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ehmannky's review against another edition
challenging
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
5.0
I super hope that this becomes a long-running series because this was so good! I love that we got an origin story for a superhero that is rarely given the spotlight. I thought that the overall story, by showing the ways Nubia deals with racism from the police and classmates even as she literally saves the day and protects those around her, was powerful and heartbreaking. But McKinney also imbues the story with so much humor and nuance and warmth from Nubia's loved ones and the romance is so cute.
Not only is the story powerful, but the art is so vibrant and wonderful. It's just a lot different than a lot of the graphic novels I've been reading lately. Juts an overall delight.
Not only is the story powerful, but the art is so vibrant and wonderful. It's just a lot different than a lot of the graphic novels I've been reading lately. Juts an overall delight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Gun violence, Bullying, Sexual assault, Racism, Physical abuse, Mass/school shootings, and Hate crime
Moderate: Blood, Sexism, Racial slurs, and Medical content
Minor: Murder, Child death, and Death
fungivibes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Mass/school shootings, Police brutality, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Misogyny and Homophobia
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Honestly, DC is really nailing it with these YA graphic novels, for the most part. And their middle grade ones! It's such a great way to get tweens and teens back into reading comics. This one might be my favorite so far! We get Nubia's backstory and her connection to Wonder Woman and I would love for more of this story to get told.
What I loved about this is the way it examines how society perceives people of color who have power. Nubia is afraid to show her power because people (especially the police) will fear her and think of her as dangerous. There are a lot of important race conversations in this book and everyone should start it for that, but stay for the great characters and fantastic art.
What I loved about this is the way it examines how society perceives people of color who have power. Nubia is afraid to show her power because people (especially the police) will fear her and think of her as dangerous. There are a lot of important race conversations in this book and everyone should start it for that, but stay for the great characters and fantastic art.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Violence
The assault only happens at the kissing level and doesn't go further, sex wise. The offender does get physically violent with a gun later in the story, though.punkrockgirlpa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Mass/school shootings, and Racism
helenareadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney, Robyn Smith and Brie Henderson tells the story of teenage Nubia trying to live a normal life. This is a different Nubia than what we’re used to seeing in the comics—she is younger here and not yet the superpowered Amazon hero and twin sister of Wonder Woman that we know. Which is great, I appreciate the creative team for wanting to tell a different story. We get to see her doing normal teenage things like having fun with her friends, arguing with her mothers, and having a crush.
But this is also a story that is grounded in the Black Lives Matter movement, one that fully realizes what it is like to be a Black teenager in a society that doesn’t see you as a person. There's a lot of depth and emotion to this story, and the latter half is quite heavy. Nubia is a Black superhero and this graphic novel explores exactly what that means. Nubia’s growth as she learns how to navigate this world and stand up for what’s right is admirable and inspiring.
I’ve never read such a powerful and impactful story in superhero comics and honestly, it's about damn time we got a story like this. It’s important to note that this graphic novel was created by a trio of Black creatives. More often than not we see white, usually male, comic creators attempting to create stories like this that completely miss their mark and come across as insensitive. So it's a big deal that McKinney, Smith and Henderson created space for a book like Nubia: Real One to exist. It's incredibly well written and the art is wonderful. I think a lot of people will appreciate the care and detail put into the illustrations (especially when it comes to Nubia’s hair!).
Nubia: Real One is a story that we need and deserve, and hope you pick it up. Please check the content warnings which are stated on the first page of the graphic novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Racism, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, and Mass/school shootings
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and DC Entertainment for a digital arc of this graphic novel.
Nubia has grown up moving from town to town to avoid other's noticing her superpowers. As a Black girl, her and her moms know she would not be treated the way a superhero should be treated if she was revealed. When Nubia accidentally exposes herself once again, she has to make a choice--hide her true identity and leave her life here, or become the superhero she was always meant to be!
Meanwhile, her best friend is organizing a peaceful protest against the murder of a young Black person by police, and Nubia has to make a big choice...
This book was amazing from start to finish. It immediately gripped me with the fast-paced storyline, funny and real dialogue, and gorgeous illustrations. The messages throughout this book are completely necessary to today's world (and yesterday's) and it teaches a lot of important things. I'm so glad this book was made.
Please be careful before picking up this book, and read the content warnings, as it deals with very heavy and traumatic topics.
Nubia has grown up moving from town to town to avoid other's noticing her superpowers. As a Black girl, her and her moms know she would not be treated the way a superhero should be treated if she was revealed. When Nubia accidentally exposes herself once again, she has to make a choice--hide her true identity and leave her life here, or become the superhero she was always meant to be!
Meanwhile, her best friend is organizing a peaceful protest against the murder of a young Black person by police, and Nubia has to make a big choice...
This book was amazing from start to finish. It immediately gripped me with the fast-paced storyline, funny and real dialogue, and gorgeous illustrations. The messages throughout this book are completely necessary to today's world (and yesterday's) and it teaches a lot of important things. I'm so glad this book was made.
Please be careful before picking up this book, and read the content warnings, as it deals with very heavy and traumatic topics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Violence, Racism, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Homophobia, and Sexism
school shootings, protesting, robbery,
More...