"I love everything about this comic, but let’s look at a few specifics. First, the protagonist is a young black girl. (Among other things, that helps this comic reach a broader demographic of consumer, which is great.) The setting is modern day, and Lilly, living only with her mother, is left alone with some serious responsibilities. Her work ethic is not only admirable, it sets her quite apart from her inspiration. Another way it’s modernized is that Lilly is complaining about all the organic food her mom has switched them to (and I have a feeling Lilly will come to appreciate this more after her adventure)."
--Sequential Tart

“Aside from my love for the diversity of this comic, Malice in Ovenland is a great book. The art is superbly detailed without losing its cartoony, whimsical feel. The colors are vibrant, and I really recommend reading this on a tablet in high resolution in order to get the full visual impact. The story so far has some actual stakes despite its cuteness, and Hess does a good job of not slapping the reader over the head repeatedly with the messages that exist in the book.”
--Afrofantasy

"The first issue of a fun all-ages comic. Doing her kitchen chores, a girl falls into a creepy, smelly, greasy, magical world inside the filthy oven. Hess’ drawing is colorful, simple and fun — but not too simple: her pen-and-ink hatching helps create a fun/gross atmosphere for her fantasy world. Recommended for kids — looking forward to the next issue."
--Dan Mazur

“Micheline is most adept at creating characters and stories that provide a safe and fun way to inspire young children. Through colorful flights of fun and fancy, she hopes to encourage a stronger sense of self-love, friendship, and a hunger to embrace all things new and different in the world around them.”
--Graveyard Shift Sister