joisaddler's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
shapesandcolours's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
Minor: War and Suicidal thoughts
gxbi's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Deadnaming, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: War and Lesbophobia
atoft's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Mixing sci-fi, superhero and coming-of-age tropes with a strong emphasis on trans allegory, Galaxy: The Prettiest Star strikes a balance between teen drama and cosmic stakes. It's an easy read, with colourful, appealing artwork and an intriguing premise. Unfortunately though, the protagonist feels a little too one-note and underdeveloped, and the intergalactic threat of villains the Vane is constantly alluded to but never depicted. At the same time, some of the conflict between protagonist Taeylr and her assumed family, and the sacrifices each have had to make, feels wrapped up a little too easily, without being fully explored.
There is a long and somewhat problematic history of alien or non-human characters being used as allegories for queer, and especially trans or non-binary, people. Notable examples are "The Outcast" and "Rejoined" from Star Trek, which were seen as progressive at the time but come with a few troubling implications, including how they were used as a surrogate for actual representation of queer people among the cast. While this graphic novel comes from LGBT+ creators, there is certainly a larger discussion to have about the tradeoff between direct and allegorical depiction of queer issues.
As a whole, The Prettiest Star is a light read, the small-town romance is easy to get on board with, and hopefully the focus on exploring the experiences of trans young people (albeit with a somewhat convoluted sci-fi twist) will find an audience with those who need it.
There is a long and somewhat problematic history of alien or non-human characters being used as allegories for queer, and especially trans or non-binary, people. Notable examples are "The Outcast" and "Rejoined" from Star Trek, which were seen as progressive at the time but come with a few troubling implications, including how they were used as a surrogate for actual representation of queer people among the cast. While this graphic novel comes from LGBT+ creators, there is certainly a larger discussion to have about the tradeoff between direct and allegorical depiction of queer issues.
As a whole, The Prettiest Star is a light read, the small-town romance is easy to get on board with, and hopefully the focus on exploring the experiences of trans young people (albeit with a somewhat convoluted sci-fi twist) will find an audience with those who need it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Homophobia and Suicidal thoughts
a_proud_bibliophile's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Incredible book. I really appreciated the nuance it gave the trans experience, especially how life can get more difficult for a trans youth after transitioning.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
letheaster's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Love this book, the art is gorgeous, and i love the characters and their relationships with each other
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Car accident, Sexual content, and Death of parent
pucksandpaperbacks's review
CW: Suicidal thoughts, descriptive scene of a car accident, drunk driving, alcoholic parent, homophobic and transphobic comments and microagressions
Disability rep - Black girl side character/love interest who is an amputee and uses a prosthetic leg
Disability rep - Black girl side character/love interest who is an amputee and uses a prosthetic leg
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident, Homophobia, Transphobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
beckbex's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Xenophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
inamerata's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Very cute! This is a quick comic with gorgeous art and enjoyable characters. I want just nice things for Taylor and Kat. :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Transphobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent