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aveincobalt's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a very accurate depiction of derby life. I don’t think it is a good introduction to the sport though.
A lot of the drama in this book came from things that someone who is not familiar with derby maybe confused by. I normally can’t stand them, but I honestly think a small glossary of terms would have helped. The decision to explain the rules at the very end of the book was baffling to me.
Overall though, I really loved this comic. The art is gorgeous, and it was definitely interesting to see the differences between flat track (what I do) and the banked track. If derby interests you, maybe look up a quick how-the game-is-played video first.
A lot of the drama in this book came from things that someone who is not familiar with derby maybe confused by. I normally can’t stand them, but I honestly think a small glossary of terms would have helped. The decision to explain the rules at the very end of the book was baffling to me.
Overall though, I really loved this comic. The art is gorgeous, and it was definitely interesting to see the differences between flat track (what I do) and the banked track. If derby interests you, maybe look up a quick how-the game-is-played video first.
mwren707's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, and was choking back tears thinking about my former derby-playing ex girlfriend. This captures the comaraderie she wistfully talked about, the dedication to your team and craft, and the enthralling action that captivated me whenever I got to watch bouts with her. Life is beautiful and messy, and Slam digs into both aspects on and off the track.
The art is beautiful. It does a great job of capturing real life action without ever feeling too super-hero-y. The hits, spills, and bruises are all captured perfectly, and it feels real.
The plot follows a realistic arc for better or worse. The pacing feels fine as each individual issue sees things play out in pretty real time. A date, a few practices, work in between, minor drama revealed and wrapped up. Overall I wish that the first volume collected a few more issues so that it felt like the meta-plots in each issue weren’t carrying the book as much as a larger overarching plot. Derby has seasons, and it felt like full arc would have encompassed a full season, including a championship bout. It seems like a collection of the first two volumes would probably do a better job of capturing a full season’s worth of plot, but this book was definitely good enough to make me eagerly anticipate Vol 2.
The art is beautiful. It does a great job of capturing real life action without ever feeling too super-hero-y. The hits, spills, and bruises are all captured perfectly, and it feels real.
The plot follows a realistic arc for better or worse. The pacing feels fine as each individual issue sees things play out in pretty real time. A date, a few practices, work in between, minor drama revealed and wrapped up. Overall I wish that the first volume collected a few more issues so that it felt like the meta-plots in each issue weren’t carrying the book as much as a larger overarching plot. Derby has seasons, and it felt like full arc would have encompassed a full season, including a championship bout. It seems like a collection of the first two volumes would probably do a better job of capturing a full season’s worth of plot, but this book was definitely good enough to make me eagerly anticipate Vol 2.
mothgender's review against another edition
5.0
What's with all the really fantastic graphic novels I've been getting lately? I adored this. It's a great story about female friendship and we need more good stories with real female friendships.
saskiacb's review against another edition
4.0
so so cute! friendship and strong women of all colours, shapes and sizes. women being badass in an aggressive sport. YES. I AM HERE FOR THIS.
chasingom's review against another edition
4.0
Slam! is a brightly colored look into Roller Derby and the friendships that are made. I love the artwork, I love the storyline, I love the setting -- I can't wait for volume 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Rating System:
5 Stars = fantastic book, everyone should read this
4 Stars = good book, would recommend
3 Stars = so-so rating, might recommend
2 Stars = finished, but would not recommend
1 Stars = bailed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Rating System:
5 Stars = fantastic book, everyone should read this
4 Stars = good book, would recommend
3 Stars = so-so rating, might recommend
2 Stars = finished, but would not recommend
1 Stars = bailed
ghostmouse's review against another edition
2.0
The illustrations and colors are great, but the story is really pedestrian and not what I was hoping for. The characters are pretty one dimensional and we don't really get to know them or care about their friendship. I was disappointed that the secondary characters were especially thin (not physically but in terms of depth). I might still read a second volume in the hopes that the problems I had were just pilot syndrome and once it gets underway it grows the world, but I'm skeptical.
jennicajackson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
fitsee's review
lighthearted
fast-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
2.5