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emotional
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Fatphobia
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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 have more lengthy opinions on this than my brain can think on the fly but let me say this: most of the negative reviews of this book did not understand what this book was going for at all in my humble opinion (Global South immigrant experiences contrasted and paralleled with alien superhero experiences as well as with Starfire herself, what my Chinese friend would call "freeaboo-ism" and believing they're exceptional because they tried hard, vs second generation immigrant alienation from both the culture they were raised in and general American culture represented by Metropolis) and arguably this book made me feel EXCITED from start to finish. Arguably up there with Galaxy: The Prettiest Star (both are the best in the DC YA imprint I've read but in divergent ways, with this book having a more down to earth tone that's probably heightened by Mariko Tamaki's equally down to earth writing style probably present in her YA novels, while Jadzia Dax's writing for Galaxy is more surreal, blending fantasy with sci-fi and reality). If I had it my way, Mandy Anders/Mandy The Destroyer would be canon to the DC Universe (and besties with Taelyr. PLEASE I need this.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Racism
Minor: Slavery
There are instances of racism through the way both Mandy (a mixed Tamaranean/American) and her friend Lincoln (a Vietnamese American) are treated but is treated like a bad thing. Mandy gets called fatphobic names a couple times by bullies and it's implied Starfire used to police Mandy's body because of her being fat. Brief textual description of Starfire formerly being a slave due to Blackfire's coup on Tamaranea.
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Fatphobia, Violence, Stalking
Minor: Death, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Fatphobia
Minor: Xenophobia
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.25 rounded up. Loved the art! The teen angst of it all was excellent (both in the parent relationship / communication and the school situation, great friend dynamic, interesting exploration of second hand fame and second gen immigration, good coming-of-age origin story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Violence, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Blood
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Fatphobia
emotional
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Fatphobia
adventurous
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
This overall was a fun story, about the daughter of a superhero who doesn't want to associate with her mother. I actually really enjoyed the art in this, even if the story wasn't quite all the way there. I think I just wanted a bit more character development. Still a fun, quick read though!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's... fine. Not the worst thing in the world, like some people like to paint it as, but not mind-blowingly amazing either. Middle of the road coming-of-age story with some really cute Starfire looks thrown into the mix. I suppose I wouldn't not recommend it, especially if you're on the younger side of the spectrum (just beware of some cussing).
I guess the one thing that did annoy me was the main character's "not-like-other-girls" energy, but I think the book itself does fix this problem, so you know... mileage on how much of it you can take it might vary.
I guess the one thing that did annoy me was the main character's "not-like-other-girls" energy, but I think the book itself does fix this problem, so you know... mileage on how much of it you can take it might vary.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexism
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An easy read with a strong foundation for these characters to grow. Mandy, our protagonist, is the epitome of teen moodiness and angst, struggling with the pressure of going to college, living up to her mothers legacy as a superhero, oh and of course, having a crush on the most popular girl in school. I found her to be compelling and I’d love to see more of her with Claire & Lincoln as a trio getting into trouble in a follow up volume. Also, this art style was cute? I thought Claire and Lincoln and Mandy all looked great. Mandy in particular had so much character in her drawing and outfits. Plus, I loved seeing a fat and queer MC. A fun read, not fully fleshed out just yet, but I’d like to read more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia