shonaningyo's review against another edition
3.0
I don't think I've read something quite like this in awhile.
The whole story seems to be a mix-match of different storytelling elements. At times a story seems to be developing, but then it takes a time out for some pointless vignette for the sake of mood-setting. It takes its own sweet time getting where it wants to go while casually dropping hints and curious pieces that make the reader wonder if they'll be addressed in the forthcoming pages, or if it's simply the set-up for something grander in scope beyond the volume itself.
What strikes me as very different from lots of other things I've read is how "real" these characters are. We like to read and write about characters that are likable in some way, or relatable, or at least a tiny bit charismatic so that their flaws can be forgiven because they turn out to be entertaining.
These are the most average characters I've ever seen, and I mean that in a good way. What people always tell budding writers to do is to create a character that's interesting and different and unique. Technically all of the characters in this comic are different and unique but they are not outstandingly so. I've seen and experienced the attitudes, behaviors, and fashion choices of these "types" of characters before, whether in real life or in other mediums of entertainment.
These are girls who are caught in-between trying to be cool and trying to be themselves. They want to distance themselves from their town's barely hidden trailer trash and rusty junkie roots, but their own personal weaknesses--eating habits, weight issues, crassness, irritability, jealousy--are a great contrast from the star-studded model protagonists that usually grace the front covers of YA novels.
These people are not glamorous by conventional standards or even by their subculture's standards: The female lead is a fat goth and one of her friends is rockin' a non-binary-butch-lesbian-with acne trouble look and deep down they know that they're not a kind of person that has "all eyes on them" when they walk into the room. Some parts of them care and want to be accepted and considered attractive while other parts of them don't care and would rather be who they want.
This story also departs from the standard narrative that like to glamorize LGBT relationships. Not all couples consist of physically fit/gorgeous guys and gals that are just as attractive to straight people as they are "supposed" to be to the same sex they're trying to attract. The representation of the "less desirable"--the fat, pudgy, awkward, and a bit emotionally immature--are front and center in this story.
Hopefully the mystery bits that were dropped throughout the story come to fruition in the next volume, which I'll be sure to read when I get the chance.
The whole story seems to be a mix-match of different storytelling elements. At times a story seems to be developing, but then it takes a time out for some pointless vignette for the sake of mood-setting. It takes its own sweet time getting where it wants to go while casually dropping hints and curious pieces that make the reader wonder if they'll be addressed in the forthcoming pages, or if it's simply the set-up for something grander in scope beyond the volume itself.
What strikes me as very different from lots of other things I've read is how "real" these characters are. We like to read and write about characters that are likable in some way, or relatable, or at least a tiny bit charismatic so that their flaws can be forgiven because they turn out to be entertaining.
These are the most average characters I've ever seen, and I mean that in a good way. What people always tell budding writers to do is to create a character that's interesting and different and unique. Technically all of the characters in this comic are different and unique but they are not outstandingly so. I've seen and experienced the attitudes, behaviors, and fashion choices of these "types" of characters before, whether in real life or in other mediums of entertainment.
These are girls who are caught in-between trying to be cool and trying to be themselves. They want to distance themselves from their town's barely hidden trailer trash and rusty junkie roots, but their own personal weaknesses--eating habits, weight issues, crassness, irritability, jealousy--are a great contrast from the star-studded model protagonists that usually grace the front covers of YA novels.
These people are not glamorous by conventional standards or even by their subculture's standards: The female lead is a fat goth and one of her friends is rockin' a non-binary-butch-lesbian-with acne trouble look and deep down they know that they're not a kind of person that has "all eyes on them" when they walk into the room. Some parts of them care and want to be accepted and considered attractive while other parts of them don't care and would rather be who they want.
This story also departs from the standard narrative that like to glamorize LGBT relationships. Not all couples consist of physically fit/gorgeous guys and gals that are just as attractive to straight people as they are "supposed" to be to the same sex they're trying to attract. The representation of the "less desirable"--the fat, pudgy, awkward, and a bit emotionally immature--are front and center in this story.
Hopefully the mystery bits that were dropped throughout the story come to fruition in the next volume, which I'll be sure to read when I get the chance.
shadestate's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Reviewing this after reading the first three volumes: every volume is easy to read, but this series moves slow. This whole first volume mostly feels like an introduction, almost like a preamble of the story. It has vibes, but not a lot of bite.
haddocks_eyes's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
2.75
trash_reader_'s review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
I didn't understand what was going on, because it seemed like nothing was going on. It was a lot of sitting around and talking about things that are completely irrelevant and no one actually cares about. Like who wrote Cleo's name on a bathroom stall on a college campus. It doesn't matter. The conversations between the "friends" started and ended randomly and jumped around, as did the panels and what I'm assuming was the plot.
emeraldreverie's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this surreal gothic slice of life. Always impressed with Sophie's grasp of style and character design. One of the most visceral and immediate representations of menstrual cramps I've ever seen in any medium.
jonathan_lee_b's review against another edition
5.0
Wet Moon #1: Feeble Wanderings is a trip to the planetarium.
thecolourblue's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This is a pretty nostalgic book that reminds me a lot of spending time in alternative or goth communities as a high school student (in small town UK rather than USA), and I love the character design and details from Sophie Campbell. The greyscale art is really nice (although the lettering can be a bit tricky in places).
On the downside... not very much happens in the story, and even for a slice-of-life comic I find it hard to really get pulled in by any of the characters. A few of the characters are kind of annoying (in the natural way that young teenagers tend to be when you are reading about them as an adult) and I don't know if I'm engaged enough by their lives to continue reading.
On the downside... not very much happens in the story, and even for a slice-of-life comic I find it hard to really get pulled in by any of the characters. A few of the characters are kind of annoying (in the natural way that young teenagers tend to be when you are reading about them as an adult) and I don't know if I'm engaged enough by their lives to continue reading.
s4fe_sound's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
Love like the artwork and diversity in the characters’ personalities. It’s very original and completely out of my comfort zone. However, the comic is difficult to read with the slang and intricate font.
Now, I’ve never been a goth, but it’s fun to finally see a story from this genre’s perspective. We usually see a nerd or popular person as the protagonist in books or comics, while this spiced it up.
I’ve seen many reviews here that state that the characters’ daily life didn’t compliment how the readers were back in the days when being goth was still a thing. And, with my ignorance, I won’t judge it by that.
All in all, not too shabby. I’ll give the second book a try.
Love like the artwork and diversity in the characters’ personalities. It’s very original and completely out of my comfort zone. However, the comic is difficult to read with the slang and intricate font.
Now, I’ve never been a goth, but it’s fun to finally see a story from this genre’s perspective. We usually see a nerd or popular person as the protagonist in books or comics, while this spiced it up.
I’ve seen many reviews here that state that the characters’ daily life didn’t compliment how the readers were back in the days when being goth was still a thing. And, with my ignorance, I won’t judge it by that.
All in all, not too shabby. I’ll give the second book a try.
madmaud77's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
mangosmar's review against another edition
3.0
Reread and as I remember, nothing really happens but everyone looks super cool.