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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
These are my favorite kind of graphic novels. The internal struggle of coming to terms with who you are and figuring out where you belong. It doesn't matter how old you are this never ends unless you've got life figured out 100% and let's face it who does?
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed IRL! The story was fun and empowering. I enjoyed seeing our main character, Anda, get into video games and seeing this progress beyond the online gaming world with international labor issues. It resonates a lot with me as someone part of the unionizing movements in the games industry. I think the issues can feel a little simplified (as this wouldn't play out as simple as the graphic novel depicts it) but the sentiment for a better world with fair standards and a better workplace holds strong. And as a fictional piece of media, I think that it feels really hopeful and brings attention to an issue that is quite frankly not very publicized outside of our niche (i.e. people outside of games probably don't know about these sorts of labor issues). Also I'm a huge fan of Jen Wang's work and her artwork is just gorgeous and expressive here. I love the way she designs the characters and how she creates the atmosphere of a world. A short but wonderful read and something I'd absolutely recommend to girls similar to Anda.
I so want to give it a better rating, but can't bring myself to do it. The art is gorgeous, Doctorow's writing is great (as per usual), but it tries so hard to be too many things. There are so many storylines that don't get endings, and so many parts that don't get much of an explanation. I wish it was about twice as long, so that those i's and t's can get dotted and crossed like they deserve to...but I'll settle for the fact that the art more than makes up for any plot holes and convenient endings.
2.5 stars
I enjoyed the art style, but I issues with the way some characters were written and certain aspects of the plot. (I may revisit this later to delve deeper into my justification for my writing.)
I enjoyed the art style, but I issues with the way some characters were written and certain aspects of the plot. (I may revisit this later to delve deeper into my justification for my writing.)
adventurous
emotional
relaxing
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
Stunning art and a surprising story.
Lived up to all the hype!
Lived up to all the hype!
Beautiful drawings, an immersive concept and an interesting story about a very real and complex issue in online gaming. But the dominant and unchallenged celebration of the white saviour rhetoric made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, so I can't recommend this graphic novel.
adventurous
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