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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
This definitely had some things I liked but overall it wasn’t a favorite for me. I felt like there were too many things squeezed in and many of them weren’t explored enough. I did like that it didn’t have an easy, everything is sunny and happy ending, but ended on a hopeful note. The characters and relationships felt very real.
emotional
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Self harm
emotional
hopeful
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
I know this graphic novel just came out a few weeks ago, but why aren't more people talking about it? There is so much to love about it, from the way difficult issues are handled (eating disorders, depression, panic attacks, sexuality, therapy) to the emotions to the characters. They're all handled with grace and it 100% has found a home on the YA graphic novel shelf.
Following the story of Winifred, just starting her sophomore year of high school and ready to reinvent herself since her best friends have moved to different schools. In her art class, she forms a relationship with fellow outcasts April and Oscar. As they get closer, Winifred starts to come out of her shell. But there's one thing she's been holding back, and it just might cost her her friendship.
Let's start with the art. I am absolutely in love with the color palette, as I think it just suits the story really well. The way that Searle uses color and line to depict Winifred's emotions, especially as it relates to her anxiety. There are some gorgeous panels thorughout this book, and I'm happy to say that the writing matches the art.
The inclusion of the zine that Winifred, Oscar, and April added to the complextiy of the emotions in the story, and reflects their friendship throughout. Searle also handles each of their different stories with care, especially when it comes to mental health. It feels realistic and authentic, which isn't always easy to do in graphic novel format.
All in all, there is so much to love about this graphic novel. You'll fall in love with the characters, and also with the writing and the art.
Following the story of Winifred, just starting her sophomore year of high school and ready to reinvent herself since her best friends have moved to different schools. In her art class, she forms a relationship with fellow outcasts April and Oscar. As they get closer, Winifred starts to come out of her shell. But there's one thing she's been holding back, and it just might cost her her friendship.
Let's start with the art. I am absolutely in love with the color palette, as I think it just suits the story really well. The way that Searle uses color and line to depict Winifred's emotions, especially as it relates to her anxiety. There are some gorgeous panels thorughout this book, and I'm happy to say that the writing matches the art.
The inclusion of the zine that Winifred, Oscar, and April added to the complextiy of the emotions in the story, and reflects their friendship throughout. Searle also handles each of their different stories with care, especially when it comes to mental health. It feels realistic and authentic, which isn't always easy to do in graphic novel format.
All in all, there is so much to love about this graphic novel. You'll fall in love with the characters, and also with the writing and the art.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Eating disorder
Moderate: Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, Self harm
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Fatphobia
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm
emotional
hopeful
I think I'm pretty much the target adult audience for this... so it could be my bias talking but I think this is a powerful depiction of anxiety and fighting self-loathing, and trying to believe you are worth being friends with and loving, and the importance of creativity in life, especially with youth.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think my biggest qualm with this comic is how mental health treatment is handled - it seems like so much of this was inspired by the author's personal life so it feels weird to point out how shit psychiatric incarceration is. Reporting other people's self harm is (especially without talking to them first) is a bad idea for a lot of contexts, and relying on a school guidance counselor for treatment is also not a great idea. I'm worried of the implications that someone may read this and think it's a good frame to follow for irl situations..
Other than that, the comic was fine. I wasn't a huge fan of the comic within a comic thing (or maybe I just didn't like the characters' writing), and some of the friendship conflict felt... weird to me. Overall not something I'd necessarily recomend, but good to read when stuck in bed.
Other than that, the comic was fine. I wasn't a huge fan of the comic within a comic thing (or maybe I just didn't like the characters' writing), and some of the friendship conflict felt... weird to me. Overall not something I'd necessarily recomend, but good to read when stuck in bed.
emotional
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder, Self harm