Review by Frank Plowright

Micky Monsoon is the star pitcher and a very capable hitter for softball team the Belle City Broads, and as Grand Slam Romance opens they have a big game against the Gaiety Gals to prepare for. However, nothing can prepare Mickey for the appearance of her teenage friend Astra Maxima turning out for the opposition. After the game it’s revealed that Mickey and Astra were once more than friends, and Astra is more than human.

Astra’s magic is very matter of factly introduced, and it turns out that while away at school in Switzerland she alienated some very influential people. They’ve banded together to create a new softball team consisting of the best of the best to embarrass her by defeating the Gaiety Girls. The first question is whether Micky will sign up.

The premise of Grand Slam Romance may be that opposites attract, as reflected in the awkward fusion of magic and sports, but there’s so little to appeal and everything is so superficial. Characterisation is paper thin, and can vary if writer Ollie Hicks needs that to happen for the plot, as it does with Mickey, so easily persuaded to reverse her decision not to play softball any more. Surprises are from left field, frequently with so little foundation for what happens, and while that avoids predictability, a tongue in cheek tone doesn’t excuse lapses of logic. Equally, Emma Oosterhuis is a lively cartoonist likely to improve on an outing strong on functionality, but rarely with any spark. Her best moments are when the alluring Astra is featured posing, pouting and seducing.

Abrams’ Surely imprint has been set up to publish LBGT+ stories by LGBT+ creators, which is admirable, but far more than enthusiasm is needed. Grand Slam Romance irritates when it ought to entertain.