Reviews

The Backstagers, Vol. 1: Rebels Without Applause by Walter Baiamonte, James Tynion IV, Rian Sygh

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

1.0

1/5

Really didn’t like this one as I thought I would. I had trouble really getting into the plot and liking most of the characters. I guess I just haven’t found a good comic yet.

hoosierhill's review against another edition

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

nely's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

holdenkillfield's review against another edition

3.0

This was a clever homage to the magic that is never seen and rarely appreciated backstage. I loved that this was a fantastical magical world backstagers receive all their tools and paints etc. I’ve gotten lost in the tunnels of a theatre before and it can be scary, but also exhilarating and I enjoyed that the author just went full out on the mythical properties and otherworldliness of a theatre’s backstage and the crew responsible for it. The stage managers as sage and wise advisors isn’t too off the mark. All the characters were fun and entertaining and I was rooting for the down fall of the twins, Kevin and Blake. That cliffhanger at the end has hooked me and I will read the next in the series to find out more of what actually is lurking in the theatre wings and shadows.

bumblebean's review against another edition

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

laurenkara's review against another edition

5.0

my constant state whilst reading this



honestly one of the most pure and adorable comics i've ever read along with lumberjanes !!! can not recommend this enough if you love soft boys, amazing friendships, an underground magical world full of tunnel systems and theatre.

shksprsis's review

funny lighthearted 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? No

4.0

labunnywtf's review against another edition

4.0

Okaaaaaaaaaay, so this is the cutest thing ever?

This comic is about a group of young men at a boys school who work backstage (duh) in drama club. Simple enough, right? I mean, there's a portal to another dimension back there, but still, super simple.

The actors get all the credit, but they're kind of douchey (though I still love them), and give no respect for the work the boys do. I wasn't ever part of the Drama club or performances in school, but I suspect that is probably true to life...

This is a story of friendship above all else, but the underlying "what the heck" involved with the backstage is kind of amazing. I need a pet Tool Mouse. I DO NOT need a pet Echo spider. I am completely in love with this universe, and the art style.

That last panel, though. Heebie jeebies all around. I need to know what happened to the boys from 1987. I need to know what was up with the giant birds. I need to see what else is backstage.

BRING ON THE NEXT VOLUME.

breakfastgrey's review against another edition

4.0

(series review)

First of all, it's ridiculous that the whole series is not published in one volume. These 4 issue, super short collections that Boom publishes are a ripoff.

Publishing complaints aside, this series is delightful. It would've been 5 stars for me if it didn't wrap up so darn quickly. I loved the theatre kids in a Tardis gone mad vibe it had going for it. It started brilliantly strong, but then seemed to rush its plot to wrap up far too soon. There was so much untapped potential left on the table with this group and their world. It also felt super authentic to my theatre years, too, despite the fantasy elements. Definitely recommended when my biggest complaint was there wasn't enough.

sarah_shelf's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0