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yellowswagger's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable bout of queer escapism. It is the classic coming of age discovery of queerness, with a fantastical twist. I appreciate how it's set in the DC universe and yet the superheroes we all know only make cameos. The themes of acceptance play heavy in this narrative.
mdevlin923's review against another edition
5.0
Jake dreams of earning a oceanography degree to do amazing thing for Earth...but his helicoptering single-mother won't let him near water. As Jake begins the process of applying to colleges, he also embarks on a journey to learn more about himself: what does he want to do? why was he born with birthmarks all along his arms and legs? how can he be as brave as Kenny, a fellow classmate who is gay? Together, with the help of his friends and loved ones, Jake discovers his mysterious path and embraces his future.
An amazing slow-burn adventure / superhero story with a main character who is LGBTQ+. All the characters were well-rounded, and I was happy that the supporting characters had their own story lines. A nice focus on navigating friendships and relationships while in high school.
An amazing slow-burn adventure / superhero story with a main character who is LGBTQ+. All the characters were well-rounded, and I was happy that the supporting characters had their own story lines. A nice focus on navigating friendships and relationships while in high school.
lucsbooks's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
kaje's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
bookishpapercuts's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
dembury's review against another edition
2.0
This is a story that could have been really cool, but unfortunately is dragged down by a lot of different aspects. The writing is weak and incredibly stilted. The water theme is overplayed and nearly every page features some sort of water/ocean quip that feels forced. Dialogue just lacks any charisma or creativity; if feels like I’m reading a hasty draft for a fanfic. I know artwork is fairly subjective, but I thought the art style was weirdly cartoony. Body shapes looked distorted, and facial expressions were often just WEIRD.
Finally, the plot is just lackluster. It’s basic. It offers nothing fresh or exciting, which is annoying because it COULD have been such a fun story! I guess it was kinda funny at points, but that was just me laughing at the bad writing. Oh, and the Big Bad character? The one they make a huge deal about coming? Yeah, this character NEVER shows up.
Finally, the plot is just lackluster. It’s basic. It offers nothing fresh or exciting, which is annoying because it COULD have been such a fun story! I guess it was kinda funny at points, but that was just me laughing at the bad writing. Oh, and the Big Bad character? The one they make a huge deal about coming? Yeah, this character NEVER shows up.
bookasaurusbex's review
emotional
hopeful
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
3.5
mnerd63's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Violence
jessicadoom's review
2.0
I desperately wanted to read this one because it was the first thing Alex Sanchez has really put out in awhile. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. I really do not like the art, the story was basic and a bit harmful in its perpetuation of "kill the queer" and queer people moving too quickly through relationships, and...there just wasn't really any resolve. The superhero plot seemed just thrown in wherever it might fit without any sort of closure.
Our community deserves better representation than this.
Our community deserves better representation than this.
thebookishunicorn's review
4.0
CW: bullying, homophobia
I really liked this coming out story mixed with some light DC universe tie ins. Jake, Kenny, and Maria are all great characters plus the art is really beautiful!
I really liked this coming out story mixed with some light DC universe tie ins. Jake, Kenny, and Maria are all great characters plus the art is really beautiful!