readingratboy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
the story itself was a bummer slice of life. the most important character relationships aren’t really shown on the page, so reading it felt like i was just going through the motions until it reached its predictable conclusion. you never see laura dean as charming or charismatic or anything that would help us see why freddy keeps going back to her despite their relationship being toxic, and you don’t see freddy and doodle being best friends in any way that would make the potential loss of their friendship upsetting.
some of the conflicts were just thrown out there without any conclusion, like the ‘perfect’ gay couple arguing over one if them not being invited to the other’s grandmother’s birthday.
then there was
Spoiler
the abortion plot… sheesh. having a high schooler get pregnant by an adult married man felt random and extreme in context of the rest of the story. it was also handled so dismissively that i felt bad for doodle as a character. i appreciate that her father doesn’t hold the situation against her, but he took her to the abortion clinic with the same level of care and concern as if she was getting a mole removed. do you not care that your child was groomed?? are we not gonna talk about that?? the fact that this plot was all wrapped up in like 10 pages (of a nearly 300 page comic) was insulting to its intensity. but then we just move on to a dance party, so i guess it’s fineGraphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Pedophilia
ender24's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Lesbophobia, Pedophilia, Racism, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, and Pregnancy
theonewheresamreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Moderate: Miscarriage, Biphobia, Adult/minor relationship, Abortion, Toxic relationship, Rape, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Cursing, Toxic friendship, Ableism, Pedophilia, Outing, Homophobia, Grief, and Bullying
Minor: Abortion
comrade_mia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Vomit and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, Abortion, Infertility, and Pedophilia
elwirax's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really loved the art style in this graphic novel and how much LGBTQIA+ and bipoc characters there were. However, I didn't like the overall story/plot that was all over the place. I didn't really like Freddy as a main character, there was a scene where a character was practically forcing their boyfriend to come out which was horrible. Not to mention the multiple cheating scenes and a pedophilic side plot. It was just not my thing.
The author aimed to comment on many topics such as toxic relationships, manipulation, abortion and cheating but because this is a graphic novel, they were not explored in the depth they deserved to be.
The ending wrapped up too well and too quickly despite how heavy these topic were and I think making this graphic novel longer would've helped in terms of a proper discussion.
Given how short this graphic novel was, I felt no connection to any of the characters and if I can't feel that then no matter how interesting a plot may be, I won't care enough in the end.
Overall, not my favourite graphic novel which is a shame as I expected to really enjoy it.
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Abortion
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Homophobia and Vomit
lxghtacademia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting
wends_nblw's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abortion and Pregnancy
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Vomit
jeaniegreenie's review
- 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
Moderate: Pedophilia
Minor: Homophobia
nefari_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Gaslighting, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, and Pregnancy
nicolinebl's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Homophobia, Pregnancy, Pedophilia, Infidelity, and Adult/minor relationship