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Reviews
Jem and the Holograms, Vol. 5: Truly Outrageous by Meredith McClaren, Kelly Thompson, Gisèle Lagacé
droar's review against another edition
4.0
Much of the usual cute. I greatly enjoyed the throwback to the old show in this one, also the drama-rama with Jerrica and Rio. The mini comic in the back is extra adorable with an extra sci-fi twist. Good stuff.
bulfinch2's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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? Yes
4.0
elderkinhv's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What a disappointing end to a fantastic series. The fifth volume of Jem and the Holograms finishes up one major arc (Jerrica's secret dual identity and related confusion) but still leaves major loose ends. Other arcs just abruptly cut off. It feels like a TV series cancelled before its time with no warning to wrap things up. What makes it extra frustrating is that a) it feels like less happens in this volume than is typical and b) the last issue is just a random, one-off scifi story featuring the Jems that was written by the kids' band they mentor. So it doesn't further the plot or character development, and it isn't particularly insightful or fun, which would excuse it a bit more.
Are the characters still excellent? Yup. Did I get some closure on a few things? A bit. I think Jerrica is especially left adrift, and her growth wasn't at the level I needed from her. I also wish we'd stayed on track figuring out what it means to have Synergy on a broader scale. It added a bit of thoughtfulness to balance out the fun, poppy energy of band drama and rivalries earlier in the series. By giving up that element, the end feels a bit stuck, lacking trajectory.
Would I recommend the series? 100%. The diversity of the cast, the art, the musical elements, and the characters combine to make a fun, welcoming space. I just think that it lost steam in the last two volumes and didn't live up to the potential of where these sisters' stories could have gone. Now that I made it to the end, I'll need to find another peppy, joyful comic series to fill this void in my reading life. Suggestions welcome!
Are the characters still excellent? Yup. Did I get some closure on a few things? A bit. I think Jerrica is especially left adrift, and her growth wasn't at the level I needed from her. I also wish we'd stayed on track figuring out what it means to have Synergy on a broader scale. It added a bit of thoughtfulness to balance out the fun, poppy energy of band drama and rivalries earlier in the series. By giving up that element, the end feels a bit stuck, lacking trajectory.
Would I recommend the series? 100%. The diversity of the cast, the art, the musical elements, and the characters combine to make a fun, welcoming space. I just think that it lost steam in the last two volumes and didn't live up to the potential of where these sisters' stories could have gone. Now that I made it to the end, I'll need to find another peppy, joyful comic series to fill this void in my reading life. Suggestions welcome!
robinks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
I feel very unresolved at the end of this volume. The main storyline still had a lot of holes too. The last chapter was a cute idea, but I think it would’ve worked better at the beginning of this volume.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Violence
ericawrites's review against another edition
4.0
This wraps up most of the major plots in Thompson's run on Jem and the Holograms.
letsgolesbians's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. I liked this issue, but the girl band rivalry is starting to feel old, even though another band has been brought in. The storylines feel over-used, though I did like that this focused on Stormer and Kimber (my queer babes <3 ) a lot. I skimmed through the Annual because the jumping storylines and different art made my head hurt a bit.
shinychick's review against another edition
4.0
This one was way cute, especially the exquisite corpse story from the annual. It solved some problems, but left options open for more fun and interesting stories to come.
honestly, the absolute best thing about this comic as a whole is the diversity - something I never thought I'd say! There are girls of all shapes, sizes, and sexualities, and there's no drama over it. I wish this was the Jem I'd grown up with.
honestly, the absolute best thing about this comic as a whole is the diversity - something I never thought I'd say! There are girls of all shapes, sizes, and sexualities, and there's no drama over it. I wish this was the Jem I'd grown up with.
amyjoy's review against another edition
4.0
Still really enjoying this series, though I did miss Pizzazz and the Misfits a little. I find the Stingers to be a little obnoxious and boring.
ghostbusterwhit's review against another edition
3.0
Cute and fun. Not my favourite Jem book, but it has plenty to entertain, and no major missteps.