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jordannedunn's review
3.0
’In a world that already hates and fears them - what if only Black people had superpowers.’
🌟 🌟 🌟
I was really intrigued by the overall concept of this book, and was really excited to see it executed but was overall quite disappointed. I loved the artwork, the issue covers in particular with the added red to the series’ monochrome colour scheme as they are really powerful pieces individually; my favourite was #4 – a.k.a. Donald Kong / Donkey Trump.
The plot held a lot of promise but jumped around a lot, and I was really confused as to which teams were on what side and what they wanted (maybe that was intentional?). There were times that needed a lot more dialogue and explanation and other parts that needed much less, and I didn’t feel like any of the characters were really well fleshed out; all we really knew about them were their powers (which were undefined) and other superficial details. Kareem, our protagonist, was the character I felt suffered for this most as his origin / back story was the one I was most curious about. Det. Waters had the most three dimensional character, but even she didn’t show many layers.
As a book centred on race, racism perception, the content, subject matter, and language in the book could make some uncomfortable (I’d argue they are the people that should probably read it most) and I’d tentatively say it’s too violent/adult for younger readers.
I would like to see where the book is going, in the hope that the character development and exploration I’m looking for actually happens because it really does have great potential, but if it’s not in the next volume, that’s probably where I stop reading.
I read this book for February’s Geek History Lesson Book Club.
To read more of my reviews, visit my blog, Bloodthirsty Little Beasts.
🌟 🌟 🌟
I was really intrigued by the overall concept of this book, and was really excited to see it executed but was overall quite disappointed. I loved the artwork, the issue covers in particular with the added red to the series’ monochrome colour scheme as they are really powerful pieces individually; my favourite was #4 – a.k.a. Donald Kong / Donkey Trump.
The plot held a lot of promise but jumped around a lot, and I was really confused as to which teams were on what side and what they wanted (maybe that was intentional?). There were times that needed a lot more dialogue and explanation and other parts that needed much less, and I didn’t feel like any of the characters were really well fleshed out; all we really knew about them were their powers (which were undefined) and other superficial details. Kareem, our protagonist, was the character I felt suffered for this most as his origin / back story was the one I was most curious about. Det. Waters had the most three dimensional character, but even she didn’t show many layers.
As a book centred on race, racism perception, the content, subject matter, and language in the book could make some uncomfortable (I’d argue they are the people that should probably read it most) and I’d tentatively say it’s too violent/adult for younger readers.
I would like to see where the book is going, in the hope that the character development and exploration I’m looking for actually happens because it really does have great potential, but if it’s not in the next volume, that’s probably where I stop reading.
I read this book for February’s Geek History Lesson Book Club.
To read more of my reviews, visit my blog, Bloodthirsty Little Beasts.
leftylucyprivateeye's review
3.0
I really wanted to like this more, but the plot was overly convoluted and the art was kinda meh. The premise is wonderful though, so I would definitely pick up volume 2.
andibez's review
3.0
Felt rushed but still a solid premise. Would’ve been great if it was picked up by a comic publisher so they could have drawn out the characters and story more
basicallybisaha's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
the_lyon_reads_tonight's review
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
Ok, so I enjoyed this one but I wanted to enjoy it so much more. The concept is phenomenal, only black people have super powers and that has been one of the driving forces of racism and persecution. Good right?
But the actual execution struggled. There are SO many characters that it is near impossible to keep track. It would be like if Marvel had introduced every character that was in endgame in iron man 1. Exhausting for the reader and hard to keep up. It felt like I was reading the 30th volume of a comic instead of the 1st. The second tough thing was that it was just very on the nose. I expect that to some degree in comics but particularly in the last two volumes, it just had characters flat out stating what the concept was and if you have to do that, you have missed steps.
On the upside, X was a great main character and that last frame was fire….I wish Waters had gotten a little more time since I think she could have driven the story forward more effectively. Overall, a fun read visually but not one that I will probably keep reading.
But the actual execution struggled. There are SO many characters that it is near impossible to keep track. It would be like if Marvel had introduced every character that was in endgame in iron man 1. Exhausting for the reader and hard to keep up. It felt like I was reading the 30th volume of a comic instead of the 1st. The second tough thing was that it was just very on the nose. I expect that to some degree in comics but particularly in the last two volumes, it just had characters flat out stating what the concept was and if you have to do that, you have missed steps.
On the upside, X was a great main character and that last frame was fire….I wish Waters had gotten a little more time since I think she could have driven the story forward more effectively. Overall, a fun read visually but not one that I will probably keep reading.
greeniezona's review
4.0
I discovered this book through kickstarter and was fascinated. The premise is great (what if only black people had superpowers?), and when the paperback arrived it looked fantastic.
I felt kind of ho-hum about the other two graphic novels I read during the readathon, but this one I really liked. At first I thought it was going to fall into some similar traps, as a lot of different characters and factions and suspect motivations are introduced in this slim volume, and at times it verged on overwhelming. But at least here it felt like a deliberate choice -- like Kareem (the main character) we are thrust suddenly into a world that has been hidden -- that has developed schisms and hurt feelings and vendettas. Like Kareem, we have very little time to figure out who the "good guys" are and pick a side. And unlike the world of Marvel, there's no assumption that you already know anything about the world before jumping in.
Except racism. If you haven't already figured out that this world (our world) is racist AF before picking up this book, you're probably not going to like it. If you agree with racist shitbag Director Theodore that "these violent liberals are being radicalized by Black Lives Matter," you'll probably want to burn it with fire. Because this isn't just a superhero showdown with a sheen of social commentary, this is racial analysis with superheroes.
I really liked the art, and the kickstarter extras were fun. Very solid.
I felt kind of ho-hum about the other two graphic novels I read during the readathon, but this one I really liked. At first I thought it was going to fall into some similar traps, as a lot of different characters and factions and suspect motivations are introduced in this slim volume, and at times it verged on overwhelming. But at least here it felt like a deliberate choice -- like Kareem (the main character) we are thrust suddenly into a world that has been hidden -- that has developed schisms and hurt feelings and vendettas. Like Kareem, we have very little time to figure out who the "good guys" are and pick a side. And unlike the world of Marvel, there's no assumption that you already know anything about the world before jumping in.
Except racism. If you haven't already figured out that this world (our world) is racist AF before picking up this book, you're probably not going to like it. If you agree with racist shitbag Director Theodore that "these violent liberals are being radicalized by Black Lives Matter," you'll probably want to burn it with fire. Because this isn't just a superhero showdown with a sheen of social commentary, this is racial analysis with superheroes.
I really liked the art, and the kickstarter extras were fun. Very solid.
rachel_b_824's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
glassesgirl79's review
4.0
Interesting graphic novel in which only black people have superpowers and the government is working to suppress them by any means necessary.
After being gunned down by police and surviving, Kareem Jenkins discovers that he has superpowers. Kareem is introduced to others like him and has to decide if he wants to help liberate others like him or keep his powers hidden.
This is a good read and timely considering the increase in violence against black people. The only annoyance I had with the graphic novel was the inclusion of police office Ellen Waters seemed a little forced to me considering she played such a small role in the entire novel.
After being gunned down by police and surviving, Kareem Jenkins discovers that he has superpowers. Kareem is introduced to others like him and has to decide if he wants to help liberate others like him or keep his powers hidden.
This is a good read and timely considering the increase in violence against black people. The only annoyance I had with the graphic novel was the inclusion of police office Ellen Waters seemed a little forced to me considering she played such a small role in the entire novel.
beorn_101's review
3.0
This was a fascinating idea, that I think fails a little in implementation.
The core idea is what if only black people manifest super powers? What factions would form, how would the world react?
Basically this is X-men, but X-men not pulling punches. I absolutely adore the concept. However, I think the implementation is a little lacking.
The story is a bit choppy, which means its tough to get a feel for some of the core cast. After a whole volume I am still uncertain what the main character's personality is. Many of the people from the various factions I also have trouble recognizing or knowing what motivates them.
This isn't true for everyone, the standout characters, the head of both power organizations, were exceedingly interesting. In many ways, this volume feels like the protagonist serving as a way to view this new world, and specifically those two characters. It works, it just means a lot of the other characters sort of fade into the background.
Some of the conversations, images, and even moments are incredibly rewarding, highlighting both problems in our real society, as well as demonstrating some great WTF moments.
I plan to read volume 2 if I can get my hands on it, because this grabbed my attention enough that I want to see what happens. There is a lot of potential here, however, as it stands I think there needs to be less action and more time to get to know the characters.
The core idea is what if only black people manifest super powers? What factions would form, how would the world react?
Basically this is X-men, but X-men not pulling punches. I absolutely adore the concept. However, I think the implementation is a little lacking.
The story is a bit choppy, which means its tough to get a feel for some of the core cast. After a whole volume I am still uncertain what the main character's personality is. Many of the people from the various factions I also have trouble recognizing or knowing what motivates them.
This isn't true for everyone, the standout characters, the head of both power organizations, were exceedingly interesting. In many ways, this volume feels like the protagonist serving as a way to view this new world, and specifically those two characters. It works, it just means a lot of the other characters sort of fade into the background.
Some of the conversations, images, and even moments are incredibly rewarding, highlighting both problems in our real society, as well as demonstrating some great WTF moments.
I plan to read volume 2 if I can get my hands on it, because this grabbed my attention enough that I want to see what happens. There is a lot of potential here, however, as it stands I think there needs to be less action and more time to get to know the characters.