Reviews

The Backstagers Vol. 1 by James Tynion IV

spacecase21's review

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adventurous inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

siriface's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

agirlsnightbookbash's review

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4.0

As the introduction to a series this cute, fantastical voyage covers a bit of backstory and character introduction. Delving into the underbelly of theatre is a diverse cast of Backstagers. They enjoy the anonymity of their chosen after school sanctuary and the adventures it holds. Turns out the backstage of this all-boys high school holds a mysterious world of tunnels and anamorphic beings. What wonders and horrors lie beyond this threshold? Read The Backstagers to find out.


Hunter reminds me so much of Adam Devine it's unfunny.

vinitoss's review

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3.0

sooo cute!

renel's review

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3.0

3.5 stars
I hate open endings SO MUCH but I do think I’ll get volume 2 because I like the story

johneepixels7's review

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3.0

It was very cute and I'm a fan of the artwork! As far as the story goes, it's fun, magical and is holding enough of my interest to want to read the next volumes. There's nothing extremely mind-blowing about the storyline, which is fine because not all books have to have a mind-blowing concept! Enjoyed it for what it is. I love the cast diversity and queerness of it all - if you're a musical/theatre person, this graphic novel is for you!

minniequinnie's review

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4.0

This was super cute and featured an extremely diverse array of characters. This includes BIPOC and LGBTQ characters. My favorite part about it is that it's never addressed in any specific way. There is a Trans character that although he is Trans it's never mentioned or used as a plot device. You honestly just figure it out based on context clues. There are also multiple m/m relationships that are sweet and adorable. It lacks any sense of toxic masculinity and every character shows emotion throughout the series. I highly highly suggest this book to anyone who wants a positive diverse comic.

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surakian's review against another edition

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4.0

Bought as a part of the Humble Bundle Comics Are For Everyone: Pride Month Collection bundle.

The Backstagers really took me back to my time at my all-girls high school when I worked on stage crew. We would always work hard on setting up the stage, the light board and spotlights, the soundboard, the seats...everything. We would often have our food eaten by the actors because they would forget we existed and would think our food was theirs. We would go forgotten during the round of applause. We would toil to pack everything away while the cast would go off and enjoy their nights together.

But we always had a secret. We had our backstage...the magical space where we could go and disappear. Now, we didn't have wild adventures finding rooms of magical paint or discover creatures attracted to light, but we did have a ghost. That was pretty cool.

Anyways, my past experience in stage crew was what made me love this graphic novel. Every character was so cute and wonderful. I love how unashamedly queer this book is, too. It oozes warmth and familiarity. Can't wait to read the next volume!

becandbooks's review

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5.0

Review to come

angstyp's review

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4.0

I'm going to make so much fan art of this.