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booksmellers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the best feelings in the world is picking up a book on a whim, not knowing anything about it, and accidentally discovering a new favorite.
This book contains
- deadpan adolescent humor, akin to Daria
- the classic Funnies feel
- a focus on individuals, their relationships, and themes of everyday life rather than an overarching plot
- artwork that perfectly captures the tone and humor of the SuperMutant Magic Academy
- magic/superpowers à la X-Men, often used as a vehicle to engage with a concept, a joke, or just simply a "wouldn't that be messed up?" situation.
- interesting, complex characters whose relationships with one another encapsulte the high school experience
- Charlie Brownesque philosophical musings about the meaning of life and the fears & struggles of adolescence
What's maybe most impressive about all of this is that Tamaki accomplishes all of this with brevity, each piece of the story in its own 1-2 page comic strip. I felt more emotion reading just a few of the individual comic strips than some of the full-length novels I've read. Several of the pages were laugh-out-loud funny to me. This probably won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly was mine, and (it may be too early to tell) this could end up being my favorite graphic novel of 2023.
This book contains
- deadpan adolescent humor, akin to Daria
- the classic Funnies feel
- a focus on individuals, their relationships, and themes of everyday life rather than an overarching plot
- artwork that perfectly captures the tone and humor of the SuperMutant Magic Academy
- magic/superpowers à la X-Men, often used as a vehicle to engage with a concept, a joke, or just simply a "wouldn't that be messed up?" situation.
- interesting, complex characters whose relationships with one another encapsulte the high school experience
- Charlie Brownesque philosophical musings about the meaning of life and the fears & struggles of adolescence
What's maybe most impressive about all of this is that Tamaki accomplishes all of this with brevity, each piece of the story in its own 1-2 page comic strip. I felt more emotion reading just a few of the individual comic strips than some of the full-length novels I've read. Several of the pages were laugh-out-loud funny to me. This probably won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly was mine, and (it may be too early to tell) this could end up being my favorite graphic novel of 2023.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Sexual content, and Alcohol
fareehareads's review against another edition
5.0
I am so mad that this is the first time I'm reading anything by Jillian Tamaki. I'm literally years late to the party (pretty typical for me) but wowowowow.
This is an exceptional piece of work.
Artists that are able to create their own atmosphere and tell a compelling story in that universe is what comics are all about. These short comics were so simple yet effective, being able to read them all in one (maybe 2) sittings feels like cheating since there is so much time (I think it's 4 years for this one) that goes into making webcomics, but I'm ridiculously happy I got to experience it.
Will be shouting its praises from the rooftops now till forever.
This is an exceptional piece of work.
Artists that are able to create their own atmosphere and tell a compelling story in that universe is what comics are all about. These short comics were so simple yet effective, being able to read them all in one (maybe 2) sittings feels like cheating since there is so much time (I think it's 4 years for this one) that goes into making webcomics, but I'm ridiculously happy I got to experience it.
Will be shouting its praises from the rooftops now till forever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Grief
spooderman's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Blood, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Drug use, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Outing, and Injury/Injury detail