A review by sciammi
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5


 I love the concept -clique-y girls, who are werewolves and avengers with a moral backbone. I love that there was some effort to include a sapphic storyline. Overall, I still think that the social commentary could have been more fleshed out. The art style is simply gorgeous. The best part of the graphic novel is the art style. 

However, the book felt incredibly anti-Black. So Amanda/Mandy, the Black Girl, is perpetually closed off, angry and a traitor. 

I get that Black girls don't have to be the "good" characters but the only Black character being the meanest, angriest one (other than Ri) sat really badly with me. Ew.

Also, I thought that it was kinda sad that the main Asian character ended up with a white character. As in, it would have been more innovative if she was with another person of color. Especially since Marley made tons of mean comments about her sexuality. 

In terms of racial representation, this book could have used more work. 



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