ dialogues. The characters, too, authentically feel in their twenties; at what other age could you be watching a film at six in the morning with your dog, while eating a veritable feast of egg rolls, chicken nuggets, tostinos, pizza rolls and a corn dog?
This is not a book for young readers, but adults will surely appreciate the humour and warmth that exudes from the pages. Always remember, “a stranger is just a hottie you haven’t met yet!”.
Benji Nate (W/A) • Drawn & Quarterly, $24.95
Review by Lydia Turner
