Turn Back the Pages is a feature where I spotlight a comic that is not fresh and new. It may have come out a few months ago or even a few years ago. Maybe it was hyped and popular, or maybe it was an underappreciated gem. Whatever the case, it’ll be a great comic that’s well worth a read.
I’ve been craving comfort reads lately, probably to offset the rush of anxiety and depression I feel whenever I look at the news. Bandette is everything I could ask for when it comes to making me feel better. It’s cute and charmingly campy, and I was all smiles the whole time I was reading it.
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I mentioned Volume 1 of Bandette in my Netflix Book Tag post. Since then, I’ve finished Volume 2 and have Volume 3 on hold at my local library. It’s just that much fun.
So what’s the premise?
Book Description
The world’s greatest thief is a costumed teen burglar in swinging Paris by the nome d’arte of Bandette! Gleefully plying her skills on either side of the law, Bandette is a thorn in the sides of both police inspector Belgique and the criminal underworld. But it’s not all breaking hearts and purloining masterpieces when a rival thief discovers that an international criminal organization wants Bandette dead!
My Thoughts
Do you see that smile on Bandette’s face on the cover? That’s the joy she’s bringing to pretty much every page in the series. Whether she’s in the middle of a heist, teasing a grumpy police inspector, or fighting for her life, she’s having fun. And she has a posse of friends and cute animals to help her out when she’s in trouble. Truly, Bandette is living her best life.
A bit more about the plot. Bandette has stolen from the criminal organization FINIS, and they want her dead. Monsieur, an older gentleman thief and Bandette’s rival, arranges a meeting to warn her. He also gets a list from a mysterious woman that holds the names and locations of priceless artifacts that the leader of FINIS would really hate to lose.
Bandette gets the list too (by stealing it from Monsieur, of course). And the obvious next step is for her and Monsieur to start a competition to see who can steal more items.
Meanwhile, Bandette has to dodge assassins and help Inspector Belgique get enough evidence to bring down FINIS before they kill him, too.
As you can tell from the description, there’s no lack of adventure and intrigue. There was also no point where I was truly worried for Bandette and felt she was in over her head. These books have no stress, only fun.
They also have a collection of cute short comics at the end of every volume drawn by different artists, and a fun feature called “What’s Bandette Stolen Now?” that goes into more detail about the artifacts she swipes.
If you like heist stories and flirty, fun-loving heroines, you’ll probably enjoy Bandette. Check out your local library or comic book shop to see if they have it, or order online at one of the storefronts below:
Stay safe, and happy reading!
Kristen Brand 