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libreroaming 's review for:
Flip
by Ngozi Ukazu
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
Chi-Chi is a poor, black scholarship student (her inner description) who has had a string of unfortunate crushes on wealthy "lifer" white jocks at her school. When an online promposal goes horribly wrong, she ends up in the body of her crush, Raymond a.k.a. "Flip." The mechanics of why this happens is never really addressed, except to say weird things sometimes occur at the school. All they know is the flipping seems to be occurring on a set schedule, and it goes on for longer and longer the more time passes. It sets up a good motivation and a mystery as Chi-Chi and Flip are forced to live each other's lives and uncover each other's hidden facets.
Ukazu writes a science fiction graphic novel informed by her high school life, that is at times deeply personal feeling and other times filled with ridiculous antics, especially between Chi-Chi and her friends. While "Flip" is given some insight into his life, such as his father going to jail for white collar crimes and his mom checked out, this isn't an equal apportionment of time. This is absolutely Chi-Chi's story, and delves into her moments of self-loathing, her fandom fixations like with the K-pop group BBGB, and her family/friends. This is the strongest part of the story, although the uneven connection with Flip does result in a weaker ending, as Chi-Chi's self-acceptance seems to be what undoes the curse rather their mutual understanding, and leaves Flip's character in a nebulous place. It also leaves the odd love confession feeling unnecessary, especially since the ending prioritizes Chi-Chi's self-actualization, which is the correct path to go.
Overall, an interesting exploration of self-love and insecurity. Somewhat weaker as a romance.
Ukazu writes a science fiction graphic novel informed by her high school life, that is at times deeply personal feeling and other times filled with ridiculous antics, especially between Chi-Chi and her friends. While "Flip" is given some insight into his life, such as his father going to jail for white collar crimes and his mom checked out, this isn't an equal apportionment of time. This is absolutely Chi-Chi's story, and delves into her moments of self-loathing, her fandom fixations like with the K-pop group BBGB, and her family/friends. This is the strongest part of the story, although the uneven connection with Flip does result in a weaker ending, as Chi-Chi's self-acceptance seems to be what undoes the curse rather their mutual understanding, and leaves Flip's character in a nebulous place. It also leaves the odd love confession feeling unnecessary, especially since the ending prioritizes Chi-Chi's self-actualization, which is the correct path to go.
Overall, an interesting exploration of self-love and insecurity. Somewhat weaker as a romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts