mehsi's review against another edition
3.0
I read all the volumes separately, but so it is easier to catalogue + review I have decided to go for this edition which combines all of them.
So, I have been looking forward to reading this one for some time. My twitter feed was full of images and squealing people who loved this series. The art looked amazing, the story looked fun, so after waiting to make sure all 4 were out (so I could go through them in one go), I read them today.
And, *sighs*, I know again why I tend to skip comics. The art is generally always gorgeous, the characters are mostly fun, the story is interesting. But I just HATE, HATE how we get dumped into a story, with seasoned characters, with teams already done stuff and more. And sure, at times we get some information on the characters, but generally it is just that readers are bumped off a cliff without preparation.
I so wish, that comic artists would give us an introduction, or at least an origin story, or something at least to ease us into the world of these characters, and not feel like we missed out x number of issues or years.
That is the problem I had with this story. The book starts off immediately with action, which is great, but then we find out the girl is already a Zodiac Starforce member, her friend outside is one as well, and apparently they have more friends who form a team, and they already did x number of stuff and blabahabha. Sorry, but what? Instead of making me curious it makes me frustrated. Yet another story without any introduction. Yet another story that feels like we should know more but don't get all the information.
Also the situation with Alice, um what happened to her? Why is that one girl so frantic about her. Is Alice not supposed to be in the posse with the evil queen bee (which is such a cliché btw).
And what is up with the cliffhanger at the first issue? Um, dark powers? Some portal? Some boss is reviving? What? What? WHATTTTT???? Sooo confused.
The transformations were gorgeous though, I really felt like I was reading/watching Sailor Moon, or another Mahou Shoujo genre manga. I love the colours and how bright stuff was.
I also loved the girls' special powers, each one had powers that matched their Zodiac sign, and I found that really fun and creative. Like our Taurus girl had Heavenly Bull Armour. Awesome!
After a bit I did start to get into the story (though still highly annoyed with the no-origin story), and I just loved the characters.
There was on other thing I didn't like. Savi (the girl with orange hair and energy for ten), I didn't like how she was in a relationship with a guy, but flirting with a girl. :| Sure, I was happy to see some girl/girl love (and later something special as well), but I wasn't happy it was done this way. I don't approve of this kind of stuff, and I also don't like to see it in a book. If it was done normally, so in other words, Savi not being in a relationship (no matter how crap), then I would have adored this part of the comic. Now I was conflicted. On the one hand I hate stuff like this, on the other hand I was squealing in joy.
Also what the hell happened in issue 3? The queen bee is that kind of character? Um. WTF? Where did that come from. I never expected that to happen and I am not entirely happy if I like it. Sure, it is a nice addition, but again, it feels like I missed something important. Especially with how our girls react to it. Like it is normal, and something they were expecting to happen.
The last issue has a lot of battle, lots of choices, and something big happening, and I quite liked it, though I also thought the battle was a bit too easily done and finished.
I liked that we got an epilogue, that raises some questions, and makes me wonder about others. I was already wondering where the other Zodiac Starforce people were, considering I would think that for each sign their is a girl (or guy considering the epilogue).
The art is absolutely gorgeous, and I just adore the colours used. I also love how the characters and the backgrounds are drawn. Really a big plus!
However, with the cheating, the thrown off a cliff (aka no origin story/correct introduction), the confusion because of that. I can't give this one more than 3 stars. And I am not sure if I will continue this series.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com
So, I have been looking forward to reading this one for some time. My twitter feed was full of images and squealing people who loved this series. The art looked amazing, the story looked fun, so after waiting to make sure all 4 were out (so I could go through them in one go), I read them today.
And, *sighs*, I know again why I tend to skip comics. The art is generally always gorgeous, the characters are mostly fun, the story is interesting. But I just HATE, HATE how we get dumped into a story, with seasoned characters, with teams already done stuff and more. And sure, at times we get some information on the characters, but generally it is just that readers are bumped off a cliff without preparation.
I so wish, that comic artists would give us an introduction, or at least an origin story, or something at least to ease us into the world of these characters, and not feel like we missed out x number of issues or years.
That is the problem I had with this story. The book starts off immediately with action, which is great, but then we find out the girl is already a Zodiac Starforce member, her friend outside is one as well, and apparently they have more friends who form a team, and they already did x number of stuff and blabahabha. Sorry, but what? Instead of making me curious it makes me frustrated. Yet another story without any introduction. Yet another story that feels like we should know more but don't get all the information.
Also the situation with Alice, um what happened to her? Why is that one girl so frantic about her. Is Alice not supposed to be in the posse with the evil queen bee (which is such a cliché btw).
And what is up with the cliffhanger at the first issue? Um, dark powers? Some portal? Some boss is reviving? What? What? WHATTTTT???? Sooo confused.
The transformations were gorgeous though, I really felt like I was reading/watching Sailor Moon, or another Mahou Shoujo genre manga. I love the colours and how bright stuff was.
I also loved the girls' special powers, each one had powers that matched their Zodiac sign, and I found that really fun and creative. Like our Taurus girl had Heavenly Bull Armour. Awesome!
After a bit I did start to get into the story (though still highly annoyed with the no-origin story), and I just loved the characters.
There was on other thing I didn't like. Savi (the girl with orange hair and energy for ten), I didn't like how she was in a relationship with a guy, but flirting with a girl. :| Sure, I was happy to see some girl/girl love (and later something special as well), but I wasn't happy it was done this way. I don't approve of this kind of stuff, and I also don't like to see it in a book. If it was done normally, so in other words, Savi not being in a relationship (no matter how crap), then I would have adored this part of the comic. Now I was conflicted. On the one hand I hate stuff like this, on the other hand I was squealing in joy.
Also what the hell happened in issue 3? The queen bee is that kind of character? Um. WTF? Where did that come from. I never expected that to happen and I am not entirely happy if I like it. Sure, it is a nice addition, but again, it feels like I missed something important. Especially with how our girls react to it. Like it is normal, and something they were expecting to happen.
The last issue has a lot of battle, lots of choices, and something big happening, and I quite liked it, though I also thought the battle was a bit too easily done and finished.
I liked that we got an epilogue, that raises some questions, and makes me wonder about others. I was already wondering where the other Zodiac Starforce people were, considering I would think that for each sign their is a girl (or guy considering the epilogue).
The art is absolutely gorgeous, and I just adore the colours used. I also love how the characters and the backgrounds are drawn. Really a big plus!
However, with the cheating, the thrown off a cliff (aka no origin story/correct introduction), the confusion because of that. I can't give this one more than 3 stars. And I am not sure if I will continue this series.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com
deitychild's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
One of my friends recommended me this series because I love magical girls. I would've loved to love this series. I think, unfortunately, that the series required a lot more editing in the writers room before being published. The tone feels jumbled in many ways, and the plot a bit messy. I think there are also elements of it that are definitely too rushed. Mostly, I don't think the book was able to handle the weight it wanted to have.
To the credit of the book, I want to say it is impeccably stylish. While I think the uniforms could use some work, and that's a huge down in a magical girl story, the designs themselves have a lot of effort put into them to evoke a certain era of media, and especially Emma comes across as a clear homage to some magical girl series. I also love Emma's dream sequences.
To the credit of the book, I want to say it is impeccably stylish. While I think the uniforms could use some work, and that's a huge down in a magical girl story, the designs themselves have a lot of effort put into them to evoke a certain era of media, and especially Emma comes across as a clear homage to some magical girl series. I also love Emma's dream sequences.
girlreading's review against another edition
4.0
Although, admittedly, I’m a little hurt by the lack of a Virgo Starforce member, this was a lot of fun. The art work and colour pallet were gorgeous and I may or may not had already ordered the sequel (spoiler, I’ve definitely already ordered the sequel.)
summerlebel's review against another edition
4.0
This series is a cute and fun read, perfect for fans of Sailor Moon. There's some good representation, a sweet love story, and absolutely outstanding artwork. It also changes up the common superhero original trope by starting up two years after the team already fought their last big baddie, which makes for a nice twist and better character interactions.
sendusia's review against another edition
4.0
HOW CUTE IS THIS THOUGH? As a lifelong Sailor Moon fan (aka I have a SM tattoo... sort of), I was immediately drawn to this comic.
Bright colors? Check.
Kickass girl team in cute costumes? Check.
Ideas that have to do with outer space or dimensions? Check.
I'm not one to judge how the comic is drawn. If it looks good and I can understand what is going on, I'm usually okay with it. The story was also not one that was anything special. Here's the basic synopsis: four kickass girls are chosen to be guardians of the innocent (or Earth) and their leader gets infected by one of the badies. Now the girls have to figure out how to work together without their leader while saving their leader's life. This type of story has been done over and over again but hey, at least it's cute right?
And who doesn't need more Sailor Moon in their life?
This comic targeted for fans of "Sailor Moon" and "Buffy." I'm a fan of both, but the only Buffy-ness I see in here is the kickass girls and supernatural creatures. What makes "Buffy," well "Buffy" is the wit and humor, which this seems to be lacking.
Overall, it's enjoyable and definitely one of my favorite random pick-ups at B&N, but it's like candy. You love the sweetness of it at first but then you're over it. Would I like more? Sure, I'd love some more sugary goodness of the Starforce but it's not necessary.
rachcmota's review against another edition
4.0
A única reclamação que eu tenho é que acabou rápido demais. Eu podia acompanhar essas personagens sendo lindas e amigas e poderosas por toda a minha vida 💖e tb me lembrou de sailor moon e eu sempre gosto de lembrar de sailor moon ✨✨✨
emialexa's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.5
caedocyon's review against another edition
1.0
Zero-calorie fluff, redeemed (but not made worthwhile) by the climactic girl/girl kiss. Got this and the next volume via a book exchange, and they will be going right back out the door.
scarle_designs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0
It’s gay and colorful and has a great story, I love it
adiavi's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5