dayshavou's review
3.0
'Lifetime Passes" is a YA graphic novel. The images/artwork are lovely and the style is immersive and easy to look at.
Despite being advertised as 'darkly comedic' the actual story is not as dark as I first thought. There are a couple of instances of dialogue between characters that can lead a reader to think the overall story is dark humour, but the overall plot is actually quite positive and sentimental. The plot itself is relatively predictable. This does not necessarily take away from the story but could lead more capable readers to be bored as they will not need to finish the text to know what happens at the end.
Some characters feel a bit flat and tend to speak in ways that I could not imagine a teenager or young person speaking. There are some relatable parts of dialogue but it mostly feels as if the author has attempted to write characters that are caricatures of teenagers today.
Overall, I do think this book will be enjoyed by readers, if the purpose is a lighthearted and fun read.
Despite being advertised as 'darkly comedic' the actual story is not as dark as I first thought. There are a couple of instances of dialogue between characters that can lead a reader to think the overall story is dark humour, but the overall plot is actually quite positive and sentimental. The plot itself is relatively predictable. This does not necessarily take away from the story but could lead more capable readers to be bored as they will not need to finish the text to know what happens at the end.
Some characters feel a bit flat and tend to speak in ways that I could not imagine a teenager or young person speaking. There are some relatable parts of dialogue but it mostly feels as if the author has attempted to write characters that are caricatures of teenagers today.
Overall, I do think this book will be enjoyed by readers, if the purpose is a lighthearted and fun read.
aclopez6's review
4.0
When I went into this book, I was imagining Hide by Kiersten White, but this is a lot more chill. No murder in this book. Sweet ending and message, would recommend for a light read.
storytimed's review
3.0
Spoiler
In this comic, a group of terrible teens scheme a way to get lifetime passes to their favorite theme park! The way they do this is by taking senior citizens to the park and hoping one of them kicks the bucket
Obviously it's all very wholesome and some of the teens learn a Wonderful Lesson about how much the elderly have to teach you and why you should stand up to your friends
Tbh like............ there's not enough edge or spark for the premise
I did like the main protagonist's background, though! Her parents were deported and the theme park is where she made memories with them. Makes for a pretty compelling motivation.
Also low-key I wish there was more content of her planning events for the senior citizens
I could see a more interesting and fun book about a shitty teen planning events for senior citizens for personal gain by choosing only what she would personally enjoy (punk rock shows, R-rated slasher movies, etc.) where it turns out that the seniors fucking love that shit
zanm's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
octobertune's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Abrams ComicArts for the review copy!
I thought the concept of this graphic novel was... interesting. A bunch of kids trying to get lifetime passes to a theme park by taking elderly people with them, hoping one of them would die at the park. Not going to lie, I was prepared to hate all four of the teens we were introduced to. Luckily, the story took a turn and I ended up really enjoying it.
The art, unfortunately, wasn't great but that was mostly due to me having a review copy. The finished version will of course have fully coloured art, and I am considering buying myself a copy when it comes out just so I can reread it with the finished artwork. So yeah, didn't take off any points because of that!
Definitely recommend this one!
I thought the concept of this graphic novel was... interesting. A bunch of kids trying to get lifetime passes to a theme park by taking elderly people with them, hoping one of them would die at the park. Not going to lie, I was prepared to hate all four of the teens we were introduced to. Luckily, the story took a turn and I ended up really enjoying it.
The art, unfortunately, wasn't great but that was mostly due to me having a review copy. The finished version will of course have fully coloured art, and I am considering buying myself a copy when it comes out just so I can reread it with the finished artwork. So yeah, didn't take off any points because of that!
Definitely recommend this one!
resslesa's review
5.0
Such a great graphic novel!!! Lots of lessons learned and the reality of a high school student whose parents were suddenly deported is depicted vividly but that isn’t the main thrust of the book (so it’s not a depressing read). Can’t wait to reread when it’s in color as the illustrations are awesome, and it’s really a book that can be enjoyed as well as appreciated at a deeper level. Definitely one for all middle and high school readers and beyond.
emsemaroo's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
theseblankpages's review
4.0
I wasn't sure about how to feel about this comic at first since the characters were pretty flat and unlikeable.. I mean taking elderly residents to a theme park in the hopes that one of them passes away, just so you can get life-time passes to a theme park? I'm sorry but no theme park is worth that, even if you have sentimental memories there.. The only thing that made this comic salvageable later was the character growth in Jackie and Daniel partway through, along with the bonding moments between them and the elderly residents. It was interesting to see the complex history that each resident had with the theme park.
I'd also like to mention that the arc I read had a pretty bad quality on top of being black white, however I'm sure it would look absolutely stunning in colour.
Rating: 3.5/5
Thank you so much Netgalley and ABRAMS Comics for providing the ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
I'd also like to mention that the arc I read had a pretty bad quality on top of being black white, however I'm sure it would look absolutely stunning in colour.
Rating: 3.5/5
Thank you so much Netgalley and ABRAMS Comics for providing the ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.